Outdoor Wine Tasting at its Best

It is that time of year again.  Good weather can be counted on and the days are longer providing us with more time to enjoy our lives outdoors.  With summer fast approaching I know many will be looking for great opportunities and venues to enjoy some of the best our wine country living has to offer. So at risk of sounding like a broken record it is once again time to talk about the best places to find everything you need for a mini vacation right in your own backyard.

While every local winery is worthy of visiting and each has its unique personality there are those wineries who have made big investments in providing outdoor wine country enjoyment.  At the top of my list is Julianna Vineyards and their river side deck. This deck located between their vineyard and the main Umpqua River has been extended to provide more seating and an even closer view of the river.  It is truly an idyllic setting where one can sip wine, relax and loose their cares in the peacefulness of it all.   For those who would like to take the experience one step further Julianna Vineyards is now offering Friday Night Date Night where visitors can preorder their dinners from Aromatica’s Feast in Roseburg and bring them to the Vineyard deck to enjoy with a bottle of Julianna Vineyard’s wine. A more romantic setting does not exist so whether you visit Julianna Vineyards to taste wine or to attend a Friday Night Date night, I highly recommend a visit.

Our newest tasting room Pyrenees Vineyards located just off exit 112 also has a lovely deck built right on the bank of the South Umpqua River.  You can  enjoy their Basque style tasting room and sample their varied wine line up.  Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon enjoying some wine while sitting right on the river.  Mountain views to one side and river views to the other make this a very special place.  The owners of Pyrenees have big plans for future additions to their property to make the property a true destination location and I will keep you posted on all the developments.  But don’t wait for that.  It is perfect just as it is.

Other recommendations for local wineries with outdoor space designed for visitors to stay a while include Becker Vineyard with their cozy deck with vineyard views, come for the wine and stay for the scenery.  Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyard has lovely places to picnic on their vineyard property, some available to wine club members only.  Hillcrest Vineyard added a deck last year so wine lovers can enjoy an expansive view of the Callahans while sipping their tremendous wines.  Henry Estate Winery has lovely grounds and plenty of picnic tables for couples and ideal for lager groups who are looking for a perfect place to spend some wine time.  MarshAnne Landing Winery offers a beautiful art gallery tasting room as well as a fabulous deck built high above the vines which allows maximum appreciation of views of the vineyard and surrounding rolling hills.  Bradley Vineyard in Elkton has the most delightful deck to sip wine and enjoy the vines and mature trees creating a cozy, quaint  feel.  Melrose Vineyards with their incredible well coiffed grounds is a perfect setting for a wine afternoon and Chateau Nonchalant with its delightful tasting room and expanded outside seating begs tasters to stay a while. 

Make plans to visit them all and find those wines and settings that speak to you. We will see you there…