Hopless in Central Oregon: Experience Scenic Cideries and Vino with a View

In an area dominated by craft beer, you might be wondering is there anything else on tap? The answer is, ‘Yes’. Central Oregon is home to award winning cideries and wineries and with postcard-worthy views from their tasting rooms – you won’t be disappointed.

Named after the Three Sisters, Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards is just over 30 miles from Bend. It’s hard to complain about the drive though when furry faces from the Alpaca farm nearby greet you right before you turn onto the property.

The tasting room is in a huge white barn. As soon as you get a glass of vino you can either sit and relax on the patio by the pond or go explore the 15-acre vineyard. The views at Faith, Hope and Charity are larger than life, but take a closer look and you’ll find beauty everywhere.

Photo by: Gritchelle Fallesgon

From the country to Bend’s Old Mill District, craft beverages know no boundaries. Avid Cider serves up a good time in more ways than one at their taproom. From outdoor games to an indoor arcade and pool table, you’ll want to hang out here for a while.

Not only can you taste their entire line of ciders, Avid has fridges stocked with ciders from all around the Northwest and beyond. With unique touches just about everywhere you glance, it’s impossible not to want to share this relatively new spot with everyone you know.

A winery on the side of a highway might not sound idyllic, but with panoramic views of Smith Rock and the Cascades, that’s exactly what Maragas Winery is.

Doug Maragas uses old world techniques passed down from his family to craft unique wines on his 40-acre plot of land between Redmond and Madras. The vineyard takes advantage of the unique microclimate here to create European varietals along with French American hybrids. Maragas and Faith Hope & Charity make up part of the new Central Oregon Wine Trail.

The toughest choice you’ll have to make out here is whether to enjoy your wine inside the barrel room, outside on the patio or while playing bocce ball in their court.

From craft cider in Bend to relaxed wineries in the country — these hopless options will hit the spot on so many levels.

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