Oregon: May 2013, Day 4

We started the day by going out for breakfast.  On the way back Cory pointed out a pedestrian bridge that is suspended from the highway bridge that crosses the South Umpqua River.  I had to check it out. The bridge is part of an extensive walking/bicycle pathway system in the Roseburg area.

We decided to do some more wine tasting today.  The Umpqua Valley surrounding Roseburg is host to some 22 different wineries.  We visited three of them today.  It is amazing to see such a thriving industry of small micro-wineries.  All these wineries are members of the Umpqua Valley Wineries Association and they support and promote each other.  Interestingly, at all three places we visited today, the owners were serving at the tastings.

The first one we visited was Becker Vineyards.  This craft winery is owned and operated by Charlie and Peggy Becker.  They have no employees, and they sell out their supply of wines every year.  Peggy was our tasting host.  This is truly a "mom and pop" business that is very successful.  In fact, I ended up buying a case of wine and having it shipped back to New York.

 The second stop was Misty Oaks Vineyards.  This family business grows six varieties of grapes on 15 acres.

The last stop on our mini tour was Glaser Estate Winery.  Our tasting host was Sandy Glaser, who is a bundle of energy and wows you with her enthusiasm.  The winery is located on the banks of the North Umpqua River.  They have a beautiful outdoor seating area on a deck overlooking the river.  Sandy also has an eclectic collection of chickens, goats and geese.  They also have started a small distillery to make flavorful vodkas and rums.

We ended the day around a backyard campfire again.

That's all for now............