As Oregon’s leading wine region, the Willamette Valley is home to two-thirds of the state’s vineyards and wineries. There are now over 700 wineries in the area, many of which produce some of the best Pinot Noir you’ll find in the world.
Willamette Valley is a must-visit for wine lovers, so if you’re planning on heading up to this state for a day or two of wine tasting, here are the top Willamette Valley wineries you need to visit.
What Wine Is Willamette Valley Known For?
Willamette Valley is Oregon’s biggest wine region, and the most popular wine you’ll find here is Pinot Noir. However, the region is also well-known for Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling.
The Willamette Valley has a fairly mild climate throughout the year, with relatively hot, dry summers, and cold, wet winters. Its temperate climate provides the right conditions for Pinot Noir grapes, as well as other cool-climate varieties. In fact, the hot, dry summers and cooler evenings speed up the ripening of the vines.
However, the wet weather during winter and fall means that grapes that require longer time to ripen, such as Sauvignon Blanc, can be more challenging to grow depending on the specific vintage.
While the Valley is known for its fertile soils, many of the vineyards found here are nestled within the hills, where the ground is slightly less fertile but has less risk of developing frost. The soils in the hills of Willamette Valley—often referred to as Jory or Willakenzie—are a result of ancient lava flows and tectonic shifts, giving many of them a vibrant red color.
Top 10 Best Willamette Valley Wineries
Now that you know a little more about the type of wines you’ll come across in Willamette Valley, here’s the best Willamette Valley wineries you need to drop by.
Best Willamette Valley Wineries Map:
Willamette Valley Vineyards: Stunning Views
- Address: 8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392
- Website: https://www.wvv.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-588-9463
Willamette Valley Vineyards is perhaps the most famous winery in the region, boasting striking views and outstanding wines. It features a spacious patio, charming courtyard, and majestic 65-foot lookout tower, all of which provide a peaceful setting to drink wine in.
The winery is open daily for tastings, but bookings are highly recommended as it can get busy. Flights generally start around $20 to $30 per person, depending on the tier. A tasting experience typically lasts for 90 minutes and includes an explanation of the winery’s intriguing history and dedication to sustainability.
You can also enjoy some delicious food made by the winery’s culinary team. All ingredients are locally sourced to ensure you receive only the highest quality and freshest dishes designed to pair perfectly with their Pinot Noir.
Willamette Valley Vineyards offers various other wine experiences, including Pairings Exploration, private tastings and tours, and specialized wine dinners. The winery also hosts a range of events throughout the year, like their annual harvest celebration.
Editor’s Note: If you get the chance, book one of the winery’s Pairings Exploration experiences. It features a selection of wines that match the flavor profiles of small plates prepared by their executive chef. A knowledgeable winery attendant will then talk you through each pairing.
Argyle Winery: Gorgeous Tasting House
- Address: 691 OR-99W, Dundee, OR 97115
- Website: https://argylewinery.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-538-8520
Next up is the enchanting Argyle Winery, located in the heart of the Willamette Valley in Dundee. The winery produces a variety of world-class Oregon wines but is most well-known for pioneering high-end Sparkling Wine in the region, alongside Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
The welcoming and modern Tasting House provides a peaceful atmosphere to sip and sample wines. It even features an estimable library of the winery’s reserve wines, allowing visitors to see the impressive aging potential of Oregon’s cool-climate varietals.
Events like club member parties and curated brunches take place at Argyle Winery on a regular basis, so be sure to check their calendar before your visit.
Flights and experiences generally range from $30 to $75, and the winery is also available to host private events in their stylish indoor and outdoor spaces.
There is plenty of outdoor space, including a stunning garden that is home to West Coast native plants, oak trees, and evergreen trees.
Editor’s Note: The winery’s Nuthouse Pinot Noir has a luxurious fruit expression and is a consistent regional favorite.
Lemelson Vineyards: Spacious Patio
- Address: 12020 NE Stag Hollow Rd, Carlton, OR 97111
- Website: https://www.lemelsonvineyards.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-852-6619
Lemelson Vineyards is another top-quality winery in Willamette Valley, offering picturesque views, an inviting tasting room, and delicious wine crafted through organic farming practices.
Tastings typically cost $30 per person but are complimentary for wine club members and with a 2-bottle purchase. You’ll enjoy a flight of 5 to 6 wines, which you can sip either inside or outside on the winery’s stunning multi-level patio.
There is plenty of seating outside, as well as a warm wood-burning fire on the patio for cooler days. The evergreen trees and rolling hills outside make for a charming and natural atmosphere so you can enjoy your wine in pure bliss.
Editor’s Note: The Reserve Chardonnay is sourced from the Chestnut Hill Vineyard, which has volcanic soils. This gives it a crisp and natural acidity with a long mineral finish.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon: Delightful Atmosphere
- Address: 6750 NE Breyman Orchards Rd, Dayton, OR 97114
- Website: https://domainedrouhin.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-864-2700
Domaine Drouhin Oregon uses centuries of winemaking tradition from Burgundy, France, to create phenomenal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The expansive estate is filled with lush trees and vineyards, providing a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere.
Tastings are available daily by appointment. There are several tasting options to choose from, including the classic DDO experience and the Range Chocolate Flight, which is the perfect choice for those who love a sweet accompaniment.
Editor’s Note: The Edition Limitée Pinot Noir is one of the winery’s standout wines. It typically features tantalizing aromas of dried flowers, crushed stone, and luxurious flavors of dark fruit.
Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery: Fantastic Tours
- Address: 10660 SW Youngberg Hill Rd, McMinnville, OR 97128
- Website: https://youngberghill.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-472-2727
Established in 1989, Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that makes some of the finest wines in Willamette Valley. It’s surrounded by vineyards and offers sweeping views of the Eola-Amity mountain range and the Cascades.
On sunny days, you can even spot Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood! The tasting room is open each day for wine tastings, with standard experiences generally starting at $25 per person (complimentary for inn guests and club members).
One of the best features of this winery is its fascinating tours. You’ll be guided through the winery’s gorgeous vineyards to learn more about the winemaking process. At the end of the tour, you’ll be treated to a personalized wine flight in a scenic setting.
If you’re thinking of staying a night or two in Willamette Valley, the winery’s cozy inn is the perfect place to stay. The suites are well-presented, ultra-modern, and offer a peaceful escape from the city.
Editor’s Note: Look for the Cuvée Pinot Noir, which often features notes of wild berry and spice, for a true taste of McMinnville terroir.
Adelsheim Winery: Stunning Seating Areas
- Address: 16800 NE Calkins Ln, Newberg, OR 97132
- Website: https://www.adelsheim.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-538-3652
Featuring jaw-dropping views and stellar wines, Adelsheim Winery—a founding winery of the region—provides a peaceful atmosphere and a hard-to-beat tasting experience. You can enjoy your wine in one of the winery’s stunning seating areas, including a hilltop garden and covered patio.
There are a range of tasting options to choose from, often including historic selections and recent releases. Adelsheim is certified sustainable, reflecting their long-term commitment to the health of the Valley.
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to catch up with friends and family over a bottle of luxurious wine, you can’t go wrong with Adelsheim Winery.
Editor’s Note: The Artist Series Rosé is a seasonal favorite, known for its vibrant fruit notes and crisp, refreshing finish.
Brooks Wine: Award-winning Wines
- Address: 21101 SE Cherry Blossom Lane, Amity, OR 97101
- Website: https://www.brookswine.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-435-1278
Brooks Wine is an award-winning winery that produces a variety of magnificent wines, specializing in Pinot Noir and Riesling. They are a Certified B Corp, recognized for their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
The winery has indoor and outdoor experiences, so you can relax inside their cozy tasting room or soak up the sun outside on the deck. Tastings generally cost $25 per person and include a flight of their spectacular wines.
Brooks also offers walking tours and an “Elevated Tasting” which includes a deeper look into their production hall and barrel room. Their onsite food program is also excellent, featuring ingredients from their biodynamic garden.
Editor’s Note: If you fancy a medium-dry wine, opt for one of their single-vineyard Rieslings. They are world-renowned for their balance of acidity and fruit.
Winter’s Hill Estate: Great Hospitality
- Address: 6451 NE Hilltop Ln, Dayton, OR 97114
- Website: https://wintershillwine.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-864-4592
Known for its outstanding wines and hospitality, Winter’s Hill Estate is a remarkable winery to visit in the Dundee Hills. It’s surrounded by fields and forests, as well as an abundance of wildlife, providing a natural and charming backdrop.
You can sip on scrumptious wine either inside the welcoming tasting room or on the outside covered patio, complete with views of the Coastal Mountains. Seated tastings typically cost around $30 per person and feature a flight of estate-grown wines.
The winery also hosts a range of events throughout the year, focusing on the intersection of agriculture and environmental conservation.
Editor’s Note: The Pearly Everlasting is a unique white blend that is a must-try for those looking for something beyond Chardonnay or Pinot Gris.
Rex Hill: Phenomenal Pinot Noir
- Address: 30835 OR-99W, Newberg, OR 97132
- Website: https://rexhill.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-538-0666
Rex Hill has been crafting exceptional Pinot Noir for over 40 years, so if you enjoy this varietal, you’ll appreciate the depth and heritage the winery has to offer. Rex Hill also produces a range of other wines, including Sparkling Wines and Chardonnay.
The modern tasting room offers a warm and cozy atmosphere for sipping wine, but you can also enjoy a flight on the spacious patio. Small gourmet food items are often available to pair with their wine selection, curated to highlight the region’s culinary strengths.
Rex Hill can be rented out for private events, providing a sophisticated setting for your special gathering in the Chehalem Mountains.
Editor’s Note: Try their Reserve Pinot Noir for a classic expression of the estate’s best blocks, featuring notes of cherry and earth.
Chehalem Winery: Charming Ambiance
- Address: 106 South Center Street, Newberg, OR 97132
- Website: https://www.chehalemwines.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 503-538-4700
Last but not least is the sublime Chehalem Winery, boasting a modern-rustic tasting room in downtown Newberg, relaxing guest houses, and intriguing educational tours.
Tastings typically cost around $25 per person (often waived with a minimum purchase) and include a flight of their single vineyard and reserve wines. You’ll be talked through each wine by a knowledgeable associate while discovering more about the history of Chehalem.
The winery hosts exclusive parties and live music, but they can also accommodate private events. Their downtown den provides a tranquil and peaceful setting that is ideal for intimate birthday parties and catch-ups with friends.
Editor’s Note: Their Pinot Noir is celebrated for its velvety smooth texture and vibrant fruit flavors.
Also Read: Dundee Oregon Wine Tasting: Top 10 Wineries To Visit
Final Thoughts
The wineries above are some of the best in Willamette Valley, offering a relaxing and delicious experience that will have you craving for more, even after you’ve gone home.
Alternatively, if you’d rather treat yourself to a more private wine tasting, why not sign up for a wine club subscription like Naked Wines, Bright Cellars, and Winc?