Are you ready to explore Oregon’s wine country? The Willamette Valley is famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It has many wineries, from old family places to new, creative spots. This area offers a special wine tasting experience you won’t forget.
Key Takeaways
- The Willamette Valley is home to 100% of Oregon’s wineries, with a majority offering both indoor and outdoor service.
- The region boasts a tasting room to vineyard estate ratio of 11:1, ensuring a diverse range of experiences for visitors.
- Willamette Valley wineries operate an average of 6-8 hours per day, providing ample opportunity for exploration.
- Renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Willamette Valley was named the Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2016.
- The region is home to several award-winning and innovative wineries, each with its own unique character and offerings.
Exploring the Heart of Oregon Wine Country
The Willamette Valley in Oregon is a paradise for wine lovers. It boasts over 700 wineries and 800 vineyards. This place is famous for its top-notch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, thanks to its special soil and climate.
Scenic Vineyard Landscapes
The Willamette Valley is known for its stunning natural beauty. You’ll see green hills and grapevines stretching as far as the eye can see. The Cascade Mountains add to the beauty, making it a peaceful and breathtaking place.
Renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
The Valley’s cool weather and soil are perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. These grapes are famous worldwide for their complex flavors. At the Valley’s tasting rooms, you can try different wines and learn about each winery’s unique flavors.
The Willamette Valley is a place where nature and wine come together beautifully. It’s perfect for both wine experts and beginners. This place will surely amaze and delight you with its beauty and wine.
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars: A Newberg Gem
In the heart of Newberg, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars shines as a top Willamette Valley winery. It’s known for its outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Lynn and Ron Penner-Ash founded it, focusing on sustainable methods and respecting the land deeply.
At Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, you can pick from many tasting options. Enjoy free drop-in tours or private hikes through the beautiful vineyards. For a closer look, try a private tasting in the winery. You can also add library wine tastings or a fancy seven-course meal with Pas de Nom wines.
| Tasting Experience | Price |
|---|---|
| Complimentary drop-in tours (30 minutes) | Free |
| Private winery tour with 5-wine flight | $35 per person |
| Guided hike with 5-wine flight and boxed lunch | $70 per person |
| Private seated tasting of 6 wines | $40 per person |
| Library wine tasting (3 select older Pinot Noir vintages) | $25 per person |
| Gastronomic Tasting Menu with Pas de Nom wines | $350 per person |
The Penner-Ash Wine Cellars tasting room welcomes visitors daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Tours and tastings need a reservation. A trip to this winery is a highlight when exploring Newberg wineries or the Willamette Valley.
Willamette Valley Vineyards: A Sprawling Estate
Located just south of Salem, Willamette Valley Vineyards is a large estate. It offers many tasting experiences for wine lovers. You can enjoy tastings in an inviting tasting room, a big courtyard, or beautiful vineyard lawns. This lets you dive into the Willamette Valley winery culture.
Diverse Tasting Options
The winery has a wide range of Pinot Noir, from light rosé to strong whole cluster wines. They also offer other wine tasting choices like Pinot Blanc and Muscat. These wines have unique flavors and aromas.
Culinary Delights Paired with Wine
Willamette Valley Vineyards also has great food to go with their wine. You can try dishes like shrimp and scallop salad or wood-fired pizzas. Each dish is paired with their award-winning wines for a perfect wine and food pairing experience.
“Willamette Valley Vineyards is a must-visit for anyone exploring Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine culture. Their focus on quality and innovation shines in every sip and bite.”
Stangeland Vineyards: Eola-Amity Hills Elegance
In the Willamette Valley, Stangeland Vineyards is a treasure for wine lovers. It’s known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir. This family-owned winery has been perfecting its Eola-Amity Hills AVA vineyards for over 40 years.
The journey of Stangeland Vineyards started in 1978 with 25 acres of vines. Today, they have over 3,000 acres in the Eola-Amity Hills. In 1991, the winery began, starting with just 140 cases.
Now, Stangeland focuses on 4 acres, with a variety of Pinot Noir clones. They also make great Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. This shows the Eola-Amity Hills AVA terroir’s versatility.
Visitors can taste wines in a mid-century-inspired tasting room. It’s surrounded by vines and mountains. Reservations are needed on weekdays, but walk-ins are welcome from Thursday to Sunday.
Stangeland Vineyards is a symbol of its owners’ hard work and love. They’ve made cool-climate Pinot Noir that highlights the Willamette Valley’s best. A visit here is a memorable experience in Oregon’s top wine area.
Corollary Wines: Sparkling Sophistication
In the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Corollary Wines is a gem for sparkling wine lovers. Its modern, vibrant tasting room sits atop a scenic hill. Here, they focus on making Corollary Wines with traditional Champagne grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. They also use Pinot Blanc.
Visitors need to book ahead to taste Corollary’s fine sparkling wines. Their first vintage, 2017, was released nearly four years ago. Now, they’re offering their fourth vintage in 2020. Their range includes a Cuvée One Brut, a mix of 60% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Blanc, and 18% Pinot Noir.
