While still considered a small wine market, Oregon is starting to make waves with its local wineries. Yamhill County farmers have taken advantage of the fertile soils and near perfect rainfall to craft wines that are being served at many of the world's finest restaurants.

Although these wines may be exclusive in some parts of the world, wineries throughout Yamhill County are inclusive about letting people in to sample award winning selections and see the wine making process first hand.

While it is easy to hop in the car with friends and take a drive through wine country, a variety of wine tours are available for those who want a more active or luxury tour experience.

On two wheels

Moving from car seat to saddle may seem a bit extreme, but the Bike Oregon Wine Country tours held every Sunday in August are attracting a large following.

The rides start at Eola Hills Winery in Rickreall at 8 a.m. Depending on the weekend, riders can take northern or southern routes that allow people to take in 40 to 70 miles of wine country with stops at five to seven vineyards for wine tasting and lunch.

After a day of pleasing the palate and torturing the legs, riders return to Eola Hills Winery for a barbecue dinner and, of course, plenty of wine.

"The rides are ever-changing," said Eola Hills Business Manager Eric Rogers. "We don't want anybody to get bored." The rides have attracted as many as 200 people he said. However he added that once riders spread out, it becomes a pleasurable ride.

"It's beautiful country out here and there is so much you can miss if you drive through it," Rogers said. "It's really a biking event for bike lovers and it's proven to be very popular."

The $65 per rider cost includes lunch, a van that carries wine and souvenirs or picks up stray riders and dinner. People can sign up at the Eola Hills Web site beginning in June. Info: (503) 623-2405, www.eolahillswinery.com

By four wheels

For those who don't want a workout with their wine, or want to travel with a larger group, Entourage International has a wine tour with 325 horses.

Groups of up to 16 people can take a tour of wine country in a 16-passenger Hummer H2. While passengers may have to purchase a few extra carbon credits to offset this wine tour's footprint, Entourage International co-owner Chris Whalen said the experience is hard to match.

"Typically we see novices or those who have never taken a wine tour before and they are looking for transportation," Whalen said. "Our unique approach is that we are a luxury experience. We add things into our package price that a lot of others charge extra for." Some of the additional items include chocolates, water and soft drinks. A tasting journal used as a keepsake and reminder of wines that are loved and hated is also included in the tour cost.

Each tour can be customized to what the tasters want to see and do. Additionally, those on the tour can get exclusive behind-the-scenes views of some of Yamhill County's most popular vineyards.

"I work with some of the vineyard owners who will show them the wine making process," Whalen said.

"They will get an in-depth look at how and why the vineyard owners do what they do."

Vineyard owners can also arrange to have food available that pair well with their wines for a more in-depth experience.

At $899 for a 6-hour tour or $1,199 for an 8-hour tour, not including tip and a fuel surcharge, the trip isn't for the light of wallet. However, with a full group, the cost comes to around $60 per person. Entourage International is based in Portland, but pick-ups can be arranged in Salem. Info: (503) 234-LIMO, touroregonwines.com

By air

For a different perspective on wine country without taking off your shoes and belt, a balloon tour may be just the ticket. At Vista Balloon Adventures flyers will get an early morning tour of wine country as the sun begins to rise and cast its rays among the fields of beloved grapes.

"For me it's like owning a little fleet of magic carpets," said Roger Anderson, co-owner of Vista.

"There is no other way to get in the air that matches it. It's like having a big floating balcony."

The experience can also be as hands-on -- or off as guests would like.

"They can help inflate the balloon with us as part of the experience," Anderson said.

The flight lasts about an hour with some time spent just above the treetops and others at 2,000 to 3,000 feet. While Vista pilots don't fly directly above most wineries, Anderson said the panoramic view of wine country is "breathtaking."

Following the flight, a gourmet breakfast with champagne will top off the experience.

Anderson said May is one of the best times to fly. The wineries of the Dundee hills are all visible from the air.

"There are probably 200 vineyards visible within 15 minutes of where we fly," he said. "The days we do fly in April and May are just spectacular. The air is clean and everything that is growing is all brand new."

Flights costs $189 per person or $170 per person for groups of four or more and are weather dependent. Anderson said he typically calls flyers the night before to let them know if the flight is a go or no-go. Info: (503) 625-7385

By water

For a truly off-road experience, Montana-based Zephyr Wine Adventures has the ticket.

The tour company has made it a mission to pair wine lovers with adventures and included Oregon as one of its seven premier destinations.

"We look for areas that are beautiful but also for areas that have good opportunities for activities," said Allan Wright, owner of Zephyr Wine Adventures. "We wanted wine areas that would fit our definition of high quality wine travel."
Wright said this tour is unique because it allows wine lovers the ability to hike more than 5 miles through four vineyards. Vineyard owners will talk about what makes a good wine grape, how they are grown and eventually the types of wine they will become.

As the tour winds through Eugene, Yamhill County and Hood River, travelers will take a canoe trip on the Willamette River and bike throughout the region. The goal is to introduce both newcomers to Oregon and area residents to places and wines they may never have seen or tasted before.

"Oregon has an established wine industry that is considered novel and is therefore unknown to a lot of people," Wright said. "It was a no-brainer to add Oregon to the top seven list because we could add biking, hiking and canoeing all in one wine area."

The 5-day, 4-night tour costs $1,900 per person.

It includes all meals, lodging at local historic inns and bike rentals. Info: (888) 758-8687, zephyradventures.com