THE GREAT OUTDOORS

KING ESTATE – EUGENE, OREGON

When you pull up to King Estate’s property, it undeniably feels like something out of a movie. You’re greeted by vines as far as the eye can see, while a winding road leads you to a hilltop complex of Tuscan-inspired buildings, complete with a pair of imposing square towers. Built in 1991, the property offers guests sweeping views of the Willamette Valley, providing wine enthusiasts with a sense of place when they are sipping their Pinot Noir on the large summer terrace and patio.

Brent Stone, chief operating officer and winemaker, says when the current restaurant opened in 2006, the King family always had a hunch that it could provide a unique, elevated experience for guests. “Initially we weren’t sure if people would travel out to the estate for wine tasting and dining, but from the very beginning the restaurant and tasting room have been very popular with visitors,” Stone says. “There is a saying that wine always tastes better at the winery, and I think that’s definitely the case here.”

When it comes to partnering with the restaurant, Stone shares that the goal is still to showcase King Estate’s exceptional library of wines, which also include several small production wines from some of the most coveted vineyards in Oregon. “Our menu always features organic estate-grown food, when paired with our wines, helps create a unique farm-to-table experience at the restaurant,” he says. “Our culinary gardens manager is integral to our culinary program, along with the chef and the rest of the team. The menu is constantly changing to reflect what’s in season and what the gardens and orchards are producing.”

While many of the special events at King Estate are tailored exclusively to members of their wine club, there are opportunities for special occasions outside of club events such as Mother’s Day brunch, graduations, and other tasting events.

VALDEMAR ESTATES – WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON

The Bujanda family has been making wine for five generations – a passion that dates back to 1889, when Joaquín Martínez Bujanda first began making wine in the family’s native town of Oyón, Spain. Fast forward to the present day, and the Valdemar branch of the family business is now helmed by Jesús Martínez Bujanda, who currently serves as chief executive officer and owner, and his sister Ana, the chief operating officer, as they carry on the family legacy.

The pioneering spirit instilled by their great-great-grandfather led them to open Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Washington, becoming the first international winery in the state – meaning, they serve both Washington state and Spanish wines. This move was a testament to the siblings’ unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and taking risks in pursuit of creating exceptional wines.

The property, all clean contemporary lines and sharp angles, features lush interior tasting rooms and a breezy, wrap-around porch with rushing water installations, comfortable outdoor seating, and breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains. Additionally, Valdemar Estates offers guests a taste of Spain with authentic Spanish tapas. From croquetas and jamón Iberico, to chorizo-stuffed mushrooms and a sweet treat of Basque cheesecake, the food items only help to take the wine-tasting experience to the next level.

“The Valdemar Family take pride in their terroir and land,” explains Jaiden Eskil, the Valdemar Estates marketing coordinator. “Devyani Isabel Gupta, our winemaker and viticulturist, takes good care in carefully selecting the best plots and applying the most sustainable practices to ensure that only the highest-quality grapes are used in our wines.”

In addition to the regular wine tastings and tours, Valdemar Estate is hosting Party on the Patio, a cook-off event including an exclusive vineyard tour with the owner and winemaker. “This event offers guests the chance to enjoy mouth-watering pintxos fresh off the grill, paella, and delicious wines while taking in stunning views,” says Eskil. “The cook-off is a culinary competition between the owner and chef, with guests getting to taste both amazing paellas and decide the winner.”

For those looking for a more intimate experience, Valdemar Estate has recently opened a new location on Wine Walk Row in Woodinville, Washington – offering wine lovers another opportunity to experience their exceptional wines.

TERRA BLANCA – BENTON CITY, WASHINGTON

About an hour’s drive northeast of Walla Walla is Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard, an expansive Red Mountain property that has multiple settings for events of any occasion, including a covered patio featuring a row of Tuscan-style arches. “The terrace gives guests the opportunity to come, slow down, unwind, take in the views and enjoy the present moment – and some great Red Mountain wine doesn’t hurt,” says Jordan Neuhaus, marketing manager for Terra Blanca.

The property features a full-size commercial kitchen, allowing their entire culinary program to be conducted in-house by executive chef Jim Vande Berg and his team. “This provides not only amazing food for on-site events, but also our restaurant, the Terra Blanca Vineyard Grill, which is open every weekend,” Neuhaus says. “Featuring fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, wood-fire brick oven pizzas and more, our menus methodically explore the endearing relationship between food and wine.”

From its weekly virtual tastings with assistant general manager Daryl Baker, to the Terra Blanca Experience: Tour & Tasting, as well as its monthly dinner series at the Vineyard Grill, Terra Blanca has something for everyone. In the Vineyard Grill dinner series, Vande Berg features a rotating monthly multi-course menu for guests to enjoy, while the estate’s full wine list and rotating beers on tap are also available for purchase. Neuhaus says, “It’s always been one of our biggest passions to bring people together, and collectively enjoy great wine and food.”