Oregon Wine Regions: Oregon is celebrated for its varied terrains and climates. It is now a top spot for those who love wine. It boasts of four different wine regions and 18 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Oregon really does have something for everyone, from the famous Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley to the rich reds in the Rogue Valley.
Take a trip through Oregon’s unique wine areas. The Willamette Valley is a must-visit, with more than 500 wineries laid out. It’s known for its top-notch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Southern Oregon, with its warmer weather, showcases full-bodied reds like Tempranillo and Syrah. Don’t miss the Columbia Gorge’s beautiful landscapes. Its different climates support a variety of grapes.
Whether you know a lot about wine or are just starting to learn, Oregon’s wine scene has something special for you. Enjoy tasting wine at stunning wineries, go on vineyard tours to see how it’s all made, and soak up the beauty of Oregon’s wine areas.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon has four distinct wine regions and 18 AVAs, offering diverse wine tasting experiences
- The Willamette Valley is renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
- Southern Oregon’s warmer climate allows for the production of bold red wines
- The Columbia Gorge boasts diverse microclimates, enabling the growth of various grape varietals
- Oregon’s wine country offers vineyard tours, wine tasting, and stunning landscapes to explore
Introduction to Oregon’s Wine Country
Oregon’s wine country is great for everyone who loves wine, from experts to newbies. It has five main wine areas. Oregon is known for its many different soil types and climates that help in growing various kinds of grapes. There are 19 areas where grapes are grown, and they are known as American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs. Additionally, there are four more AVAs that Oregon shares with Washington and Idaho.
The wine industry in Oregon has grown a lot since the 1970s. Back then, it had only five wineries. Now, there are nearly 500. The Willamette Valley is the biggest wine area and is famous for producing 75% of Oregon’s wine. It’s most famous for its pinot noir. This grape does really well in the Valley’s cool weather and unique soil.
A Brief History of Oregon’s Wine Industry
Oregon’s wine story starts in 1961 when first vines post-Prohibition were planted by Richard Sommer in the Umpqua Valley. David Lett from Eyrie Vineyards brought the attention to Oregon by starting to grow pinot noir in 1965. He picked the Dundee Hills AVA, which is now part of the Willamette Valley.
Since then, Oregon’s wine scene has grown a lot. New AVAs have been added. Even in June 2020, the Tualatin Hills and Laurelwood District AVAs were approved in the Willamette Valley. Now, the state has over 750 wineries making 72 different grape types each year. There’s a big focus on making wine in natural and sustainable ways.
Oregon’s Diverse Terroir and Climate
Oregon’s wine areas have different lands and climates, perfect for many types of grapes. Pinot noir is the top grape here. But, you’ll also find chardonnay, pinot gris, and riesling.
| AVA | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Willamette Valley | Cool climate, marine sedimentary and volcanic soils, known for pinot noir |
| Umpqua Valley | Varied climate, diverse soils, produces a wide range of varietals |
| Rogue Valley | Warmer climate, volcanic and sedimentary soils, known for bordeaux and rhone varietals |
| Applegate Valley | Varied climate, granitic and volcanic soils, produces syrah and red blends |
| Walla Walla Valley | Continental desert climate, sandy, well-draining soils, known for cabernet sauvignon |
Oregon’s love for quality and the environment makes its wines special. Each visit to Oregon’s wine country is a chance to taste a world of flavors. It’s a unique place that brings together the best in wine.
Willamette Valley: Oregon’s Leading Wine Region
The Willamette Valley spreads south from Portland, covering 3.3 million acres. It’s the heart of Oregon’s wine scene. This area hosts over 700 wineries and 800 vineyards, taking up more than two-thirds of the state’s wine landscapes.
Its climate is perfect for varieties like Pinot Noir. Warm days, cool evenings, plus mild winters and long spring times, help these grapes thrive.
It’s a top spot globally for Pinot Noir. With nearly 85% of Oregon’s production from this area, it’s easy to see why. Besides, these vineyards are also known for their Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Around 50 different types of wine grapes grow in Oregon.
Sub AVAs of the Willamette Valley
Seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are nested within the Willamette Valley. These include the likes of Chehalem Mountains, and Dundee Hills. Each one brings its own special soil, geography, and flavors, adding to the valley’s rich wine tapestry.
Top Wineries to Visit in the Willamette Valley
The Valley boasts hundreds of stellar wineries to explore. Standout places to visit include the:
- Stoller Family Estate
- Adelsheim Vineyard
- Argyle Winery
- Domaine Serene
- Willamette Valley Vineyards
These wineries not only offer great wine but also stunning settings. They are perfect for a memorable tasting experience.
Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Itineraries
Visiting the Valley? Plan your trips with these wine-tasting paths:
| Itinerary | Wineries | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dundee Hills | Argyle Winery, Domaine Serene, Stoller Family Estate | Full Day |
| Eola-Amity Hills | Bethel Heights Vineyard, Cristom Vineyards, Witness Tree Vineyard | Half Day |
| Yamhill-Carlton | Anne Amie Vineyards, Soter Vineyards, Willakenzie Estate | Full Day |
These plans offer a glimpse into Willamette’s diverse wines and experiences. Discover top Pinot Noir and more in this beautiful setting.
Exploring Southern Oregon’s Wine Scene
Southern Oregon’s various lands and climates have bloomed into a rich wine country. The Southern Oregon AVA covers Umpqua Valley, Red Hills Douglas County, Rogue Valley, Applegate Valley, and the new Elkton Oregon AVA. It hosts over 65 wineries and gets about 19 inches of rain a year. This area is known for its diverse wine types and flavors.
Umpqua Valley AVA
The Umpqua Valley AVA is called “the land of a hundred valleys.” It has a rich past and a mix of environments. Hillcrest Vineyard planted the first pinot noir grapes in Oregon in 1961. The region’s mostly hilly land creates different climates. This allows for both cool and warm weather wine grapes to grow well.
Rogue Valley AVA
The Rogue Valley AVA started in 1991, but growing grapes there goes back to the 1840s. Valley View Winery, the area’s first winery, opened in 1873. The Rogue Valley has about 180 vineyards across several valleys. It’s known for the Applegate Wine Trail’s expansive fields and the Upper Rogue Wine Trail’s great wines and food at places like Kriselle Cellars.
| Winery | Location | Notable Wines |
|---|---|---|
| DANCIN Vineyards | Medford | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Barbera |
| Augustino Estate | Grants Pass | Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Syrah |
| Cliff Creek Cellars | Gold Hill | Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot |
| Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden | Jacksonville | Grenache, Syrah, Viognier |
Applegate Valley AVA
The Applegate Valley is known for its short frost-free season and its 19 wineries. Despite this, it grows wine grapes like pinot noir, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo, and syrah. This area’s unique climate helps make its wines stand out.
The wine scene in Southern Oregon is ever-changing. People like Schulte are finding new ways to deal with smoke from fires near vineyards and wineries. With these changes, wine lovers can expect to see more unique and high-quality wines from this beautiful part of Oregon.
Oregon Wine Regions: Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla
Oregon is famous for its wines, much thanks to places beyond the well-known Willamette Valley. The state’s diverse regions offer many grape types and terroirs. The Columbia Gorge AVA and the Walla Walla AVA stand out for their unique features and great wines.
The Columbia Gorge AVA is just under 60 miles east of Portland. This area near Hood River has a mix of climates good for different grapes. It has more than 40 wineries. You’ll find wines like Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer here.
The special climate of the Columbia Gorge lets winemakers create both cold and warm-climate wines. This makes it a really interesting place for wine lovers.
The Walla Walla AVA is in the northeastern part, known as Oregon’s warmest growing area. It spreads into Washington State and is famous for its big red wines. You can enjoy wines such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot here, among over 120 wineries and nearly 3,000 acres of vineyards.
| Wine Region | Number of Wineries | Popular Grape Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Gorge AVA | 40+ | Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer |
| Walla Walla AVA | 120+ | Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot |
Some of the Columbia Valley AVA is in Oregon, adding to the state’s wine variety. It’s known for growing many kinds of grapes, like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese.
When exploring Oregon’s wine country, make sure to stop at the Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla AVAs. They offer a chance to taste the unique wines from these special regions. From the Columbia Gorge’s diverse climates to Walla Walla’s bold reds, each visit brings you closer to Oregon’s rich wine culture.
Where to Stay in Oregon Wine Country
When you plan your visit to Oregon’s wine regions, you’ll find many places to stay. There are luxurious resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts. They all make a great starting point for exploring the state’s wineries.
Recommended Accommodations in the Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s top wine region. It has places like The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg for those who love luxury. You can stay in premium guest rooms and suites. They also offer great perks, like in-room bike storage and a deck with amazing views.
Another great choice is Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast. It has modern rooms and serves gourmet breakfasts. And for something unique, check out Vintages Trailer Resort in Dayton. They have retro trailers with outdoor grills and bikes to use.
Lodging Options in Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon has great wine and places to stay. C.H. Bailey House in Roseburg is eco-friendly and private. It sits near hiking trails and waterfalls and serves gourmet breakfast.
If you’re in the Umpqua Valley AVA, visit Delfino Vineyards Bed and Breakfast. It’s in Roseburg, offering peace among the vines. The Willows Inn in Central Point, part of the Rogue Valley AVA, has cozy rooms. It’s also close to the region’s top wineries.
Places to Stay in the Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla Regions
The Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla regions offer many places to stay. Sakura Ridge Farm and Lodge in Hood River is a peaceful spot. It has great views of mountains and valleys.
Walla Walla has the luxurious Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center. It’s downtown, near tasting rooms and restaurants. The Inn at Abeja, in a historic vineyard, is perfect for a quiet, romantic escape.
