The Best Wine Tasting Itinerary for the Columbia Gorge

Best winery Hood River Columbia Gorge South Hill

Wildflowers at South Hill Vineyards, Columbia Gorge

Where to Drink, Eat and Stay in the Columbia Gorge: Our Top Recommendations

The Columbia Gorge wine country is one of Oregon and Washington’s best-kept secrets. With its dramatic river views, forested hillsides, and boutique wineries, this region offers a wine tasting experience unlike any other in the Pacific Northwest. From hand-crafted wines to farm-to-table dining and cozy accommodations, the Columbia Gorge is the perfect destination for wine lovers.

At the center of your journey is South Hill Vineyards, where sweeping views and expressive wines create the ideal introduction to the Gorge. To help you plan your visit, we’ve curated our top recommendations for Columbia Gorge wineries, Hood River restaurants, hotels, and outdoor activities—all within easy reach of Portland, Vancouver, Hood River, and White Salmon!

Columbia Gorge Wineries: Our Wine Tasting Recommendations

Wine tasting at South Hill Vineyards

South Hill Vineyards – Underwood

Your wine tasting journey begins at South Hill Vineyards. Our estate showcases the unique terroir of the Gorge, with vibrant whites and bold reds that thrive in this diverse AVA. Relax on our patio with panoramic views of the Columbia River and discover why South Hill is a cornerstone of the Gorge wine tasting experience. We look forward to welcoming you to the tasting room!

Clyzm Tasting Room – White Salmon

A downtown White Salmon favorite, Clyzm combines a charming atmosphere with elegant wines that highlight the region’s character.

Porron Wine Bar – Hood River

Perfect for adventurous palates, Porron features rotating wine regions each week in a cozy, approachable setting.

Phelps Creek Vineyards – Hood River

Famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Phelps Creek pairs excellent wines with vineyard views and on-site dining, making it a must-stop on your Columbia Gorge wine tasting tour.

Columbia Gorge Restaurants: Where to Eat

Pair your tasting itinerary with the Gorge’s best dining options, all within 30 minutes of South Hill Vineyards.

Stonehenge Restaurant – Hood River

An iconic establishment with a beautiful patio space, Stonehenge offers a varied menu, a friendly atmosphere, and an impressive wine list.

Three Rivers Grill – Hood River

Known for Northwest-inspired cuisine and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Three Rivers Grill is a reliable choice for both locals and visitors.

Romul’s Restaurant – Hood River

A favorite for Italian cuisine, Romul’s features a well-curated menu and attentive service at reasonable prices.

Three Rivers Grill

Columbia Gorge Accommodations: Where To Stay

Society Hotel & Spa

Extend your wine tasting trip with a stay at one of these highly rated accommodations near South Hill Vineyards.

Society Hotel & Spa – Bingen (20 minutes)

A boutique property in a converted schoolhouse, Society Hotel blends history, modern design, and a spa experience that makes it a standout.

Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins – Carson (30 minutes)

Private, romantic cabins with luxury amenities make Carson Ridge a top choice for couples exploring Columbia Gorge wine country.

Skamania Lodge – Stevenson (35 minutes)

This forest retreat offers rustic elegance with resort-style amenities including golf, ziplining, and stunning views of the Gorge.

Things to Do in the Columbia Gorge Beyond Wine Tasting

The Gorge is not only about wine—it’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Weldon Wagon Trail (White Salmon) – Ridgetop meadows and sweeping views make this hike a hidden gem, especially in spring and fall. A short drive from South Hill Vineyards and White Salmon.
Panther Creek Falls (Carson, WA) – A short, scenic hike to one of the Gorge’s most photogenic waterfalls. Convenient to Carson Cabins and Skamania Lodge.
White Water Rafting – Husum – Experience the thrill of rafting the White Salmon River, just 30 minutes from our winery.
Trout Lake & Mt. Adams Loop – A scenic drive or cycling loop with panoramic views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.

Things to Do in the Columbia Gorge Beyond Wine Tasting, Panther Creek Falls

Plan Your Columbia Gorge Wine Tasting Getaway

Whether you’re planning a Hood River wine tasting tour, a romantic weekend retreat, or an active getaway that blends adventure with boutique wineries, the Columbia Gorge has it all.

