Eola – Amity Hills WineTrail South

For WineTrail enthusiasts who like to bike, this is the WineTrail for you. The Eola – Amity Hills WineTrail South offers scenic byways over rolling hills with wine stops along the way. Tom Huggins, founder of Eola Hills Wine Cellars, cooked up the idea of sponsoring a bike ride through wine country in the mid-90s. Though an avid bicyclist himself, he still might have been surprised by the large turnout of Oregon bike riders. Today the bike tour continues. During Sundays in August, Eola Hills Wine Cellars sponsors various rides to fit both beginner and advanced rider needs, ranging from 45 to 70 miles. Along the way, riders make pit stops at participating wineries and purchased wine is carried in the SAG vehicle. At the end of the bike ride, the grounds of Eola Hills Wine Cellars become ground zero for a BBQ feast and a glass or two of wine.

In addition to Eola Hills Wine Cellars, the Eola – Amity Hills WineTrail South will introduce you to amazing views, spectacular tasting rooms and most likely a one-on-one visit with a winemaker or two. From Redhawk Winery toward the east to Chateau Bianca Winery in the west, you would be wise to budget two or three days to savor this excursion.

P.S. You don’t need to bicycle to enjoy this WineTrail. I used transportation of the 4-wheel variety and had a blast. One day, sooner rather than later, I will return with my 2-wheel, leg-powered vehicle and attack the 70-mile loop ride! Well, maybe the 45-miler, if truth be told.