When people think about “wine country” in the United States, California will usually be the first to come to mind. However, some of the very best wines can be found at Willamette Valley wineries. There are virtually hundreds of vineyards and wineries that cover the Willamette Valley.
Compared to other wine regions, the Willamette Valley is considered “young” in development. But do not think that because wine-making in Oregon is younger than the others, that the quality is any different. In fact, Oregon wine, and in particular that being produced by Willamette Valley wineries, is known for its quality and is known to consistently earn high scores in every major wine publication.
McMinnville is a charming, historical town found in the heart of Willamette Valley. This is the perfect place to stay throughout your wine-tasting adventures. Our luxurious Bed and Breakfast is close to a number of great Willamette Valley wineries. You will be well taken care of you throughout the duration of your stay with us. We are available to assist with any local recommendations and provide you with the most upscale accommodations. Book your stay with us today!
Top 3 of Willamette Valley Wine Areas to Explore
Willamette valley wineries are found spread across several growing regions in the Willamette Valley. These growing regions are most commonly called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The first region found in the Willamette Valley is the Willamette Valley AVA–nearly 3.5 million acres, it’s one of the largest in the United States and covers the entire region.
Smaller AVAs in the Willamette Valley include Chehalem Mountains AVA; Dundee Hills AVA; Eola-Amity Hills AVA; McMinnville AVA; Ribbon Ridge AVA; Van Duzer Corridor AVA; Yamhill-Carlton AVA; Tualatin Hills AVA; and Laurelwood District AVA.
Within each of these regions, you’ll find Willamette Valley wineries that produce a range of wines, each with distinct profiles, due to the soil content, climate, elevation, etc. You may find a Pinot noir in the sediment-rich Chehalem Mountains Ava, with a distinctly different flavor profile than the Pinot noir found in the cooler, milder region of Van Duzer Corridor AVA. We will discuss three of the featured Willamette Valley AVAs in greater detail with a focus on each region.
- Willamette Valley AVA-Initial planting of grape-growing started in 1966 but was established in 1983. This region is approximately 3,438,000 acres or 5372 square miles and boasts the right conditions and soil to produce delicious Pinot noir. The Willamette Valley AVA grows mostly Pinot noir (69%), Pinot Gris (17%), and Chardonnay (7%). A beautiful winery in the northern Willamette Valley is Apolloni Vineyards. They are known for premium Pinot noir and Italian-style wines and their winery and vineyard are certified sustainable by the LIVE and Salmon Safe programs. This charming winery has indoor and covered outdoor seating for wine tasting and resurfaced bocce courts available, making the experience one of a kind in the Willamette Valley.
- McMinnville AVA-Established in 2005 this region consists of just over 39,000 acres with 749 planted acres of Pinot noir (83.8%), Chardonnay (3.35%), Pinot blanc (2.21%). Coeur de Terre Vineyard is an award-winning vineyard and winery located in the West Hills of McMinnville. This vineyard is committed to organic farming practices and small batch production. Coeur de Terre Vineyard produces handcrafted Pinot noir, delicious cool-climate Syrah, and Riesling.
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Van Duzer Corridor AVA-Established in 2019, this is a young territory, but expands over 60,000 acres and has 1,000 planted acres. In the Van Duzer Corridor AVA, you will find an incomparable 85-acre certified-Biodynamic Estate winery, Johan Vineyards. Johan Vineyard’s goal is to create a self-sustained holistic farm system with the energy to produce an honest expression of itself, to share with others. The view for wine tasting at this vineyard is truly special. There is a 1-mile walking trail on the property and a few cleared sections for picnics and a “secret” pond. The fabulous wines and property truly make this winery a delightful stop within Willamette Valley wineries.
The Best Lodging for Visiting Willamette Valley Wineries
With so many amazing Willamette Valley wineries to choose from, we couldn’t possibly list them all. Our location is perfect for those who want to try a variety of wineries in the different regions of the Willamette Valley. Our Bed and Breakfast is the perfect retreat after a long day of wine tasting and exploring. At A’Tuscan Estate, you can expect nothing but the finest amenities and the most satisfying breakfasts. Your time spent with us will leave you feeling well-rested and pampered.
At A’Tuscan Estate, we have a variety of luxury guest rooms and suites to choose from. There are four guest rooms and two units with full kitchens in our vacation cottage available from which to choose. All rooms are well equipped with private bathrooms, luxury linens, bathrobes, televisions, and more. For those who love a four-poster bed, we have two rooms available to meet your desires. And for those cool autumn nights, A’Tuscan Estate also has a guest room with a beautiful gas fireplace.
Upon waking in the morning, enjoy our gourmet three-course breakfast served daily. We are sure to accommodate those who have early starts for their daily adventure by offering a lovely to-go continental breakfast. We want to make your stay with us as simple and relaxing as possible. Book your stay with us for the best lodging throughout the Willamette Valley wineries.
