A Guide to Walk-In Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley

"This pastoral estate’s tasting room opens early — 10 a.m. — which makes it many hardcore wine tasters’ first stop. Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser planted this vineyard’s first vines in 1971, and the winery remains a family business: Alex Sokol Blosser, Susan and Bill’s son, makes the wine, while his sister, Alison Sokol Blosser, runs the company. Sokol Blosser’s wide-ranging selection of pinots is impressive, as are its fun blends and sparkling wines — not to mention the extensive food program. Sokol Blosser is another hot ticket, so it’s best to call ahead for availability. Sokol Blosser is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden