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Oregon Wine Travel Guide

BY CARPE TRAVEL

Oregon is a world-class wine region with 18 AVAs, more than 700 wineries, and 1,000 vineyards growing 72 grape varieties.

Oregon is home to four distinct and unique wine regions, which make up 18 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs – official wine growing regions). The state is one of the few places in the world outside of Burgundy, France known for producing world-renowned Pinot Noir.

The following Oregon Wine Travel guide shares a brief history of Oregon’s wine country, along with where to sip, where to stay and things to do beyond the vines. Cheers!

CLICK TO SEE TABLE OF CONTENTS
HISTORY OF OREGON WINE
WINE REGIONS
WINE TRAILS
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
WHEN TO VISIT
WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT
WHERE TO SIP
GETTING TO & AROUND
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
MORE THINGS TO DO IN OREGON
INTERVIEWS WITH WINEMAKERS
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OREGON WINE HISTORY

In 1916, Oregon voters passed Prohibition FOUR years before it took effect nationally. Most vines at local vineyards were torn out and replaced with fruit trees and potatoes. Mind you, at this time the wine industry in Oregon was still a small one. Albeit, this killed it all together.

In 1933, shortly after the U.S. Congress repealed Prohibition – the Eighteenth Amendment – John Wood and Ron Honeyman received bonded winery status for Honeywood Winery in Salem. Today, this is Oregon’s oldest, continuously operating winery. But, it wasn’t until 1961 that Oregon’s wine industry was truly born when Richard Sommer planted Riesling and a few other grape varietals at what is now Hillcrest Vineyard in the Umpqua Valley. Four years later the state’s official grape – Pinot Noir – was introduced by David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards who planted the first vines in what is now the Dundee Hills AVA located in the Willamette Valley. Oregon’s modern day wine industry was born…

It wasn’t until Lett entered his 1975 Reserve Pinot Noir in the 1979 Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiad and placed in the top 10 in a blind tasting among the finest Burgundies that the world started to take notice of Oregon as a serious winemaking region. Today, the state is recognized as one of the premier wine producing regions in the world.

Elk Cove Vineyard Oregon wine country
Sunrise over Mt. Hood and a fog filled Willamette Valley from Elk Cove's Five Mountain Vineyard near Laural and Hillsboro, Oregon.
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WINE REGIONS OF OREGON

Oregon is home to four distinct and unique wine regions, which make up 18 AVAs. The state is one of the few places in the world outside of Burgundy, France known for producing world-renowned Pinot Noir. However, given its diverse climate everything from Arneis to Zinfandel is produced in Oregon with the top varietals being Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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THE FOUR MAIN WINE REGIONS OF OREGON

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is known as Oregon’s leading wine region. It runs from Portland to south of Eugene, and is home to seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), more than 500 wineries, which is more than two-thirds of the state’s wineries. While the Willamette Valley is recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir producing areas in the world, the region specializes in other cool-climate wine varieties including Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. (Seventy percent of the grapes grown in Willamette Valley are Pinot Noir.)

In addition to the Willamette Valley AVA, Sub AVAs include Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge and Yamhill-Carlton.

Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley

Less than 60 miles east of Portland, is in the Hood River area, aka the Columbia Gorge AVA. The climate here varies widely. From the high desert-like east to the cooler, wetter west, a range of grape varietals ? Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, among them – thrive in this region.

Nearby is the Columbia Valley AVA, which mainly lies in Washington State, with a small section in Oregon stretching from The Dalles to Milton-Freewater.

Southern Oregon

With five AVAs ? Umpqua Valley, Red Hills Douglas County, Rogue Valley, Applegate Valley and the new Elkton – in addition to the Southern Oregon AVA, and more than 65 wineries, Southern Oregon is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in the world. Cooler areas produce Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Sauvignon blanc and more. The warmer, arid regions ripen Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah and others.

Eastern Oregon – Walla Walla

Located in northeastern Oregon eight miles south of Walla Walla, Washington, this region is open, spacious and home to vineyards along the Columbia River. As the warmest growing region in Oregon, this region is known for making wine varietals including like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Oregon shares the Walla Walla AVA with Washington state, however more than 50 percent of Walla Walla AVA wine is made from grapes grown in Oregon.

oregon-ava-map
GO TO INTERACTIVE OREGON WINE MAP
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OREGON WINE TRAILS

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WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Oregon’s Seven Wonders

This trail is for both beer and wine lovers. For wine lovers, you have seven Willamette Valley wineries to explore and beer lovers are offer four craft breweries along the rout.

East of Eden Wine Trail

The emphasis of this Willamette Valley wine trail is on boutique wineries in the eastern portion of the valley.

Eugene Wine Trail

The southern portion of the Willamette Valley, just outside the town of Eugene is the Pedaling for Pinot – Eugene Wine Trail. This is the perfect trail for those of you who are into biking and wine tasting. The country roads will take you to both large and elegant to small and intimate wineries, and all of them make amazing Pinot Noir.

