College Guide to Wining and Dining: King Estate Winery | FLUX

image courtesy of Don Hankins

-Diana Roure

Think about these three words: college and fine wine.  They do not actually belong together, right?

Wrong. And not just because of Franzia, Carlo Rossi, or the clearance aisle at Safeway.

Here at the University of Oregon, situated at the southern end of the beautiful Willamette Valley, we are surrounded by one of the best wine regions in America, giving Napa and Sonoma wines a run for their money.  With its moderate weather – chilly and damp in the winter, hot and dry in the summer – the valley we call home is an excellent place for growing wine grapes.

With so many wineries near us, most within a half hour, you should take advantage of this opportunity and familiarize yourself with the Willamette Valley wine experience at least once during your college career in Eugene.  Most wineries offer tasting, beautiful scenery, and wine for sale, obviously.

Now I know as college students we do not have a disposable income lying around and we are not too interested in becoming “wine snobs.”  I certainly am no exception.  Growing up just an hour from Napa Valley with my wine-loving mother, I couldn’t have cared less what good wine was, what it tasted like, or smelled like.  I had no idea what a bouquet meant or what exactly a decanter was for.  I’ve even been known to partake in a little slap bag action myself.

But at some point during these past seven months as a legal drinker, I have grown to appreciate how perfect a nice glass of wine can be at the end of a long day or over dinner with friends.  I have been more willing to occasionally splurge on finer alcohols.  The increase in price is almost always accompanied by a better taste and perhaps a more desirable effect.  I still have no idea what a bouquet is or why it is important to let wine breathe. But hey, we are all hardworking college students.  Why not treat yourself every now and then?

My favorite Willamette Valley winery is King Estate, just a thirty-minute scenic drive past the moss-covered trees of Spencer’s Butte.  As you make your way up the long winding driveway, acres of grape vines, fresh lavender, a variety of wildlife, and stunning views await you.  Park your car in the expansive parking lot overlooking the valley and head into the charming European-style main building.

Wine tasting at King Estate is actually only $5 (!!!), which is virtually unheard of.  King Estate has a wide variety of red and white wines – Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and dessert wines – to name a few.  There is absolutely something for everyone.  Walk right up to the bar and an extremely knowledgeable associate will gladly assist you in trying some of the best wines in Oregon.

Visitors not only come for the wine but for the exceptional food, as well.  I have only had the Roasted Smoked Chicken ($14) all three times that I have been there, but it is hands down the best chicken I have ever had.  Yes, it is more expensive than Panda Express or Caspian, but it’s 100% worth it.

Do yourself a favor.  Put that jug-o-wine down, gather some great friends, and make your way to King Estate for a wine and dine experience you will not soon forget!

Follow Diana at @dianaroure