The opposing banks of the Columbia River Gorge may represent two different states, but you’ll find row upon row of the same fruit rolling across their hills: grapes. This is Oregon wine country, and wineries represent a large share of real estate in the Columbia River Valley. With dry conditions and an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year, real estate in The Dalles makes an ideal environment for producing the pinot noirs for which Oregon wineries have become so well known.
Oregon’s wine history dates back to the 1830’s, though it didn’t begin to receive the serious acclaim it knows today until the 1960’s and -70’s. Today, you can find vineyard tours, wine tastings, art exhibits, and the occasional grape festival held or sponsored by some of the most celebrated wineries in Oregon and the country, just right up the road.
Here are some links to the best-known local wineries:
Maryhill
The Pines
Dry Hollow
Erin Glenn