Monday, Jun. 08, 2009

Book review: WineTrails of Oregon

By Andy Perdue, Wine Press Northwest

WineTrails of Oregon, by Steve Roberts, 2009, South Slope Publications, Mercer Island, Wash., $24.95.

Steve Roberts is continuing his exploration of Pacific Northwest wine country. Fresh off the success of his first book, WineTrails of Washington, Roberts has published his follow-up, WineTrails of Oregon.

In it, he explores the regions of Oregon wine country, from the Columbia River Gorge to the Willamette Valley to Southern Oregon. Each entry of this 540-page volume provides interesting tidbits on each winery he visited, along with photos, maps and information such as tasting fees, hours and amenities.

Roberts breaks the state into 10 regions, then further delineates each region into palatable winery tours. In all, there are more than 200 wine trails that define Oregon wine country.

Roberts' folksy style of writing gives this book a friendly feel, kind of like you have an expert wine-tasting companion with you in your car as you explore Oregon wine country.