Terroirist Tuesday: A, B, E’s of EcoTravel to the WV

Welcome to binNotes’ Terroirist Tuesday.

Today’s Topic: A, B, E’s of Ecotravel to the Willamette Valley

by L.M. Archer, FWS

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The International Pinot Noir Celebration is held every July in McMinnville, OR – the heart of the Willamette Valley, and pinot country!

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Traveling to the IPNC this summer? Want a guilt-free way to enjoy the WV while reducing your carbon footprint? binNotes breaks down the A, B, E’s of eco-travel for you:

A: AMTRACK

Amtrack offers daily round-trip routes from Seattle to Portland daily.

Fares: ~$34-$122/RT, depending upon your travel budget.

Schedule: Daily. Duration: ~4.15 hrs.

Perks: Plug ins, 2 free checked bags + 2 carry-ons, baggage assistance, Bike on Board.

Caveats: Few plug-ins available in value/coach.

Find out more about Amtrack travel options here.

B: BOLTBUS

Fares: ~$17-$25/OW. Non-refundable.

Schedule: Daily. Duration: ~3.15 hrs.

Perks: WiFi, extra leg room, plug-ins, reserved seating, group boarding. NOTE: One $1 fare offered randomly each one-way trip.

Caveats: Non-refundable fares. No additional discounts offered. 2 small carry-ons + 1 bag stowed. No baggage assistance. Bikes & golf clubs allowed as 1 stowed item as space allows.

Find out more about BoltBus travel options here.

ecoSHUTTLE
Once you’ve arrived in Portland, ecoShuttle offers 100% biodiesel travel options to Oregon’s Willamette Wine Country.

Fares: Prices vary, according to group size. ecoShuttle caters to any group size, but the average group has between 8 and 20 wine lovers. Many wineries try to limit the size of groups, though ecoShuttle can work with groups of up to 32 guests.

Schedule: ecoShuttle picks you up where you want, when you want.

Perks: ecoShuttle whisks you to wine country, where partners in sustainability provide discounted or complimentary tasting fees to EcoShuttle groups. Enjoy a taste of Oregon while keeping a positive impact on the planet!ecoShuttle also can suggest and arrange boxed lunches from local providers along the tour. View a sample itinerary here.

Caveats: Guests are welcome to enjoy wine along the way, though it’s best to keep your palette clean for the next stop.

Find out more about EcoShuttle options here.

Cheers!

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Thank you:

BoltBus

EcoShuttle

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