Hood River Vineyards

If you visit this winery in the summer, you’re likely to see purple vetch growing between the vineyard rows. While purple vetch is pretty, it serves a more practical purpose, according to Anne Lerch, co-owner of Hood River Vineyards & Winery. “It’s a good nitrogen fixer,” she notes.

Before there were premium grapes in the Hood River Valley, there were fruit orchards. Miles of them — cherry, peach, pear, apple, plum — along with strawberry fields and raspberry farms. There’s a reason this area is called Oregon’s Fruit Loop. Thus, it’s no surprise that the early wineries developed a reputation for their fruit wines, such as pear, peach, cherry, and others. As did Hood River Vineyards & Winery.

Originally started in 1981, Hood River rightfully claims the title of the oldest winery in the Gorge. And, true to their roots, Bernard and Anne Lerch continue the tradition of making fine fruit wines, along with an assortment of premium grape wines. Anne works the quaint tasting room, while Bernard tends to the myriad vineyard and winemaking chores.

For those wine lovers who have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed. Included in the list of wines are late-harvest riesling, pear wine, black muscat, zinfandel port, black cherry wine, and raspberry wine. Bernard’s Ph.D. in biochemistry certainly must come in handy when he’s concocting these dessert beauties.

Although the glasses are small, the tastes are big. If you do manage to exercise your palate through their full array of wines, you will have gotten your tasting fee’s worth. Take time to look around the tasting room and note Anne’s “mission statement” on the wall: “We do not do weddings or big events, nor do we blow glass or make cheese, chocolates, jellies, or sauces. We simply grow and make wine.” It is this matter-of-fact statement that defines the winery. If you’re seeking glorious landscaped grounds, complete with a bocce ball court, and the name “Domaine” or “Chateau” in the branding, you won’t find it at Hood River Vineyards & Winery. Instead, you will stumble onto some fines wines, discover more about the region’s winemaking history, and gain insight into the people who define the Gorge.