More from Mary: Willamette Valley Wine Tasting

This past weekend, a few of us girls planned a spontaneous wine tasting day. Ok, yes it was actually planned, but the fact that we all just happened to sit next to each other at a luncheon on Thursday, mentioned that we should hang out soon, possibly go wine tasting, pulled out our calendars and decided on Saturday and then actually followed through made it quite spontaneous to us!

Saturday turned out to be the perfect sunny spring day here in the Northwest. The only thing to make it even better was to head out to McMinnville, just an hour away and in the heart of the Willamette Valley, to visit some beautiful vineyards. Our first stop was Lange Winery where Valerie, Jamie and I sat outside in the sun and tasted Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs while enjoying the crystal clear view of Mount Hood.

We stopped into Briar Rose Creamery to taste some deliciously fresh goat cheese. Seriously, this creamery is at a farm in the valley where goats are roaming around the fields helping make the best garlic and herb goat cheese ever. It doesn't get fresher than that!

We had a 12:30 appointment at Soter Vineyards (don't judge our early wine tasting times - that's how it works out here in the Willamette Valley!). If you look at the pictures on their website, you'll probably think, "The website is just trying to make this place look pristine. There's no way that's real." The pictures are speaking truth, people. This place was outstanding. We pulled up, got out of our car, and before we even reached the sidewalk we were greeted with a glass of rose wine (a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). As if that hadn't already sold us, there was a cozy fireplace inside that we sat by for a bit before we headed outside and sat on the back patio taking in the warm sun and incredible vineyard view.

Two thoughts dominated my mind on Saturday: 1) I can't believe I actually live here and get to do this pretty much any time, 2) this is the life!