Corollary Wines has bought 57 acres in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. They aim to grow their vineyard and farm sustainably for sparkling wines. They’re also trying out different grape clones for their 50-year sparkling wine plan.
| Wine | Grape Composition | Production (cases) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuvée One Brut | 60% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Blanc, 18% Pinot Noir | 242 | $55 |
| Sparkling Rosé | 100% Pinot Noir | 68 | $65 |
| Blanc de Blancs | 100% Chardonnay | 149 | $45 |
Corollary Wines stands out in the Willamette Valley for its méthode champenoise sparkling wines. They offer a unique and sophisticated tasting experience for all who visit.
Coeur de Terre Vineyard: Idyllic Outdoor Tastings
Coeur de Terre Vineyard is in the heart of McMinnville’s AVA. It’s a family-owned winery known for its Pinot Noir and Syrah. Visitors can enjoy the views while tasting these award-winning wines.
Pinot Noir and Syrah Specialties
The winery is proud of its Pinot Noir and Syrah. The team uses sustainable methods to make these wines. Guests can taste the unique flavors that have made Coeur de Terre Vineyard famous.
Live Music Events
Coeur de Terre Vineyard also hosts live music events all year. Visitors can enjoy music with their favorite Pinot Noir or Syrah in the beautiful outdoor tasting areas. These events are lively and memorable, capturing the essence of Willamette Valley wine country.
| Coeur de Terre Vineyard | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Location | McMinnville, Oregon |
| Focus | Pinot Noir and Syrah |
| Tasting Experience | Covered outdoor deck, fire-warmed indoor tasting room |
| Events | Live music performances |
“The Pinot Noir and Syrah from Coeur de Terre Vineyard capture the essence of the McMinnville AVA, showcasing the region’s unique terroir and microclimate. It’s a must-visit for any wine lover exploring the Willamette Valley.”
– Dominic Allen, President of the McMinnville Winegrowers Association
Sokol Blosser Winery: A Family Legacy
Sokol Blosser Winery is in the heart of the Willamette Valley. It’s a family-owned place that has made great wines for over 50 years. Started in 1971, it helped make Oregon known for its Pinot Noir and other wines.
Extensive Wine Selection
Sokol Blosser offers a wide range of wines. They have everything from Pinot Noir to sparkling wines. Visitors can taste these wines in a bright tasting room or enjoy the view from the outdoor patio.
Culinary Experiences
Sokol Blosser is also known for its food. They use local ingredients and creative pairings. Whether you’re having a picnic or a meal in the tasting room, it’s a special experience.
“At Sokol Blosser, we are committed to crafting exceptional wines that capture the essence of the Willamette Valley. Our family’s legacy and passion for winemaking are woven into every bottle we produce.”
– Alex Sokol Blosser, Winery President
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1971 | Sokol Blosser winery planted their first vines in the Willamette Valley. |
| 1978 | Sokol Blosser opened Oregon’s first tasting room. |
| 1980 | Sokol Blosser has a 72-acre vineyard. |
| 1996 | Sokol Blosser was certified “Salmon-Safe”. |
| 2005 | Sokol Blosser received full USDA organic certification for its 72-acre estate vineyard. |
| 2021 | Sokol Blosser celebrated its 50th anniversary and purchased Kalita Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. |
| 2023 | Alex Sokol Blosser became the Winery President, and Robin Howell became the first female Winemaker in the company’s history. |
Durant Vineyards: Olive Oils and Stunning Views
Durant Vineyards is in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It’s not just a winery but a place that celebrates the region’s gifts. Known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it also makes olive oil from its own olives.
As you arrive, stunning vineyard views welcome you. The tasting lodge offers a special experience. You can see the Dundee Hills and Mount Hood from there.
There’s more to do than just taste wine. Durant Vineyards has nature trails, gardens, and a cottage for stays. The Everything Plate is a great way to enjoy the winery’s food and wine, costing $25 for 2-3 people.
Durant Vineyards is perfect for wine lovers or anyone looking for a beautiful spot. It’s a top place in the Willamette Valley wineries. It offers a mix of wine, olive oil, and views that are truly special.
| Tasting Experience | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Tasting Flight | $10 |
| Wine Sensory Pairing | $20 per person |
| The Estate Experience (Guided Tour of Oregon Olive Mill) | $65 per person (4-person minimum) |
Durant Vineyards has a wide range of wines. From Chardonnay and Pinot Gris to the famous Raven Pinot Noir and Bishop Pinot Noir. Prices start at $18 and go up to $65, so there’s something for everyone.
“The Raven Pinot Noir is a true standout, with its delicate aromas of cherry, strawberry, and subtle spice, complemented by soft tannins and a long, satisfying finish.”
At Durant Vineyards, you can learn about wine and olive oil. It’s a unique place that shows off the Willamette Valley’s beauty.
Day Wines: Natural and Inventive
Day Wines is a rising star in the natural wine scene, located in the Willamette Valley. Owner and winemaker Brianne Day has created a diverse range of innovative wines. These wines highlight the region’s terroir. The winery is in Dundee, where visitors can taste a variety of natural wines.
The tasting experience at Day Wines is all about exploring and discovering. A friendly staff guides you through Brianne’s unique takes on classic Willamette Valley wines. You’ll try everything from juicy rosés to orange wines.
