Turns out, you should go a week earlier, because that's when the real magic happens. Those wishing t

Thanksgiving weekend in Willamette wine country has become a vinous version of "Black Friday." Well-meaning tourists arrive in droves car rental convertible cleveland to visit their favorite Oregon winemakers, some of which aren't usually open to the public. car rental convertible cleveland But as anyone who's made the post-Turkey-Day trek can tell you, the special access and festivities come with crowds, both on the road and in the tasting rooms.
Turns out, you should go a week earlier, because that's when the real magic happens. Those wishing to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate setting -- not to mention load up on delicious wine before Thanksgiving -- can attend lovingly curated harvest celebrations, dinners and special releases the weekend before car rental convertible cleveland the holiday instead of after. Leave the party buses and standing-room-only tasting bars to the masses. Nov. 17 and 18 prove that sometimes it's more fashionable to be early than late. Here are our picks for the events you don't want to miss.
Besides creating beautiful, Old World-style Oregon pinot noirs, winemaker Scott Wright of Scott Paul Wines also imports Burgundy and grower Champagne via his second venture, Scott Paul Selections . What better way to cleanse the palate after a day of pinot-centricity than with a flight of grower champagnes? For $20, guests will have the opportunity to taste five different bubbles from Wright's portfolio of more than 25 producers, including Marc Chauvet and Francis Cossy. And for those wishing to stay the course with pinot, a Burgundy flight car rental convertible cleveland of four is available, including a sneak-peak of Scott Paul 2011 Audrey Pinot Noir, a small production car rental convertible cleveland of less than 200 cases, which won't be released to the public until April. Audrey futures will be available for sale that day at a hearty discount. Accompanying all this delicious vino will be small bites curated by co-owner (and Scott's wife) Martha Wright, featuring ingredients from Chop Butchery and Newman's Fish Co .
Farther down the valley, Cristom Winery will be hosting its second annual Harvest Celebration, a food-centric affair designed to provide inspiration car rental convertible cleveland for your holiday table. Harvest chef Peter Szymczak (formerly of Portland's Vindalho car rental convertible cleveland and the former editor of Northwest Palate Magazine) will be teaming car rental convertible cleveland up with Ivy Manning, car rental convertible cleveland Portland food writer, cookbook author and MIX contributor, presenting a series of food stations paired with pours from Cristom's seasonal tasting flight. "We want to offer some nontraditional ideas from outside of the 'turkey-box,' " says Szymczak. Expect to see "alternative birds," including pheasant, alongside samplings of local charcuterie. Included in the $25 charge is a small packet containing copies of the day's recipes. Though the event is open to the public, reservations are strongly suggested.
It's a family affair at Beaux Freres, as it eschews car rental convertible cleveland its typical appointment-only policy and flings car rental convertible cleveland its doors open to the public for the pre-holiday weekend. In addition to the 2010 Willamette Valley and Beaux Freres Vineyards Pinot Noir cuvees, guests will also have the chance to taste final blends for the unreleased 2011 vintage. Pouring alongside winemaker Michael Etzel will be sons Mike and Jared, introducing three bottles from their soon-to-be-released Etzel Brothers car rental convertible cleveland label. The 2010 Coattails Pinot Noir is a micro-production cuvee of small, hillside vineyards from the Willamette Valley. The 2010 Horsetails Pinot Noir, an early-drinking, fruit-forward cuvee, car rental convertible cleveland is blended car rental convertible cleveland from acclaimed sites, such as the Broadley and Zena Crown vineyards. The 2010 Etzel Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Lisa Chu Vineyard is a single-vineyard bottling from the legendary Mt. Veeder region of Napa Valley. Presented alongside Cougar Gold Cheeses, works from local artists and a "surprise Beaux Freres library selection," the event is a steal at $20 per person, and sure to fill up early.
The Four Graces (above) pairs up with chef Carrie Wong of Extreme Chocolates to present a delectable offering of small bites to accompany the release of its 2010 Black Family Estate Pinot Noir, as well as its seasonal tasting flight. $20.
Willamette Valley Vineyards will tap into its vast library to offer special pours enjoyed alongside car rental convertible cleveland cheeses and chocolates from local Oregon vendors. For an additional $5, guests can join winemakers in the cellar for barrel tasting. $20/$25, includes car rental convertible cleveland a souvenir wineglass.