This was our first tour with Sea to Summit, and my husband and I had a wonderful and educational experience with the Williamette Valley Wine tour. We're from California and often visit wineries and take tours, but this one was the best by far. Our tour guide, Shahn, a 2nd level sommelier and grew up in the Willamette Valley, was incredibly knowledgeable about wines and local history.
We learned about the rich soils and winemaking history of the Willamette Valley, as well as its present and future. The valley's soil is unique due to ancient volcanic activity and the Missoula Floods, which brought mineral-rich sediments that are perfect for viticulture. These elements create an ideal terroir for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other grape varieties, giving the wines distinct flavors and complexity.
Shahn also shared insights into the evolution of winemaking in the region, from its early days to its current status as a world-renowned wine-producing area. We discussed the innovative techniques being used by local winemakers to enhance the quality of their wines and the sustainable practices being adopted to preserve the environment. Looking to the future, Shahn highlighted the potential for new grape varieties to be introduced and the continued growth of boutique wineries that focus on small-batch, high-quality production.
We visited three wineries: Rex Hill/A to Z, Torii Mor, and Tresori. Shahn brought lunch from the Red Hill Market, which we enjoyed at Torii Mor during our wine tasting.Rex Hill is a large winery with delicious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Torii Mor's Pinots were a bit too young, but their Viognier port wine was good. Tresori, a small "micro" winery on the slopes of Chehalem Ridge, was peaceful and beautiful. Although the wine steward at each winery explained the wines, Shahn added even more insights. We ended up joining Rex Hill and Tresori wine club.
The Mercedes 4x4 van was comfortable, making the tour even more enjoyable. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Thank you, Shahn.