Jake Price of Jake Price Stables and Equestrian Wine Tours was so generous to have photographer Wil Fernandez, his colleague Tom, and myself on a private tour through the Dundee Valley. Among the three of us, Jake saw the full spectrum of experience. Tom was just being introduced to the horse world; Wil has ridden several times; and I am the very experienced one. I knew this would be a great opportunity to see first-hand how the less-trained and experienced person takes to riding, and what it takes to make them feel like part of the team.

Kudos for Jake Price! I quickly learned that whether you are taking your first baby steps or if you have many years in the saddle, Jake will make anyone feel right at home mounted on one of his well-mannered horses. Jake has 40 years of experience training, showing and breeding horses in many equestrian disciplines. His professional expertise was most evident in his handling of the horses, riders, and tutorial on how to correctly ride one of his magnificent Tennessee Walking Horses.

His wealth of knowledge combined with his pristine show horses made for the perfect day for anyone wanting a relaxing ride through Dundee Valley or Oregon’s wine country.  

We all mounted our horses and road around the corral taking our time getting used to our equine partners. Jake spent additional time with Tom explaining the riding basics and horse behavior. Once we all were relaxed, we began our ride exploring the beautiful vineyards of the Dundee Valley. Along the way Jake would address each one of us individually to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves.

I do not believe that I have laughed as hard or as long on a ride as I did with Jake in the lead. He kept all of us thoroughly entertained! When we stopped for our first wine tasting, Jake remained with our horses. When we returned from De Ponte Cellars, we noticed that he had taken time to braid each horse’s tail.  Jake explained, “It is my way to testing you to see if you are sober enough to notice and able to ride.” Now you know the type of comedian that kept us in stiches the whole time!

After remounting, we continued touring the breathtaking Oregon countryside. Throughout the ride Jake continued to give Tom tips and suggestions about his riding position and aids creating a more enjoyable riding experience for Tom and his horse. I was quite impressed with Jake’s genuine personal interest in wanting Tom to learn as much as he could about riding and horses while on our equestrian wine tour.

The next stop was really the highlight of the tour because we were able to meet the other members of Jake Price Stables: Jake’s wife, Shirley, and their son, Don. Don was showing his prized Drum Horse all decked out in his ‘carriage.’ As we sampled more wines of the region, Don gave us in-depth details about the Drum Horse breed and carriage driving.  Don’s passion for his horse is illustrated by his knowledge of the Gypsy and Drum breeds, and the history of carriage driving.

Shirley Price prepared an incredible traditional vineyard lunch spread for us to enjoy with our wine on the vineyard property. Wil, Tom and I had the pleasure to hitch a ride with Don and his steed to the next winery, Vista Hills, where we met up with Jake and our mounts. We indulged in delightful conversation and hearty laughs with Jake and his staff while we overlooked the mist shrouded wine country.

After sampling an even more diverse group of wines, we took a short ride back to the Wine Country Farm, where we toasted to a perfect day of genuine laughter, wonderful company, and a superior ride. Through Jake and Jake Price Stables I was able to glean first-hand what a riding wine tour is like for enthusiasts from all levels of equestrian experience. With a person like Jake at the helm, no rider – beginner or veteran – will feel like anything less than a member of the family.