Make South Hill Vineyards the centerpiece of your trip, then explore the restaurants, hotels, and outdoor activities that make this region so unforgettable.

Cheers!

July 19, 2024

History and Grapegrowing on Washington’s Underwood Mountain

Best wine tasting in Columbia River Gorge, South Hill Vineyards

View of South Hill Winery and Vineyards on Underwood Mountain, looking east towards Hood River in 2023

History & Winegrowing on Washington’s Underwood Mountain

Underwood Mountain, across the Columbia from Hood River, has been used for logging, growing apples and pears, and most recently wine grape growing. This article takes a look at the progression of Underwood Mountain from remote wilderness to the acclaimed winegrowing region that it is today (and home to several popular wineries, including South Hill Vineyards.)

Where is Underwood Mountain, and what created it?

Underwood is an unincorporated community in Skamania County, Washington, nestled on the side of Underwood Mountain, which rises to 2,755 feet. The area benefits from excellent soil and climate conditions, supporting premium vineyards and thriving organic farms.

Geologically, Underwood Mountain is an early Pleistocene shield volcano that erupted between 20,000 and 850,000 years ago, covering east-dipping Grande Ronde Basalt. The mountain’s basalt comprises numerous blocky, jointed flows, each about 10 to 30 feet thick, reaching a total thickness of at least 590 feet. These lavas once crossed and probably briefly dammed the Columbia River, with remnants of the flows found on the Oregon side.

Where does the name Underwood come from?
The name Underwood comes from early settler Amos Underwood and his brother Ed. Amos acquired land near the mouth of the White Salmon River using his personal military land bounty for a free homestead on railroad land claims along the north shore. He also bought a settler’s homestead, so that his land totaled 320 acres. In 1861 Amos operated a ferry from his homestead to Hood River. He owned two freight scows, a saloon and 10 gold mines near Mt. Adams. Ed Underwood, younger brother of Amos, came to the area in 1865 and filed for a homestead on the bluff above the Columbia River.

Given the geology and steep terrain of the mountain, historically what was the land used for economically?
“Logging was the first widespread industry, and this cleared the land. Then Apple growing, same as in White Salmon and Hood River until the freeze of 1918-19. Pears were replanted as they are more cold-resistant. Underwood had the advantage of not requiring irrigation due to its deep soils and its moisture retention. That was great for many years but eventually over the past 30 years, irrigated orchards proved to be more reliable and economically more profitable. In general, wells are not viable on Underwood as most of the deep ground water is locked up in volcanic lava tubs. Other than a few springs most of the water is now obtained by the PUD, pumped back up the mountain from where springs pop out near the river.” – Phil Jones, Owner South Hill Vineyards

When clearing the land for South Hill Vineyard, owner Phil Jones came across the remnants of a previous homestead. What did you find and what does it tell you about the people who lived on this land before you?
“The lower 1/2 of our home acreage with the winery was in pear orchard from the 1920s through the 1960s. The orchard was abandoned at that point, most likely to old age and reducing yields. It was not replanted. The foundation at the drive entry of South Hill Vineyards was either an old house or shed. On the forestry block above our property there were foundations of an old homestead owned by the Collins family. They planted an apple orchard up there when it was homesteaded about 1918. The daughter purchased the current winery 80 acres in the 1920s. They raised a family but in the early 1930s lost the upper property and it was bought by a lumber company for forestry. The daughter sold our 80 acres, and it was planted partially to pears. A lot of upper Underwood was cleared and planted to orchards but most of the higher elevations and most of the east side of the mountain proved unsuitable for fruit as it was that much colder.” – Phil Jones, Owner South Hill Vineyards

The primary economic/agricultural industry on the mountain is now grape growing. What makes the mountain so ideal for growing grapes?
“Wine grapes are more drought resistant than pears (the previous favored crop un Underwood), but one or two irrigations in dry summers can be beneficial. South Hill Vineyards gets our water from the PUD so it is expensive and only 1-2 irrigations are feasible. The south facing slopes provide perfect sunshine for growth. The winds prevent many grape diseases from causing problems, requiring less sprays. We do not have insect problems either. Our biggest problem are Gophers which thrive in these conditions and will even kill or severely damage mature vines. We bait every year and have them under pretty good control.” – Phil Jones, Owner South Hill Vineyards

