I'm in the middle of a trip to the Pacific Northwest -- a trip that's taking me to Seattle, Portland, and an overdue visit to the Willamette Valley.
Right now, I'm at Celilo Inn in a town called The Dalles. The property used to be a motel called Eddie's, which re-opened last year after a complete renovation. (Happily, the red neon motel sign remains, as does the panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge.) There are ten wineries within 20 miles of the hotel, part of the Columbia Gorge AVA -- including Maryhill, which has a most dramatic setting. This is an affordable lodging alternative to nearby Hood River, Oregon, as Celilo's rates are in the low $100s, but it's still close enough to enjoy the many terrific restaurants in Hood River.
More about Washington and Oregon wine: