Hiya! Sasquatch here. Squatch for short.
Here's my latest tout about Hood River -- Oregon's most celebrated getaway town -- through the blog of its newest funkiest bed and breakfast Lodge 902.
You humans love sipping that squished-and-stowed-away-for-lengthy-amounts-of-time grape drink -- wine -- but lucky for squirrels and Chihuahuas, you don't love it before steering your fast four-wheeled metal-n-glass boxes. Kudos to the Hood River Wine Alliance, a cluster of 8 downtown wineries with walk-to tasting rooms, for eliminating this quandary!
Wine tastings at each spot listed below average $15 per person but usually that fee is waved with the purchase of a bottle or a wine club membership. Many tasting rooms are family and/or dog friendly, host live music and also offer beer, cider, soft drinks and nibbles. Several are open year round, but check individual websites below for hours and events. Each one has its own way of welcoming and wowing guests.
Not Looking Forward to Meeting You,
Squatch
It's been said that Hood River provides world-class vino at mouthwateringly palatable prices.
Stolz Winery: 514 State Street
This is a mortuary-turned-winery set in the Hood River's oldest still-standing building. Built in 1886 and a funeral home for 45 years, it's now a family-owned winery and the perfect stage for the production and memorable presentation of wine. It's also got wonderful panoramic views of the Gorge. Bottles of wine start at $22.
Cascade Cliffs Vineyard and Winery: 211 Oak Street
Family-owned, this winery focuses on Italian reds like Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo. The tasting room features a long timber bar, furniture made of oak barrels and fresco-painted walls. Bottles start at $25.
Stave & Stone Winery: 210 Oak Street
Well-known winemaker Rich Cushman is the man behind this family-owned label. The tasting room is elegant and welcoming and a wonderful spot to present their multitude of varietals. They also offer 'Instagram worthy' hors d'oeuvre plates and frequent live music events. Bottles start at $24.
Naked Winery: 102 - 2nd Street
Known for it's memorable vintage names like Foreplay Chardonnay and Vixen Syrah, Naked Winery seems to be a must for bachelor/bachelorette parties checking out Hood River. Their wine is just as delicious as their marketing. They also host a variety of events like the annual family-friendly Naked Winery Summer Fest each July at their winemaking facilities outside of town. Bottles start at $18.
The Pines 1852 Vineyard: 202 Cascade Avenue
Estate-grown, limited production boutique wines come from this family-owned winery. Their tasting room hosts plenty of live music events throughout the year. They make every variety of white and red you can think of, starting at $18 a bottle.
Mylan Winery: 111 2nd Street, Ste. 300
The very newest hot spot in Hood River is Mylan Winery. Their tasting room is filled with local art and photography. In the past few years, up-and-coming winemaker Benjamin Wasby has grown this label from 1 to 6 wines, plus 2 ciders. If you're lucky, you might catch him and his enthusiasm during your tasting. Bottles start at $24.
Cerulean Winery: 304 Oak Street
Pure, all natural wines with no funny business! Located right on the main strip of Hood River, Cerulean offers a wine for every palate and a tasting room with seasonal outdoor seating. Their bottles start at $25.
Upsidedown Wines: 311 Oak Street
Upsidedown Wines also has a sleek new tasting room. Young winemaker Seth Kitzke and his wife Audrey have teamed up to attempt to be Washington State's top wine producers. With their campaign #drinkupsidedownwine they donate @0% of their net proceeds to 3 non-profit organizations, including A21, dedicated to ending human trafficking around the globe. Bottles of Upsidedown Wine start at $22.
If you're in Hood River and want to stay somewhere new and kitchy and walkable to all these tasting rooms, I have the spot for you: Lodge 902.
Lodge 902 (902 Oak Street) is a quirky PNW bed and breakfast in downtown Hood River, Oregon right on Oak Street -- the main drag. With six bedrooms (all with private ensuite bathrooms), luscious bedding and breakfast, plus a bevy of cozy common areas and ambrosial river views, it’s also an ideal house to rent for off-site meetings, family reunions, wedding lodgings, guys’ weekends, women’s getaways and retreats.
Not your typical bed and breakfast: Lodge 902, 902 Oak Street, Hood River, Oregon.