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There are wineries in Oregon? Yes, as a matter of fact, Oregon boasts more than 900 wineries throughout its 21 winegrowing regions. Its diverse landscape with rolling hills, deep valleys, and fertile soil makes Oregon wine country ideal for growing wine grapes and producing some of the country’s best Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling wines.
Oregon Wine Regions
From its deep valleys to its lush, rolling hills, Oregon wine country produces some of the world’s tastiest wines.
Central Oregon
The growing season is short in Central Oregon—just 90 days—so winemakers here make the most of the time they have to produce some of the state's most outstanding wines. Using a mix of Pacific Northwest varietals and European grapes to produce wines such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
Columbia Gorge
Considered “America’s Most Unique Wine Region,” Columbia Gorge wineries feature stunning views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood. This region is best known for its fragrant white wines, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Portland
There are more than 25 wineries in Portland offering a wide variety of wines made from Syrah, Tempranillo, Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel grapes.
Southern Oregon
This region includes the Rogue Valley, the Applegate Valley, and Umpqua Valley and is known for its Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
Walla Walla Valley
The Walla Walla Valley includes The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater with its pebble and cobblestone filled soil which contributes to the distinctive Syrahs and Cabernets produced there.
Willamette Valley
There are more than 900 vineyards and 22,500 acres of grapes in the Willamette Valley scattered across 12 diverse areas. The region is recognized as the state’s leading wine region producing world class Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, and Syrah.
Oregon Vineyards
With so many vineyards from which to choose, it can be challenging to narrow down a list of favorites. However, these four wineries deserve recognition as some of the finest in the state.
King Estate Winery
The winemakers at King Estate Winery are committed to sustainable farming and are North America’s largest certified Biodynamic vineyard. This means that no herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides are used on the property, which allows for the grape’s purest expression. The winery produces a wide range of varietals, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Argyle Winery
Located in the Willamette Valley, Argyle Winery takes advantage of the region’s cool climate to produce some of the area’s best sparkling wines, in addition to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The original winery used to house a hazelnut processing plant but was converted to the winery’s tasting house in 1987.
Brittan Vineyards
Brittan Vineyards is a 128-acre hillside winery located outside of McMinnville, Oregon. With soil that is a mixture of glacial deposits and volcanic material, Brittan Vineyards creates some of the region’s most delicious wines, including sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Syrah, and five different Pinot Noirs.
WillaKenzie Estate
For almost three decades, WillaKenzie Estate has been producing elegant wines from grapes grown on the 420-acre estate. They are best known for their Pinot Noir, but also produce Rosé, Cuvée Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.
Best Oregon Wine
Many fine wines come from Oregon, but if you want to taste the best Oregon has to offer, you should choose one of the four following wines:
Pinot Noir
Oregon is best known for its Pinot Noir. The moderate maritime climate combined with its soil allow for the best expression of Pinot grapes.
Pinot Gris
With its cool climate and prolonged growing season, Pinot Gris is particularly flavorful when it comes from the Willamette Valley.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay grapes are the third-most frequently planted grape variety in the state. In 2016, a Domaine Serene Chardonnay was named the No. 2 wine in the world by Wine Spectator.
Riesling
Oregon Riesling can range from dry to sweet with just enough acidity to achieve balance. Fragrant with tropical and citrus notes, it is also quite affordable.
