A tour with Backcountry Wine Tours is an all-day affair, so get ready to immerse yourself in wine culture for the day!
The very first thing you need to know is that we are in this for the love of the wine. This is not a transportation company. We are here to share our deep knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for Oregon wine with you. A Backcountry Wine Tour is all about exploring and discovering this rich, complex and diverse region, while tasting incredible wines and hearing the stories behind them.
The specific itinerary is flexible for each tour. The best way to do it is to just kick back, relax, and let us treat you to an insider’s look at some of the hidden secrets and lesser-known gems of the Willamette. If you have specific requests we’ll take those into account but keep in mind – we live and breathe Willamette Valley. Nobody has a more intimate understanding of everything this region has to offer than we do!
Getting off the beaten path is what we’re all about – we will take you to places you probably would have never found on your own. We try to cover a variety of stops for breathtaking scenery, rolling vineyards, unique and superb wines, and often a chance to meet and speak with the winery owners and winemakers themselves.
The whole experience is designed to be fun and unpretentious so whether you are a casual wine drinker or a full fledged aficionado, Backcountry will be the perfect fit for you. We will leverage our intimate knowledge of this region and industry to custom-craft a day for you that flows smoothly, over-delivers, and will leave you wanting for nothing. We will help you navigate tasting options, sift through lunch options, get the most out of your winery visits, and take in the world-class beauty and scenery of the Oregon Backcountry.
We provide door-to-door service within a broad pickup zone, so one of our 5 expert guides will pick you up directly at your location – usually at 10:00 A.M. (or 10:30 if you are staying in the valley) A scenic drive will lead us into wine country where you will enjoy some world class wine and take in the beauty and serenity of the region. We strive to offer you a chance to see and experience several A.V.A.s (American Viticultural Areas) so that you get a sense for the remarkable diversity that exists within the region. We like to share our knowledge of the Oregon wine industry, as much as you care to hear – so the tour can be as educational as it is fun – but it’s casual and we promise not to talk your head off!
Please note that our tour rates do not include tasting fees at the wineries. Expect on average around $30 to $50 at each of the 3 wineries you visit. However, keep in mind that most every winery will have incentives to get your tasting fees waived! Typically a purchase of 2 or 3 bottles per tasting fee. Your guide can discuss options on how to get purchased wine back home.
We look forward to sharing with you our expertise and passion for superb Oregon wines!
Pinot Noir is king in the Willamette Valley, so you will certainly get a chance to taste several examples of this noble grape. However, we understand that most people enjoy some variety as well, so we try to make it a point to hit one or two places where you can try some excellent white wines, sparkling wines and/or other red varietals.
The pace of the tour is unhurried and relaxing. We make 3 appointments each day: 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00. Your last tasting will conclude around 4:30 and we’ll have you back to your home or hotel by dinner time. We look forward to sharing with you our expertise and passion for superb Oregon wines!
Once you have your tour booked, check out our list of recommendations for things to do during your stay in Portland!
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