Sorry, this event is now Sold Out. 

Can driving be like wine tasting? Let’s see…

This year’s Wine Country Tour is an explosion of driving pleasure! Our tour is carefully selected and fermented using only the finest roads and most verdant countryside. Savor the soft round curves as you dance through rolling hills, lapping up the miles and smiles. Glide past stunning vineyards as rich aromatics indundate your senses. Aromas of chocolate and sage linger in the morning mist, swirling past your trusty steed. Earth tones including mushroom and pepper waft through your open windows. They underscore the complex high notes of pear, apple, and pomegranate decanted by the warming of the morning sun. Join us for this year’s tour!

Tour details:                                                                 

Tour Start / Kramer Vineyards

https://www.kramervineyards.com/

Wind your way up sweeping Olsen Road out of Gaston to Kramer Vineyards. We so loved having brunch at this charming family vineyard last year we’re doing it again this year! We’ll enjoy Kramer’s broad variety of red and white wines, as well as their award-winning sparkling wines. Meg’s savory quiches and fruit were a big hit, and she’s graciously agreed to treat us again.

Tour part 1 / Kramer Vineyards to Hazelfern Cellars

22.2 miles / approx. 45 min

Depart Kramer and enjoy the bucolic scenery and big curves on Spring Hill Road out of Gaston to Albertson Rd, which was recently paved. Pull your seat up and grip the wheel for a fun hillclimb up Chehalem Mountain. Head east on twisty Bald Peak Road to Mountain Top Road. Your passenger will enjoy huge views of the Chehalem Valley below and North Willamette Valley beyond. But driver, keep your eyes on those twisties – they bubble up quickly! Descend the mountain using Bell Road to Hazelfern Cellars.

Hazelfern Cellars

https://www.hazelfern.com/

Bryan and Laura Laing are relatively new to wine making, and bought their first fruit from the Kramer family. Their unique story unfolds as you absorb the beautiful environs and buildings of their farm vineyards just north of Newberg. A truly charming family, they also make lovely pinots and chards. Not open to the public, they’re excited to host our group and offer us a very unique glimpse into what it’s like to “live the dream”.

Tour part 2 / Hazelfern Cellars to Pete’s Mountain Vineyard

22.7 miles / approx. 45 min

Depart Hazelfern and head east on Bell Road, and enjoy some more twisties as you make your way through the hills, connecting to Wilsonville Rd. This scenic drive is our Red Blend of the day: farmland, vineyards, long straights, sweepers, and twisties all blended into a sumptuous treat you can enjoy any time.

Upon arrival at Pete’s Mountain, park as directed for the Big Photo Op. Every year multiple directors frenetically yet aesthetically arrange our cars into a pose for a group photo. Somehow this Organized Chaos coalesces into a memorable photo or two.

Pete’s Mountain Vineyard and Winery

http://www.petesmountainvineyard.com/

With commanding views of the North Willamette Valley and the Cascades in the distance, Pete’s Mountain is truly a special spot. Named after the tireless efforts of a French emigrant in the 1850’s, todays vineyard has been producing award winning wines since 1999. We’ve arranged to enjoy a private catered picnic lunch on the grounds along with tasting PM’s delicious wine offerings.

This year’s tour is an intoxicating blend of three vineyards and some amazing roads sure to please your viticultural and automotive palates. Join us to see if driving can be like wine tasting!

 Suggested Time Windows:

Tour Start / Kramer Vineyards

10:00-11:00

Tour part 1 / Kramer Vineyards to Hazelfern Cellars

11:00-11:45

Hazelfern Cellars

11:45-12:45

Tour part 2 / Hazelfern Cellars to Pete’s Mountain Vineyard

12:45-1:30

Pete’s Mountain Vineyard and Winery

1:30-3:30            (end of tour)

Details:

Designed as a self-guided tour to allow you to linger longer at your favorite places, you can leave or rejoin the tour at any time. There are no leaders or sweepers, but feel free to group up or follow others. Remember they may be leaving the tour at any time so keep your route sheet handy. See driving rules below.

You must have a current BMW CCA membership to register and participate as a driver. Members may bring non-member guests in their car. Sorry, this event is now Sold Out. 

Cost is $25 per person. This includes the brunch at Kramer, the lunch at Pete’s Mountain, and all venue use fees. This does not include wine tasting fees. Wine tasting at all venues is optional and pay-as-you-go. Two people may share tastings. Venues may offer event-only discounts on wine purchases, so warm up your credit card!

A variety of delightful picnic fare will be catered by Lark Café at Pete’s Mountain. The winery is having another private event after ours and kindly requests all wine purchases be made by our departure around 3:30pm.

All members and guests must check-in when they join the tour, sign the waiver, and receive a wristband. You will also receive a tour route with maps. Stop by the check-in table at the start or if you join later ask for Buck, Alex, Scott, or Janette and we’ll hook you up.

Come along with us for another relaxing and fun Wine Country Tour!