Maryhill Winery

There are many reasons to make a journey to Maryhill Winery. Many visitors stop for the view, and why not? With stupendous views of Mount Hood to the west and the Columbia River Gorge below, visitors are so entranced they might forget to sample Maryhill Wine. Then too, many trekkers come here for the summer concert series at Maryhill’s outdoor amphitheater. Past performers include none other than Bob Dylan; B.B. King; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Amy Grant; and ZZ Top. With the stars above you and ZZ Top rocking on stage, a glass of Maryhill’s zinfandel would complete the picture.

Maryhill may be the wine-event capital of the world. Throughout the year, Maryhill Winery hosts such events, from crush to bottling and everything in between. It even takes time in August to celebrate “verasion,” when the white grape varieties turn from opaque to translucent, and when the red grape varieties turn from green to deep red. However, many tourists are here simply because they love the wine. They note the view, browse the well-stocked gift shop, but make a quick beeline for the tasting bar.

The tasting bar is the centerpiece of the spacious tasting room. Built in the early 1900s, the massive Brunswick bar is 20 feet long and 12 feet high, with inset mirrors and wood carvings. The same crew responsible for the Egyptian pyramids must have moved this wine bar into position. Behind the bar, the well-trained staff pours and educates. The $5 fee for sampling reserve wines is well worth it, especially if you are thinking of purchasing a bottle or two; the fee applies to purchases of $20 or more. Maryhill Winery features a whole slew of dry to sweet white wines and a variety of classic reds. Cross your fingers that its popular “Fort Rock Red” is not sold out.

Owners Craig and Vicki Leuthold and family members Donald Leuthold and Cherie Brooks launched the winery in 2000. With an annual production of 35,000 cases, Maryhill Winery is one of the largest family-owned wineries in the state. Their slogan is “Passion, Patience, and Balance.” However, they could easily switch it for the motto, “Fun, Celebrate, Drink,” and WineTrail enthusiasts would understand. Come for the music, the view, or an event, but realize that without the wine, the setting would be just another windy photo op along Highway 14.

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  Maryhill Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Columbia River Gorge WineTrail on page 186!