"Eola Hills began brunch in 1988," said Eric Rogers, operations manager and partner in Eola Hills. "The first few years were intermittent, but it has become a mainstay for 45 weeks out of the year."

Although Eola Hills closes during harvest for about six weeks, the winery is open for the scrimmage-of-the-year between Oregon State University and University of Oregon on November 29. The package includes tickets and transportation to the game. To sign up and for more details, visit www.eolahillswinery.com and click on the Civil War link.

The winery, across from the Polk County Fairgrounds in Rickreall, hosts other specialty brunches on St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day. Closed after the Christmas/New Year's holidays, Eola opens again beginning in January and offers brunch through September, serving about 10,000 people a year, averaging 225 per week, Rogers said.

"The brunch features exhibition-style preparation of pan-fried oysters, eggs Benedict, omelets, waffles, crêpes, salads, tacos, enchiladas, and also several self-serve items, including biscuits and gravy, sausage, potatoes and casseroles," he said. "Our caterer is Simply Delish from Mill Creek, Ore."

Cost is $24.95 for adults (includes two glasses of wine), $19.95 for teens, $9.95 for children ages 3-10, and no charge for children under 3. Holidays are slightly higher, and reservations are highly recommended, Rogers said.

"The brunch at Eola Hills has a unique atmosphere and menu that draws customers from all over the country," he said. "It is the ultimate Oregon winery experience."

Rogers invites people to discover for themselves why Eola Hills' winery Sunday brunches, held in the cellar, have been widely acclaimed as the "Best in the Northwest."

Upcoming are Enchanted Christmas holiday concerts. For a full listing of events, or to reserve a Sunday brunch spot, call (503) 623-240 or visit www.eolahillswinery.com.

Another winery offering brunch is King Estates, serving between 150 and 250 guests during most weekends.

"King Estates began serving weekend brunch in November of 2007," said Austin Kumm, visitor center manager for the winery. "The restaurant is known for crafting seasonal dishes, using produce grown right here on our 1,033-acre certified organic property.

"Our dishes are the perfect complements to our world-renowned wines," he added. "Our brunch menu features local eggs from Laughing Stock Farms, cured meats prepared in our own charcuterie kitchen, and fresh estate baked goods made whenever possible with fresh fruits from our estate gardens."

The brunch menu is reasonably priced with items ranging from $9 to $15. A few choices are eggs Benedict, Terrine crab with citrus and pistachios, or estate-cured pancetta or bacon. The full menu is available online at www.kingestate.com/menu.php. Reservations are recommended.

"Our restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic view of the beautiful Lorane Valley from our terraces, and we even offer blankets for those who want to enjoy outdoor seating in the cooler months," Kumm said. "Our beautiful dining room is equipped with several wood burning fireplaces.

"King Estates' culinary program is growing in recognition rapidly, both for the quality of the cutting-edge cuisine as well as our environmental message," he added. "As previously stated, whenever possible our produce comes from the organic estate gardens and the proteins come from our nearest neighbors. Most importantly, people come to see us for our world-class wines and to enjoy cuisine designed to enhance the wine tasting experience."

King Estates is a French château at 80854 Territorial Road in Eugene. The winery is celebrating 17 years of Oregon winemaking, and produces pinot noir, pinot gris and limited amounts of chardonnay.  The restaurant and wine bar is open seven days a week and offers complimentary wine tasting, full lunch and dinner service, and tours of the production facility.

A third winery offering brunch is Orchard Heights
Winery, just outside of Salem. A member, with its sister company Island Princess, of the Purdyco International family of companies, this quaint winery serves brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.in the cellar every Sunday. Lights twinkle on the kegs and the cellar is warmed with standing heaters, making for a cozy setting enjoyed by some 120-300 brunch goers each week.

The menu features create-your-own omelet and pasta bars, breakfast burritos, homemade waffles, pastries, soups, cheese, chocolates and more. Wine is available for an extra cost of between $2.50 and $7 a glass. Adults are $12.95 and $14.95 on holidays; children 10 and under are half-price or less. Reservations are highly recommended.

"Orchard Heights Winery is the perfect place to spend time, dine and relax in a beautiful setting," said Michelle Dunaway, a spokesperson for the winery. "We've been serving brunch for about eight years. A lot of people have told us they like the lights and the kegs surrounding the room. They like the atmosphere ... somewhere you'd really want to bring your family."

Brunch goers may also wish to visit the winery's tasting room or gift shop after their meal. The gift shop carries Island Princess tropical wines that are marketed as capturing "the magic and romance of Hawaii in taste, design and appearance." Five exotic Hawaiian flavors are available: pineapple, passion fruit, Hawaiian tropical fruit, papaya and mango.

"We offer 17 wines, including our estate-grown Gewürztraminer," Dunaway said.

Orchard Heights' tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and serves lunches until 4 p.m. Cost is reasonable, and Dunaway said, "I've been told I make the best quiche around."

But it's the friendliness of the staff that brings people back time after time, Dunaway said.
Orchard Heights Winery is at 6057 Orchard Hills Road NW, Salem. For information or brunch reservations, call (503) 391-7308, ext. 201.