Visiting Oregon in the fall

Enjoy the colors and tastes of the season in Oregon this fall.

From Oct. 1-Nov. 30, vintners, brewers, farmers and innkeepers participate in Oregon Bounty, a statewide promotion with events ranging from the Canby Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off in Aurora on Oct. 6 to the Village Mushroom Fest, Oct. 19-21 in Yachats. Details at traveloregon.com/Bounty.aspx.

Oregon is home to hundreds of wineries, and many offer tastings throughout the fall. In the Willamette Valley, Wine Country Thanksgiving, from Nov. 23-25, is an annual event showcasing many small, family-owned wineries that are not always open to the public; willamettewines.com.

In addition, dinners with winemakers will be held at various venues around the state, $150 a person. Details at traveloregon.com/upload/images/photos/bounty/WinemakerDinners.pdf.

The Hood River Valley Harvest Fest is scheduled for the town of Hood River, Oct. 19-21, with craft and art exhibits, food, music, local produce, and a quilt raffle. Details at hoodriver.org/.

While you’re in Hood River, rent a bike and head for the Mosier Twin Tunnels by taking a beautiful ride along the Columbia River Gorge. Be prepared for some uphill pedaling on the way there; the views are worth it.