Wine — Monica Cooks

With over 700 wineries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, wine pairing choices are endless.

What I’m liking

Penner Ash

Pinot Noir - Pas de Nom - Pinot Rosé - Viognier

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Beaux Frères

Pinot Noir - Chardonnay

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Alexana

Pinot Noir - Chardonnay - Pinot Gris - Argentina Merlot

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Flâneur

Pinot Noir - Chardonnay

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Sequitur

Pinot Noir - Chardonnay

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Recent Visit

Fairsing Vineyard

A long, winding drive brings you to Fairsing, a family vineyard where you feel you’re on top of the world! Absolutely stunning views of the valley. Fairsing (Irish for “Bountiful”) was established in 2005 with the purchase of 200 acres of harvested forestland. By 2006, 18 acres of vines were successfully planted — vineyard development continued at roughly 5 acres per year, with a total of 38 acres of Pinot Noir and 5 acres of Chardonnay currently under vine. I particularly enjoyed their Rosé of Pinot Noir — light, floral and crisp — and a lovely Chardonnay. They also offer a nice cheese board.

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Past visits

Cho Vineyards

Cho Wines is the first Korean-American-owned winery in Oregon established by Lois and Dave Cho in 2021. Their gorgeous tasting room opened in April 2024. Beautiful views, delicious wines, artful charcuterie and a delightful experience all around. They even include a gift of amazing macarons from Belle Delices Patisserie in Sherwood with the wine we purchased. The vibe is young, vibrant, modern and welcoming. Definitely worth a trip out to Oregon wine country!

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Furioso Vineyards

With an Italian owner and French winemaker, Furioso was named one of the 25 most beautiful wineries of the world by Rizzoli New York. Giorgio Furioso also designs the artistic wine labels. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the wines I tried on this foggy day, starting with the Tocai Friulano, then on to Chardonnay, Rosé Frizzanté and some fabulous Pinot Noirs. They also have a food pairings menu and light snacks. Worth a visit!

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Terra Vina

This family run vineyard produces lots of big reds. I particularly enjoyed the Grenache. Owner Karl Dinger is a master story teller with an encyclopedic knowledge of wine history. Seek him out when you visit, he’s quite the character! They also have a food cart on-site with delicious selections prepared by Karl’s son-in-law, Chef Drew Stark.

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