October 20-24, 2008
McMinnville, Oregon
$650 (limit 12)

©Rod Barbee

Oregon's Wineries

In 1979 David Lett entered his Oregon Pinot noir in the Gaul-Millau French Wine Olympiads. He won against France’s best Pinots and, as a result, the world became aware of the superior wines from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

Today there are hundreds of fine wineries in the Willamette Valley, which not only produce some of the best Pinot Noir in the world but also Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, White Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Muller Thurgau, Gewurztraminer and Viognier.  

The Willamette Valley is 150 miles long and up to 60 miles wide and runs from the Columbia River in the north to the Calapooya Mountains in the south. It is named for the Willamette River that flows through it to the north. The weather in the Willamette Valley is relatively mild all year with winters that are wet and cool and summers that are dry and warm.  The influence of marine air from the Pacific along with favorable temperatures, particularly during the growing season,  make the Willamette Valley climate ideal for growing cool climate grapes such as Pinot Noir.  Most vineyards are found in the hills above the valley floor to take advantage of the excellent soil conditions found above 300 feet elevation. We will be concentrating our attention to some of the smaller vineyards where there will be great opportunities to not only photograph the vineyards but also talk with the growers themselves (and, perhaps, for those interested, sample unique and wonderful wines that are often produced in such small quantities as to not be widely available*).

While Oregon takes its wine very seriously there is none of the pretentiousness that may be found elsewhere. We have found these, mostly small, winemakers to be very eager to share their knowledge as well as their wine.  October is an ideal time to visit the wineries. The summer heat is gone (as are the crowds of people) and the vineyards are alive with fall color. As a bonus, harvest begins at about the same time and many of the vineyards should be picking and pressing while we are there.  

©Rod Barbee

The Tour

As well as producing great wines, these wineries are also quite photogenic. We'll have the chance to photograph vineyards at sunrise as well as grape bunches, colorful leaves, workers picking and processing grapes, and more.

We've picked out several wineries to visit and will be arranging special tours as well a some catered brunches. For those so inclined, wine tasting will also be available at all the wineries we visit (tasting fees may apply). All wine tasting is at individual discretion and is not an official part of the Photography Tour*.

We'll also be arranging group dinner reservations at some of the areas finest restaurants (not included in tour price). After all, since we are in premier wine country, we should indulge our palates in every way possible. In case you haven't noticed, this tour is about spoiling ourselves.

On at least one evening during our time together we'll get together at our hotel for some image sharing and companionship (liquid companionship will not be discouraged). We invite you to bring images to share and we suggest that you create a digital slide show to music of around 6 or 7 minutes duration. We may be able to do this more than once so feel free to bring an extra slide show or some extra images to share.

Click here for some slideshow software suggestions.

Since it's going to be prime time for fall color, you may want to extend your trip to take advantage of the season. We'll be sending you suggestions and short photo guides for some of those options, which include Silver Falls State Park, Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, and the Portland Japanese Garden.

Your Leaders

Rod Barbee will be available to help you with anything photographic, be it answering technical questions, making suggestions for compositions, lending a filter, a reflector, or even using himself as a lens shade.

Dick Badger is our wine expert. Dick has been drinking for decades and is therefore highly qualified for the position of Winery Interaction and Needs Organizer (WINO). Dick has also been visiting the Willamette Valley for a number of years, touring the wineries and getting to intimately know the wines.

The price of this tour is $650. A $200 deposit will hold your space with the balance due 60 days before the tour. Visit our Policies Page before sending any money and for sign up instructions.

And by the way, since this tour is about spoiling ourselves, feel free to bring your spouse. Just let us know when you sign up so we can make dinner and winery tour reservations.