Wine Tours with a Celebrity
In our travels we meet the most interesting people. One summer night we were at a wine bar and started up a conversation with a very colorful and charismatic fellow wine lover. His name is Larry Matthews and it turns out he was a child actor and portrayed the role of Richie Petri, Rob and Laura Perti’s son from the Dick Van Dyke show. He was so fun to talk with and his love of wine paralleled our own. When he learned we operate a very successful wine tour business the conversation shifted. He was interested in riding along on one of our tours and then hosting some tours for us and that lead to the creation of this One Of A kind Willamette Valley Wine Tour.
The Willamette Valley is so well populated with quality wineries that it can be overwhelming for some to choose exactly which ones to visit. Let us take care of lining up the day and let Larry guide your from winery to winery, as he fills you in on the dense and intriguing history of the Willamette Valley wine scene. After all, we’re all just “edutainers” we educate and entertain you. Oh, and don’t forget your camera… you will want to get lots of photo’s to remember this day.
Singles are welcome if we can combine you with another group.
We provide door to door service. You don’t have to meet us anywhere, nor will you have to drive anywhere at the end of the tour. Your comfort and safety is our top priority.
Pickup from the Portland Metro, Clackamas, Beaverton, Wilsonville, Lake Oswego and surrounding areas is typically between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. Returning by 5:00 – 5:30 PM traffic allowing.
Staying out in wine country? Pickup from McMinnville, Newberg, Dundee, Sherwood and surrounding areas is typically 10:00 returning between 4:00- 4:30 PM
We are not licensed for pickup in Washington State. Coastal pickup and Salem area pickup can be accommodated if possible however those would have to be private tours.
We will visit 3 unique and different wineries throughout the day giving you a good sense of style, place and passion. We provide a great wine country picnic style lunch to be eaten at the 2nd stop. Your guide will be very educational and entertaining and at your service the entire day.
Comfortable vehicles, nice big windows and plenty of bottled water to keep you hydrated.
- Tasting fees are not included
- Gratuity is not included but always appreciated
- No Fuel Surcharges
**Visible intoxication will not be tolerated and may result in tour termination. Merchants reserve the right to refuse service.**
Bio of Larry Matthews
Larry Mathews was born in Burbank, Ca., August 15, 1955. Born the sixth of seven children to the family, Larry grew quickly, and was entertaining the other family members and neighbors at the young age of 3. At 4 ½ , he was talking acting lessons from Lois Hour, through which he got the chance to interview with Carl Reiner for the part of Rob and Laura’s adorable son, Ritchie, on the Dick Van Dyke show pilot.
The Dick Van Dyke Show ran for 5 years on CBS, and garnered numerous Emmy Awards. Larry received the Emmy certificate as part of the show that was honored as best comedy series in 1965-66. The shows continual airing and amazing longevity is truly a tribute to the creators, writers, cast and crew of the series. It continues to entertain people around the world today, and is honored by exhibits in both the Smithsonian Institute, and the Museum of Broadcasting, both of which Larry is a part of.
After the shows final episode in 1966, Larry returned to life as a regular child, and part of his big family. He continued to act and entertain in local stage productions, pursuing his talents during high school and college years. He attended Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks, and eventually on to major in Theatre Arts at UCLA.
Upon graduating College, he returned to his career in the entertainment business he loved, but this time to work behind the scenes in production and post-production. As Larry always had an interest and fascination with what went on behind the camera, he decided to put his acting on hold and learn the “nuts and bolts” of television and motion picture making. His very successful career since collage has spanned over 40 years, and all types of production and post-production positions, including assistant producer, editor, asst. director, and post-production supervisor.
During Larry’s latter college years, he worked with a fellow student repping Gallo wines for adult campus events. Larry became obsessed with learning about wines in all aspects. Wine making, structure, varietals, complexity, and most importantly, the art of just simply enjoying and drinking the wines from the world. Over the decades, he has become very close with several winemakers and sommeliers studying and fine tuning the beautiful pleasure that wines bring to everyone. To Larry, wine is an experience to be shared and enjoyed with wonderful friends and family! He loves bringing his passion and knowledge of fine wines to all.
Now residing in Oregon, Larry loves the wines of the Willamette valley along with other Oregon regions, and looks forward to helping folks discover and enjoy the unique wines of the wonderful Willamette!
This tour is perfect for an all-around wine lover, someone new to the wine scene, or anyone in-between.
Cancellation prior to 7 days of tour, refund is 100%.
Cancellation under 7 days of your tour will be subject to a 50% charge of the tour amount.
Cancellation without notice or less than 24 hours notice will be charged 100% of the tour amount.
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