Carlton is my new favorite area of Oregon wine country to visit – because of the people, the hospitality and the wine that is packed with flavors. As you saw in my previous post, I definitely recommend a trip to Carlton to experience wine country south of Seattle.

In August, I encountered the friendliness of Carlton firsthand, on a sponsored blogger trip to vineyards, wineries, tasting rooms and restaurants. And I was lucky to be welcomed to Lobenhaus Bed & Breakfast for the night.

Simply put, Lobenhaus is beautiful, restful, relaxing and warm. Surrounded by 28 acres of vines, woods and creeks, Lobenhaus is a distinctive three-story lodge – a bed-and-breakfast with fine dining and comfort all rolled into one.

What an experience – from the unique passion flowers, which opened their one day of life while I was there, to the wonderful owners and innkeepers, Joe & Shari Lobenstein — I loved every minute of it. The beautiful surroundings, the comfortable bed, the peaceful night, the delicious breakfast – wow.

Lobenhaus is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway from Seattle, or a weeks’ vacation, and central to everything you might want to do in Oregon. In addition to being located near the awesome folks in Carlton, this lovely B&B is also near Dundee, Newberg and McMinnville. Plus it is:

• close to more than 160 wineries
• 1 ½ hour to the Columbia Gorge, waterfalls and Mount Hood area
• 1 hour to the Oregon coast
• 10 minutes to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum & Water Park
• 1 hour to the Portland airport

I plan to go back to Lobenhaus again – with Dave this time – and sit on the porch and sip wine, and wander through the vineyards and enjoy the twinkling stars at night. I’ll even try not to use the wireless that is offered in this peaceful venue.

Please do check it out at the Lobenhaus website or phone Joe and Shari at 503-864-9173 or email them at innkeeper@lobenhaus.com

And now a shout-out to all our wonderful hosts in the Carlton area: Joe and Shari at Lobenhaus Bed & Breakfast, in addition to new friends Lena, Bethany, Lynette, Byron and Ken, plus the Republic of Jam, The Carlton Bakery, The Horse Radish and several wineries – Seven of Hearts Wine, K&M Wine, Ken Wright Cellars,  Noble Pig, Carlton Cellars, Alexana, Carlo & Julian, Luminous Hills and Troon.

Cheers!