With all due respect to stretches of the Oregon and California coastlines, perhaps the most beautiful drive in America is through the Columbia River Gorge.
Fortunately for wine lovers, the Gorge - that 90-mile stretch from Maryhill on the Washington side to Troutdale just west of Portland - is a fast-growing touring destination, thanks to more than 30 wineries, a handful of microbreweries, several restaurants and memorable lodging.
From a viticultural standpoint, two appellations span the Gorge: The southern stretch of the Columbia Valley goes as far south as The Dalles and also covers the towns of Lyle and Maryhill. The Columbia Gorge also is a bi-state appellation that encompasses Hood River, Ore., as well as Bingen, White Salmon and Husum, Wash.
Here is a starting point for your summer Gorge explorations.
Wineries: Wine touring is relatively simple in the Gorge because all the wineries tend to stay close to the Columbia River. You will need to decide which side of the river you want to start on and figure out which bridges you will cross when you want to traverse the mighty Columbia.
Starting in the west, you will find clusters of wineries in Hood River, Ore., and across the Bridge of the Gods in Bingen and Husum, Wash.
In Hood River, Hood River Vineyards is one of the original producers and specializes in gorgeous fortified fruit wines. Cathedral Ridge (formerly Flerchinger) is crafting one amazing wine after another. The Pines 1852 is the winery for a 100-year-old Zinfandel vineyard near The Dalles. Also check out Phelps Creek, Quenett and Pheasant Valley wineries.
Just east of Bingen, the town of Lyle, Wash., is going through a growth spurt with six wineries. Start with Syncline Wine Cellars, led by winemaker James Mantone, who specializes in Rhône varieties.
South and across the river in The Dalles are three wineries. Start with Erin Glenn, which is producing several delicious wines.
Back on the Washington side, don't overlook Cascade Cliffs on your way to Maryhill Winery.
Food: The biggest towns in the Gorge are Hood River and The Dalles, so they tend to be your best bets for meals. Two favorites with the Wine Press Northwest crew are the Sixth Street Bistro and 3 Rivers Grill in Hood River. For a hearty, Americana-style meal, it's hard to beat Cousins in The Dalles. On the Washington side, Big River Grill in Stevenson is a good bet. In Lyle, the Lyle Hotel is regionally famous for its winemaker dinners.
Prefer a local microbrew? Full Sail and and Big Horse are in Hood River, while Walking Man is across the river in Stevenson.
Lodging: There is no shortage of places to rest your head in the Gorge. On the western edge, the Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers everything from 78 rooms to mineral hot springs to a restaurant. A spa facility is opening this summer. In Hood River, it's difficult to beat the Columbia Gorge Hotel.
Across the river are the Inn of the White Salmon and Skamania Lodge. And a number of B&Bs and budget motels are scattered up and down the Gorge.
More info: It's pretty easy to find information on the Gorge. A good starting point is the Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association, one of the few groups to represent both sides of the river. Call 800-98-GORGE or go to crgva.org.
ANDY PERDUE is editor of Wine Press Northwest.
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