Harriet and George Collins, early settlers of Underwood Mountain

Underwood Newspaper Articles From The Past

from Apr. 1856 – Cascade City Taken by the Indians! (posted December 2007)
from Dec. 1890 – Indian War Reminiscences (posted July 2006)
from Sept. 1894 – Across the Columbia (posted September 2007)
from Dec. 1894 – The Old Block House at the Cascades (posted March 2007)
from May 1895 – A Pioneer (posted September 2007)
from Jan./Feb. 1897 – Reminiscences of the Cayuse War (posted July 2006)
from Jul. 1897 – Mines of Skamania (posted July 2011)
from 1901 – Murder In The First Degree (posted April 2008)
from Jan. 1905 – Underwood to Build New Dock (posted July 2006)
from Jul. 1905 – Famed As An Indian Fighter (posted May 2003)
from Jan. 1907 – Want Station at Underwood (posted September 2007)
from May 1907 – Buy At Underwood (posted September 2007)
from Aug. 1907 – Three Columbia River Towns (posted December 2008)
from Sep. 1907 – Uncle Amos Underwood Goes East (posted April 2008)
from Jan. 1908 – The Cayuse War (posted May 2003)
from Apr. 1908 – A Trip to Underwood (posted July 2006)
from May 1908 – Underwood Needs Railroad Station (posted September 2007)
from Jun. 1908 – Underwood is Growing Fast (posted July 2006)
from Apr. 1909 – Underwood Improvement Club (posted July 2006)
from Nov. 1909 – Underwood (posted September 2007)
from Nov. 1909 – Underwood (posted July 2006)
from Jul. 1910 – Indian Fights Of Early Days In Pacific Northwest Are Recalled (posted May 2003)
from Dec. 1910 – Some Facts About Stevenson (posted December 2009)
from Dec. 1910 – Progress (posted December 2009)
from Jun. 1911 – Collins Hot Springs Is Popular Resort (posted June 2011)
from Aug. 1911 – Underwood View (posted May 2007)
from Mar. 1911 – Put New Boat On Underwood Ferry (posted April 2008)
from Jul. 1913 – Underwood District Grows (posted September 2007)
from Jul. 1913 – Many Attractive Underwood Homes (posted September 2007)
from Oct. 1913 – Orchards Thrive in Skamania County (posted December 2008)
from Jul. 1915 – Underwood District Is Rival Of Bar Le Duc (posted April 2008)
from Jan. 1918 – Indian Days Recalled (posted May 2003)
from Jan./Feb./Jul./Aug 1918 – Story of The Cayuse War – (posted November 2004)
from Oct. 1922 – Propose Railroad for Underwood (posted September 2007)
from Oct. 1922 Goose Lake Region Scenic Storehouse (posted June 2011)
from Jan. 1923 – Underwood Prepares for Coming Boom (posted July 2006)
from Oct. 1924 – $75,000 Fire Loss At Underwood (posted April 2008)
from Jun. 1925 – Underwood Grows as a Shipping Center (posted November 2005)
from Aug. 1925 – New Fruit Plant At Underwood (posted April 2008)
from Jan. 1926 – Much Prosperity Seen At Underwood During 1925 (posted April 2008)
from Jun. 1926 – Underwood Big Shipping Point (posted April 2008)
from Aug. 1926 – $18,000 Addition At Underwood (posted April 2008)
from Jan. 1927 – Memories of my Childhood (posted November 2007)

