In a proper tasting, wine must be held up to the light to gauge its color, tossed on a cat's back to judge its acidity, and sipped through a crazy straw to annoy the host. Become the toast of any tasting with today's Groupon: for $30, you get two reserve tasting tickets, two t-shirts, and two tickets to a select winery event (a $60 total value) at Willamette Valley Vineyards in Turner.

Renowned for its artisan wines and pinot noir varietals, Willamette Valley Vineyards whips taste buds into flavorful frenzies with elegant quaffs that highlight the pure grapes of the region. Like the cycles of the moon and broken sundials, reserve tastings rotate monthly, featuring a different lineup of five distinct libations. Tasters can count on three Single Vineyard Designate pinot noirs in the sippable quintet, one of which is the 2008 Estate pinot noir. Blossoming sommeliers step up to their glasses and test their scent-sensors under the guidance of Willamette Valley's professional drink detectives, aiding their efforts to detect the notes of cherry, dark chocolate, and spice laced throughout their beverage. Following their consumption and discussion of their glasses, participants receive two "It's Willamette, Dammit" t-shirts, and are welcome to keep their Riedel logo stemware, ideal for future tastings or trapping fancy tarantulas.

First-time tipplers and connoisseurs alike can prove their palates in public with one-day admission for two people to one of three special events at the winery. The Wine, Pear & Cheese Jubilee showcases the coupling of wine with local produce and pasteurized products on March 12 and 13, and the Memorial Day weekend celebration, May 28–30, educates attendees on how Oregon's unique earth creates dynamic varietals. On June 19, the Father's Day Concert & BBQ celebrates dads with live music and relaxation to thank progenitors for turning the lawn mower into a combination pitching machine and jukebox.

Reviews

More than 10 Yelpers give Willamette Valley Vineyards a 4.5-star average:

• This has quickly become one of our favorite vineyards because they go above and beyond for their friendliness and their wines are outstanding. – Mikhail H., 1/23/11
• Really great wines, beautiful views and friendly staff. This is a good place to take a group of friends! – Paul B., 1/12/11