Crossing the Columbia River, we entered Oregon near Portland.

Portland's skyline, above, as seen from one of the many bridges that interlace the city And one of the graceful bridges that cross the Willamette River at Portland, below

Enough of the steel bridges, steel buildings, and steely gray skies. It's time to hit the umber-colored wineries southwest of Portland in the Willamette Valley, home to many, many vineyards growing pinot noir grapes. First stop was the Rex Hill Winery. The winery was welcoming, from its impressive hand-carved door, left, to the warm tasting room, below.

The winery offered a somewhat unique introduction to wine tasting—a table of glasses holding spices, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and other items that are commonly tasted when sampling wines. We borrowed the wine barrel/glass-topped table idea for our patio after winning a wine barrel from a winery in Arizona. On party nights, it, too, is filled with bottles and glasses of wine, most of them empty.

Elk Cove Winery, left, is picturesquely located among rolling hills filled with grape vines.

Pretty as a picture The fields around Elk Cove were enchanting enough to be the subject of a painting...here sun-dappled paths wind through the vineyard, as rendered from an artist's perspective.

Likewise, the rows of climbing grapes at Kramer's Vineyards lead the eye into the forested hills beyond.

Whether looking for a picturesque region for a Sunday drive, a day of white wine tasting, a delicious and leisurely lunch, or just a chance to talk to some friendly folk, the Willamette Valley in Oregon is a good place to go exploring. Bring your sweetie for desert. We'd recommend lunch at the Bistro in Dundee. There you can taste wines at the Ponzi Wine Bar while waiting for your table. The bistro's wine list is superb.

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