If you're a wine lover, you must put the best wineries in Willamette Valley on your list of places to visit. This stunning region in western Oregon is home to some of the best wineries in the world.
In 2016, Wine Enthusiast Magazine recognized Willamette Valley as its Wine Region of the Year.
We've got you covered if you're seeking guidance on where to start in Oregon wine country. Each winery in this article produces spectacular wine; you will not be disappointed.
My name is Mark, and I'm a certified sommelier with extensive knowledge from visiting many of the world's most significant wine regions.
I've got some great Willamette Valley winery recommendations for you to see. So, without further ado, let's explore what the Pacific Northwest offers!
Table of Contents
Where is Willamette Valley?
The Willamette Valley is in the western part of Oregon, and it begins in Portland and extends about 150 miles (240 kilometers) south.
The Cascade Range borders it to the east, the Coast Range to the west, and the Calapooya Mountains to the south.
The Willamette River runs through the valley's center, and over 500 wineries dot the region (about two-thirds of the state's wineries).
The Willamette Valley is one of the most picturesque wine regions in the world and a great place to visit if you love wine and nature.
The Van Duzer Corridor AVA lies entirely within Willamette Valley and is known for its cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean.
Why Visit Willamette Valley?
Oregon's Willamette Valley is best known for its world-class Pinot Noir wines, but the region also produces excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The climate in Willamette Valley is cool and wet, which is ideal for growing the best Pinot Noir grapes.
The Willamette Valley has a long growing season with warm days and cool nights, which helps the wine grapes develop a complex flavor profile.
Top Willamette Valley Wineries
1. Trisaetum Winery
This is a quintessential family-owned boutique winery in the Ribbon Ridge AVA of Willamette Valley. Trisaetum comes from the two children's names, Tristen and Tatum.
The winery specializes in producing single-vineyard designated Pinot Noir and Riesling. The Trisaetum team is passionate about sustainable viticulture and uses organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard.
Why Visit?
Trisaetum is a beautiful winery, and the team is passionate about producing high-quality wine. The single-vineyard designated Pinot Noir is a must-try, and the Riesling is also an excellent wine.
They also have a patio tasting room with heaters, which offers an excellent view of the vineyards.
In addition, the tasting room is also an art gallery, with their winery's founder, James Frey, showcasing and selling his photographs and paintings.
Trisaetum is open for tastings daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended via OpenTable, and their standard tasting experience costs $ 30 per person.
2. Soter Vineyards
Soter Vineyards is a family-owned winery in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of Willamette Valley.
The winery was founded in 1998 by Tony Soter, a world-renowned wine consultant, and his wife, Michelle. Soter Vineyards produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine.
They are a certified biodynamic winery within a regenerative farming system focusing on biodiversity, plant and animal integration, and fertile soil.
Why Visit?
Soter Vineyards produces high-quality Pinot Noir, sparkling wines, and a NEW Rose.
The vineyards are beautiful, and the tasting room is intimate and cozy. Their standard tasting fee is reasonably priced at $10 per person and can be reserved on Tock.
In addition, they offer a Mineral Springs Provisions Tasting, a guided culinary experience showcasing their biodynamic farm and winery.
It's dependent on the season, so the pairing combinations will vary weekly based on what is being cultivated at the moment (100% from their farm). It's a fantastic experience that I highly recommend.
If you live in the region, they also offer a private tasting exclusively to winery members at no cost, as long as you've got four people in your party.
3. Rex Hill Winery
Rex Hill is a family-run winery located in the Willamette Valley AVA. The winery was founded in 1988 and specializes in producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Rex Hill sources grapes from sustainably farmed vineyards and the wines are made using traditional methods.
Why Visit?
Rex Hill is one of the oldest wineries in Willamette Valley and has an excellent reputation. The wines are high-quality, and the vineyards are beautiful. Their tasting room is newly renovated.
In addition, they have a “Music in the Garden” series throughout the summer, with local bands performing.
Wines are available by the glass and bottle during the event, plus wood-fired pizzas from Tastebud and Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches. These event tickets are only $25 per person and can be purchased on Tock.
Rex Hill is located close to Portland city limits, so if you're planning a wine-tasting trip, consider using an Oregon limo service for a safe and comfortable ride there and back.
4. Chehalem Winery
Chehalem is a family-owned winery started in 1990 in the Willamette Valley AVA.
They're known for producing single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and a forward-thinking approach to white wine, which they believe should be a companion to every meal.
Chehalem Estate in the Chehalem Mountains AVA is their newest vineyard.
They have a cozy tasting room in downtown Newberg with many tasting options.
Why Visit?
They have a very popular Chardonnay that you can try along with their Pinot Noirs.
Their classic wine tasting features five wines and is $25 per person. Reservations can be made through Tock.
