South Willamette Valley's Sweet Cheeks Winery offers something unique in the wine world. We were happy to discover the story behind this Willamette Valley gem. Dan Smith planted a vineyard on a rolling hillside in Crow, Oregon in 1978. He christened the vineyard Sweet Cheeks based on its shape. While he dreamed of a winery, he continued to supply Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling grapes to local wineries. In 2003 when a building in Junction City came up for demolition he took a chance and relocated it atop the vineyard. Thanksgiving 2005 the tasting room opened, marking the beginning of Sweet Cheeks Winery & Vineyard. These days this awesome vineyard setting is just the perfect spot to sip wine on a hot summer afternoon.
Sweet Cheeks Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon © Spaswinefood
Our visit included a short walk in the vineyard, and learning how raptors are used in a vineyard setting.
After introduction to the Sweet Cheeks hills by Cascades Raptor Center we enjoyed a wine tasting on the patio by led Jessica Thomas, granddaughter of the late Founder, Dan Smith. The winery uses estate grown grapes to make their Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Sweet Cheeks Wines © Spaswinefood
During our visit we tasted three of their estate wines, which are small production wines. During the tasting we also discussed:
What makes a small production wine special?
What goes into those decisions?
Wine Time, Sweet Cheeks Winery © Spaswinefood
If you want a winery to take in those South Willamette Wine Country views this is the place.
After a most delightful visit to Sweet Cheeks Winery we returned to Eugene. Our South Willamette Valley wine country experience began with a Meet and Greet Gathering in the hotel lobby. We did a toast and enjoyed some donuts before boarding the bus waiting outside. We began our adventure in Eugene by checking out the murals, new track arena, rose garden, and continued with exploring the best of wine country. Along the way we ate lunch, did multiple wine tastings, and learnt about the Cascades Raptor Center. After Sweet Cheeks Winery the tour continued onto Eugene's Fifth Street Public Market where we did a wine tasting at the Gordon Hotel, with a 7th floor view of Eugene.
Contact Info: Sweet Cheeks Winery
Jessica Thomas | jessica@sweetcheekswinery.com
Instagram | @sweetcheekswinery
Twitter | @sweetcheekswine
CHEERS!
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