From helicopter tours to horses to e-bikes, large tour groups to more customized experiences, in the wide world of wine tours, there truly is something for everyone.

Most of us have arrived at a winery only to encounter a tour bus. Immediately, our heart sinks slightly. Will the visit be compromised by the takeover of a large group of rowdy bachelorettes taking selfies, ruining the ambiance for everyone? (Ok, I may have even been that culprit once or twice…)

Yet, all over Oregon, businesses delivering thoughtfully curated wine tours proliferate. And for good reason. Professional guides can book exclusive time with a winemaker or manage your entire day in wine country. They can host a unique adventure while also illuminating the region and arranging delicious local food.

Bespoke Hood River

Matt Sweeting, chief executive officer of MountNbarrelL, in Hood River, feels his company creates experiences, not tours. Combining premium elegance with adventure, every outing includes wine, biking and dining.

In its quest for quality over quantity, MountNbarrelL targets a niche market. “The Columbia Gorge is a growing region; I’ve heard people compare it to Napa in the 80s,” Sweeting says. “The climate is unexpected and we create memorable experiences to match the extraordinary wines.”

On an average day— which is really anything but normal— guests experience the exhilaration of riding… Read the whole story here on Oregon Wine Press.