Bed and Breakfast in Oregon Wine Country: Top Picks
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July 1, 2024Map of Oregon Wine Country: Start an exciting journey through Oregon’s famous wine areas with our detailed map. It covers the iconic Willamette Valley, known for its amazing Pinot Noir, and more. This guide will show you the best spots on Oregon’s wine trails.
Oregon has over 500 wineries, offering great experiences for wine lovers of all levels. Our map points out the top wine tasting routes. It highlights the best wineries in the Willamette Valley and the top oregon pinot noir wines.
Our map is perfect for a weekend trip or a long wine tasting journey. It reveals the unique land and weather conditions that make Oregon’s wines special. You’ll dive into the rich history and passion behind each Oregon wine.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the diverse wine regions of Oregon, including the renowned Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley, Applegate Valley, Umpqua Valley, Columbia Gorge, and Columbia Valley.
- Discover the best willamette valley wineries and their exceptional oregon pinot noir offerings.
- Navigate the wine tasting routes and oregon wine trails with ease using our comprehensive map of oregon wine country.
- Learn about the ideal climate and soil conditions that contribute to the production of high-quality Oregon wines.
- Plan your perfect wine country getaway with the help of our detailed guide, featuring suggested itineraries and must-visit destinations.
Introduction to Oregon Wine Country
Oregon’s wine country is a must-visit for wine lovers and those curious about wine. It has a diverse landscape, a great climate, and a long history of winemaking. From the green vineyards of the Willamette Valley to the rough terrain of Southern Oregon, there’s a lot to see and do.
Overview of Oregon’s Wine Regions
Oregon has four main wine regions, each with its own special wines. The Willamette Valley is the biggest and most famous, making up most of Oregon’s wineries. It’s split into seven smaller areas, each making its own unique wines.
Southern Oregon has five wine areas known for many grape types. The Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley in the east have their own special wines too.
Climate and Soil Conditions Favorable for Winemaking
Oregon’s cool weather and varied soils are perfect for growing many wine grapes. The Willamette Valley is like France’s Burgundy in climate, great for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Its soils add complexity to the wines.
The state’s varied landscape creates different growing conditions for grapes. These conditions, along with long days and big temperature changes, help make the grapes’ flavors rich and the wines top quality.
Wine Region | Key AVAs | Primary Grape Varieties |
---|---|---|
Willamette Valley | Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, Chehalem Mountains | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay |
Southern Oregon | Rogue Valley, Applegate Valley, Umpqua Valley | Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot |
Columbia Gorge | Columbia Gorge AVA | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah |
Columbia Valley | Walla Walla Valley AVA | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah |
Oregon wine country is known for its beautiful views, friendly tasting rooms, and great wines. Whether you want a relaxing vineyard tour, to follow a winery map, or just enjoy tasting, Oregon has something for everyone.
Willamette Valley Wine Region
The Willamette Valley stretches 150 miles from north to south, making it the core of Oregon’s wine scene. It hosts over 700 wineries, which is two-thirds of the state’s total. The valley’s climate is ideal for growing top-notch Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling grapes. This is thanks to its long summer days and moderate temperatures.
Sub-AVAs within the Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley AVA was set up in 1983 and covers 3,428,800 acres. It’s split into eleven smaller AVAs, each with its own unique soil types. These include marine sedimentary, volcanic, and loess soils. Some top sub-AVAs are:
- Chehalem Mountains
- Dundee Hills
- Eola-Amity Hills
- Yamhill-Carlton
- Laurelwood District
Notable Wineries and Tasting Rooms
The Willamette Valley boasts many famous wineries and tasting rooms. Each place offers a special experience for wine lovers. Some top wineries include:
Winery | Sub-AVA | Notable Wines |
---|---|---|
Domaine Serene | Dundee Hills | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay |
Domaine Drouhin | Dundee Hills | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay |
Argyle Winery | Eola-Amity Hills | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling Wines |
Willamette Valley Vineyards | Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling |
Iconic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
The Willamette Valley is famous for its amazing Pinot Noir, making up about 70% of the area’s grapes. The cool climate and long growing season help the grapes develop complex flavors. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is known for its elegance, with tastes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy notes.
