Wineries make great cycling destinations and the Corvallis area offers some diverse locations for those who prefer to pedal their way to some fine wine.
Before we get started, understand that we’re not promoting drinking and riding. This is about the journey, not the drink. But once you arrive, you’ll realize why these wineries are such amazing places to visit. And, after a small taste, you’ll want to return with a designated driver for more investigation and a purchase.
Benton County wineries are located north, south and west of Corvallis so one route looping passed them all would be a long and winding road. Instead, we want to call you attention to a few wineries and the primary road to get there.
For more information about all the wineries located around Corvallis and Benton County, visit www.HeartOfWillamette.com and our winery listings.
Set a course for Airlie Winery (map). Head west on Airlie Road for 3.5 miles and turn left on Maxfield Creek Road. Enjoy the reduced traffic as you make your way on this quiet country road for about 2.5 miles. A quick left turn leads you to gravel Dunn Forest Road. Another half mile and you’ll arrive at this comfortable country setting with patio seating and good views.
Gravel? Don’t worry, road cyclists. It’s well packed and easy to ride even on thin tires.
After heading back out on that same gravel, turn left on Maxfield Creek Road and start riding to Cardwell Hill Cellars (map). Once you cross into Benton County, the road shoulder widens, the scenery seemingly improves and nearly 5 miles of fantastic riding rolls under you.
Maxfield Creek Road eventually meets Kings Valley Highway. Turn left (south) and head toward the tiny town of Wren. Traffic increases and your spacious shoulders disappear but after 5 miles of gradual climbing with a 500-foot elevation change, there’s a quick descent for 1.7 miles before a sudden left turn onto Cardwell Hill Drive. Enjoy this very quiet road for a mile to the winery.
Leaving Cardwell Hill Cellars, turn left on Kings Valley Highway and travel only a mile before turning left on to Wren Road on your way to Harris Bridge Vineyard (map). Take your first right turn on Harris Road and follow this riverbed route to the winery. The final mile is gravel. Once you see the covered Harris Bridge, look for the winery on your right.
There are two more wineries south of the Corvallis-Philomath area. Start by heading south from Philomath on Bellfountain Road for 5.5 miles and then turn east on Greenberry Road and ride another 1.3 miles to the private road into Tyee Wine Cellars (map). Bellfountain Road may appear to be a little lumpy but you never climb more than 100 feet at any time.
Want more? Consider visiting Bluebird Hill Cellars (map). To get there, head back to Bellfountain Road (avoiding very busy Highway 99W to the east) and ride 10 miles south before turning right (west) on Larson Road. Bluebird Hill Cellars is just less than a half-mile past the corner.
Article and photo by Dan Shryock. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
