When visiting Wishram, Oregon, you should be sure to visit Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery and Jacob Williams Winery. You’ll also want to check out the historic Celilo Falls, which is located nearby. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, these two places will make your visit an unforgettable one.
Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery
Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Wineries in Wishram, Pennsylvania, offers Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Zinfandels. Owner Bob Lorkowski started his wine making career when he was a boy. His grandfather was a moon shiner, so he was drawn to fermentation and the resulting flavors. Today, he has 23 acres planted with wine grapes and the oldest Barbera block in the state. The vineyards are planted on silty, sandy soil that is eight feet deep.
The winery was established in 1986, and it has since grown a variety of varietals due to the unique soil, climate, and altitude of the area. Visitors can visit the tasting room, which has a casual setting, to experience the wines in person. They can also enjoy a picnic on the grounds and enjoy views of the Columbia River.
Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Wineries offers tours, tasting rooms, and direct sales. The vineyard is located near the small community of Wishram, and sits on ancient basalt cliffs. The cliffs, near Mount Hood, make a breathtaking backdrop for a winery. Among the wines are Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Nebbiolo.
Jacob Williams Winery
If you’re looking for a place to go in Wishram, Oregon, Jacob Williams Winery is a great option. Located on the river, it offers expansive views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. You can enjoy the view from the winery’s Adirondack chairs or from the multiple seating areas inside. It’s also home to a friendly tuxedo cat.
This family-owned winery started in Hood River and Lyle, Oregon before moving to Wishram. They originally opened a small tasting room and sold hats in Lyle. In 2011, they opened a full facility in Wishram. Its popularity grew and they added a new location in Lyle, WA.
Lewis and Clark camped near Wishram
On October 24, 1805, Lewis and Clark stopped in the village of Wishram. The families lived in wooden plank houses. When the expedition asked if they were native, the residents replied “i’tcxluit.” This phrase sounded like “Echeloot” to American ears, so the expedition referred to them as Echeloots.
The village was originally named Niculuita, which the Lewis and Clark team used. While Wishram isn’t the actual name of the village, it is the name of an important tribe. The Wishrams lived on the north bank of the Columbia, while the Wascos lived on the south side. They traded along the river from Celilo Falls to The Dalles. The main village of the Wishrams was called Nix-luidix, which means trading place, and was located at the head of Long Narrows.
The village of Wishram was located near the Columbia River and Celilo Falls, which was once known as the “Great Falls of the Columbia.” The Indians from the east and the Lower Columbia lived in Wishram. Today, the town is a railroad town. Nearby Celilo is a community with a railroad bridge. Just downstream is Horsethief Butte.
Lewis and Clark encountered a number of native cultures along the Columbia River. Chinookan and Sahaptian languages were spoken in the region. Clark estimated the Chinookan population at one thousand people. The Indians traded goods all year round through the Pacific-Plateau trade network, but most activity took place in the fall. As a result, dried fish was in abundant supply in September and October.
The expedition was excited to see a body of water after days of difficult land. The first sight of the sea made them exhilarated. Among the men, William Clark, Alexander Mackenzie, and William Clark carved their names on a large pine tree. The carvings were a reminder of the excitement of the expedition, but was also colored by the relationship between the expedition and its new neighbors.
The Corps of Discovery camped near the junction for another two days. In between, they repaired broken equipment, dried wet papers, and bought additional provisions. They also sent two men on a short reconnaissance trip up the Columbia. They saw fishing villages and mat-lodges. They also noticed some drying scaffolds.
The Native Americans they encountered were mostly friendly. However, they encountered 80 or 90 Lakota warriors led by Black Buffalo. However, Captain Clark warned the warriors that the Corps would kill any Lakota Sioux that approached their camp. The majority of Native American tribes were friendly to the expedition and were able to help them. The expedition’s purpose was to learn more about the Native American culture.
