On our wine tours, we feature an appetizer tray with local meat and cheese, and a chocolate tray for our guests. We have searched to find you some of the best local meats, cheeses, breads, and chocolates that Oregon has to offer. Each of the items we provide has been selected based on how well it pairs with the wines being served, where the item was produced, and the environmental efforts of the producer. Our goal is to find local organic products when possible.
Cheese
Fairview Farms Dairy – Located just 9 miles from our office, we were excited when we found Fairview Farms Dairy. Terry and Laurie Carlson have found the trick to making great goat cheese on their six acre farm in Dallas. They ensure that the goats are humanely treated and are animal welfare approved. The pastures and milk are certified organic. The Carlson’s Cascadia cheese took third at the 2010 American Dairy Goat Association National Cheese Competition. If you are in the area, stop by the fridge in the driveway is always stocked with cheese.
Tumalo Farms – A slightly larger operation, Tumalo farms has 700 goats on 84 acres, but still produces several high quality goat cheeses. In 2009, Flavio DeCastilhos’ Classico finished second in the 2009 US Cheese Championship Contest, the first top three finish for an Oregon cheesemaker. All of their cheeses highlight the unique terroir of Central Oregon.
Willamette Valley Cheese Company – Located just north of Salem, Willamette Valley Cheese Company specializes in farmstead cow’s milk cheese. From Cheddar and Fontinas to Goudas, they have a selection that is sure to have something that will be just what you are looking for. The pastures and production plant are certified organic, and the cows are never treated with hormones or antibiotics. Their Perrydale Gouda, a sheep and cows milk blend took Best of Class at the 2009 US Cheese Championship. Visit their tasting room when you are in the area, or ask us to add it as a stop on your next wine tour.
Charcuterie
Chop – Located inside of Portland’s City Market their motto is “Know Your Butcher”. Chop is a great source for local meats and charcuterie. All of their meat is sourced from local farmers and made from naturally raised ingredients. You can also catch them at the Portland Farmers Market. If you are heading into wine country, stop by and grab some snacks or lunch.
Other Items
Honest Chocolates – Honest Chocolates has locations in Newberg, McMinnville, and Carlton. After having a handmade chocolate covered caramel with lavender and sea salt, I was hooked on Dana’s chocolates. They also produce great dark chocolate ganache that has a variety of berries and Pinot Noir. Their chocolates make a great pairing for your next wine party.
Cascade Baking Company – Cascade Baking Company is a local bakery in Salem. They provide great fresh baked bread from their brick oven. They source ingredients from a variety of local suppliers and use Food Alliance certified Flour. We love stopping by Cascade Baking Company in the mornings to grab a fresh baguette for our Salem area wine tours.
Freddy Guys Hazelnuts – Freddy Guys Hazelnuts is a local, family owned hazelnut orchard. Located just over 4 miles from our office, they provide great fresh roasted hazelnuts. They follow earth friendly growing guidelines published by Oregon State University. If you would like to arrange a tasting at the orchard, please let us know and we can add this to your day.
