COMMENTARY

Summer’s a Breath of Fresh Air

By Hilary Berg, OWP Managing Editor

A clear blue sky, slight breeze, aroma of barbecue, glass of cool crisp white wine and an over-sized hammock swinging between two leafy trees brings an ear-to-ear grin across my mug.

Ahhhh. Summer is finally here.

Stashing away my galoshes and strapping on my sandals, I am ready for romps in the rows of Oregon vineyards’ climbing vines. This summer, I am living out loud and outdoors, and I invite you to come on out.

Whether it is Southern Oregon, Columbia Gorge or the Willamette Valley—all appellations in-between—escape the heat of the city concrete, and discover a vacation, or “staycation,” that will entertain and impress.

I know people’s calendars fill up fast this time of year, but I think you should mark down some of the fantastic events that Oregon’s wineries have organized this season before you’ve obligated your summer away.

Tasting rooms pour their latest offerings, like summer-sipping whites, and restaurants create farm-fresh menus that will give you even more terroir for your taste buds. You’ll find live music, farmers markets, gorgeous parks and much more for the whole family to enjoy.

And for those who will need a place to stay, check out the North Willamette Valley’s two new hotels, The Allison in Newberg—open in August—and the Inn at Red Hills in Dundee.

Although my own bed and bathroom make me the happiest of campers, I admit pitching a tent and roughing it every once in a while is good for the soul. Ghost stories, anyone?

Writer Mark Stock has some great camping tips on how to incorporate wine into your backpack and useful information on the Columbia Gorge, an outdoorsman’s paradise, not to mention one of the best wine regions in the Northwest.

Whether it’s Hood River or the Rogue River in Southern Oregon that whispers your name this season, don’t forget to grab an OWP; we’ve got you covered on the state’s fun in the vineyard sun. ◊

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