Wine Tasting on the River? Wine Not?

In the experienced words of O.A.R.S. Adventure Consultant, Azz Azzarello, “Hydrate!  Hydrate!  Hydrate!”  And so with those words of wisdom…

O.A.R.S., the largest and most geographically diverse whitewater rafting outfitter in the U.S. West, continues its increasingly popular and award-winning Wine on the River series.  Trips are planned in August and September on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River and Hells Canyon of the Snake River, as well on California’s Tuolumne River. 

The “Tuolumne Wine on the River Trip” was given NBC’s Golden Grape Award as their “Best Wine Adventure for 2007."  Joining the 2½ -day, August 24 departure are wine experts, Kate and Craig MacDonald, who will present a selection of wines hand-picked from some of their favorite wineries in California and abroad.

Ironstone Wineries President and whitewater enthusiast, Stephen Kautz, will present his award-winning wines on an August 27, six-day trip on the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River.  Considered by many to be North America’s premier alpine river experience, the Middle Fork boasts non-stop, Class III-IV whitewater, natural hot springs and excellent fishing. 

Hells Canyon of the Snake River, the deepest gorge in North America, is home to O.A.R.S. September 14 wine on the river 5-day adventure.  Robert Wolfe, president of Oregon Pinot Noir Club, and former editor of Food & Wine magazine, will present a hand-selected assortment of outstanding Oregon Pinot Noir and other high-end Northwest wines.  Also joining the trip is Adam Bernstein, owner of Adam’s Place Restaurant in Eugene, Oregon, which according to Frommer’s is, "One of the most elegant dining establishments in the city."

NEW to the O.A.R.S. itinerary for 2008 is their 2-Day Wine & Raft on the South Fork American River.  These trips began in June and will run through the end of the August, running each week on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Wednesdays are spent being touring El Dorado County Wine Country with a knowledgeable O.A.R.S. driver/escort.  Thursdays are spent whitewater rafting on the Class III South Fork of the American River.  The combination of wine and whitewater includes visits to several El Dorado wineries of your choice, including Venezio Vineyards, Auriga Wine Cellars, Lava Cap, Boeger, Sierra Vista and Holly’s Hill Vineyards complemented by a comfortable evening at the historic American River Inn in Georgetown.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor