Pleasant living in Oregon's wine country.

There is just so much to do and see living in the pacific northwest! Two times a year, at Memorial Day and then at Thanksgiving time, many of the wineries in the area open their doors for tasting, and so, this past Saturday we spent the day visiting some of them. (Many of the wineries up here will be open this coming weekend as well, so if you're looking for something to do besides shop with the crowds next weekend, remember this.) I must tell you that I think the landscape in the pacific northwest is beautiful anytime of year, but seeing trees with bright orange and yellow leaves make this time of year especially stunning, even if it is a bit late in the season.

It's interesting how each winery or tasting room has it's own personality and style, much like we all do in our own homes.(And, truth be told, I was probably more interested in the style of each spot we stopped to visit than I was the wines) Oh! And I got to meet so many nice folks. Seriously, the people in the wine business rival the people I know in the junk business and blog world in terms of being authentic, genuine good people, who all go out of their way to make you feel welcome in their establishments. (Okay, and having a taste of wine only adds to that warm and fuzzy feeling) They are the real deal.

One of the many stops along the drive was to a charming little (and I mean eensy, weensy, small) community named Carlton, in Yamhill County. Carlton boasts a population of around 1,600. (According to one website I checked...although it felt even smaller than that, if possible) The tag line for Carlton is showcased on the side of an old building that faces the main street in town. (It reads" Where farm, industry, and town unite for pleasant living.") Aaah, small town America. You gotta love that.

The main road through Carlton has become a bit of a hot spot for wine tasting rooms. (Literally, the street was door to door tasting rooms!) We were there to visit the Seven of Hearts tasting room, which I had heard about here. The really cool thing about these people is that it is not only a tasting room for their wines, but also for their chocolate company, named appropriately enough, Honest Chocolates, which I have tried for an hour to link to here, but it simply won't work for some reason...so, just google them. I love the name, and the chocolates were fabulous!

Oh. My.

Talk about to die for.

Like I said, living here in the pacific northwest there are just so many things to see and do, and so many great people to get to know.....Pleasant living, indeed.

Comments

[Karen]

I totally agree with you, that the PN is gorgeous any time of year. I also love the Yamhill/Carlton area. We occasionally go the long way up through hwy 47, through Vernonia, etc, to visit those places. I love going for rides and enjoying the scenery! Wine tasting would just add to it!

[seanymph]

I love reading about this stuff since Im moving up that way soon. Im going to have to check them all out!

[Debbi]

Check out the Benton Lane wine, it's so good and I can't get it here in Pennsylvania. :(

[Missy]

I had a great Pinot Noir by Foris that is in Oregon. How fun having these great vineyards to try out!

[clarice]

This is why I can not move to OR till I win the lotto xoxoxo Clarice

[Kim]

Visiting vineyards & going to tastings is one of my favorite free time activities. You are so fortunate to have so many nearby!

[Aubrey]

I am happy for you. You seem really happy. I think this move was a great idea!

[Barbra]

....oh Tracey, I know what'cha mean, we live a 'stones throw' away from the Niagara Winebelt......georgous land which houses many & more fabulous, 'take a tour' wineries,small villages & towns and quaint shops. You must have had a Saturday of 'content' for sure!

Guess signing off with "Cheers" befits the posting tonight Tracey. :o)

God Bless,
Barbra.

[Vintagebejoyful]

Glad your getting out and about! It seems as though it is all you wanted it to be....I'm happy your happy!

The Other Tracey

[Marcie]

It is so nice to see home through your eyes. I grew up in Yamhill County, in Newberg. Have you visited Pittoc Mansion? They decorate so nice at Christmas. Now I am homesick. Rose hips show now along those back roads this time of year.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Marcie

[Suzy]

Sounds like you're settling in...I so happy for you!