from Jan. 1927 – My Arrival in Washington in 1852 (posted November 2007)
from Jan. 1927 – Early Days at the Cascades (posted November 2007)
from Jan. 1927 – Underwood Store bought by Cascade Locks Men (posted September 2007)
from Jan. 1928 – The Indian Raid of the Cascades in March, 1856 (posted November 2007)
from Feb. 1931 – Underwood Gymnasium Completed (posted April 2008)
from Jul. 1931 – Underwood Fruit & Warehouse Co. Increases Cold Storage (posted April 2008)
from Nov. 1931 – When the Yakimas Went Berserk (posted March 2007)
from Aug. 1935 – An Interview with Mrs. Edward Underwood, by Fred Lockley (posted September 2007)
from Jan. 1934 – The Slaying of Pio-Pio-Mox-Mox (posted November 2007)
from Jan. 1937 – Incidents in Sailing Columbia River are Related by Pioneer (posted September 2007)
from Jan. 1937 – Pioneer Recalls Early Carson and Hardships of 50 Years Ago (posted September 2007)
from May 1937 – Society Sees Big Collection of Rosaries (posted September 2007)
from May 1938 – Mary V. Lane Tells of Times Before Autos and Radios (posted April 2005)
from Apr. 1939 – “History of Settlement of the Wind River Valley” (posted September 2007)
from Jun. 1939 – Underwood Heights Drive Reveals Scenic Beauty (posted December 2008)
from Jan. 1941 – Pioneer Writes of Life in County 50 Years Ago (posted December 2008)
from Dec. 1943 – How Skamania County Looked 60 Years Ago (posted December 2008)
from Nov. 1945 – Homesteader of 1903 Prominent in Development ……. (posted May 2003)
from May 1946 – Fires Take Toll In Area Over Past Week End (posted April 2008)
from May 1946 – Underwood Razed by Fire Last Sunday (posted July 2006)
from May 1946 – This Is How A Story Can Spread (posted April 2008)
from Feb. 1948 – Underwood Grower Wins In Battle With …. (posted July 2006)
from May 1951 – Chenowith Pioneers Recall Story About First Loggers (posted December 2008)
from Oct. 1951 – Weather Rock Rediscovered At Underwood (posted May 2003)
from Mar. 1955 – Magazine Lauds Underwood Man (posted May 2003)
from Jun. 1955 – Monster Flames Engulf Big Underwood Plant (posted September 2007)
from May 1964 – Balsigers To Close Store At Underwood (posted April 2008)
from Jun. 1964 – Underwood Store Sold (posted April 2008)
from Summer 1996 – Hatcheries Fete 100 Years (posted September 2007)
from Sep. 2001 – Hatchery Celebrates 100 years (posted July 2006)
Underwood Family Letters (posted May 2003)

February 27, 2024

Comparing Winemaking in New Zealand and Washington’s Columbia Gorge

Crossing Hemispheres: A Winemaker’s Insight into Crafting Wine in New Zealand and the Columbia Gorge

South Hill Winery in Washington’s Columbia Gorge has unique ties to New Zealand. Owners Phil & Sheryl Jones owned a successful winery in New Zealand for years before starting their Columbia Gorge Winery in the early 2000s. This interview explores what drew them to Washington and how winegrowing and winemaking in the Columbia Gorge compares to winemaking in New Zealand.

What inspired you to transition from winemaking in New Zealand to establishing a winery in the Columbia Gorge region of Washington?

The winery had achieved significant success in New Zealand, and we were eager for a new venture. We believed it was the perfect moment to buy a property in the USA where we could establish a vineyard, grow grapes, and make wine. This would not only offer a location for our family to visit a few times a year but also introduce our two sons to life in the USA. In our search for property we looked at Northern California, the Willamette Valley and considered parts of Washington. We initially had missed looking at the Hood River area until a friend that lived there emailed me and said I should look. I had previously visited Hood River early in my career when I was conducting contract research work as a consultant. In the 1970s there were very few acres of vines in the area and not many in the Willamette either.

Upon visiting Hood River in late 2004 we were struck by the beauty of the area and the newly established vineyards and wineries. We kept looking at Underwood Mountain as it fit my idea of an elevated south slope for vineyards. A site that would be similar in growing conditions to New Zealand….cool climate because of its altitude as Underwood is almost 2000 feet elevation.

Once I saw the Celilo Vineyard that had been planted in the late 1970s, and was able to taste some wines made from those grapes I knew we had found a place. Luckily the 80 acre piece the winery is now on was available as raw land at a reasonable price and a deal was struck. We also bought another 20 acres down the street that we eventually planted to vines and then sold.

Can you share any specific techniques or traditions from New Zealand that influence your winemaking philosophy in the Columbia Gorge?

