Oregon Wine Passport: Take an amazing journey through Oregon’s unique wine regions with the Oregon Wine Passport. It offers wine lovers a chance to visit the state’s best wineries. You can see the famed Willamette Valley and many hidden spots like the Umpqua Valley. Over 550 tasting rooms are waiting to be explored, guiding you to Oregon’s outstanding wines and experiences.

With the Oregon Wine Passport, enjoy free tastings, discounts, and access to special winery events. It’s perfect if you love Oregon’s Pinot Noir or want to try wines like Albariño and Zinfandel. Go on an Oregon wine adventure to enjoy beautiful sights, warm welcomes, and top-notch wines.

Explore from the green hills of the Willamette Valley to the wild beauty of Southern Oregon with the Oregon Wine Passport. Meet the skilled winemakers, see how they make wines, and taste their creations. From wine enthusiasts to newbies, this passport brings an unforgettable experience for all.

Key Takeaways

• The Oregon Wine Passport grants access to complimentary tastings and discounts at participating wineries throughout the state.
• Oregon boasts over 550 tasting rooms, offering a diverse range of wine varieties and styles.
• The passport encourages exploration of renowned regions like the Willamette Valley and hidden gems in the Umpqua Valley and beyond.
• Visitors can embark on personalized Oregon wine tours, meet winemakers, and learn about their unique techniques and philosophies.
• The Oregon Wine Passport promises an unforgettable adventure for wine enthusiasts of all levels, showcasing the best of Oregon’s wine culture.

Exploring the Umpqua Valley Wine Region

In Southern Oregon’s heart is the Umpqua Valley wine region. It’s perfect for both wine lovers and adventurers. This area is ideal for growing many grape types, from Pinot Noir to Albariño.

Perfect Climate for Growing a Variety of Grapes

The Umpqua Valley is special because of its geography. It’s between the Coast Range, Cascade Range, and Klamath Mountains. This mix creates many different climates for growing over 70 grape types. It’s often called “the land of a hundred valleys” and gets about 19 inches of rain each year. This amount of rain makes the area perfect for growing grapes.

Baco Noir is a top find in the Umpqua Valley. It was planted in 1971 by Girardet Vineyards & Winery. This grape produces wines with deep flavors and a smooth touch. In Southern Oregon, other unique grapes grown are Albariño, Dolcetto, Grenache, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

Discover Hidden Gems Away from the Crowds

The Umpqua Valley is perfect for finding quiet spots. Over 30 wineries are here, offering unique tasting rooms and meeting winemakers. In this quiet Southern Oregon area, you can enjoy wine slowly, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Convenient Location for a Weekend Getaway

Just a few hours away from main cities like Portland, Eugene, and Medford, the Umpqua Valley is easy to reach for a weekend. It’s great for those who love wine, outdoor activities, or just relaxing.

The Umpqua Valley is waiting for you to explore its wines, nature, and hidden treasures. So, get ready with your Oregon Wine Passport for an amazing adventure through Southern Oregon.

The Birthplace of Oregon Wine

The Umpqua Valley is located in southern Oregon and is crucial to the state’s winemaking history. It’s known as the birthplace of Oregon wine because the first Pinot Noir vines were planted there in the early 1960s. This act set off the boom in Oregon’s wine scene that we see today.

First Pinot Noir Vines Established in 1961

In 1961, Richard Sommer brought Pinot Noir to the Umpqua Valley before it was famous. He founded HillCrest Vineyard, showcasing the area’s rich winemaking tradition. His belief in Oregon’s potential for winemaking was true, and many followed his lead.

Planting Pinot Noir in the Umpqua Valley was a key moment for Oregon’s wine journey. It proved the region could grow top-quality wine and inspired others. Sommer’s efforts are remembered as crucial in Oregon’s now celebrated wine story.

Smaller Wine Growing Region with Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

The Umpqua Valley offers a less explored wine experience than the popular Willamette Valley. It is a hidden gem for those seeking unique and real wine adventures. Unlike larger regions, it provides a chance to know winemakers personally in a profound setting.

It boasts diverse wineries, ranging from family-run to large estates. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, taste unique wines, and hear about winemaking firsthand. Exploring this valley means connecting with people who have dedicated their lives to wine, adding a special touch to every sip.

Discovering the Umpqua Valley is not just about wine; it’s a journey into Oregon’s winemaking story. Exploring the region takes you through its history, from Richard Sommer’s first plant to today’s diverse wine scene. It’s a chance to see how this beautiful valley has shaped Oregon’s wine culture.

