Exploring Wine Country with Mark Patterson of May Your Glass Be Filled Tours

Discover the Magic of the Willamette Valley-One Glass at a Time

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good glass of Pinot with friends, there’s something truly magical about exploring wine country firsthand. At May Your Glass Be Filled Tours, I’ve made it my mission to provide guests with unforgettable experiences across the Willamette Valley-introducing them not just to incredible wines, but to the people and stories behind the labels.

I’m Mark Patterson, founder of May Your Glass Be Filled Tours, and I’ve seen how a well-crafted wine tour can ignite curiosity, deepen appreciation, and leave lasting memories. Whether it’s your first time visiting vineyards or your tenth, here’s how to make the most of your journey into wine country.

Why Wine Tours Are So Much More Than Just Tasting

Wine tours are a unique blend of education, exploration, and indulgence. You’ll walk through scenic vineyards, learn about grape varieties and the history of the AVAs, and taste small-lot wines you simply can’t find on store shelves.

At May Your Glass Be Filled Tours, we offer curated, all-inclusive itineraries across nine of the Willamette Valley’s distinct AVA regions, each with its own character and charm. Our concierge team takes care of all the details so you can focus on sipping, savoring, and soaking it all in.

The Right Guide Makes All the Difference

The heart of any great wine tour is the guide. I take pride in being not just your driver, but your personal host-sharing insights into the winemaking process, wine pairings, and the vibrant local culture. My goal is to ensure every guest feels relaxed, informed, and entertained throughout the day.

A great guide isn’t just knowledgeable-they’re passionate, personable, and always ready to go the extra mile to make your experience seamless and memorable.

Curiosity Is Your Best Companion

If you really want to get the most out of a wine tour, come with questions and an open mind. Wine is a world of endless nuance-from the soil types in a vineyard to how aging in oak versus stainless steel can transform flavor profiles.

Here are a few questions I always encourage my guests to ask:

What grape varietals do you grow, and why?
How many cases do you produce annually?
What’s your vineyard’s history?
Do you ship out of state?
What food pairings do you recommend?

Discover the Art Behind Every Bottle

Winemaking is both a science and an art. You’ll learn about each step-from harvesting ripe grapes under the Oregon sun to fermentation, barrel aging, and bottling. Once you understand what goes into making that perfect pour, every sip becomes that much more meaningful.

Expect to try boutique wines you’ve never seen before-small-lot selections, single-vineyard expressions, and unique varietals rarely found outside the valley.

Wine Education That’s Fun and Flavorful

During your tour, we’ll also explore wine pairing ideas and lesser-known uses for wine-from cooking tips to creating the perfect charcuterie board. I always love introducing guests to food-friendly varietals they may not have tried, like a crisp Grüner Veltliner with fresh seafood or a bold Tempranillo with grilled meats.

And yes-if you love rosé, you’ll be in good company.

A Souvenir Worth Shipping

If you fall in love with a wine, don’t hesitate to ask about shipping options. Many of our partner wineries offer direct-to-consumer shipping, so you can relive your wine country adventure long after the tour ends. It’s one of the best ways to keep your glass filled-literally and figuratively.

Conclusion: Let’s Raise a Glass Together

At May Your Glass Be Filled Tours, every tour is designed to be more than just a ride through wine country-it’s a personal, immersive experience crafted with care. I’ve built this company on the belief that wine is meant to be shared, savored, and celebrated.

So whether you’re looking for education, relaxation, or simply the joy of discovering a new favorite bottle, I invite you to join me on a tour of Oregon’s world-class vineyards.

After all, the best memories are made one glass at a time.

Cheers,

Mark Patterson

Founder & Tour Curator

May Your Glass Be Filled Tours