Things to do in Oregon Wine Country

Try out the best way to dine in Portland on the Willamette River enhanced by dazzling city sights and lights. You'll enjoy an evening featuring a 2.5 hour cruise, Northwest cuisine (locally sourced and prepared fresh on board), live piano music and narration of the sights on the outer decks. Partake in freshly baked bread, house salad, your choice of entrée (poultry, beef, seafood or vegetarian) and New York cheesecake dessert. After dinner, head out onto the observation deck to admire the city’s skyline lit up at night. Cruise along the scenic Willamette River, then pass by the impressive Steel Bridge. Along the way, learn about the landmarks from the onboard narration. 

Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world and its wineries are particularly well known for a distinctive Pinot Noir. The heart of the vineyard area is located in the North Willamette Valley on gentle hills that give way to expansive views of the vines and valley below. This 6-hour Oregon wine tour will show you 3 of the Willamette Valley’s finest wineries and vineyards. Enjoy the chance to visit their tasting rooms and sample the wines, too. The wine region in the north Willamette Valley, which was once known for fruit orchards and nurseries, has transformed into one of the country’s premier cool-climate varietal producers. The unique relationship between volcanic soils, elevation, and protective micro-climates has produced top Pinot Noir for decades.

Meander the wine appellations of the Willamette Valley, and discover vineyards and tasting rooms that stand out, not only for the views and the character of their wine, but the intriguing personalities (both human and non-human) involved. You and your small group will learn background on the history, terroir, and character of Willamette Valley wine from your interpretive guide. This day trip is a customized tour of 3-4 wineries in the Willamette Valley. You’ll travel south and west of Portland, as your guide takes you through the farmland of the Willamette Valley, one of the richest valleys in the world, known for its hazelnuts, berries, Christmas trees, and Pinot Noir. You may stop at a farm stand to get farm-fresh eggs or fruits, nuts, & vegetables.  You'll be served a lunch platter at the second winery, accounting for your dietary needs. You'll wander through the rolling hills of multiple Willamette Valley sub-AVAs, passing through charming little villages, while making stops at some of the most unique boutique wineries. Afterwards, you’ll head back to Portland to be dropped off at your hotel.

Hike the forests and waterfalls of the Willamette Valley, discover the natural and cultural history of the area, and get intimate with the most renowned wine region for Pinot Noir in North America, on a small-group tour. Together with the other members of your group, learn about the history, terroir, and character of Willamette Valley from your naturalist guide.  In the morning, travel south of Portland as your guide takes you through the verdant landscape of Willamette Valley, known for its hazelnuts, berries, Christmas trees, and Pinot Noir wine. Arrive at Silver Falls State Park, the "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Park system. Hike under, beneath, above, and around waterfalls along the Trail of 10 Falls with your guide, before stopping for a picnic lunch. After your picnic lunch, you'll wander through the rolling hills of Willamette Valley, passing through charming little villages. Make 2 stops at unique boutique wineries. You may stop at a farm stand to get farm-fresh eggs or fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Finally, head back to Portland and be dropped off at your hotel.

Walk the beaches and an old growth forest along the Oregon Coast, and discover technological relics as you drive the Three Capes Scenic Drive with a small group led by an interpretive guide. This day trip is a tour along a rugged section of Oregon's northern coast. You’ll travel west of Portland, as your guide takes you through the farmland of Willamette Valley, one of the richest valleys in the world, known for its hazelnuts, berries, Christmas trees, and Pinot Noir.  You'll have the option of making history-related stops near the town of Tillamook, and you'll visit Cape Kiwanda to check out the fourth-tallest offshore monolith in the world, and, if you desire, "slalom" down the tallest sand dune on the Oregon Coast. You'll also hike to the largest Sitka spruce in Oregon, wander around an 1890s lighthouse, walk the beach to a "ghost forest", and, if you're ready, propose at Proposal Rock.

Discover the lower Columbia River Gorge from the water on a roundtrip jetboat cruise from Portland. Travel at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour as you journey along the Willamette River and the mighty Columbia River toward Multnomah Falls. Marvel at views of the city and surrounding countryside as you make your way to Multnomah Falls. Enjoy sights like Cape Horn, Crown Point, Rooster Rock, Mount Hood, and much more, with a live guide narrating your journey. Explorer cruises are an adventure-style experience traveling at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. You are welcome to bring food and drink on board (no food/drink included or available for purchase), as long as it fits in a small bag that can be held in your lap or at your feet. The boat can be loud, so noise-canceling headphones or complimentary ear plugs will be available. The Explorer is an open-air boat and not climate controlled; please dress for the weather. There is a small bathroom on board. The boat is not wheelchair/walker accessible. Although the boat is mostly covered, there is an uncovered deck in the back. Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are recommended. Binoculars and cameras are encouraged! Please keep bags and personal belongings to a minimum as there is limited space. Note that river conditions vary and may result in frequent, sustained turbulent motion along with varied weather. For safety and comfort, guests should be in good health and without conditions that could be aggravated by motion. Please consult your doctor prior to booking a cruise on the Explorer if you have a health concern.