Popularly known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River in Hood County, Oregon, is a fantastic place for a day with friends and family. It’s brimming with picturesque biking and hiking trails, world-class wineries, relaxing fishing spots, and delicious restaurants.
The wineries in Hood River are surrounded by spectacular scenery, giving you a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere to sip wine in. With phenomenal Pinot Noir and charming Chardonnay, this region is the ultimate destination for both the casual and experienced wine drinker.
If you need a bit of help selecting the top wineries in this peaceful city, we’ve compiled a list of the best wineries in Hood River you need to check out.
What Wine Is Hood River Known For?
With a relatively cool climate, grape varietals like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel are popularly grown in Hood River. Most wineries in the region specialize in at least one of these wines.
If you’ve got a soft spot for any of the wine varietals above, Hood River is certainly the place for you. Furthermore, it has some phenomenal scenery, providing you with a dreamy backdrop for sipping wine, from tumbling waterfalls to majestic mountains.
Top 10 Best Wineries in Hood River
Now that you know what wines are most popular in Hood River, here are the top wineries you need to visit.
Hood River Wineries Map:
Marchesi Vineyard: Award-winning Wines
- Address: 3955 Belmont Dr., Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: (541) 386-1800
- Website: https://www.marchesivineyards.com/
- Opening Times: 11am-6pm daily (May 1st to November 6th) | 1pm-6 pm Thursday & Monday, 11am-6pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday (November 26th to April 30th)
One of the most popular and best wineries in Hood River is Marchesi Vineyard, specializing in Northern Italian grape varieties. Their wines have won many awards for their exquisite flavor, and they were named the Columbia Valley Winery of the Year in 2021 by the New York Wine Competition.
When you first set foot onto the estate, it will be like stepping into Italy. Their newly expanded tasting room is filled with books about wine and historic photos of wine-making scenes from another time.
The outdoor patio is equally as welcoming, boasting cinematic views of hills and fragrant roses that fill your nostrils with the most wonderful aroma.
From a luxurious Proscceo made from Glera grapes to a fruity Baberba, their tasting menu has something for everyone to enjoy. Flights cost $20, and if you’re feeling a little peckish, opt for one of their scrumptious antipasto platters to go with your wine.
Editor’s Note: The Barbera Zero Legno 2020 is a must-try when you visit this winery. It’s aged in stainless steel barrels to preserve its fruitiness, resulting in a wine that is brimming with flavors of pomegranate, raspberry, and cherry.
Cathedral Ridge Winery: Various Wine Tasting Options
- Address: 4200 Post Canyon Dr., Hood River, OR
- Contact Number: (541) 386-2882
- Website: https://cathedralridgewinery.com/
- Opening Times: 11am-5pm daily
Next up is the charming Cathedral Ridge Winery, home to over 26 award-winning wines. The estate is close to Columbia River Gorge, which offers a unique growing region that allows the winery to cultivate a wide range of grape varietals like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Alsace.
The tasting room sets a cozy atmosphere for drinking wine. There are a few different tasting options to choose from, all of which offer a unique experience and mouthwatering wines.
The Standard Wine Tasting includes a flight of 6 wines of your choosing and costs $20 per person. For those looking for a more intimate experience, the Premier Private Tasting offers a private wine tasting for 2 to 6 people.
It costs $75 per person and you’ll be guided by a knowledgeable member of staff who will talk you through the winery’s various wines, the winemaking process, and the history of the region. You’ll be able to choose any 6 wines from their menu of 27 varietals, reserves included.
Reservations are required for any of their wine tasting options, so make sure you book in advance before visiting the winery.
Editor’s Note: Why not try their award-winning The Daughters’ Rhone blend? It has complex flavors and scents of raspberry, blueberry, and currant that evolve into savory herbal notes of anise and peppercorn, with a hint of baking spices and caramel.
Phelps Creek Vineyards: Stunning Scenery
- Address: 1850 Country Club Road, Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: (541) 386-2607
- Website: https://www.phelpscreekvineyards.com/
- Opening Times: 12pm-5pm daily
Another excellent and well-known winery in Hood River is the stunning Phelps Creek Vineyards, situated on the Hood River Golf Course. The estate boasts an enchanting atmosphere, with towering trees, wildflowers, and the mystical Mt. Hood in the distance.
The outdoor patio, which is where the winery primarily conducts their tasting sessions, is welcoming and comfortable, offering a casual experience to enjoy their various wines made from grapes grown throughout the Columbia Gorge.
Phelps Creek Vineyards specialize in growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a small planting of Pinot Gris, but they also source additional high-quality grapes from their neighboring vineyards within the Columbia Gorge.