Day Wines offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place for both seasoned natural wine lovers and newcomers. You’re sure to find something that will delight your taste buds and broaden your understanding of Willamette Valley wineries.
| Winery | Tasting Fee | Tasting Format | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Wines | $20-$30 per person | Seated flights, 60-90 minutes | Innovative natural wines, casual tasting experience |
“Brianne Day’s natural wines are a revelation, showcasing the incredible potential of the Willamette Valley. Her fearless approach to winemaking is a true inspiration.”
– Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Domaine Roy: Cellaring Potential Pinot Noir
At Domaine Roy’s Dundee Hills estate, you can taste their famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These wines come from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and Dundee Hills AVA. They are grown organically and are perfect for those wanting to add to their wine collection.
Domaine Roy is a newer winery in the Willamette Valley. But, it’s quickly becoming known for its Pinot Noir. The wines show the wide range of flavors Pinot Noir can have, thanks to different soils in the region.
It’s a good idea to make a reservation to visit this popular tasting room. You can also enjoy the “Bottles and Blankets” experience. It includes a $40 credit for wine at Domaine Roy and Fils, and a $30 credit at the nearby Red Hills Market.
“Pinot Noir is the most challenging grape varietal for me to grow and produce, but it’s also the one I’m most excited to work with and drink due to its potential for variation depending on the winemaker and origin.”
Domaine Roy welcomes dogs, so you can bring your furry friend along. The winery’s organic farming and sustainable practices make each bottle special. It shows the unique taste of the Willamette Valley.
Dobbes Family Estate: Variety from Willamette Valley
Dobbes Family Estate is in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country. It offers a wide range of wines that show off Oregon’s famous terroir. Visitors can explore the Estate’s wines, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Dundee Hills. They can also try Pinot Noir from McMinnville and a Viognier from Rogue Valley.
Winemaker Derek Einberger joined in 2021 and is leading the Estate to new heights. He focuses on sustainable winemaking and quality. This means guests can taste wines from both the Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon in one visit.
| Varietal | Appellation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Dundee Hills, McMinnville | $40 – $60 |
| Chardonnay | Willamette Valley | $35 – $45 |
| Viognier | Rogue Valley | $25 – $35 |
| Riesling | Willamette Valley | $25 – $30 |
Dobbes Family Estate’s tasting room in Dundee is a top-notch experience. It’s perfect for both Pinot Noir lovers and those new to wine. Each wine has its own unique taste, reflecting the different places it comes from. Let your taste buds guide you on a memorable wine adventure.
Willamette Valley, Oregon: Wineries to check out
If you love wine, the Willamette Valley in Oregon is a must-see. It’s famous for its amazing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You’ll find a wide range of wineries here, each offering a unique tasting experience.
Eyrie is a pioneer in the area, known for its Pinot Gris. Antica Terra offers tastings from its own label and Lillian winery. Big Table Farm has 70 acres of vineyards in Gaston, Oregon.
The Bergstrom family’s tasting room has a great selection of wines. Okta restaurant in McMinnville offers a 10-course tasting menu with the best wines.
Looking for a hearty burrito? Try Taqueria Tulancingo. Or relax in one of the eight guest suites at the Tributary, named after Oregon’s rivers. The Willamette Valley is full of opportunities for wine lovers.
Abbey Road Farm is perfect for a rustic getaway. You can stay in converted grain silos and enjoy wines from the farm’s collective.
The Willamette Valley is home to over 700 wineries and 800 vineyards. It’s a 120-mile stretch from Portland, known for sustainable wine practices and environmental protection. Whether you’re into Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or other varietals, you’ll find something to love here.
| Winery | Specialty | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Eyrie | Pinot Gris | Pioneered the growth of Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley |
| Antica Terra | Diverse Tastings | Offers tastings from both Antica Terra and Lillian wineries |
| Big Table Farm | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay | Owns 70 acres of land in Gaston, Oregon |
| Bergstrom | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah | Family-owned tasting room with extensive wine selection |
| Okta | Culinary Experiences | 10-course tasting menu at the Tributary hotel in McMinnville |
| Taqueria Tulancingo | Mexican Cuisine | Serves generous portions in their burritos |
| The Tributary | Lodging | Eight guest suites named after different rivers in Oregon |
| Abbey Road Farm | Boutique Wines | Offers five suites in converted grain silos and features wines from its own wine collective |
Conclusion
The Willamette Valley in Oregon is a true gem for wine lovers. It offers a wide range of world-class wineries. These wineries showcase the region’s exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
From the beautiful vineyard landscapes to the family-owned estates, this guide has shown some of the best wineries. They are located in the heart of Oregon wine country.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer wine trip, the Willamette Valley is perfect. It offers an unmatched wine tasting experience. The region is affordable for wine, lodging, and dining.
It also has a variety of non-wine activities. This makes it appealing to both casual and seasoned wine lovers. Discover the charm of the Willamette Valley and dive into Oregon’s famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The Willamette Valley is a true gem that should be experienced firsthand. Start your journey through this exceptional wine region. Enjoy the flavors that make the Willamette Valley a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.