By Travel Oregon, November 12, 2012 Along the shores of the mighty Columbia River Gorge, get a week-long lesson from some of the country's microbrewing pioneers. From the hop farm to the mash tun to the microscope, you will feel, smell and taste beer from beginning to end. If you can tear yourself away from the tasting table, explore the charming town of Hood River, unofficial U.S. capitol of windsurfing, beer drinking and hanging out.