A tasting flight costs $15 and includes 5 wines. There are 3 fireside patio tables that are available for picnic and tastings, so feel free to bring your own lunch to go with your wine tasting.
Alternatively, you can devour one of their sumptuous artisan cheese boards for the ultimate wine tasting experience.
If you’re after a peaceful and tranquil day out, make a reservation for the Signature Vineyard Tasting for $25 per person. You’ll wander through scenic vineyards while you sip on delicious wines. Each booking includes a flight of 5 wines and a private table.
For a small additional fee, opt for a special picnic basket filled with delectable treats to make the experience even more magical.
Editor’s Note: One of the winery’s standout wines is the 2018 Phelps Creek Chardonnay. Their volcanic soils give the wine spice and mineral elements, resulting in a delicate brioche flavor with notes of lemon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Mt. Hood Winery: Beautiful Tasting Room
- Address: 2882 Van Horn Dr., Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: (541) 386-8333
- Website: http://mthoodwinery.com/
- Opening Times: 11am-5pm daily (March to November)
Featuring a stunning setting and award-winning wines, Mt. Hood Winery is as well-known for its beautiful estate as it is for its outstanding beverages.
The vineyard is run by the Bickford family who has been cultivating tree fruit in the Hood River Valley for generations, before moving on to producing wine in 2000.
The stunning tasting room is designed in a Northwest lodge style, sporting cork floors, a custom stone fireplace, and a grand 30-foot bar with ample space for you and your friends/family.
They also have leather seating around the hearth, table seating, and a large patio with an arbor for outdoor seating. You can enjoy a tasting tray or glass of wine, and the winery’s attentive staff will help you select a wine that suits your preferences
Editor’s Note: For a pear-y delicious beverage, opt for the winey’s 2019 Estate Pinot Gris. It has aromas of Asian pear and white peach, with strong flavors of crisp apple and pear.
Stave & Stone Winery (Winery at the Vineyard): Gorgeous Outdoor Patio
- Address: 3827 Fletcher Drive, Hood River, OR
- Contact Number: (541) 946-3750
- Website: https://staveandstone.com/
- Opening Times: 12pm-6pm daily
Stave & Stone Winery has a couple of estates, but the one you definitely need to visit when you’re in Hood River is their stunning vineyard winery location. Not only is the area extremely beautiful, but it has a wonderfully cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
The winery offers an assortment of wines, many of which have won awards. Enjoy a glass of wine, cider, beer, or an artisan cheese board inside their gorgeous tasting room, or sit outside on the covered patio with a backdrop of waterfalls, luscious vineyards, and Mt. Adams.
If you’re not in the mood for cheese, the winery has you covered, with delicious snacks like chocolate truffles, chips and salsa, gourmet olives, and bread baskets.
There are few wine tasting options to choose from, including a $10 Introductory Flight, $20 Estate Flight, and a $25 Legacy Flight. As you sip on premium-quality wine, you can view the works of local artists to learn more about the fascinating culture of Hood River.
Live music takes place at the winery on a regular basis, so you can sit back and relax, taking in the stunning surroundings and sounds.
The winery can also be hired for intimate weddings and private events. If you need a breathtaking venue for your special venue, you really can’t beat Stave & Stone Winery.
Editor’s Note: Aged for 18 months in both American and French oak barrels, the winery’s magnificent 2018 Syrah exudes full flavors of blueberries with cream, coffee, chocolate, and juniper aromas. Sublime!
Wy’East Vineyards: Perfect for Private Events
- Address: 3189 HWY 35, Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: (541) 386-1277
- Website: https://www.wyeastvineyards.com/
- Opening Times: 11am-5pm daily
Specializing in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, Wy’East Vineyards produces some of the most delicious wines in Hood River. All of their wines are made on-site, using home-grown grapes from their expansive estate vineyards.
They take enormous pride in their wines and advocate quality over quantity, which is why they only focus on a few grape varieties. This commitment to high quality is shown clearly in their wines, as their flavors are spectacular.
They have a quaint tasting room with cozy couches, as well as an outdoor patio that overlooks a pond, waterfall, and the east hills. As you enjoy a glass of wine outside, you’ll see views of vineyards and grazing horses.
Tastings cost $15 and include a sample of 5 or 6 of their award-winning wines. If you purchase a bottle of wine, this fee is waived.
Alongside wine tasting, Wy’East Vineyards also has a couple of Bocce courts you can use, which is the perfect activity when experienced with friends and family.
