My first impression of Oregon’s Williamette Valley is that the setting seems somewhat ordinary. There’s a typical interstate highway, a Dairy Queen here or there and plenty of weekend traffic congestion.But turn down a country road and the scene changes. More than 200 wineries are tucked into the surrounding hills. Garlands of shimmering green grape vines tier gently upwards, hugging the low slopes. Although relatively young in winemaking terms, the landscape looks a bit like the Burgundy Valley in France. The eyes adjust to – what appears to be – deep-black gemstones clinging to the vines.
It is harvest time and workers are plucking fat bunches of pitch-black grapes. The Pinot Noir grape is a finicky variety, but it has thrived in Oregon, and loves the cool climate, protected by the Cascade Mountains in the East and the Coast Range mountains to the West. For me, it’s an escape from urban madness, and I relish the opportunity to get lost among the vines for several hours. 
At the Sokol Blosser Winery in the Dundee Hills, they are pouring an inky-black Pinot Noir. The Sokol Blosser Winery is family run, and the 85 acre estate is organically-certified. It is one of the original wineries in the region and was started in 1971. A sip of Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is both shadowy and sweet, with flavors of black cherry and earthy minerals. It is a delicious plunge into darkness on a brilliantly sunny Oregon afternoon.
I sampled the food, wine and spirits of the Portland, Oregon region September 27 through October 2, 2009. ©2009 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved
