Guide to Visiting Oregon Wineries

Oregon is a growing force in the wine industry, with more than 700 wineries producing world class wines throughout the state. Wine tourism is big in Oregon, and many flock to Oregon wine country to visit producers of all types of wine, from lush Pinot Noirs to exciting bubbly sparkling wines. This guide to visiting wineries in Oregon can help you plan your next wine tasting trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Willamette Valley Has Best Oregon Wineries and Vineyards

Oregon's Willamette Valley is the perfect wine-growing region. With diverse microclimates and soil, the verdant Willamette Valley is home to more than 500 of the 700 wineries in the state. The valley runs along Oregon's Willamette River, a mighty 187 mile north-south river (it's a tributary of the Columbia River) in Western Oregon that has a temperate climate, plenty of rainfall, lots of sun, and cooling fogs from the nearby Pacific Ocean. The River Valley provides the ideal growing climate for the persnickety Pinot Noir grape and other Burgundy varietals including Chardonnay. As a result, the Willamette Valley is known around the world for making beautiful and powerful Pinot Noir wines, delicious, buttery Chardonnays, world-class sparkling wines, and amazing natural wines.

Willamette Valley has 8 AVAs including:

• Willamette Valley
• Dundee Hills
• Chehalem Mountains
• Eola-Amity Hills
• McMinnville
• Ribbon Ridge
• Van Duzer Corridor
• Yamhill-Carlton

Dundee Hills Wineries

The Dundee Hills AVA, located about 30 miles west of Portland, has some of Oregon's most impressive wineries. It's a quick trip from Portland along OR99. The distance is around 23 miles but on especially busy weekends when wine tourism as at its peak, it may take about an hour or more to make the drive. Once there, you'll find approximately 50 wineries, many producing award-winning and highly rated wines. Save driving time by staying in one of the area's hotels, such as the fun Vintages Trailer Resort with restored, luxury vintage travel trailers, or the more traditional Inn at Red Hills. While you're there, be sure to have a meal at the Dundee Bistro with its delicious Northwest cuisine and an impressive wine list.

• Erath: Located at 9409 NE Worden Hill Road in Dundee, the Erath specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but you'll also find Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Winery hours are 11 AM to 5 PM daily, and tasting starts at $30.
• De Ponte Cellars: You'll find this winery at 17545 NE Archery Summit Road in Dayton, and De Ponte Cellars makes fine Burgundy style wines. The tasting room is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM and has a $15 tasting fee.
• Torii Mor Winery: Located at 18323 NE Fairview Drive in Dundee, you can visit Torii Mor daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. To taste the winery's Burgundy style wines, it will cost you $15.
• Sokol-Blosser: Open 10 AM to 4 PM daily, at Sokol-Blosser, you'll taste Burgundy style wines as well as some bubblies and some dessert wines. The winery is located at 5000 NE Sokol Blosser Lane in Dayton. Tasting and tours start at $40.

McMinnville Wineries

Located in Yamhill County, McMinnville and the surrounding area is part of the larger Willamette Valley AVA. It sits in the foothills of Oregon's Coast Range. For a fun place to stay, consider the McMenamin's Hotel Oregon, a historic property in downtown McMinnville, or the historic Atticus Hotel. For a break from wine tasting, stop by the Evergreen Air & Space Museum, home of Howard Hughes's Spruce Goose and other fascinating aerospace exhibits.

• Naked Winery McMinnville Tasting Room: Located at 211 NE 3rd Street in McMinnville you'll find Naked Winery's tasting room. It opens daily at noon, and you'll be able to enjoy tasting for $3 for a single tasting or $15 for a flight of six wines.

• Brittan Vineyards: The tasting room for Brittan Vineyards is located at 829 NE 5th Avenue, Suite 700 in McMinnville. It's open Thursday through Monday (11 to 5 April through November and 11 to 4 December through March).

Wineries In or Near Portland

If you're in the Portland area, you don't need to travel far to visit a few good wineries. If you're just not up for making the drive to Dundee Hills, visit following Portland Metro-area wineries. Consider staying at the historic Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland and, alongside the wine, check out the many wonders Portland has to offer, such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). While in the city, stop and visit some Portland's natural wine bars and bottle shops.

• Cooper Mountain Vineyards: Cooper Mountain Vineyards is located just 10 miles from downtown Portland at 20121 Southwest Leonardo Lane in Beaverton. The tasting room is open daily from noon to 5 PM, and a tasting and tour is $35. You can also reserve private tastings and tours by calling 503-649-0027.
• Hamacher Wines: Located in Beaverton, Hamacher Wines is on the Ponzi Historic Estate, the former home of Ponzi Estate Vineyards. The winery is open 11 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Sunday. The tasting free is $20, and large groups or private tastings are available by reservation. Call 503 628-1910. The winery is located at 14665 SW Winery Lane in Beaverton.
• Enso Urban Winery: Located in Southwest Portland at 1416 SE Stark Street, the Enso Urban Winery and Tasting Room opened in 2011. Grapes for the wines are sourced from various locations along the West Coast, and the winery is open 7 days a week in the afternoons and evenings.
• Seven Bridges Winery: The Seven Bridges Winery is located in downtown Portland at 2303 North Harding Avenue. The winery produces Bordeaux style wines sourced from grapes grown in Washington and Oregon with a focus on red blends. You can visit the tasting rooms on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM, and the cost of a tasting is $15. You can also make an appointment for a tasting by calling 503-203-2583.

Salem Wineries

About a 50 minute drive down Interstate-5 from Portland will bring you to Salem, Oregon, the state capital. There's plenty to do here besides wine tasting (consider visiting Silver Falls State Park and taking the Trail of Ten Falls hike to see spectacular views of waterfalls and even walk under a few), but the wine is good too. Consider staying in Salem's historic Grand Hotel, which is newly renovated.

• Evesham Wood: Located at 3795 Wallace Road NW in Salem, Evesham Wood offers tastings Friday through Sunday from noon to 4 PM. Taste flights of either four or six wines.
• Coria Estates: 8252 Redstone Avenue SE in Salem is where you'll find Coria Estates. The tasting room is open noon to 6 PM daily. Large groups or private tastings should call 503-363-0525 for reservations.
• Arcane Cellars Winery: Located at 22350 Magness Road NW in Salem is Arcane Cellars Winery. There's a tasting fee of $10 per person, and you can taste between noon and 4 PM Friday through Sunday. Call 503-932-2396 for private or group tastings.

Eugene Wineries

You'll find Eugene Oregon, home of the University of Oregon, about an hour and ten minute drive down Interstate-5 from Salem. The city sits along the Willamette River, so it's no surprise it's a great place for wine. Consider staying at the historic Campbell House Inn, a boutique hotel in Eugene's historic district. Need a break from wineries? Eugene also has an ale trail, so if you also love craft beers, it's another great way to get a taste of what the area has to offer.

• Oregon Wine LAB: For an urban wine tasting experience, visit the Oregon Wine LAB located at 488 Lincoln Street in Eugene. The tasting room is open daily from noon to 8 PM Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 PM on Sunday.
• Noble Estate Vineyard & Winery: Along with a tasting room in Newport on the Oregon Coast, Noble Estate Vineyard & Winery also has an urban tasting room in West Eugene at 560 Commercial Street, and at the Estate Vineyard at 29210 Gimpl Hill in Eugene. Tasting hours are noon to 5 PM daily.
• Silvan Ridge Winery: Located at 27012 Briggs Hill Road in Eugene, the Silvan Ridge Winery offers public and private tasting experiences. The tasting room is open noon to 5 PM daily. You'll be able to taste two wines free of charge; additional wines cost $2 per taste. Private tastings must be reserved in advance by calling 541-345-1945, and there are $20 and $40 private tasting options.
• Sweet Cheeks Winery: Sweet Cheeks Winery has two places you can go to experience their wines: at the vineyard at 27007 Briggs Hill Road in Eugene, and at Sweet Cheeks on 5th, located at 248 East 5th Street, Suite 25 in Salem. Both are open at noon daily. Drop by either for a tasting or call 541-349-9463 to book a private or group tasting.

Oregon Coast Wineries

The Oregon Coast is unspoiled in its beauty; rugged coastline, resort towns, and beautiful inlets and bays are all there as you meander down Highway 101. While you're in the area, check out the fun resort town of Cannon Beach along the North Coast and stop by the Wayfarer Restaurant where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Haystack Rock, drink a delicious glass of wine, and dine on fresh and flavorful seafood. The Hallmark Inn and Resort is the perfect ocean-front place to stay while you enjoy your Oregon Coast wine tasting adventure. If you venture further down the coast, take a break from wine tasting to do some whale watching in Depoe Bay.

Nehalem Bay Winery

The Nehalem Bay Winery not only offers a great tasting experience, but it's nestled on picturesque Nehalem Bay about 25 minutes south of Cannon Beach down Highway 101. The tasting room is located at 34965 Highway 53 in Nehalem. The wines are different from those you'll find at other Oregon wineries, such as a sweet red, a Christmas blend of Riesling, cranberry and spices, and other fruit wines. Call 1-888-368-WINE for hours, reservations, and tasting prices.

Depoe Bay Winery

Located south of Lincoln City, the Depoe Bay Winery offers complimentary tastings of its award winning whites, reds, dessert, and fruit wines. The winery, located at 22 US-101 in Depoe Bay is open daily from 9 to 6. Call 541-765-3311 to inquire about group or private tastings.

Noble Estate Vineyard & Winery Tasting Room

In the town of Newport on Oregon's central coast, you'll find the Nobel Estate Vineyard & Winery's Newport tasting room (the winery also has two tasting rooms in Eugene). The winery produces a number of different wines including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Muscat, Blanc de Noirs, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and various red blends. The Newport tasting room is open daily from noon to 8 PM, and dockside seating is available. It's located at 146 SW Bay Boulevard in Newport. Call 541-272-5222 for private or group tastings.

Southern Oregon Wineries

There are a number of wineries you can find in Southern Oregon. Southern Oregon itself is an AVA with several sub-regions within the larger one. Wines here begin to vary from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the climate changes slightly from those afforded in the Willamette Valley. While you're in the area tasting wines, be sure to visit some of Southern Oregon's picturesque covered bridges.

Southern Oregon's AVAs include the following:

• Umpqua Valley is at the northernmost end of the Southern Oregon AVA near the city of Roseburg.
• Red Hill Douglass County is a sub-appellation of the Umpqua Valley tucked in to its northeastern most tip.
• Elkton Oregon is a newer AVA, established in 2013. It's a subregion of the Umpqua Valley.
• Rogue Valley follows the Rogue River and is full of multiple microclimates that make it ideal for growing a large variety of grapes.
• Applegate Valley is the southernmost AVA in Southern Oregon. Here, the Siskiyou Mountains affect the area's climate and thus the grapes it produces.

Medford Wineries

Medford sits in the heart of the Rogue River Valley. Nearby cities include Grants Pass, Jacksonville, and Roseburg, all with great places to stay and plenty of recreational activities. Consider staying at the Wine Country Inn in historic Jacksonville, where you'll also find great shopping and historic buildings from Jacksonville's Gold Rush past. While you're in the area if you need a break from wine tasting, the Rogue River offers fun outdoor activities, such as the Hellgate Canyon jetboat excursion up the Rogue.

Some wineries near Medford include the following.

• EdenVale Winery is located at 2310 Voorhies Road in Medford. The tasting room is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, and it features wines such as Viognier, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and many others.
• Dancin Vineyards is located at 4477 South Stage Road in Medford. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday May through September and Thursday through Sunday from October through April. Wine flights cost between $10 and $12.
• Pebblestone Cellars is located at 1642 Camp Baker Road in Medford, and it also has a tasting room at 1670 Pioneer Road in Talent. Hours are noon to 5 PM daily except Tuesdays.

Wineries Near Ashland

Ashland is well-known for its Shakespeare Festival, which is held every summer. It's only a 25 minute drive south along Interstate-5 from Medford, so you can stay in Medford or spend a night at the charming Lithia Springs Resort in Ashland. The resort has mineral waters and its own wine tasting room, making it an ideal getaway spot for a romantic wine tasting weekend.

• Dana Campbell Vineyards is located at 1320 N Mountain Avenue in Ashland. Open daily from 1 PM to 6 PM, you'll be able to taste many of Dana Campbell Vineyards' wines there, such as Malbec, Tempranillo, Viognier, Verdejo, Mourvèdre, and Carménère.
• At Belle Fiore, you'll find a stunning chateau-style tasting room. You'll need to make an appointment here (tastings are available Friday through Sunday) by calling 541-552-4900. Chateau private tastings cost $29 or $39. The Pavillion Tasting Room doesn't require reservations, and tasting fee is $15 or $19. The Pavillion opens daily at noon.
• Grizzly Peak Winery is located at 1600 E Nevada Street in Ashland. The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday April through October and Saturday and Sunday November through March. Tasting hours are noon to 4 PM.

