Famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon was forced to forgo his quest for the mythical land of wine after an accidental tumble into the fountain of youth left him eternally underage. Take up his abandoned journey with today’s Groupon: for $12, you get an Executive Wine Tasting for two (a $25 value) at Sweet Cheeks Winery, overlooking the Briggs Hill Valley. This Groupon is also valid for 20% off any bottle of wine.

Sweet Cheeks Winery, composed of a 65-acre estate vineyard and 140 acres of sloping hills, churns out pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay, and riesling. The Executive Wine Tasting gives guests the chance to fill their face pouches with up to 14 flights of Sweet Cheeks' full lineup, including all exclusive bottles not released to the general public. Like a blazing barrel of apples, the 2009 Reserve Pinot Gris smells of fruit and has a hint of smoke, while the 2009 Vintage Riesling gives off subtle undertones of honeysuckle paired with the sweet flavors of apricot and peach. The 2009 Rosy Cheeks is a cuvee of tempranillo, pinot noir, and pinot gris, all blended and fermented together until they sprout a beautiful bouquet of strawberries and tickle the tongue with flavory tingles. A cheese board of Oregon artisan cheeses, maple-herb roasted nuts, and crackers is provided to complement Sweet Cheeks' wine; guests may also bring their own picnic basket of goodies and iPods to complete the experience. Sample fine wines from the 7,000 sq. ft. patio that overlooks the vineyard and the gentle, sloping hillside leading down into Briggs Hill Valley.

Reviews

The Oregonian traveled to Sweet Cheeks Winery to sample some of its products. Frommer's recommends the winery. Yelpers give Sweet Cheeks Winery an average rating of 3.5 stars, and more than 950 Facebookers like it:

• But if you happen to be in Eugene, the winery is worth a visit…Especially on Friday evenings, when the patio turns into a picnic grounds with happy people drawn to taste wine and cheese and soak in the incredible views of the upper Willamette Valley. – Terry Richard, Oregonian
• The wines are solid, and there are a number of great values here... – Joe B., Yelp