If you’re a fan of wine, it is essential to include the top wineries located in the Willamette Valley on your list of places to visit. This gorgeous area in the west of Oregon hosts some of the finest wineries in the world.
Willamette Valley was named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2016.
We’ve provided you with the information you need if you’re seeking advice about where to begin your journey on your way to Oregon wines. Each winery listed in this article makes outstanding wines; you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve got some excellent Willamette Valley winery recommendations for you to visit. So , without further delay, let’s explore the many things that the Pacific Northwest has to offer!
What is the Willamette Valley?
It is located in the Willamette Valley, which is in the western region of Oregon. It’s around 150 miles (240 kilometers) long and is bordered by the Cascade Range to the east, the Coast Range to the west, and the Calapooya Mountains to the south.
Its Willamette River runs through the valley’s central region, and more than 500 wineries are located in the area (that’s around two-thirds of the wineries in the state).
The Willamette Valley is one of the most beautiful wine regions around the globe and is a wonderful destination to visit if you enjoy wine and the outdoors.
The Van Duzer Corridor AVA is entirely within the Willamette Valley and is well-known for its cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean.
Why Should You Visit the Willamette Valley?
The Willamette Valley is best known for its world-class Pinot Noir, but the region also produces top Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The climate of the Willamette Valley is cool and humid, making it the perfect place to grow the top Pinot Noir grapes.
It is said that the Willamette Valley has a long growing season, with hot days and cool evenings, which aids in the development of the grapes’ intricate flavour profile.
Top Willamette Valley Wineries
1. Trisaetum Winery
This is a classic boutique winery run by a family-owned winery in the Willamette Valley’s Ribbon Ridge AVA.The name Trisaetum is derived from the twin names of two children’s names: Tristen as well as Tatum.
The winery concentrates on producing single-vineyard-designate Pinot Noir as well as Riesling. Trisaetum is a winery whose team is devoted to sustainable viticulture and employs biodynamic and organic practises within the winery.
Why should you visit?
Trisaetum is a stunning winery, and the staff is devoted to producing top-quality wine. The Pinot Noir from a single vineyard is a must-try, as is the Riesling, which is also excellent.
They also have a terrace tasting room, complete with heaters that provide a spectacular panorama over the wineries.
The tasting room also functions as an art gallery, with the winery’s founder, James Frey, showcasing and selling his artwork and photos.
Trisaetum is open to tastings every day between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Bookings are required through OpenTable, and the price of their tasting experience is $30 per person.
2. Soter Vineyards
Soter Vineyards is a family-owned winery that is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA in the Willamette Valley.
The winery was started in 1998, with the help of Tony Soter, a world-renowned wine expert, and his wife, Michelle. Soter Vineyards makes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, as well as sparkling wine.
They are a biodynamically certified winery that is committed to working within an agricultural system that focuses on biodiversity, animal and plant integration, as well as soil health.
Why should you visit?
Soter Vineyards produces high-quality Pinot Noir sparkling wines as well as a new Rose.
The vineyards are gorgeous The tasting room is small and comfortable. The tasting fee for their standard offerings is affordable at $10 per person. The tasting room is available on Tock.
They also offer a Mineral Springs Procurement Tasting, which is a guided tasting experience that includes their biodynamic farm and winery.
It depends on the time of year, and the pairings can change each week depending on the crops being grown at the time (100 percent of the farm).It’s a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend.
If you reside within the region, they also provide an exclusive tasting only to winery members for no cost, as long as there are at least four people in your party.
3. Rex Hill Winery
Rex Hill is owned by a family within the Willamette Valley AVA. The winery was established in 1988, and focuses on the production of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Rex Hill sources grapes from organically farmed vineyards. The wines are produced by traditional methods.
Why should you visit?
Rex Hill is one of the oldest wineries located in the Willamette Valley, and it is well-known. The wines are of high quality, and the estates and vineyards are gorgeous. The tasting room has been renovated.
Additionally, they host a “Music in the Gardens” series that runs throughout the summer with local musicians performing.
Wine is available in bottles and glasses during the event, as are wood-fired pizzas from Tastebud and Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches.
The tickets for the event are $25 per person, and are purchased through Tock.
4. Chehalem Winery
Chehalem is a winery owned by a family that was established in 1990 and is situated within the Willamette Valley AVA.
They are known for their only single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and a forward-thinking approach to white wines, which they believe should be a complement to all meals.
They have a warm tasting room in Newberg’s downtown. Newberg with a variety of tasting choices.
Why should you visit?
They offer a highly rated Chardonnay, which you can taste alongside their Pinot Noirs. They also have a popcorn and wine pairing option that is a unforgettable and unique wine pairing experience.
The wine tasting they offer is $20 per person. The Popcorn and Wine pairing is $30. They offer a Popcorn and Wine pairing for $30 per person. Reservations can be made via Tock for either.
5. Adelsheim Winery
Adelsheim Winery was founded in 1971, and was among the first wineries in the Willamette Valley. It’s family-owned and operated by the third generation.
The winery specialises in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and produces other varieties like Gamay Noir, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.
Why should you visit?
Adelsheim is one of the pioneers of this region. Willamette Valley wine region, which is why it’s a must to sample their wines as well as discover their story. Their tasting rooms are situated on an outdoor patio that overlooks their stunning vineyards.
They offer a variety of tastings However, their standard tasting costs $35 per person. It is available through Tock.
6. King Estate Winery
King Estate Winery is a family-owned winery founded in 1991. It is situated on a vineyard of 1,033 acres, which makes it the largest certified biodynamic estate vineyard within the United States.
They have a vast library of wines; however, they specialise in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, as well as other varieties of wine like Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer.
Why should you visit?
They are among the biggest wineries in Oregon, which is why there are many wines to try.
It’s spacious with lots of natural light. Also, it has a beautiful patio that offers views over the vineyards. Additionally, they have a full-service restaurant. It’s recommended that you book reservations for lunch.
Their wine tastings are $20 per person. Reservations can be made via Tock.
This reservation will be at the Tasting Room wine bar. If you’d like an appointment for a tasting at a table, please make contact with them directly.