Their Culinary Director and Executive Chef, Becca Richards, created an expanded food menu so you can have something to nibble on. And there's live music every Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.
5. Adelsheim Winery
Adelsheim Winery was founded in 1971 and was one of Willamette Valley's first wineries. It is still a family-run operation, now by the second generation.
The winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and produces other varietals such as Gamay Noir, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.
Why Visit?
Adelsheim has been a pioneer in the Willamette Valley wine region, so it's worth visiting to taste their wines and learn about their history. The tasting room is on a patio overlooking their beautiful vineyards.
They offer several different tastings, but their standard tasting is $35 per person and can be reserved via Tock.
6. King Estate Winery
King Estate Winery is a family-owned winery that was founded in 1991. It is located on a 1,033-acre estate vineyard, making it the largest certified biodynamic vineyard in the United States.
They have an extensive library of wines but specialize in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other wine varietals such as Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer.
Why Visit?
They are one of the largest wine producers in the state of Oregon, so there are a variety of wines to taste.
The tasting room is large with a lot of natural light, and there's a lovely patio with views of the vineyards. In addition, they offer a full-service restaurant, so make lunch reservations.
Their standard wine tasting is $20 per person, and reservations can be made through Tock.
This reservation is at their Tasting Room wine bar. You should contact them directly if you would like a tasting reservation at a table.
Related: Chianti Wine Tour in Tuscany
7. Domaine Drouhin Winery
Domaine Drouhin is a family-owned winery located in the Dundee Hills AVA.
For over five generations, the Drouhin family has been making wine in Burgundy, France, and they moved to Oregon in 1987 to start their Willamette Valley winery. They specialize in award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
Why Visit?
It's a must-visit for wine lovers because the Drouhin family is passionate about making high-quality, award-winning wines. They make some of my favorite wines in Willamette Valley.
The beautiful tasting room is modern, with a lot of natural light. And there's a lovely patio with views of the vineyards.
They offer several different tasting options, but their standard wine tasting is $30 per person, and reservations can be made through Tock.
8. Argyle Winery
Argyle Winery was founded in 1987 and is in the Dundee Hills AVA. They're known for their award-winning sparkling wines, but they also produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Rose.
Argyle's beautiful indoor/outdoor tasting house attracts a vibrant crowd.
Why Visit?
If you love sparkling wines, then Argyle Winery is a must-visit. They have a wide variety of sparkling wines, and the tasting house staff is very knowledgeable about their wines.
The standard wine tasting is $20 per person, and reservations can be made through Tock. They also have a $30 cheese and charcuterie option.
Related: Russian River Valley Wineries
9. Willamette Valley Vineyards
Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983 and is one of the largest wineries in Willamette Valley.
They're located in Turner, Oregon, and have over 200 acres of vineyards. They produce various wines but specialize in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
Why Visit?
Willamette Valley Vineyards is a great place to learn about Oregon wines.
They offer private tours of their production facility and vineyards for only $30 per person. They also have a full-service restaurant serving diverse cuisine and wine pairings.
The tasting room is on a hill with stunning views of the valley. And there's a fantastic patio overlooking the vineyards.
They offer several different tasting options, but their standard wine tasting is $15 per person, and reservations can be made through Tock.
10. Sokol Bosser Vineyards
Sokol Blosser is a family-owned winery that was founded in 1971. It's located in the Dundee Hills AVA and has over 89 acres of vineyards. They produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Rose.
Why Visit?
Sokol Blosser has a 75-minute guided tasting led by one of their wine experts and provides a variety of small dishes ideal for pairing with your wine tasting.
The tasting room is modern, with scenic views of their vineyards. And there's a small patio overlooking the vineyards, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
They offer several different tasting options, but their standard wine tasting is $30 per person, and reservations can be made through Tock.
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I hope you enjoyed this round-up of the best Willamette Valley wineries to visit! For additional ideas, check out the Willamette Valley Wineries Association website.
Mark Fang is a certified sommelier and has 10+ years of wine industry experience. He founded the #1 Wine Event in NYC and has started his wine blog, WineO Mark, to find his readers the best wine deals!
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
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- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
Ronald Gonshorowski
Thursday 5th of May 2022
I am surprised that you didn’t include some of the vineyards closer to the 45th parallel where I reside. We have so many acres under cultivation that it would blow your ability to taste out of the water.
Mark F
Thursday 5th of May 2022
Hi Ronald,
I completely agree with you. Some of the wineries I listed above, their best wines come from vineyards located near the 45th (Argyle Nuthouse Pinot, Spirit Valley, Roserock Drouhin). As for the wineries I could have added Cristom, Bethel Heights, Evesham Wood, and many other wineries making amazing Pinots. To be honest, there are so many good wineries in the entire area that each time I make this list it would probably change.