The fall months in Mt. Hood Territory create the ideal backdrop for wine tasting with friends and family. The season’s beautiful hues, coupled with the robust aromas of award winning wines, make for a truly blissful experience at any tasting room.
Many of Mt. Hood Territory’s wineries and vineyards are located in the Willamette Valley — Oregon’s best known wine region — and provide an escape from other wine regions’ crowds fora more intimate experience. These tasting rooms are often staffed by one of the owners or the winemaker — and in most cases, they are one and the same.
Here are just a few of the incredible ways to enjoy the changing fall colors over a glass of wine.
In 1983 there were fewer than 30 wineries in Oregon. That may seem hard to believe now, considering the number of world class wines the state is known for. St. Josef’s Winery in Canby is one of these wine pioneers. Back then, proprietors Josef and Lilli, who had emigrated from Germany, wanted to share some fall harvest spirit with the growing Oregon wine industry.
Since fall harvest is a lot of work, they believed starting the busy crush season off with a lighthearted event was important. Forty years later, the event has grown into a tradition that can’t be missed, featuring live music, local food and, of course, grape stomping! In 2023 you can join in the tradition on September 23 and 24. (Photo by budfawcett.com)
Thanksgiving is when families embrace traditions they look forward to every year, and Mt. Hood Territory wineries have their own custom of extending their tasting room hours the weekend after Thanksgiving. Many offer limited releases, special reserve tastings and deals on pours or flights to celebrate. So come enjoy amazing views, firepits and heat lamps to keep you warm and cozy and discover a new favorite wine.
The perfect way to experience this wine region is with the new Mt. Hood Territory Wine Trail. This free mobile passport guides you through The Territory’s boutique, family owned wineries. An in-pass map makes it easy to find a winery near your location. Check in at each location to earn fantastic prizes and discover exclusive discounts while supporting our local winemakers.