These wines have an acidity and a delightful sense of freshness. Oregon's dry Rieslings have more restrained, steely flavors that are ideal with food. Some Oregon producers bottle sweeter, late-harvest or dessert styled Rieslings that end special meals with finesse. Sauvignon blanc shows pale straw in color with a warm, grassy nose. This wine's flavors are enhanced with food and by bottle-aging.
Tasting rooms are open throughout the countryside.
Many have picnic facilities with spectacular views of the region, including Mt. Hood. Only a 35-minute drive from Portland will put perspective wine tasters on the hillside vineyards of Washington and Yamhill counties. A spectacular drive up the Columbia River Gorge, east of Portland, one visits the wineries of the Hood River. From Bend, some the state's most scenic routes can take you to the Willamette Valley which stretches from Portland in the north, to Eugene in the south. There are nearly 174 wineries waiting for a visitor.