I’m not exactly Lews & Clark, but it looks like I may be following the Oregon Trail on my search for romance this Valentine’s Day.

Someone in the Willamette Valley must be organizing a campaign, because I keep getting emails insisting that this swath of Western Oregon is “North America’s most romantic wine region.” Since it leads in the voting so far — and since I’ve never visited before — I thought I should do a little research into the Willamette Valley.

I have to say, it sounds amazing. They claim 250 wineries, and organic viticulture seems to be very popular here. As a big fan of Pinot Noir, I’ve enjoyed this region’s wine for many years — especially Emerson, Erath, and Sokol Blosser — so I can’t imagine why I never got around to visiting.

So the wines are great, but is the area romantic? With rolling hills, covered bridges and sparkling streams, it looks like just the kind of place to reconnect with the one you love. I’m currently researching a 3-day itinerary they call “The Relaxer,” just in case the Willamette Valley hangs on to win the vote.

But who knows? By tomorrow everything could change, and I might be researching someplace entirely different. I’m at your mercy … and I love it.

Prost!

Oregon's Willamette Valley