Beginning in the Cascades and moving upriver through the eastern stretch of the Columbia River Gorge is the relatively young, but rapidly growing wine-making region known as the Columbia River American Viticulture Area (AVA). Often referred to as “A World of Wine in 40 Miles,” the Columbia River AVA consists of a combination of climates, soils, elevation, and geology to produce some of the most varied grape varietals in the Pacific Northwest.

After time in Hood River to purchase lunch enjoy a historic, unique train ride through the lower Hood River Valley.

Our enthusiastic guides will introduce you to the most amazing places in the Gorge and the Hood River Valley, while providing a comprehensive narrative of this spectacular landscape and its transformative history. They will then transport you to one winery that best represents the unique offerings from the Columbia River AVA. Our stops will include Multnomah Falls, a ride on the Hood River Excursion Train, and a stop at one winery.

After departing Multnomah Falls your Tour Guide will drop you at a local Hood River restaurant where you will have a short amount of free time to explore city centre, then pick up your lunch.

Your Tour Guide will meet you at the restaurant you were dropped off at then walk you across the street to the Mount Hood Railway where you will board the Hood River Excursion Train. You are welcome to bring your own lunch instead of ordering from the restaurant if you prefer. At the beginning of the tour, your Tour Guide will give you a menu from the restaurant we recommend, and you will want to call in your order, and give them an 11:00 am pick up time.

Hood River Excursion Train: Leaving the valley floor you will cross and ride along 3 miles of the lower main fork of the Hood River while we navigate a 3 percent grade that takes you on one of only five switchbacks remaining in the United States. All the while, you’ll be enjoying peek-a-boo views of Mt Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak.

Columbia River AVA Wineries: The Columbia Gorge Wine Region is home to more than 65 wineries, along a 40-mile stretch of the Columbia River. Although the Columbia River AVA encompasses both sides of the River in Oregon and Washington states, we’ll visit one select winery within the Hood River Valley region of Oregon.