After five relaxing days in Cannon Beach over the holidays, we made the gorgeous drive through the Columbia Gorge to stay at the White Salmon Inn in White Salmon, a small town on the Washington side of the Washington/Oregon border. We enjoyed our time in the Gorge, especially Hood River, where we dined at Celilo, 3 Rivers, and Brian’s Pourhouse. We’d recommend all three!

Here’s a photo of town looking down the street from our hotel. Note the threatening skies that held the promise of snow. So much so, that when we heard three to six inches were due, we were forced to cut our trip short by a day so we could get back to Seattle in time for a doctor’s appointment!

Once home, I was thrilled to receive a press release in which I learned that the Columbia Gorge region was named an iconic destination by National Geographic Traveler. According to the release:

“The National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Donations, which recently released its annual scorecard of the world’s most precious places, rated the Columbia River Gorge sixth internationally and second in North America for sustainable destinations in 2009.

“Judged on aspects such as social and cultural integrity, aesthetic appeal, tourism management, environmental quality and outlook for the future, the judges also considered the Columbia River Gorge for its vibrant wine culture:

“[The] burgeoning wine industry is bringing a new kind of cultural and environmental awareness to the area that is certainly going to be a boon for tourism and for the area’s prospects…”

In my seventh book, Pacific Northwest Wining & Dining, I devote an entire chapter to the Columbia Gorge American Viticultural Area (AVA). Established in 2004 with only four wineries, the Columbia Gorge AVA is one of several bi-state wine regions on the Oregon/Washington borders. After just five successful years, the Columbia Gorge AVA boasts 20 wineries and is one of the most diverse AVAs in the country, with more than 30 grape varieties.

My book features a yummy Cream of Morel Soup recipe from Maryhill Winery, the AVA’s largest and most impressive and Washington State’s tenth largest winery. It was named the 2009 “Washington Winery of the Year” by Wine Press Northwest magazine and “Best Destination Winery” by Seattle Magazine. Producing 80,000 cases a year, Maryhill celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and also celebrates landing top scores on more than half a dozen of their varietals in recent reviews from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Among the winners? Maryhill Winery’s 2006 Cabernet Franc Proprietor’s Reserve (91 points), 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor’s Reserve (90 points), 2006 Malbec Proprietor’s Reserve (91 points), 2006 Merlot Proprietor’s Reserve (91 points), 2008 Pinot Gris (87 points), 2006 Serendipity (91+ points), and 2006 Syrah Proprietor’s Reserve (92 points).

Cheers and Happy Tenth to Maryhill and congratulations to the entire Columbia Gorge region!