An Unforgettable Oregon Wine Tasting Birthday Celebration

“Go Big or Go Home” – that’s my motto, especially when it comes to celebrating life’s special moments. And what’s more special than a birthday? This year, I decided to embrace this philosophy fully with a fabulous, week-long birthday celebration centered around the exquisite wines and culinary delights of Oregon Wine Country.

Living on the edge of this renowned wine region, I’m fortunate enough to indulge in wine tasting experiences regularly. However, marking a birthday with a dedicated wine tour elevates the experience to something truly extraordinary. Picture this: stunning vineyards, exceptional wines, delicious food, and cherished moments shared with amazing friends and family. It was a birthday dream come true!

A Glimpse into My Birthday Wine Tasting Adventure

Let me share a snapshot of one of the highlights of my birthday weekend: a curated wine tasting experience at two of my absolute favorite local wineries. These aren’t just any wineries; they are places I hold dear, where quality and hospitality are always guaranteed.

I secured reservations for a group of my closest friends at Hawks View Cellars and Soter Vineyards, both wineries where I’m a proud member. You might wonder why I wouldn’t opt for something new for my birthday, but these wineries offer an unwavering commitment to quality. I wanted a sure bet: exceptional wines, attentive staff, and ample space for my lively friends to laugh, chat, and fully immerse themselves in the wine experience. Hawks View Cellars and Soter Vineyards consistently deliver on all fronts. Plus, the people there are simply awesome!

Hawks View Cellars: A Local Gem

Our wine tasting journey commenced at Hawks View Cellars, nestled in the heart of Sherwood, Oregon, just a stone’s throw from my home. This winery has a special place in my heart, and I’ve written about it extensively on my blog. You can delve deeper into their fascinating history and wines, explore their inviting tasting room, learn about the vibrant La Baleine wine release party, discover a special dinner event with Irving Street Kitchen, and much more. Hawks View Cellars is more than just a winery; it’s a community.

Beyond the exceptional wines and the warm, welcoming staff, one of the things I appreciate most about Hawks View is their ability to accommodate larger groups. If you’re planning a visit with six or more people (which you should always do at any winery as a courtesy), you can call ahead and reserve their cozy fireside table. It’s the perfect spot to relax and savor the wines with friends.

Another perk I absolutely love? You’re welcome to bring your own food! This makes it easy to customize your wine tasting experience and create the perfect pairings.

This photo captures the result of asking a group of moms to bring “light snacks.” And believe it or not, this was taken before even more food arrived! I truly have the most generous and food-loving friends.

My dear friend Heather surprised me with these beautiful and utterly divine birthday cupcakes from Kyra’s Bake Shop. I’m a huge fan of Kyra’s because they offer a wide range of gluten-free baked goods, including some cupcakes that are also dairy-free and vegan, and they actually taste amazing. It’s a rare find, and I truly appreciate their dedication to catering to different dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

We savored our way through Hawks View’s current wine tasting menu, which featured my all-time favorite, the 2014 Oregon Pinot Noir. After the tasting, the incredibly gracious Manager, Dan Mages, offered us a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery.

Dan made the tour incredibly engaging and informative, providing a fascinating glimpse into the winemaking process. He was also kind enough to take a group photo of us in the barrel room, a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Dan came up with the brilliant idea of having all my friends sign a large bottle of my beloved 2014 Oregon Pinot Noir. What an absolutely amazing keepsake! It’s a reminder of this special day and the wonderful people I shared it with.

Hawks View Cellars stands out as one of the few wineries where I wholeheartedly recommend almost all of their wines. From rich Syrahs to crisp Chardonnays and luscious Pinot Noirs, I’ve consistently enjoyed everything I’ve tasted there. Before departing, I couldn’t resist purchasing a few bottles of Pinot Noir, a Syrah, and the signed 750ml bottle of the 2014 Oregon Pinot Noir pictured above.

Thank you, Hawks View Cellars, for playing such a significant role in making my birthday so special!

Soter Vineyards: An Elevated Wine Experience

After our delightful visit to Hawks View Cellars, we continued our wine tasting adventure with a pre-arranged appointment at Soter Vineyards.

Please note: the photo above was taken on a previous visit, but I wanted to showcase the beautiful main tasting room building.

Soter Vineyards is located in Carlton, Oregon, and is open to the public by appointment only. You can reserve tasting times at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. This exclusivity adds to the unique and personalized experience.

