The Interstate 5 corridor is dotted with small wineries that escape our notice. I mean, who has time to notice a tiny winery sign while zooming along at 70 mph to get to a Ducks football game?

I recently hit I-5 to see what’s behind those signs. I started in Oakland, north of Roseburg, at noon on a Thursday. My road trip ended in Aurora just before 6 p.m. Over the course of 142 miles, I managed to taste a bevy of wines that ranged from fair to excellent.

Best of all, I met many friendly people who are dedicated to being thoughtful farmers and winemakers. They may not have glitzy tasting rooms or famous addresses in the Willamette Valley, but they are more than worthy of our attention.

So the next time you are cruising along I-5, leave time on your itinerary to stop at one of these roads

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