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Oregon

Perfecting Pinot: The Art of Wine in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

Program No. 23989RJ
Oregon’s Willamette Valley produces 70% of the state’s wine. Meet local winemakers, learn how to pair wines with food and get an insider’s look into this growing industry.
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Food & WineRegional StudiesSmall GroupNature & Environment
Length
6 days
Rating (4.82)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,349
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Portland, OR
Program Concludes
Portland, OR
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
12 ( 5B, 3L, 4D )
Activity Level
While Oregon produces a mere 1% of the nation’s wine, many of its blends have received some of the highest quality ratings in the industry. Journey into the heart of the Willamette Valley to meet local winemakers at their vineyards, visit farms to learn about sustainable agriculture, and sample some of the region’s famous Pinot Noir with experts who share advice on wine pairing. Gain insight into the lives of workers who make these vineyards what they are today, and hear how raptors are often used as an environmentally friendly way to control pests in vineyards. Due to accommodations limitations, single rooms are limited and roommate matching is unavailable for solo travelers.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Delight in wine tasting events at local vineyards, visit local farms for a farm-to-table meal and learn how to pair pinot noir with your favorite foods.
  • Discover sustainable alternatives to traditional agriculture practices through a demonstration on falconry.
  • Learn about the impacts and contributions of seasonal and migratory workers on the wine industry.
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Featured Expert
All Experts
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Jeff Peterson
Dr. Jeff Peterson, a professor at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, has lived and worked in much of Latin America. He is a faculty member of the Wine Studies Program through the Evenstad Center for Wine Education and led the founding of Linfield College’s Wine Studies Program, the only wine studies program in the United States to focus on the liberal arts approach to the wine industry. He also founded Vinum Docet, which uses wine as a way to explore history, culture, and food.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Kris Springer was born in Wisconsin, attended high school in Minnesota, and received her degree in communications from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Kris has gained great respect for the environment while working as a docent at Point San Luis Lighthouse and Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach, CA. When not working for Road Scholar, Kris works as a wine tour guide. She has been singing with the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble for nearly three decades.
Bob Vinatieri was introduced to travel at age two, riding in a TWA Super Constellation cockpit from Kansas City to Amarillo. Travel has been his vocation for over 40 years, and he has visited all 50 states, six continents, and over 50 countries. Bob enjoys leisurely walks along both mountain trails and urban cityscapes. Highlights on his programs include discussions of geology, climate transitions, and human histories. You can always find him with a camera, photographing wildflowers and the epic landscapes of the Pacific Wonderland.
Dr. Jeff Peterson, a professor at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, has lived and worked in much of Latin America. He is a faculty member of the Wine Studies Program through the Evenstad Center for Wine Education and led the founding of Linfield College’s Wine Studies Program, the only wine studies program in the United States to focus on the liberal arts approach to the wine industry. He also founded Vinum Docet, which uses wine as a way to explore history, culture, and food.
Toni Ketrenos teaches in the Wine Studies Department at Linfield College in Oregon. Prior to joining the faculty in 2020, she worked in nearly all tiers of the wine industry, including production, distribution, and retail. She earned her diploma in wines from the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET) and Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators, as well as other regional certifications. In addition to wine, Ketrenos loves to travel, kayak, sew, and hike with her son and Australian Shepherd, Azzi.
Kort Clayton is a Master Falconer with 30 years of experience. He has delivered and managed bird abatement services for a broad spectrum of clients. Kort holds an M.Sc. in Wildlife Biology and is well versed in both state and federal wildlife regulations from his 15 years of environmental consulting experience. He is a former director and president of the Oregon Falconers Association. He currently owns and operates Integrated Avian Solutions, a falconry-based bird abatement company based in Portland, Oregon.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking over varied terrain at vineyards and farms.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.