McMinnville AVA Passport Program

The McMinnville AVA Passport Program is a cool way to discover new wines. It lets wine lovers visit vineyards in McMinnville’s foothills. There they can explore over 600 acres of vineyards from more than 20 wineries.

This program is perfect for seeing the best of Oregon wine country in winter.

Exploring the Foothills Southwest of McMinnville

The McMinnville AVA is full of unique wineries. You’ll find everything from small, family-owned places to well-known ones. It’s a beautiful area with many wineries to enjoy.

Some top wineries in McMinnville include:

• Youngberg Hill
• Brittan Vineyards
• Yamhill Valley Vineyards
• Coeur de Terre Vineyard
• Maysara Winery

Collect Stamps and Qualify for Prize Drawings

In the McMinnville AVA Passport Program, you can get stamps by tasting wine or buying some. With more stamps, you have a better chance to win prizes. The prizes range from local wine to cool stuff from the area.

This program goes from February 1 to April 30. Since it was updated in 2017, more people are joining. The first quarter of 2018 saw four times as many people join compared to the year before.

Winter Offers a Cozy and Slower Pace in Wine Country

Visiting Oregon’s wine country in winter is special. The quiet season means fewer people, which is great for personal talks with winemakers. You can enjoy wine tastings more, without big crowds.

In McMinnville, you can find good winter deals on stays. For example:

• 20% off at 3rd Street Flats and Atticus Hotel
• 15% off at Boutique Retreat for weekday bookings
• 15% discount for Yamhill County residents at The Tributary Hotel through March 31

These deals are great for anyone looking to enjoy the McMinnville AVA in winter. Wine lovers can have a comfy and memorable visit to Oregon’s wine country.

Bear Creek Wine Trail Passport

Travel through the Bear Creek Wine Trail in Oregon. It’s in the Rogue Valley, the state’s southern wine spot. You’ll find this scenic path near Ashland, Jacksonville, and Medford. With a year-round digital passport, it’s easy to discover top wineries here using your phone.

At just $35, get ready to taste Southern Oregon’s fine wines. You can try three wines at each of the 11 wineries. This shows off more than 35 kinds, such as fresh Albariño and strong Zinfandel. Plus, you’ll save 10% on wine purchases with your passport.

The trail includes top-tier wineries, each with a special touch:

• Resistance Wine Company in Ashland, known for its award-winning 2018 Syrah, named Best Red Wine at the Oregon Wine Experience
• Belle Fiore Winery in Ashland, offering live music nightly, winemaker-paired dinners, and scenic gardens and vineyards
• Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, a family-owned winery located just five miles from downtown Ashland, specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé tastings paired with local cuisine

Your Bear Creek Wine Trail Passport is good for a full year. This lets you visit again and enjoy Southern Oregon wine and more. The region also hosts the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and has lots to do, from art shopping to outdoor adventures.

Experience the Rogue Valley’s hidden wineries and make lasting memories on the Bear Creek Wine Trail. This Southern Oregon wine trail is way too good to miss, with its easy digital passport, amazing wineries, and beautiful views.

Discover “Oregon Wine Reserve” Wine Storage and Sales

Oregon is home to more than 107 wine businesses. For wine lovers, this means there are numerous options to explore the state’s rich wine variety. But, for those wanting to store or buy Oregon wines, the “Oregon Wine Reserve” is an excellent choice. Since its start in 2006, this locally owned facility has been highly praised. It received a perfect 5.0 rating from customers, who love its top-notch service and reasonable prices.

The “Oregon Wine Reserve” is located at 600 N State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034. It’s a must-visit for anyone passionate about wine. It combines two key services for wine lovers. First, it offers safe wine storage. Second, it’s a store for buying Oregon wines. This makes it a perfect stop for people keen on exploring wine in the area.

A Trusted Partner for Wine Collectors and Enthusiasts

The “Oregon Wine Reserve” has been serving customers for 28 years. It’s known as a trusted partner for both wine collectors and fans. The facility is praised for its professional and fair service. 81 customers specifically mentioned the company’s wine knowledge as a reason to trust their wine here. The “Oregon Wine Reserve” also helps with wine cellar needs. This makes it a great all-around choice for anyone serious about their wine collection.

Explore Lake Oswego’s Wine Scene

Lake Oswego has much to offer those interested in wine. The city is packed with top-rated wineries, like Willamette Valley Vineyards and Cougar Crest Lake Oswego Tasting Room. These places have high ratings, showing that wine fans love them. When visiting the “Oregon Wine Reserve,” make sure to check out these local gems. Doing so lets you dive into Lake Oswego’s dynamic wine scene and the wider Willamette Valley area.