Thursday, April 7, 2022

Oregon's Willamette Valley: Sweet Cheeks Winery

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

It was during the most recent Wine Media Conference #WMC21 in Oregon that we participated in an excursion to this family winery. 

Sweet Cheeks Winery, Willamette Valley
We were so happy to be Oregon to continue our vine-filled explorations of the Willamette Valley, the state’s leading wine region. The valley is home to two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards. It was on our way back to Eugene after touring wine country when we visited Sweet Cheeks Winery

Vineyards, Sweet Cheeks Winery © Spaswinefood

Our visit included a short walk in the vineyard, and learning how raptors are used in a vineyard setting. 

Hearing about the Cascades Raptor Center © Spaswinefood

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.

Wine Tasting, Sweet Cheeks Winery © Spaswinefood

Sweet Cheeks Wines © Spaswinefood

Tasting 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.

South Willamette Wine Country, Sweet Cheeks Winery © Spaswinefood

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.


Sweet Cheeks Winery, South Willamette Valley © Spaswinefood

While in the Willamette Valley we would highly recommend that you visit Sweet Cheeks Winery.  

Contact Info: Sweet Cheeks Winery

Jessica Thomas | jessica@sweetcheekswinery.com

Facebook

Instagram | @sweetcheekswinery

Twitter | @sweetcheekswine

Pinterest


Here you will experience South Willamette Valley Wine Country at its best. For a complete list of South Willamette Valley wineries see Southern Willamette Valley Wineries AssociationI invite you to join me in my wine adventures in  at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 


CHEERS!


Sharon & John 
August 2021
Eugene, Oregon
© Spaswinefood
A Summer Afternoon, Sweet Cheeks Winery , South Willamette Valley © Spaswinefood

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