The vineyard can also accommodate private events. There are two beautiful venues to choose from: the rustic and expansive tasting room and the stunning vineyard. While the latter doesn’t have any indoor facilities, its gorgeous and intimate location is the ideal place for wedding ceremonies, corporate dinners, and family gatherings.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for a crisp, dry, and fruity wine, try the 2018 Pinot Gris. It’s their second most popular wine and is fermented in stainless steel barrels.
Viento Wines: Remarkable Riesling
- Address: 301 Country Club Rd, Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: (541) 386-3026
- Website: http://vientowines.com/
- Opening Times: 12pm-5pm Saturday & Sunday
Another to-notch winery in Hood River is Viento Wines, a small but charming winery that specializes in Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines.
One of the best features of this winery is the well-presented, modern tasting room, exuding a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere. From the outside, you’ll spot the winery’s old-vine Riesling vineyard and a quiet forest, giving you a slice of nature as you relax in the warmth inside.
Although reservations aren’t required to enjoy wine at this stunning winery, they are encouraged, so you might want to book ahead of time to guarantee a spot.
Their tasting menu has a range of wines to choose from, so there’s something for you no matter your preference.
Editor’s Note: As this winery is well-known for their Riesling, you should definitely try their house favorite 2018 Retro Riesling. It has a delicate, light sweetness that complements its fruitiness and acidity.
Evoke Winery: Award-winning Chardonnay
- Address: 606 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: 1-541-386-3700
- Website: https://evokewinery.com/
- Opening Times: 12pm-7pm Sunday to Thursday, 12pm-9pm Friday & Saturday
Formerly known as Naked Winery, Evoke Winery is a modern and well-presented winery located in downtown Hood River. The building has sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and boasts both a gorgeous tasting room and outdoor patio.
The winery produces a wide assortment of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Viognier.
Tastings cost $15 per person and include a flight of six wines. Cheese plates and other small snacks that pair well with wine are also available.
Events take place at Evoke Winery on a semi-regular basis, including members-only club nights, so it’s worth checking what they have planned on your visit to Hood River.
Editor’s Note: The winery’s Here to Stay Chardonnay won double gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, so it’s a must-try on your visit.
The Pines 1852: Beautiful New Tasting Room
- Address: 415 Oak Street, Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: (541)-993-8301
- Website: https://www.thepinesvineyard.com/
- Opening Times: 12pm-5pm Monday, 12pm-6pm Thursday, 12pm-9pm Friday, 12pm-7pm Saturday & Sunday.
Last but not least is The Pines 1852, a century-old vineyard that features some of the oldest vines in the Northwest.
Their brand new tasting room is located in the middle of downtown Hood River, boasting a large cherry wood bar, an exposed brick wall, bistro tables, and spacious seating with soft velvet chairs.
The winery’s staff are knowledgeable and will be happy to talk you through each wine, as well as share a little about their winemaking process. Live music also takes place every Friday from 6pm to 9pm to create a lively atmosphere for drinking wine.
The Pine Estates, which is located around 30 minutes from the tasting room, is also capable of hosting weddings, birthday parties, etc, for up to 300 guests.
Editor’s Note: The winery’s Big Red is one of their standout wines, a blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It’s a beautiful red color and has aromas of cranberry, strawberry, and a dash of vanilla. Its fruity flavors coat your mouth with raspberry, black cherry, and a white pepper finish.
Mylan Wines: Intimate Tasting Room
- Address: 111 2nd St, Suite #300, Hood River, OR 07031
- Contact Number: (541)-819-0687
- Website: https://www.mylan.wine/
- Opening Times: 2pm-6pm Thursday, 12pm-6pm Friday, 12pm-9pm Saturday, 12pm-6pm Sunday
Situated in the heart of downtown Hood River is the compact but cozy winery of Mylan Wines. They craft an assortment of wines from their vineyards in Columbia Gorge, but they also offer wines from all over the world.
Although small, the tasting room has a welcoming and warm atmosphere. The wine list changes on a regular basis, so be sure to stop by to see what delicious wines they have in store.
No reservations are needed for tastings either, so you can drop by at your own convenience. The winery is also available to host small private events like family gatherings and intimate birthday parties.
Editor’s Note: Why not request a glass of the winery’s delectable 2017 Cabernet Franc? It has aromas of fig and fennel with an incredibly smooth finish.
Also Read:
Final Thoughts
With stunning scenery, top-notch wineries, and plenty of attractions, Hood River is well worth a trip when you next have a day or two off.
All of the wineries above are chock-full of amazing wines and breathtaking scenery, so you’re sure to have a peaceful and luxurious visit no matter which one you decide to drop by.