28 Apr 2023
We learned firsthand why Oregon Wine Maker Tours is the LUXlife Magazine Best Winery Tour Operator in the Pacific Northwest and Best Wine Tasting Experience – Willamette Valley, as well as the Corporate LiveWire Innovation and Excellence Awards 2023 Wine Tour Operator of the Year. Carmine is a charming and incredibly knowledgeable host and, because he is a winemaker, we learned more about wine on this tour (as well as tried some of his delicious wine) than we have on regional wine tours on California and Washington State. We went with his recommended choice of wineries and were not disappointed. Lunch at Holloran Vineyards was outstanding. My missus, who ordinarily does not care for fish, thoroughly enjoyed their delightful smoked salmon (as did I). The rest of the lunch was delicious as well and was paired with some of their wonderful wines. We even saw a bobcat as we drove through the hills! We could not have asked for a better wine tasting tour or a more delightful guide. The next time we are in Portland, we look forward to touring more of the fabulous Willamette Valley wineries with Carmine. Thank you Carmine for an amazing day!