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?
Hood River sits in the heart of the **Columbia Gorge AVA**, a region famous for its “Transition Zone.” As you move from the rainy Cascade locks in the west to the arid hills of the east, the climate shifts dramatically.
Because of this diversity, grape varietals like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel are all popularly grown in Hood River. Most wineries in the region specialize in at least one of these wines, reflecting the specific micro-climate of their vineyard.
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) | Winter hours: 1pm-6 pm Thurs/Mon, 11am-6pm Fri-Sun
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, bringing a taste of Piedmont and Tuscany to the Pacific Northwest.
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. From a luxurious Prosecco-style sparkling wine to a fruity Barbera, their tasting menu has something for everyone. Flights cost around $20, and if you’re feeling a little peckish, opt for one of their scrumptious antipasto platters.
Editor’s Note: The Barbera Zero Legno is a must-try here. It’s aged in stainless steel to preserve its fruitiness, resulting in a wine 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, cultivating a wide range of grape varietals like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Alsace.
The tasting room sets a cozy atmosphere. The Standard Wine Tasting includes a flight of 6 wines and typically costs $20 per person. For those looking for a more intimate experience, the Premier Private Tasting offers an elevated session for 2 to 6 people.
It costs approximately $75 per person and you’ll be guided by a knowledgeable expert who will talk you through the winemaking process and regional history. Reservations are required for all tasting options.
Editor’s Note: Try “The Daughters” Rhône blend; it is a complex fan favorite with scents of raspberry and blueberry that evolve into savory notes of anise and peppercorn.
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
Situated on the Hood River Golf Course, Phelps Creek Vineyards boasts an enchanting atmosphere with mystical views of Mt. Hood.
They specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, drawing heavily on Burgundian winemaking traditions. A tasting flight costs around $15 and includes 5 wines. There are fireside patio tables available for tastings, and you are welcome to enjoy an artisan cheese board while you sip.
If you’re after a truly tranquil day, make a reservation for the Signature Vineyard Tasting ($25 per person), where you can wander through the scenic vineyards.
Editor’s Note: The volcanic soils here give their Chardonnay a unique mineral edge with delicate notes of brioche and lemon.
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 run by the Bickford family, who have been farming in the valley for generations.
The stunning tasting room is designed in a Northwest lodge style, sporting cork floors and a custom stone fireplace.
They have a large patio with an arbor for outdoor seating, offering one of the clearest views of Mt. Hood in the entire region. It’s the perfect place to enjoy their Estate Pinot Gris or Syrah.
Editor’s Note: Their Estate Pinot Gris is a standout, featuring crisp flavors of apple and Asian pear.
Stave & Stone Winery: 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 at the vineyard is known for its “good vibes and great wines.” The outdoor covered patio offers a breathtaking backdrop of vineyards and Mt. Adams.
You can choose from several flights, including their introductory and legacy options. They also offer local beer, cider, and delicious chocolate truffles. Live music is a regular fixture here, adding to the lively ambiance.
Editor’s Note: Their Syrah is exceptional, aged for 18 months in oak to bring out notes of coffee, chocolate, and juniper.
Wy’East Vineyards: Family-Owned Heritage
- 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 and Pinot Gris, Wy’East Vineyards advocate quality over quantity. They have a quaint tasting room and an outdoor patio that overlooks a waterfall and eastern hills.
As you enjoy a flight, you can play a round of Bocce on their courts or watch the horses grazing nearby. Tastings cost around $15, which is usually waived with a bottle purchase.
Editor’s Note: Their Pinot Gris is refreshingly crisp and fermented in stainless steel, making it a perfect summertime drink.
Viento Wines: Old-Vine Specialties
- Address: 301 Country Club Rd, Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: (541) 386-3026
- Website: http://vientowines.com/
- Opening Times: 12pm-5pm weekends (Check website for seasonal weekday hours)
Viento Wines is a boutique operation specializing in Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines. Their modern tasting room overlooks old-vine Riesling plantings, providing a serene environment for tasting.
Reservations are encouraged to guarantee a spot. Their Retro Riesling is a regional favorite, balancing light sweetness with vibrant acidity.
Editor’s Note: If you enjoy bubbles, their sparkling wines are crafted with precision and reflect the unique terroir of the Gorge.
Evoke Winery: Modern Vibes
- Address: 606 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: 1-541-386-3700
- Website: https://evokewinery.com/
- Opening Times: 12pm-7pm (Late on weekends)
Formerly known as Naked Winery, Evoke Winery is a trendy spot in downtown Hood River. They focus on approachable wines with fun, bold labels.
The tasting room and outdoor patio provide sweeping views of the Columbia River. They offer flights for around $15, and the atmosphere is always lively and welcoming.
Editor’s Note: Their “Here to Stay” Chardonnay is a frequent award-winner and a must-sip for white wine lovers.
The Pines 1852: Northwest Classics
- Address: 415 Oak Street, Hood River, OR 97031
- Contact Number: (541)-993-8301
- Website: https://www.thepinesvineyard.com/
- Opening Times: Daily afternoon hours; open late on Fridays for live music.
The Pines 1852 features a beautiful tasting room in downtown Hood River. They are famous for their **Old Vine Zinfandel**, sourced from a vineyard in The Dalles that dates back over a century.
The room is stylish, with exposed brick and velvet chairs. Live music every Friday evening creates a sophisticated but lively vibe.
Editor’s Note: Their “Big Red” blend is a bold, fruity powerhouse that coats the palate with notes of black cherry and pepper.
Mylan Wines: Minimal Intervention
- Address: 111 2nd St, Suite #300, Hood River, OR 07031
- Contact Number: (541)-819-0687
- Website: https://www.mylan.wine/
- Opening Times: Thursday-Sunday afternoons.
Situated in downtown Hood River, Mylan Wines is a small, intimate winery focusing on natural winemaking.
Their tasting room is cozy and unpretentious, offering a rotating list of wines that showcase the unique characteristics of each vintage. It’s a great spot for those looking for a more personal, direct-from-the-winemaker experience.
Editor’s Note: Their Cabernet Franc is exceptionally smooth and known for its nuanced aromas of fig and fennel.
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Final Thoughts
With stunning scenery, top-notch wineries, and plenty of attractions, Hood River is a mandatory stop on any Pacific Northwest wine trail. The unique geographic “tug-of-war” between wet and dry climates means you can taste a world’s worth of varietals within a few square miles.
Are you looking for a more specific experience, such as wineries that offer full dinner service or those with the best mountain-biking access nearby?