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Enjoy this episode of Big Blend Radio's Food, Wine & Travel Show — presented in partnership with IFWTWA — featuring Sylke Neal-Finnegan of Explore Tualatin Valley, spotlighting sustainable vineyards, accessible trails, and a thriving arts scene in Oregon's Tualatin Valley, just outside Portland.

Watch the episode above in the YouTube player or listen Podbean.

2 kayakers on the Tualatin River in Oregon

Tualatin River. Photo courtesy of Explore Tualatin Valley

Episode Highlights:

  • Wine Country in the Willamette Valley: Tualatin Valley sits in the Willamette Valley's northwestern corner, with its own nested AVAs — Tualatin Hills, Laurelwood District, and Chehalem Mountains.

  • 40+ Wineries, Every Style: From longtime names like Ponzi Vineyards to small producers pouring exclusively at their own tasting rooms.

  • Beyond Pinot Noir: Wineries here are also growing Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, Auxerrois, Syrah, Cab Franc, and Tempranillo.

  • Silicon Forest Meets Wine Country: Home to Nike World Headquarters, Columbia Sportswear, and a major Intel campus — alongside 40+ wineries.

  • A Global Food Scene: Washington County is Oregon's most ethnically diverse county, with standout Korean food in Beaverton and some of the state's best Mexican restaurants in Hillsboro.

  • Protecting the Land: A 1970s urban growth boundary limits sprawl and keeps agricultural land — including vineyards — protected for the long term.

  • Tax-Free, Sustainable Shopping: Oregon has no sales tax, and the Valley is home to Washington Square, Bridgeport Village, and a growing number of zero-waste shops.

  • Meet Ole Bolle: A towering recycled-wood troll by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, tucked into the region's trail network.

  • Trails, Rivers & Lakes: The Tualatin River National Water Trail, Hagg Lake, and the fully paved 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail offer paddling, cycling, and accessible hiking for every level.

  • A Thriving Arts Scene: Broadway Rose Theatre, Bag & Baggage Productions, Experience Theater Project, and the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.

  • Celebrate Year-Round: From Hispanic Heritage Month and Oktoberfest to the Robin Hood Winter Festival in Sherwood and spring birding along the Pacific Flyway.

  • Where to Stay: About 60 hotels — from business hotels near the Silicon Forest to wine-country lodges — plus Wheel the World-verified accessibility.

Ole Bolle Troll sculpture in Tualatin Valley, Oregon

Ole Bolle Troll. Photo courtesy of Explore Tualatin Valley

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