In 2016, the Willamette Valley was named ‘Wine Region of the Year’ by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This honor confirmed its status as a top spot for Pinot Noir lovers.
Southern Oregon Wine Region
The Southern Oregon wine region is a place full of diversity and charm. It has over 150 wineries and vineyards. The area is perfect for growing over 70 types of wine, making it one of the most varied wine regions globally. You’ll find everything from the warm Rogue Valley to the cooler Applegate Valley and the beautiful Umpqua Valley.
Rogue Valley AVA
The Rogue Valley AVA has a warm climate, ideal for making full-bodied red wines like Syrah and Merlot. Wineries here, such as Kriselle Cellars, are known for their rich reds and crisp whites. Pebblestone Cellars benefits from the region’s sunny climate, creating wines with intense aromas.
Applegate Valley AVA
The Applegate Valley AVA is cooler and higher, perfect for Chardonnay and Syrah. It’s part of the Applegate Wine Trail, showing off the area’s beauty and great wineries. Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, a leader in organic and biodynamic farming, makes award-winning wines here.
Umpqua Valley AVA
In the northern part of Southern Oregon, the Umpqua Valley AVA is famous for Pinot Noir and Riesling. It’s filled with family-owned vineyards and wineries, like Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards, known for their top-notch wines. The Umpqua Valley Wine Trail takes visitors through beautiful landscapes and top wineries.
Wine Trail | Notable Wineries | Key Varietals |
---|---|---|
Applegate Wine Trail | Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, Wooldridge Creek Winery, Schmidt Family Vineyards | Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot |
Bear Creek Wine Trail | Dancin Vineyards, Paschal Winery, Pebblestone Cellars | Pinot Noir, Malbec, Viognier |
Upper Rogue Wine Trail | Del Rio Vineyards, Kriselle Cellars, Folin Cellars | Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah |
Wine trails like the Applegate, Bear Creek, and Upper Rogue Wine Trail let visitors see the region’s diverse wineries. They offer a chance to taste the best of southern Oregon wine tasting. With its beauty, friendly tasting rooms, and dedicated winemakers, Southern Oregon is a top spot for wine lovers.
Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley Wine Regions
The Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley wine regions sit on the Oregon-Washington border. They offer a wide range of wine experiences. The Columbia Gorge AVA has a cool climate, great for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer. The Columbia Valley AVA, on the other hand, is warmer, perfect for full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
The Columbia Gorge AVA, created in 2004, covers nearly 300 square miles across Oregon and Washington. It’s known for its stunning cliffs, winding river, and beautiful vineyards. The Columbia Valley AVA, established in 1984, is mostly in Washington but also includes a bit of Oregon. It spans over 11 million acres and is where 99% of Washington’s vineyards are found.
Visitors to the columbia gorge wineries can enjoy amazing views while tasting local wines. Some top wineries include:
- Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery
- Marchesi Vineyards
- Hood River Vineyards
- Phelps Creek Vineyards
- Wy’East Vineyards
When touring the washington wine country, don’t miss the sub-appellations in the Columbia Valley AVA, like:
AVA | Established | Total Acres | Acres Under Vine |
---|---|---|---|
Yakima Valley | 1983 | 665,600 | 18,924 |
Horse Heaven Hills | 2005 | 665,600 | 17,082 |
Goose Gap | 2021 | 8,129 | 1,800 |
White Bluffs | 2021 | 93,738 | 1,127 |
Lake Chelan | 2009 | 24,040 | 269 |
Many Oregon wineries use grapes from the columbia valley ava for their bold, flavorful red wines. These wines go well with Oregon’s famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. By visiting both the Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley, wine lovers can enjoy the best of Oregon and Washington’s winemaking traditions.
Map of Oregon Wine Country
Exploring Oregon’s wine regions is easier with detailed maps and interactive tools. These resources are great for both wine lovers and newcomers. They help you understand the state’s wine country layout for planning your visits.