We do things quite different from many typical winemakers both in New Zealand and at Underwood. In the vineyard we use Pest Management strategies that I was taught at the University of California. We monitor for all pests and only spray when we see them in a sufficient quantity to cause damage. We spray far less than even organic farmers who still routinely spray by calendar. This saves money and reduces pesticide residues. We use large amounts of compost and supplement only when needed with foliar and other chemical fertilizers. We might irrigate 1-2 times a year but only in very dry years to keep the vines healthy. We do not agree with a widespread concept that stressed grapes provide better fruit. Stressed grapes produce out of balance wines which then require adjustments to be made by the winemaker.

Our approach to wine making is a bit different. White wines are fermented very cold, almost to the point of killing the yeast. This provides a very long ferment sometimes lasting 5-6 weeks. This saves all the fruit flavors especially in weak flavoured vines like Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. This extended ferment allows longer lees contact giving weight and texture to the wines.

The reds are fermented in a closed bag system that does not require any plunging of the skins. The system provides huge extraction but minimises harsh tannins from developing. All our reds have a soft, rounded finish.

Oak barrels are not used. Instead we use premium oak staves obtained from the barrel manufactures. These are placed inside the tanks. This method provides us with clean wood each year that has no potential for contamination such as you might get in old barrels. It also allows us to fine tune the amount and type of oak we wish to use. We started using staves 30 years ago in New Zealand with some criticism that they should be used only for cheap wine. That criticism disappeared when we won Champion Chardonnay in the World at The International Wine & Spirits Competition in London and many other trophy’s after that in Hong Kong, San Francisco, Auckland, New York and other places. We feel we are experts in using that technique for premium wines.

Winemaker Phil Jones in New Zealand, 1998

What similarities and differences do you find between the terroir of New Zealand and the Columbia Gorge, and how do these factors shape the wines you produce?

New Zealand is more of a marine climate with sea breezes making temperatures much cooler than Australia or Washington. It has a thinner ozone layer that allows certain light rays through that extend the season allowing grapes and other fruit to ripen…..but only earlier season grapes for the most part.

Underwood is higher in elevation providing cooler temperatures required for quality cool climate grapes. Like New Zealand, the season is just long enough to grow cool season grapes. Our New Zealand vineyard areas in Nelson and at Underwood have deep enough soils to grow grapes with minimal irrigation.

New Zeland Vineyard

Are there any particular grape varietals that you believe thrive exceptionally well in both regions, or do you focus on different varietals in each location?

Almost the same varietals in both areas. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gamay Noir grow well in cool climate areas. There are a few other varieties that can grow in these areas but may not be commercially viable.

Harvesting Fruit in Washington’s Columbia Gorge, South Hill Vineyards

Have you encountered any challenges or surprises in adapting your winemaking practices from New Zealand to Washington?

More so in the vineyard. Grafting techniques are different for what ever reason we cannot understand. Disease control is more difficult in New Zealand as it typically rains a lot around harvest. We used mechanical harvest more in our New Zealand vineyards due to labor shortages. We use hand pick for everything at Underwood. Wine making is similar.

What role does sustainability play in your wine making approach, and how do you integrate sustainable practices into both your New Zealand and Washington operations?

In New Zealand we are part of the Sustainability Program that is nationwide for both Vineyards and Wineries. We follow certain guidelines and are audited each year for compliance.

We follow these same guidelines in our Underwood operations although we are not part of the new coalition recently started in Washington State. We prefer to wait and see how the Washington State Sustainability program turns out prior to consider joining it. In the meantime we proceed to use most of the Sustainability practices learned at university and in New Zealand. We are trained in numerous aspects of agricultural Pest Management from Entomology, Plant Physiology, Plant Pathology, Pesticide Chemistry, Equipment use, etc so we feel we understand what Sustainability means. We spray far less than most vineyard operators and spend more money on soil conservation than most.

Over the past 18 years we have planted vineyards on four different properties up on Underwood accounting for over 75 acres of vineyards. We learned much from these different plantings. Two blocks were sold to others who are bow farming them.

Man standing in front of a steel wine barrel and a hose over his shoulder

South Hill winemaker Spencer Jones, son of Phil Jones