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Locally Crafted Oregon

Dancin Vineyards

Moving wine exclusively by gravity seems backward with advances in modern technology. Yet this Old World technique and others have proven key to the success of Dancin Vineyards in southern Oregon. Owners Dan and Cindy Marca found that the greater the number of modern pumps and alterations to the wine, the more flavor that was lost from the wine.

The couple decided to learn from history and use only traditional and labor-intensive methods, such as fermentations punched down by hand every eight hours. Groups can learn about the Marcas’ complicated recipe for authentic, artisanal wine on a tour of the vineyards.

Tours also reveal the couple’s long struggle to start a winery. They searched for over a decade for the perfect location before purchasing the 10-acre hillside property near historic Jacksonville in 2007. The vineyard’s northwest-facing slope, forested location and high elevation make it ideal for growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes.

After touring and sampling from Wine Press Northwest’s 2017 Oregon Winery of the Year, groups can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and local cuisine, such as Italian-sausage-stuffed mushrooms and wood-fired pizzas.

www.dancinvineyards.com

Deschutes Brewery

Why should a brewer use whole-cone hops and German-built brew kettles? Groups can discover the secrets behind Deschutes Brewery’s unique recipes and techniques on a guided tour of the world-famous 1988 brewery. Visitors can sip some of the first beers, such as Black Butte Porter and Jubelale, at the original Public House brewing facility where they were developed.

Tours visit the tasting room and the production facility to learn about the brewing process while watching bottles zipping through the assembly line. The process is impressive to behold, since Deschutes Brewery ships to 28 states and around the world from its main brewing facility. As of 2016, Deschutes was the eighth-largest craft brewery in the United States.

Visitors can also learn about the brewery’s sustainability practices, community outreach and history while sampling favorites like Mirror Pond Ale and American Wheat. A meal with fresh local ingredients from a beercentric menu can be added to the tour.

www.deschutesbrewery.com