Interactive Online Map Resources
The Oregon Wine Board has an interactive map on their website. It lets you explore wine regions, AVAs, and wineries. You can search for wineries, filter by region or grape type, and plan your trip.
Regional associations like the Willamette Valley Wineries Association and the Southern Oregon Winery Association also have maps. These maps focus on their areas, helping you learn about each region’s unique features.
Printable Wine Trail Maps
For a traditional approach, you can find printable wine trail maps. These maps guide you through Oregon’s scenic wine country. Wineries and tasting rooms often give out their own maps, too. These maps have info on the wineries, their stories, and the wines they make.
Navigating Oregon’s Wine Routes
With a map in hand, you’re set to explore Oregon’s beautiful landscapes and wineries. Remember, many wineries are in rural areas with narrow roads. Plan your travel time and be ready for road closures or detours, especially during harvest.
It’s important to have a safe trip. Designate a driver or use a professional tour service for visiting several wineries in one day. Many companies offer tours and transportation, so you can enjoy the tastings without worrying about driving.
Region | Notable AVAs | Key Varieties |
---|---|---|
Willamette Valley | Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, Chehalem Mountains | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris |
Southern Oregon | Rogue Valley, Applegate Valley, Umpqua Valley | Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, Viognier |
Columbia Gorge | Columbia Gorge AVA | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Zinfandel |
Columbia Valley | Walla Walla Valley AVA | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah |
Using maps and planning your wine tasting routes will prepare you for an amazing journey through Oregon wine country.
Planning Your Oregon Wine Country Itinerary
Planning your trip to Oregon wine country can be both thrilling and a bit daunting. With over 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley, it’s smart to focus on a specific area or follow a tasting route. Wineries like WillaKenzie Estate, Soter Vineyards, and Domaine Drouhin offer tastings for $20 to $50 per flight. This gives you a wide range of choices for every budget and taste.
For a deeper dive into the wine experience, consider staying at a winery. Options range from cozy bed and breakfasts like Youngberg Hill and A’Tuscan Estate to the luxurious Allison Inn & Spa. These places let you live among the vines. Dining in Oregon’s wine country is also a treat, with restaurants like Recipe focusing on local, seasonal ingredients and pairing them with wines.
For a hassle-free trip, think about hiring a wine tour service or transportation company. They can guide you through the scenic roads, ensure your safety, and share insider tips on the best wineries. With their help, you can relax and enjoy the stunning views and wines of Oregon’s countryside.
Suggested Tasting Routes and Trails
Oregon’s wine country has many tasting routes and trails to explore. The Willamette Valley’s Dundee Hills are home to top wineries like Domaine Serene and Sokol Blosser. For a relaxed visit, the Chehalem Mountains AVA has both established and new wineries, great for beginners. Other routes include the McMinnville AVA, known for its downtown charm and nearby wineries, and the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, famous for its views and Pinot Noir.
Accommodations and Dining Options
Oregon’s wine country has accommodations for every taste and budget. The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg offers luxury with spa treatments and fine dining. For something more intimate, try bed and breakfasts like Youngberg Hill or A’Tuscan Estate, which provide personalized service and beautiful vineyard views. The Vintages Trailer Resort is another unique option, where you can stay in a vintage trailer among the vineyards.
Eating in Oregon’s wine country is a must. Many restaurants focus on local, seasonal ingredients and work with wineries for perfect pairings. Standout spots include Recipe in Newberg and Red Hills Market in Dundee, known for gourmet picnic foods and wood-fired pizzas.
Winery Tour and Transportation Services
For a worry-free wine tasting trip, consider a winery tour or transportation service. These services offer private luxury tours or group shuttles, letting you tailor your trip to your liking and budget. Companies like Black Tie Tours, A Great Oregon Wine Tour, and Insiders Wine Tour provide guides and transportation between wineries. Choosing a tour means you can enjoy the experience without the hassle of driving, making the most of your Oregon wine country visit.