Salem Wine Trail

Twelve wineries and five historic places along the route, including Oregon’s State Capitol, makes for a history and wine lovers perfect wine country getaway.

COLUMBIA GORGE & COLUMBIA VALLEY

Coming Soon!

SOUTHERN OREGON

Coming Soon!

EASTERN OREGON - WALLA WALLA

Coming Soon!
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PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Read on to find Carpe Travel’s first-hand travel tips and recommendations to help make your stay in Oregon Wine Country a memorable one.

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WHEN TO VISIT

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SPRING

Coming Soon!

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FALL

Coming Soon!

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SUMMER

Coming Soon!

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WINTER

Coming Soon!

WHERE TO STAY

Applegate Valley AVA

Best Western Inn at the Rogue
Best Western Grants Pass Inn
Holiday Inn Express Grants Pass
The Lodge at Riverside

Chehalem Mountains AVA

Valley River Inn
Willamette Pass Inn
Le Puy A Wine Valley Inn
Yosemite Valley Lodge

Dundee Hills AVA

Red Lion Hotel on the River
La Quinta Inn & Suites Eugene
Hotel deLuxe

Elkton Oregon AVA

Best Western Newberg Inn
Park Lane Suites & Inn
Hyatt Place Portland Airport 

Eola-Amity Hills AVA

Hotel deLuxe
Courtyard Portland City Center
Hyatt Place Portland Airport / Cascade Station

McMinnville AVA

La Quinta Inn & Suites Portland Airport
Hotel deLuxe
La Quinta Inn & Suites Eugene

Willamette Valley

McMenamins Hotel Oregon
Red Lion Inn & Suites McMinnville
The Orenco
Comfort Inn & Suites McMinnville
Holiday Inn Express Newberg – Wine Country

Yamhill-Carlton

Comfort Inn & Suites McMinnville
Best Western Newberg Inn
Best Western University Inn & Suites
Youngberg Hill Winery and B&B
Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard
Allison Inn & Spa

Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley

Oak Street Hotel
Inn of the White Salmon
Historic Blach Hotel
The Dalles Inn

Ribbon Ridge AVA

La Quinta Inn & Suites Portland Airport
Residence Inn Portland Downtown
Clarion Hotel Portland Airport

The Rocks District of Milton AVA

Super 8 Kennewick
Oxford Suites Hermiston
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hermiston

Rogue Valley AVA

Riveride Inn
The Lodge at Riverside
Best Western Grants Pass Inn

Southern Oregon AVA

Holiday Inn Express Roseburg
Red Lion Hotel on the River
The Lodge at Riverside
Clay Hill Lodge
Best Western Inn at the Rogue

Umpqua Valley AVA

Hampton Inn Elkton
Best Western Plus Hartford Lodge
Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites of Reedsport

Rogue Valley AVA

Riveride Inn
The Lodge at Riverside
Best Western Grants Pass Inn

CARPE TRAVEL TOP PICKS

Oregon Garden Resort
A 103-room garden theme hotel located adjacent to The Oregon Garden. Take advantage of innovative, high-value packages such as “Wine and Jazz Festival package”, “Girlfriend Getaway”, and diverse “Spa Escapes.”

Prairie House Inn
Built in 1900 and restored to its original detail, this home was the first one in Molalla to have water and electricity. Each of the six bedrooms has been tastefully decorated to reflect Molalla’s colorful history

The Grand Hotel in Salem
Formerly the Phoenix Grand Hotel. Features 193 over-sized guest rooms and suites. Each room has a work/living area, complimentary high-speed Internet, complimentary breakfast and more.

Village Green Resort
Stop to rest your legs and stay for the 14 acres of beautiful, themed gardens and walking paths. Finish the day on a private garden patio outside your deluxe room featuring a fireplace and cozy down comforters

Century House B & B
This charming B&B offers spacious guest rooms and specialty breakfasts to accommodate all preferences and is within walking distance to downtown Salem shops, restaurants and attractions.

Skamania Lodge
This is a destination hotel located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in the town of Stevenson, Washington. The resort offers a distinctly Pacific Northwestern experience, featuring a three-story stone fireplace, sweeping river views in the main lobby, two locally-inspired restaurants, an outdoor zipline and aerial park, the Skamania Lodge Golf Course and a full-service spa.

WHERE TO EAT

Carpe Travel's Top Picks

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Coming Soon!

Hattaways on Alder, a top pick for Walla Walla restaurants
Hattaway's on Alder

WHERE TO SIP

Oregon has more than 700 wineries and over 500 wine tasting rooms – all are worth the pilgrimage.

16 must-see wineries in the Willamette Valley, Oregon wine country
The 50 Oregon Wines You Need to Drink Right Now by Portland Monthly
Best Oregon Wineries to Visit by Food and Wine

GETTING TO OREGON WINE COUNTRY

If you are Flying…

Coming soon!

If you are Driving…

Coming soon!

GETTING AROUND OREGON WINE COUNTRY

Car Services

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks
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Coming soon!

Tours

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks
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Coming soon!

