This August 21st, the U.S. will experience its first nationwide solar eclipse in nearly a century. Oregon is one of the lucky areas where a total eclipse can be viewed — and wineries are leaping at the business opportunity.
So far, the surprising sellout experience has been winery eclipse camping. At this point, most Oregon winery campsites are entirely booked full. But fear not. Here are a few campsites that still have availabilities, along with plenty of other activities for non-campers to indulge in. From eclipse parties to winemaker dinners, there are plenty of ways you can have a wine-filled solar eclipse.
For the Campers:
Coleman Vineyard
Coleman Vineyards, located in McMinnville, still has dry-camping tent sites at $150 for 1 night ($50 per additional night). Included in the ticket is a Sunday vineyard dinner, a Monday brunch with eclipse readings, music, and vineyard games. They will also receive Eclipse viewing glasses, a logo glass, Commemorative shirt. The winery will also be hand-tossing pizzas on the grill Monday afternoon for purchase. Visit ColemanVineyards.com to learn more.
Wine Country Eclipse Festival
While most winery campsites might be booked full, you can still find space at fairgrounds throughout Oregon. The Wine Country Eclipse Festival at Polk County Fairgrounds lies in the heart of Willamette Valley. For $350, two people will receive access for 3 nights of camping, 3 day Festival passes, breakfast, and two pairs of eclipse viewing glasses. Festival goers will enjoy wine tastings, local foods, crafts, and even square dancing lessons on Saturday evening. Find out more at WineCountryEclipse.com.
Other Great Ways to View the Eclipse:
Eola Hills Wine Cellars
Without a doubt, Eola Hills is leading the pack when it comes to making an experience out of the eclipse. While their camping experiences are entirely sold out, more active types can join in a “Tour d’Eclipse” bike ride through Oregon’s scenic wine country. Music lovers can partake in an Eclipse Wine Festival Viewing party, while enjoying live music from Nu Shooz, Patrick Lamb, and Quarterflash. All packages include eclipse viewing glasses, an educational lecture series from Clark College, and most importantly, the special edition Total Eclipse Pinot Noir (below). Purchase tickets at EolaHillsWinery.com.
Stoller Family Estate
While 90+ point-rated Pinot Noir maker Stoller is also sold out of camping packages, they will be letting vehicles pull into the vineyard for a full eclipse viewing from 9 A.M. – 1 P.M. on Monday, August 21st. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase additional snacks, wines, and mimosas. Stoller will also be providing protective sunglasses to view the eclipse. A single day eclipse viewing goes for $50 per vehicle. To RSVP, visit StollerFamilyEstate.com.
Domaine Serene
If the idea of paying to see a solar eclipse sounds painful, enjoy a free eclipse viewing at 1000 feet in elevation at Domaine Serene. Domaine Serene will also be pouring Clos du Soleil and Clos de Lune single-vineyard chardonnay, at an additional cost. Find out more at DomaineSerene.com.
Noble Estate Vineyard and Winery
Noble Estate Newport will be celebrating the eclipse all weekend with wine flights, cheese plates, local beer/cider, and celestial-inspired mimosas made with their award-winning Oregon wines. They are also promising additional “surprise guests”, such as a pop-up shop featuring hand blown glass from Glassbaby. While the winery will not be providing eclipse glasses, they can be obtained through the Newport Chamber of Commerce. Find out more at NobleEstateWinery.com.
Willamette Valley Vineyards
On Saturday and Sunday, August 19th-20th from 11 A.M. – 6 P.M., Willamette Valley Vineyards will be hosting a Solar Eclipse Open House. The event will include wine tasting, educational presentations, and live music. They will also be offering a commemorative bottling of 2015 Solar Eclipse Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and food pairings for purchase. Admission is $25 per person. Reservations can be made online or by calling (503) 588-9463.
Joel Palmer House & Native Flora Winery
For the foodie looking for a more culinary experience, Joel Palmer House and Native Flora Winery will be hosting a “Lights Out Brunch and Wine Tasting” the heart of Oregon Wine Country. The total solar eclipse will reach Dayton, Oregon at about 10:15 A.M. and exit the state at 10:27 A.M., so the festivities will be timed so that guests can observe and experience this beautiful event in style. This event is an outdoor party in the Joel Palmer House’s private garden. Tickets are $118 for adults, $47 for minors and include a sparkling toast, tasting of Native Flora wines, logo wine glass, eclipse viewing glasses, and a buffet-style brunch. Click here for tickets.
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