As a jewel in the wine country of the Pacific Northwest's Columbia River Gorge, Cathedral Ridge Winery is a great place to visit and stay a while.  Treat yourself to a relaxed stroll through its grounds and spectacular vineyards near Hood River, Oregon. Sit for a while and enjoy a view of the Mt. Adams summit to the north, or hike to the beautiful meadow above the vineyard for a view of Mt. Hood and the slopes of the Hood River Valley to the east. Visit the Cathedral Ridge calendar of events from time to time to consider visiting at a special time. You can even work with winery staff to plan your own private event at this beautiful location. Overlooking vineyards, the Columbia Gorge terrain and the Cascade Mountains surrounding it, the ambiance of the winery's hillside location may turn your visit to Cathedral Ridge Winery into one of your most memorable wine country experiences ever. 

360° VIDEO TOUR OF CATHEDRAL RIDGE HOOD RIVER

Winemaking at Cathedral Ridge

       This Hood River Valley winery sits in the middle of the Cascade Range on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge AVA. Here a stirring of marine air from the west and dry desert air from the east creates a unique transitional zone with a variety of microclimates that make possible the growing of many different grapes. 

       Michael Sabastiani, fourth-generation winemaker from Sonoma, CA, leads the winemaking team at Cathedral Ridge, along with Cellar Master/Owner Robb Bell and winemaker assistants Francisco Chairez and Tyler McCafferty.  Michael revels in the variety of terroir available in this wine-growing region and the nuances it brings to Cathedral Ridge's fine wines. 

       Born and raised in the heart of wine country in California's Sonoma Valley, Sabastiani has spent a lifetime immersed in the creation and enjoyment of wine.  A rich soup of wine-related experiences began to simmer when Sabastiani was just 10 years old and working summers in the vineyards.  The smells of maturing grapes and their heady aromas at crush were important ingredients in the development of Michael's passion for winemaking.  The winemaking culture and lifestyle drawn from his family roots created the foundation of his commitment to showcasing characteristics of an area's terroir. 

        Many of Michael's wines reflect his zeal for creating blended wines. 

       "It's like being a chef," Michael explains about his enthusiasm for creating many Cathedral Ridge wines;  he thinks of each grape variety and individual microclimate as ingredients for his wines. 

       As "chef" of wine production at Cathedral Ridge, Michael creates more than 25 different wines. In addition to his signature red blends, Michael expresses his talent and enthusiasm through several other Northwest wines he produces for Cathedral Ridge Winery... Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Barbera, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling. 

       Two AVAs - all of the Columbia Gorge AVA in Oregon and a southeastern portion of the Columbia Valley AVA - comprise Columbia Gorge Wine Country. The array of microclimates within these two AVAs gives rise to varying terroir and correspondingly nuanced differences of characteristics and flavors in wines, differences integral to the alchemy of Michael Sabastiani's winemaking. 

 

A Visit to Cathedral Ridge

       There are myriad reasons to visit the agriculturally rich Hood River Valley. The Cathedral Ridge Winery, vineyards and tasting room is definitely a destination you'll want to include in your itinerary. Here's a 360-degree video preview of what you will find at the Cathedral Ridge Winery estate in Hood River, Oregon. It is a one-of-a-kind place to relax and enjoy a world of Columbia Gorge wines.

360° VIDEO TOUR OF CATHEDRAL RIDGE HOOD RIVER

       Here at the winery's Hood River location, there is an exciting selection of five different tastings and touring options are available for your enjoyment - options that can turn an every-day wine tasting experience into an indelible memory. Choose from standard, reserve or barrel tastings, private tastings or a comprehensive vineyard and winery tour,  including its own specialized wine tastings along the way.

       Rain or shine, the light-drenched tasting room of Cathedral Ridge Winery, with its light-hearted staff and inspired wines, will lift your spirits and insure a memorable experience. Whether you come to visit on your own or to join the festivities of a scheduled winery event, you will find large, beautifully landscaped grounds and covered areas extending out from the winery, offering great places for outdoor activities, al fresco picnics and special events. 

        If you want to visit Cathedral Ridge in the North Willamette Valley, you'll find a tasting room in Dundee with the same selection of fine wines and friendly staff to guide you through a memorable wine-tasting experience. Enjoy a glass of wine and music every Thursday evening on the terrace.