I just got to spend five incredible days in Oregon Wine Country on a Zephyr Adventures tour. I had never been to the Pacific Northwest before so I was completely blown away by the region's beauty and everything it has to offer.

I've been to Napa and done the tasting thing, rolled my eyes at my buddy who described herself as a "wine snob" to the man helping us at Rubicon, and then went back to sit by the pool for a bit. Sure, it was fun and the wine was tasty, but I like to do a bit more than just drinking while on vacation. What's unique about Zephyr is that they've managed to combine the adventure aspect with wine, so if you're anything like me, you'll enjoy the constant activity AND tastings. We hiked and rode horses through the Willamette Valley, stopping at numerous wineries around the way. We also canoed on the Columbia River and biked along the Columbia River Gorge. Seriously, if you're even the slightest bit into biking, hitting the "old highway" along the Gorge is absolutely incredible — even in the pouring rain.

Allan and Reno created a great tour, working one-on-one with vintners so you get to see so much more than the finished product. We even got to turn some pinot noir grapes during fermentation. Each of the winemakers we met offered a different take on the burgeoning industry (DO NOT compare it to Napa...that's a whole different ballgame. Oregon is Pinot country.) While "labor of love" is a cliché term, it’s really the truth, as each person we met was passionate and completely devoted to creating their best possible product while doing what's best for the land and environment.

Accommodations? Top notch. You're staying at the best places in the area, and you get to experience a small, college-town inn, a homey B&B, concluding your stay at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel. My group and I also ate pretty damn well for every single meal. Plus, how can a person feel guilty for consuming the most tender pork medallions, filet mignon, and rich desserts when every ingredient is completely organic? I keep joking Oregon should change their motto to "The Sustainable State" because by the end of my first night there, even I was keeping plastic wrapping debris in my pocket until I could find a proper recycling bin.

Whether wino or wine connoisseur, Oregon Wine Country works on both levels. It's a far cry from Napa — you'll never be scoffed at for not picking up the subtle currant tones in a glass of 2005 Pinot Noir. Both vintners and staff are friendly and accommodating, each well-informed and willing to offer their own opinions, which never sounds forced or pompous.

The most noteworthy observation about Oregon Wine Country is how communal it remains, even as newcomers are entering the scene every year. Winemakers have no problem helping out "competitors" or those with neighboring vineyards. In fact, many of them collaborate on a regular basis, sharing facilities or even vineyards. The best example of this is Carlton Winemakers Studios, a modern, laid-back winery where six area winemakers are working side-by-side to create each of their respective wines.

The guys at Zephyr, Allan Wright and Reno Walsh, have been doing multisport adventure tours all over the planet for over a decade and the introduction of their wine adventures puts a whole new angle on active travel. They've handpicked every stop and it’s obvious they've fostered genuine relationships in the area. They're more than just friendly and informative, they're also a lot of fun. It’s rare on tours that you begin to feel as if you've known your guides for years, but it’s unavoidable with these guys.

If you're on a tour, it also helps if your group has a good energy and luckily, mine rocked. Our ages ranged from 24–50-something, all women and one man. Married, single, married-with-kids, didn't matter. The eight of us, plus Allan and Reno, just really had a great vibe going on. No one was unenthusiastic about the day’s activities, even though we encountered five days of rain which is apparently rare for Oregon this early in the autumn. Another great thing about Zephyr is that "everything is optional". You don't want to bike the extra 10 miles, no problem. You don't want to canoe, who cares. It makes no difference and that's one of the great parts about a Zephyr trip. No matter what fitness level you're at, you're always a participant.

In 2008, Zephyr is doing several multisport wine adventures. These tours range from five-day trips in Oregon and Napa / Sonoma to lengthier journeys in South Africa, Chile & Argentina, and the most noted wine regions in Europe. Even if you're just a casual wine enthusiast, you'll love the experience.

Plus, you'll also be amazed at how you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated every morning. Staying active + copious amounts of wine = no public drunkenness AND — best of all — no hangover.