Wonderful Accessible West Linn Wineries

By Guest Author: Lilly Longshore

Tasting among barrels of wine at Oswego Hills Vineyard and Winery.

The peaceful, bucolic scene as we rounded the corner into Oswego Hills Vineyard and Winery both soothed and delighted me. A stately white barn with several outbuildings stands amidst green rolling hills and seemingly endless rows of grapevines. It was a fabulous place to be on a sunny autumn day.

The 40-acre estate, originally homesteaded in 1856, became a premier equestrian stables in the 1940s, housing the horse, Trigger, of Roy Rogers fame. The current owners, Jerry and Leslie Marshall, purchased the property in 1996. They renovated it with love and care, fulfilling their dream of establishing a quality winery, vineyard and event venue.

We bypassed the outdoor seating and chose a large table inside the huge renovated barn tasting room. I was intrigued by the pyramids of hefty wine barrels and steel vats which added atmosphere inside the roomy, inviting tasting area. Our large table had plenty of space for my family and my wheelchair. A gentle breeze drifted through the wide open doors, adding to the pleasant ambience.

I ordered a flight, which included a choice of six wines — both red and white. We shared a charcuterie tray which was fresh and had a wonderful variety. The pinot gris and Sparkling Blanc Le Ange were among my favorites wines here. The tasting room, restrooms and parking area are all very nice and wheelchair-friendly.

Wine tasting on the outdoor patio at Pete's Mountain Vineyard and Winery.

Only eight miles south of Oswego Hills, Pete’s Mountain Vineyard and Winery offers spectacular views of Mt. Hood and the Willamette Valley from its spacious tasting area on the terrace. Originally homesteaded in the 1850s by Pete Weiss of Bastille, France, the property was purchased in the 1990s by Mike and Kristy Thayer. The Thayers have achieved their goal of turning the estate into a fine vineyard, winery and event venue, which hosts annual summer concerts.

We visited during the unique time of year when the green grapes were turning red on the vines. Colorful, succulent grapes hung in bunches from row after row of vines as we approached the winery and tasting room. We parked in ADA parking and made our way to the open terrace for our tasting. I ordered a flight of white wine. I liked the pinot gris and chardonnay, made of grapes grown right on the grounds. As we sipped and enjoyed the view of the vineyard with Mt. Hood in the background, Mike the owner came to greet us and answer any questions. Mike and other staff were so warm and friendly. I stopped by the wheelchair-friendly restroom before wandering the grounds among the vines to get a closer look at the ripening grapes.

I am in awe of the beauty of the Willamette Valley. The diversity, uniqueness and creativity in how each winery and vineyard developed amazes me. I am inspired to visit more of them!