Wineries of the Gorge

The first stop is a must … the Visitor Information Center at Skamania County Chamber of Commerce, 167 NW 2nd Street (Highway 14) in Stevenson to pick up the newest version of the Columbia Gorge Wine Map. Then plan your day accordingly as you travel east through the Columbia River Gorge and taste the wonderful varieties of wine offered in the region’s newest appellation. With over 30 wineries and tasting rooms in 40 miles, you may not be able to experience each one but we’ll touch on our favorites.

Ziegler Vineyards Estate Winery on Underwood Mountain has just opened their tasting room and patio! Surrounded by their vineyards, with spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River and Mt. Hood, owners Nathan and Sarah Ziegler are excited to share their latest development. Take the east entrance of Cook-Underwood Road, off of Highway 14, and go 2.2 miles up the hill. Turn right on to Little Buck Creek Road, and look for Ziegler’s Vineyards sign .3 miles on the left. The Zieglers are proud to carry on a 100 year tradition of family farming in Underwood, following in the path of Nathan’s grandfather. The original family farmhouse is next door to the Ziegler’s Vineyard and is the location of another Underwood winery, AniChe Cellars. Wine tasting, currently Pinot Gris and Tempranillo, is offered Thursday through Sunday from 12 noon to 6 pm. For more information check their website www.zieglervineyardsestate.com or find them on Facebook or Twitter.

White Salmon Vineyard is located in Underwood, Washington at an elevation of 550 feet. Four distinct soils have been planted and trellised to create the best grapes for their particular wine. The vineyard was conceived and is cultivated to produce fine wine. Their Pinot Noir is a combination of Dijon clones with 115 as the most planted. The Pinot Noir field is a light sandy loam filled with small to large volcanic rocks. Vines are planted 1.33 meters apart and 2 meters across the row. They are trained on a VSP system. Vines have been hedged and leaves pulled from the east side. The Chardonnay is planted on Dijon clones and wood from Celilo Vineyard - a McAndrew selection that has matured early and produced ultra premium Chardonnay from Underwood Mountain. The Chardonnay field is not as light or rocky as the Pinot Noir field. While still a sandy loam, there is some clay mixed in. This clay supports a bigger vine. The vines are planted 1.5 meters apart and are 2.5 meters across the row. A trellis to support a Scott Henry system is in place. Less than half of the vines fill the trellis, while most are on a VSP with one fruiting zone.
Wind River Cellars: Travel north along the White Salmon River (Highway 141, approximately 20 miles east of Stevenson) to Wind River Cellars. The oldest winery in the Columbia Gorge Winegrower’s Association is proud to offer a dozen award-winning wines and a friendly tasting room with breathtaking views of Mt. Hood. Make sure to taste their Celilo Port before you leave!

Cor Cellars: Note the change in terrain as you head east on Highway 14. From the lush and thick forested areas of the central gorge to the dry, arid rolling hills of the eastern side. Cor Cellars is the next generation of Washington wine. Their goal is to produce approachable wines of great character and distinction. Try their Alsatian-style Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. Visit the Old Lyle Highway to taste where old school meets new.
Cascade Cliffs Winery: Cascade Cliffs Winery offers waterfront views, towering basalt cliffs with vistas at this casual yet sophisticated tasting room with an up close and personal feel. Since 1986, they have grown varietals such as Barbera, Nebbiolo, Petite Syrah--, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Symphony.
Maryhill Winery: Next stop, one of the most scenic wineries in the U.S. Sit back on Maryhill’s covered arbor and listen to music every summer weekend while picnicking and taking in the majestic views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

Just east of Maryhill Winery is the Biggs Junction Bridge taking you into Oregon for your return trip via I-84. There is quite a choice of wineries on the south side of the Columbia River so use that Columbia Gorge Wine Map to make your selection. For more details, visit http://www.columbiagorgewine.com/.