Salem is a city of growth.
In fact, the state capital recently surpassed Eugene to become Oregon's second-largest city.
Planted in the north Willamette Valley, Salem boasts a rich commercial agricultural history dating back to the mid-1850s.
Nicknamed "The Cherry City," it is also home to 90 percent of the world's marionberrries, named for its county. Berry fruits, in particular, grow very well in this region - including strawberries, loganberries - as do wine grapes.
The city is flanked by one of the Willamette Valley's newest sub-appellations, the Eola-Amity Hills American Viticultural Area. Scenic country roads draw visitors to experience the region's exceptional wineries and tasting rooms, along with other artisan culinary destinations, such as Wandering Angus cidery and Willamette Valley Cheese Co.
Wineries: There are 30 wineries in the Eola-Amity Hills with about 1,500 vineyard acres planted.
Among the suggested wineries near Salem include Ankeny Vineyard, Arcane Cellars, Bethel Heights Vineyard, Bryn Mawr Vineyards, Cristom Vineyards, Cubanisimo Vineyard, Evesham Wood Winery, Honeywood Winery, Redhawk Winery, St. Innocent Winery, Strangeland Vineyard, Willamette Valley Vineyards and Witness Tree Vineyard.
Honeywood, the winery nearest to downtown Salem, was established in 1933, making it the oldest producing winery in Oregon. Willamette Valley Vineyards, one of the state's largest wineries, is a leader in sustainability practices and just launched its cork recycling program.
Food: Bentleys Grill offers comfortable fine dining in an elegant setting with a focus on Pacific Northwest cuisine and a wine list that features an excellent selection of local wines. Old Europe Inn covers brunch, lunch or dinner with a French influence. J. James uses fresh ingredients and changes its menu seasonally. Ram Restaurant & Brewery is a perfect choice for family dining. Eola Hills Wine Cellars offers one of the best Sunday brunches in the region.
Lodging: The Phoenix Grand Hotel is Salem's newest premier hotel. There are also a handful of B&Bs, namely the Bed & Breakfast at Sunnyside Vineyard, a custom designed Northwest country home in one of Oregon's oldest vineyards. Hopewell B&B is another wine country destination featuring a working farm and private rooms that are self-contained abodes. Salem also has a long list of budget hotels available downtown or in near proximity.
Things to do: Downtown Salem is one of the state's travel and tourism mainstays. It offers a variety of amenities including shopping, theater, museums, galleries and seasonal festivals. There are several gardens and wildlife refuges in and about Salem. Wander through the incredible 80-acre Oregon Garden and its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gordon House. Take the Wheatland Ferry (Exit 263 from I-5), which shuttles passengers across the Willamette River, linking Marion with Yamhill and Polk counties, and promises an enjoyable way to enter wine country.
On March 20, the Eola-Amity Hills Winegrowers Association is staging its first-ever event. It's called the Equinox in the Eola Amity Hills, and it will be at Zenith Vineyard in Salem. The event will showcase 25 wineries, live music, dancing and gourmet fare. Tickets are $25 per person in advance; $30 on the day of the event. Go to eolaamityhills.com.
More info: It's easy to find information on the region, but start by visiting the Travel Salem site at travelsalem.com.
Leah Jorgensen is a communications expert who has worked in the Northwest wine industry for a decade. She consults for several wineries and writes about travel, wine and gluten-free living. This is her first contribution to Wine Press Northwest. Her Web site is www.leahjorgensen.com.
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