What truly sets Soter Vineyards apart, and what I love most about wine tasting there, is that it’s not just about the amazing wines and breathtaking views. It’s about crafting a complete and immersive experience. Each group receives a private tasting with a knowledgeable member of the tasting room staff, either in the main building or in one of their secluded private cabins. This personalized attention makes all the difference.

The experience is truly exceptional, catering to both seasoned wine connoisseurs and those new to the world of wine tasting. The intimate setting encourages questions and open conversation, without feeling rushed or crowded. You’re not just standing at a bar vying for the staff’s attention. This, in my opinion, is how wine tasting should be: intimate, relaxed, and allowing you to fully appreciate the wine in a gorgeous setting with good friends – and with a wine expert to guide you.

Soter Vineyards is where I first tasted a $150 bottle of wine three years ago, and where I once again fell head over heels in love with the 2007 Proprietary Red Napa Valley Pinot Noir, priced similarly, during this birthday celebration. Go big or go home, right? Sometimes, it’s worth splurging on the finer things in life.

Thank you, Soter Vineyards, for providing my friends and me with an unforgettable birthday wine tasting experience!

Arriving in Style with Bridge City Limos

Special occasions deserve special treatment. And nobody should have to worry about driving to and from wineries, or getting home safely after a full day of wine tasting.

Staying true to my Go Big or Go Home mantra, I arranged for Bridge City Limos to provide transportation for our group.

If you’re planning any special occasion in Oregon’s Willamette Valley – a birthday, wedding, prom, anniversary, bridal shower, you name it – I highly recommend Bridge City Limos. My friend Cynthia recommended them, and I absolutely loved working with them for this special day. Their service was impeccable from start to finish.

We rode in their White Lincoln Town Car, which comfortably seats up to 10 people and typically rents for $100 per hour. It was the perfect size for our group, allowing us to travel together in style and comfort.

My friends all commented on how well-maintained and clean the limo was. It was super comfortable and came equipped with glasses, ice coolers, bottle chillers, and a sunroof. These little touches elevated the experience and made it feel truly luxurious.

We kicked off the celebration by popping open a bottle of J Winery’s Brut, which I had picked up on my recent trip to Sonoma, and enjoyed it on our way to Hawks View Cellars. PS: if you’re eagerly waiting for the details about the Rodney Strong Vineyards sweepstakes I mentioned in my previous Sonoma post, I’ll be sharing all the details in April! Stay tuned!

Nick was our driver, and he was an absolute pleasure to work with, both before and during the wine tasting tour. We coordinated everything via email and phone a couple of weeks in advance, and he was incredibly helpful in suggesting locations, planning the timing, and outlining what was included in the service. On the day of the wine tasting, he called to let me know he was on his way. At our first location, he thoughtfully checked in to let us know when it was time to head to the next appointment, ensuring we wouldn’t be late.

Most importantly, Nick was accommodating, courteous, and ensured that our rowdy group (I may or may not have been the rowdiest of the bunch… but hey, it was my birthday!) arrived at each destination safely and on schedule.

Bridge City Limos also offers a range of other vehicles, including:

• A six-seater black Mercedes limousine ($110/hour)
• A 12-passenger stretch white limo ($125/hour)
• A 24-person party bus ($250/hour)

Give Bridge City Limos a call at 503-765-9367 or email [email protected], and tell them Marlynn from Urban Bliss Life sent you!

A Birthday Weekend to Remember

In conclusion, this beautiful wine tasting weekend was just one part of a series of fantastic birthday celebrations that spoiled me with delicious food and outstanding wine. But most importantly, it was about spending quality time with amazing friends and family. I feel incredibly fortunate to have these people in my life, and I cherish every opportunity to celebrate with them. Go Big or Go Home! That truly makes the occasion so much more amazing!

If you’ve never experienced the joys of wine tasting before, you can check out my beginner’s wine tasting tips. Start your journey today and learn more!

You can also explore my recommendations for the best wine tasting destinations in Oregon in my Girls’ Weekend Wine Tasting Guide and my Memorial Day Weekend Wine Tasting Guide. Then, be sure to browse my features on wineries and restaurants in Oregon, Washington, and California Wine Countries for more inspiration.

Have you ever embarked on a wine tasting adventure or rented a limo for your birthday? What’s your favorite “Go Big or Go Home” moment in your life? Share your experiences in the comments below! I would love to hear about your favorite things to do on your birthday! Don’t forget to tell me where you like to travel, as well!

A special thank you to Bridge City Limos for providing the complimentary limo service featured in this post. As always, all opinions and photos are my own. I only write about products, places, experiences, and services that I personally enjoy and believe you all will too! I strive to give the most accurate account of my experiences as possible.