Events at the Balch Hotel

Fall Foliage & Fermentation Frolic

Oct 16-18

Explore the East end of the Gorge at wine harvest and leaf-peeping season. A peak autumnal experience—the weather is so spectacular at this time of year.

Experience foliage vistas as you walk local trails with naturalists, and taste boutique wines as you wander vineyards with viticulture experts.

Embrace wine growing with local viniculture experts learning about the geology and geography that makes the Columbia Gorge AVA so unique. Enjoy exclusive wine-tasting experiences at our favorite boutique wineries, including visits to a private winery.

Hike our favorite foliage viewing vistas, then convene at wineries for tours, talks and tasting. Eat lunch al fresco during glorious autumn days. Enjoy a NW themed artisan dinner at the Balch Hotel with innkeeper reception and presentations in the evening. 

Includes: 2 nights lodging, all meals, hikes, tasting fees, prepared box lunches, specialty artisan dinner, wine/dessert reception and evening activities. 

Reserve your space today, as we are limiting the number of attendees  to 10 for these popular events! To book your package go here.

PACKAGE PRICING:

TRADITIONAL ROOMS FOR TWO $383; SINGLE $282

SIGNATURE ROOM FOR TWO $496; SINGLE $395

 

Weekend Itinerary (Tentative: Subject to Change) 

Friday

Arrival:  Check in, anytime after 3. at the Historic Balch Hotel. Experience dinner at Balch Bistro on your own or with new friends.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious wine and dessert reception that evening. Meet and mingle with the innkeepers, Claire and Josiah, and your weekend cohorts.

A short evening presentation will introduce you to weekend logistics. 

Saturday

After a scrumptious handmade breakfast  we’ll caravan travel to a scenic walk  Over rolling hills with view of the Gorge. Expect an easy sloping hillside with occasional peeks at Mount Adams and Mount Hood. (Moderate terrain, short distance.)

Enjoy a custom boxed lunch for a lovely picnic on the trail or caravan to a nearby winery and eat overlooking the vineyards,  at this Gorge-worthy location. 

At the winery you'll learn  about their wine-making and farming practices,  and (hopefully) get to wander the vines.  Garner tidbits about  the fascinating geology that makes the landscape and wine here so unique.  You'll also get to see the grape harvesting process as it’s happening!

After a ramble in the vineyard, we’ll conclude our afternoon with a private tasting of local wines at a boutique winery,  before heading back to the Balch. (You'll have an opportunity to purchase wine at a discount if you desire.)

Back at the hotel, take a nap, read a book or reserve a spa wellness session with Claire at Bliss at the Balch Spa. See options here. (Book ahead only 2 spots available!) 
 
Evening: back at the Balch,  a Northwest inspired, locally sourced dinner will be presented (menu below). Sip local wines (available for purchase) paired for the meal. (*Dietary accommodations must be requested 10 days before event, please!) 

Tentative  Dinner Menu:

Organic Fall Salad:
Mixed Greens with house made pickled beets, pecans, feta cheese drizzled with Balch balsamic vinaigrette

Main Course:
Hazelnut encrusted, wild caught Sockeye Salmon seasoned with crushed hazel nuts, panko bread crumbs and tarragon or Beef Tenderloin with wild rice and sauteed seasonal vegetable

Dessert:
Rustic Apple Pear Galette

Evening: Later, relax around the firepit with a glass of wine, or enjoy a presentation. (TBD) highlighting what makes this area so unique and interesting for wine-making.

Sunday

Morning After a delectable breakfast, and check-out, you’ll travel by caravan to experience a walk in the woods led by an inquisitive state park ranger. You'll hit excellent viewpoints for leaf peeping up and down the Gorge.

Enjoy a good show of foliage  and explore the vistas along the Columbia River.  Our historian/naturalist guide will share about flora, fauna, geology and more. Expect an interesting overview of the stunning natural and unique historical aspects of the area. 

This hike is easy walking on a flat wide surface, moderate length.

Afternoon, caravan to yet another boutique picturesque  winery  for an exclusive  behind the scenes peek into the world oof wine-making--not generally open to the public. You'll learn the history and philosophy behind this special winemaker's workshop.

 Enjoy foliage vistas as you taste spectacular wine.

For lunch, nibble your box  lunch (provided) on the sunny patio--or nosh in the barrel room if inclement.

Departure: This journey ends when you feel ready to depart, heading home or continuing to explore 2 notable wineries in the area. Travel back savoring memories of this weekend adventure.

Package includes:

• Two night stay at The Historic Balch Hotel in Dufur, OR
• Wine and dessert reception (Friday)
• Gourmet dinner (Saturday evening)
• Breakfasts (Saturday & Sunday)
• Picnic lunches, snacks and wine tasting  (Saturday & Sunday)
• Exclusive hikes led by naturalists and viticulture experts  (Saturday & Sunday)
• Evening presentations  (Friday and Saturday)

How to Book this Play & Stay Weekend:
Book your weekend getaway with the Balch Hotel by phone: 541-467-2277. For online booking, click box above. 

Please Note: 
Cancellation prior to seven days of this event results in a 75% refund. 
Cancellation prior to three days of this event results in a 50% refund. 
Cancellation within 72 hours of this event - no refund