Moving Day

Today we move from the Willamette Valley to Portland, from wine tasting to craft beer tasting. Portland, OR has reportedly one of the best craft beer scenes in the US.

But first CJ has one last winery to visit. Elk Cove is located in the northwestern most part of the Willamette Valley. It can be considered on the way to Portland (in a convoluted long sort of way). Elk Cove has the highest elevation of all Willamette Valley wineries. It has a gorgeous setting amongst some of its vines. They source from several locations of their own vines. Family members live and watch over each of the vineyards.

To the west of Portland is the Tiguard craft beer trail. We work our way into Portland via two breweries on that trail.

Three Mugs Brewing Company disappoints. The White Chocolate Wonder is sold out. CJ finds a few good ones but nothing great.

Our launch point for downtown begins at Cooper Mountain Ale Works. CJ is quite pleased with his selection of four dark ales.

We are lodging at the AC by Marriott. Because of Portland's crime reputation we elect to COMPLETELY unload the car. There are no porters and only a single airport type cart. It takes us three trips to the room to unload the car.