The 6 best wineries to visit in Oregon wine country

The Willamette Valley Wine Region in Oregon is becoming one of the hottest wine destinations in the US. Home to some of the most sophisticated Pinot Noirs in the country, this under-the-radar Pacific Northwest wine region boasts more than 500 wineries. Within an hour’s drive from Portland, you can be in the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley, taking in a sublime view of Mount Hood—Pinot Noir in hand.

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Eyrie Vineyards

The vines that started it all. Known as the grandfather of Pinot Noir, David Lett was the first to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley and change the world of wine in Oregon. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that a trip to Oregon wine country wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Eyrie in McMinnville to sample their ethereal yet bold wines.

Fall colors on rolling hills of grapevines at vineyards in Dundee Oregon in autumn USA America

Sokol Blosser

Nestled in the Dundee Hills, the Sokol Blosser winery is a pioneer in sustainability and recently built a solar-powered, green certified tasting room equipped with a massive cedar terrace, a commercial kitchen and six tasting rooms with skylights. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the summer, make sure to sign up for a vineyard hike and try the Rose of Pinot Noir!

Flickr CC: Jason Lander

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Willamette Valley Vineyards in Turner sits high up on a slope and is surrounded by never ending vineyards, giving you the feel of being in fairly tale-like Tuscany. Book an appointment in their newly remodeled tasting room and take in the picturesque views of the vineyards while indulging in hours of wine tasting. Yes, I said hours. Get there early to snag a seat by one of the fireplaces.

Erath Winery

Erath is the original winery of the Dundee Hills and has led the path to making Oregon a world-class wine region, so this one’s definitely a winery to put on your must visit list! Just imagine sitting on their back patio and sipping on a classic Oregon Pinot while taking in the sweeping views of the Jory Hills. By the way, their name came from merging the words Earth and Heart, so they just won the name game!

Beckham Estate Vineyard

Art and wine? We’re listening. One of the most unique wineries in Willamette Valley has got to be Beckham Estate Vineyard in Sherwood. Founder Andrew Beckham landed in the valley to pursue his art career as a ceramicist and ended up merging it with wine by creating amphorae pots (think large Roman style pottery) to ferment and age the wine in. Swing by the winery to taste the Amphora wines that were fermented in these handmade terracotta pots and view some of his art at the vineyard tasting room.

Brooks  

Brooks is one vineyard in the Willamette Valley that is not to be missed. Located in the Eola-Amity Hills, the winery employs biodynamic farming practices to serve up some of the most enjoyable wines in the region (try the Rieslings, trust us!). They recently opened a new winery and tasting room (with a wine bar and full menu) that overlooks the Cascade Range. Make sure to visit their events calendar to find out about the next yoga session with a post-class tasting or the Oregon Truffle Festival. We’re in for both—how about you?

Where to stay

If you decide to linger longer in Oregon wine country, which is highly recommended, there are a variety of quality hotels nestled throughout the Valley. Or if you’re looking for more of a glamping situation, opt to stay at The Vintages, where each guest stays in a hip, retro-inspired trailer. Keeping its vintage community charm, guests can cycle throughout the region on cruiser bikes (remember, don’t drink and ride!). If you’re up for an adventure, try a wine tour in a helicopter because, yes, that’s a thing!

Tagged: Oregon