Eastern Oregon Wineries

Eastern Oregon is mostly desert, including the high desert, which averages 4,000 feet above sea level. It has a few AVAs here, but you won't find nearly as much wine as you will in the western half of the state. AVAs in Eastern Oregon include the following:

• Columbia Gorge is located in north central Oregon along the Columbia River. This AVA is located in both Washington State and Oregon, and it has multiple microclimates, so you'll find many varieties of grapes here.
• Columbia Valley AVA lies mostly in Washington State, although a small part of it extends into Oregon and runs from The Dalles to Milton-Freewater. For the most part, the climate here is high desert and dry, and you'll find numerous grape varietals grown.
• Walla Walla Valley is a sub-region of the Columbia Valley AVA, stretching from southeastern Washington into northeastern Oregon. It's dry and sunny here, and you'll find plenty of Bordeaux and Rhône varietals grown here.
• The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater is one of Oregon's newest AVAs, established in 2015. It's a subregion of the Walla Walla Valley, and it has rocky soil and high desert heat. Varietals grown here include Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Tempranillo, and Viognier.
• Snake River Valley sits in Eastern Oregon extending into Idaho. The AVA is over 8,000 square miles of the Snake River Valley, and you'll find hot weather grapes thrive here.

Wine Tasting Near Bend

Bend is a fun and funky community in the high desert in Eastern Oregon. While the area is known for its breweries, you'll also find good urban wine tasting in or near Bend, although mostly in town, it's wine shops and bars, so it's a great activity to pursue as you visit art galleries and dine in delicious restaurants. The Oxford Hotel is centrally located in downtown Bend and a walk to just about everything, so it's the perfect place to stay as you sample the flavors of Bend. While you're there, stop by Richardson's Rock Ranch in Madras (it's about an hour outside of Bend); it has to be seen to be believed, but you'll find not only an impressive selection of rocks, crystals, and fossils, but dozens of peacocks also roam the property. You can even dig for the famous Oregon Thundereggs while you're there for a unique souvenir. It's a fun side trip on your way to Bend.

• Naked Winery Tasting Room is located at 330 S.W. Powerhouse Drive, Suite 110 in Bend. For $15, you can taste a flight of whites and reds. The tasting room opens daily at 11 AM.
• Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards is located a 30-minute drive from Bend at 70450 NW Lower Valley Drive in Terrebonne. The tasting room is open daily from noon to 5 PM, and you can also make reservations to take a tour by calling 541-526-5075. For $12 for four tastings, you'll be able to sample wines such as Viognier, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, or others.
• Maragas Winery is about 25 miles north of Bend located at 15523 SW Hwy 97 in Culver. The tasting room is open daily June through July from 11 AM to 5 PM, with Tuesdays by appointment. Call 541.546.5464 for additional hours, information, and reservations.

Other Eastern Oregon Wineries

Eastern Oregon doesn't have a lot of wineries, but it does have a few along with the breathtaking scenery of the Columbia River Gorge and the high desert.

If you're taking a scenic drive through the region, be sure to stop at the following wineries.

• Zebra Cellars is located in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA. You'll find it at 85530 Highway 11 in Milton-Freewater, and the tasting room is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. Here you'll find interesting wines such as Nebbiolo, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Dolcetto.
• Watermill Winery, located at 1807, 235 E Broadway Avenue in Milton-Freewater, pours wines from the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater and the Walla Walla Valley. Tasting flights are $5, plus an additional $5 for an extended flight.

• Copper Belt Wines is located in historic Baker City with the tasting room found at 1937 Main Street. The tasting room is open daily at 1 PM, and you'll taste wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines with grapes sourced from the Snake River Valley AVA. Call 541-519-0949 for reservations and additional information.

Oregon Wine Passport

Visitors to Oregon Wine Country may wish to purchase an annual Oregon Wine Passport. Frequent wine tasters will enjoy the deals available annually through the passport, which costs $90. The passport is valid each calendar year for two people, and it offers savings from participating wineries with deals such as 2 for 1 tastings and money off purchases at the winery. If you plan to visit a few participating wineries, you'll make your money back very quickly.

Visit Oregon Wine Country

You'll find exciting wines all throughout the state of Oregon. From the Oregon Coast, to its gorgeous and verdant river valleys, to the austere beauty of the high desert and Eastern Oregon, you'll be able to taste how the terroir and climate of Oregon affects the wines. It's a great way to spend a weekend - or a week - discovering the bounty that Oregon has to offer.