Lane Community College King Estate Winery Silvan Ridge/Hinman Vineyards

University of Oregon. The University of Oregon is a comprehensive ­research university for liberal arts, natural and social sciences, and the professions. The flagship institution of the Oregon University System, generations of leaders and citizens have studied at the University of Oregon since it opened in 1876. Today's students have access to the most current knowledge in lectures, laboratories, and seminars conducted by active researchers. University of Oregon students select courses from departments and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences and from seven professional schools and colleges and the Robert D. Clark Honors College. Some 811 full-time and 353 part-time faculty members - and 1,303 graduate teaching and research assistants - serve as mentors and colleagues to the more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at UO. Teaching, research, and a spirit of sharing are characteristics of the campus community. For admission and information, visit www.uo.edu

Lane Community College. Lane Community College is a comprehensive community college, offering a wide spectrum of instructional programs including transfer credit programs, professional technical degree and certificate programs, continuing education noncredit courses, programs in English as a Second Language and International ESL, GED programs, and customized training for local businesses. Lane has the third largest enrollment of the 17 community colleges in Oregon, with more than 15,000 students enrolled each year. Lane's main campus is located in the south hills of Eugene. For nearly forty years, Lane has been transforming lives by providing affordable, lifelong educational opportunities and cultural and community services. For information or admissions, call (541) 463-3000. Prospective students can also call (541) 463-3100.  [Top]

King Estate Winery. Located in the Willamette Valley in Eugene, King Estate Winery is a certified organic winery that produces distinctive quality wines and vintages, while embracing climatic variability. The domaine's 230 acres of diverse soil and climate and a state-of-the-art 110,000 sq. ft. winery create perfectly balanced grapes and wines. King Estate offers winery and wine-making tours from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily with a tasting following the tour. Revel in the beauty of the vineyards and treat yourself to the award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Owners Ed King Jr. and Ed King III were listed in Wine & Spirits “50 Most Influential Winemakers & Growers.” Visit www.kingestate.com.

LaVelle Vineyards. LaVelle Vineyards is a tranquil, secluded retreat nestled in the rolling hills 15 miles west of Eugene. The estate vineyard near the small town of Elmira includes a 16-acre vineyard, a state-of-the-art winery facility, a tasting room decorated in old-world style, terraced lawns and gardens. The winery produces Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, sparkling wine, and limited productions of unusual varietals such as Marechal Foch and Gamay Noir. A wine bar and bistro, located in Eugene's historic 5th Street Public Market, enables them to create gourmet cuisine ( provided by Cravings Fine Foods) to pair with their wines. For information and events, call (541) 935-9406 or visit www.lavelle-vineyards.com.  [Top]

Silvan Ridge/Hinman Vineyards. Established in 1979, Silvan Ridge/Hinman Vineyards is maintained in the tradition of a small European winery. Located 15 minutes from Eugene, the beautifully landscaped estate is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic or an evening under the Oregon stars. The remodeled facilities are artfully decorated, creating an elegant, yet relaxing, atmosphere. From the intimate dining room to the charming banquet and tasting rooms, the vineyard is decorated in vintage style. Sample the award-winning varietals, dine by the cozy fireplace, immerse yourself in the elegant beauty of the tasting room, or relax on the outdoor patio with a glass of wine. The winery offers tours, tasting, and seasonal wine and food festivals. Visit www.silvanridge.com.

Chateau Lorane. Nestled in the historic Lorane Valley, Cheateua Lorane is 200-acre estate with tall green fir trees and a beautiful private lake. Amidst the spectacular scenery, passionate winemakers Linde and Sharon Kester utilize obscure grape varieties to create unconventional blends and distinctive award-winning wines - from traditional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to rare and exotics, such as Melon de Bourgogne, Durif (Petite Sirah), Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Marechal Foch. Chateau Lorane has created a distinguished family of wines which include rare and unusual grapes such as Cascade, Chancellor, Pinot Meunier, Gamay Noir and Baco Noir - red varieties with distinct characteristics, flavors and nuances. Chateau Lorane also produces fruit wines, meads and late harvest wines - Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Marechal Foch. The winery hosts tours, wine tastings, weddings and events. For information, visit www.chateaulorane.com.  [Top]