Mimolette

We are planning a 3 day trip to the Willamette Valley. We are food and wine enthusiasts but this is our first trip to the area. I'm wondering if anyone has any updates on "must see" wineries and or restaurants in the area?? Cheers!

This is my first post although I have been reading this forum for many months. I was inspired to post when I saw this link and the reference to Blue Goose Cattle Company. I visited the Blue Goose wholesale outlet in North Van for the first time this weekend. We met the owner and spoke to him at length about the industry, their ranch and philosophy. He seemed passionate and sincere about his beliefs and it was fascinating to hear about the industry. They have a wide range of individually packaged cuts available for purchase at the outlet and the prices are very good. Short ribs, flat iron, wing tip...as well as all the traditional cuts are available. They also supply to Whole Foods. The brochure indicates that they are open Monday to Saturday (although I think he is often there on Sundays as well). The meat that they sell from this outlet has been dry hung....which results in incredible flavour and tenderness. We purchased wing tip ( a cheap but flavorful cut) and decided to try a side by side taste comparison with a AAA non-organic strip loin. We marinated both for a couple of hours, tossed on the BBQ and were shocked by the difference. The organic dry aged from BG had amazing taste, texture and mouth feel....oh yeah, that's what a steak is supposed to taste like!! The non-organic (and wet aged) by comparison was watery and flavorless. I know we weren't comparing apples to apples...but I was blown away by the difference. I love what this guy is doing and his product is awesome. It's definitely worth the trip over the bridge.