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Be sure to check out these Oregon Festivals and Events that are not to be missed!
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International Pinot Noir Celebration

July / McMinnville
The three-day event is famous around the globe, as a mecca for lovers of Pinot noir and northwest cuisine. During the weekend, world-renowned winemakers, northwest chefs, esteemed media, epicures, and wine lovers will gather in McMinnville, Oregon, for three days of exploring Pinot noir, savoring unforgettable meals, and learning and celebrating with luminaries of the food and wine world. Along with the speakers and chefs, it is the relaxing and festive atmosphere that sets it apart from all other wine events. Whether tasting Grand Cru Burgundy or walking through Oregon vineyards with the grower who planted them, guests find themselves unwinding in picturesque Oregon wine country for what wine legend Jancis Robinson described as “one of the most enjoyable wine weekends in the world”.

FIND OUT MORE

Spring Barrel Wine Tasting Event Weekends

April / Yakima Valley
Yakima Valley wine tasting from the barrel is a unique experience. Expect wines to taste different than you are used to out of the bottle. The vintages are brand new – giving tasters a sneak peek in to how they could mature. Will it be an award-winner? You be the judge at Spring Barrel celebrations. You have two weekends to participate: On April 20-22nd, many wineries are open for “pre-barrel.” This is an opportunity for a bit slower pace and more education from the wine-maker as crowds are smaller. The weekend of April 27-29th is Spring Barrel Weekend, where droves of people gather in the Yakima Valley for the largest wine festival in the Pacific Northwest to experience the new vintages straight from the barrel. Many wineries have local food pairings, live music and festivities.

FIND OUT MORE

Northwest Food and Wine Festival

November / Portland
The annual Northwest Food and Wine Festival has become the definitive wine festival in Portland with a targeted half-day wine and food celebration. The festival brings the highest quality regional wines, spirits, beers, foods and prominent chefs and restaurants. It’s designed to present a rich and rewarding experience for wine lovers, gourmet food enthusiasts and industry experts.

FIND OUT MORE
From A to Z: Top Wine Festivals in Every State Not to Miss
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BEYOND THE VINES

More about Oregon Wine Country and things to do beyond the vines.
Elaine Schoch, Carpe Travel
Uncorking the Facts on Oregon Wine Country
Elaine Schoch, Carpe Travel
Uncorking the Facts on Oregon Wine Country
Elk Cove Vineyard Oregon wine country
Top 10 Things to do Willamette Valley Wine Country that go Beyond the Vines
Elk Cove Vineyard Oregon wine country
Top 10 Things to do Willamette Valley Wine Country that go Beyond the Vines
5 of the Best Wine Destinations in US -That are Not in California
5 of the Best Wine Destinations in US -That are Not in California
Willamette Valley Wows with Grochau Cellars
Willamette Valley Wows with Grochau Cellars
16 must-see wineries in the Willamette Valley, Oregon wine country
16 Wineries. Four Days. The Ultimate Willamette Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
16 must-see wineries in the Willamette Valley, Oregon wine country
16 Wineries. Four Days. The Ultimate Willamette Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
planning a wine trip
So what wine region is the most affordable to visit?
planning a wine trip
So what wine region is the most affordable to visit?
Elk Cove Vineyard Oregon wine country
A Winemakers Tale: Adam Campbell, Elk Cove Vineyards
Elk Cove Vineyard Oregon wine country
A Winemakers Tale: Adam Campbell, Elk Cove Vineyards
A Winemakers Tale: Alexandrine Roy, Winemaker for Phelps Creek Vineyards & Domaine Marc Roy
A Winemakers Tale: Alexandrine Roy, Winemaker for Phelps Creek Vineyards & Domaine Marc Roy
On the Piemonte Wine Trail: Barbera in July
Exploring Oregon Wine Country
On the Piemonte Wine Trail: Barbera in July
Exploring Oregon Wine Country
Load more
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Behind the Vines

Go behind the vines with Oregon winemakers who are growing the Oregon wine country.
Willamette Valley Wows with Grochau Cellars
Willamette Valley Wows with Grochau Cellars
Elk Cove Vineyard Oregon wine country
A Winemakers Tale: Adam Campbell, Elk Cove Vineyards
Elk Cove Vineyard Oregon wine country
A Winemakers Tale: Adam Campbell, Elk Cove Vineyards
A Winemakers Tale: Alexandrine Roy, Winemaker for Phelps Creek Vineyards & Domaine Marc Roy
A Winemakers Tale: Alexandrine Roy, Winemaker for Phelps Creek Vineyards & Domaine Marc Roy
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See the Entire Interview with a Winemaker Series

16 must-see wineries in the Willamette Valley, Oregon wine country

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© 2011-2020 Elaine Schoch/Carpe Travel. All rights reserved. May not use text or photos without permission.

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Elaine Schoch, Carpe Travel

Cheers! I’m Elaine Schoch, the editor and founder of Carpe Travel. I’m an award-winning travel writer, wine judge and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II), one of the world’s leading providers of wine education and certifications and an American Wine Expert. More…

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