Your Guide to a great weekend in the Willamette Valley
As we kick off this wonderful month of May, it’s time to celebrate Oregon Wine Month! And if we are talking about Oregon wine, then of course we will be discussing the Willamette Valley.
May is when the Valley starts to heat up physically and with tourism. Seeing as how VinePair just named the Willamette Valley *the* best wine region to visit in 2025, you may be thinking to yourself that it’s time to pay a visit to this wonderful wine region that is just an hour away from Portland. It is impossible to do a full dive into a region that is home to 700+ wineries and is over 150 miles in length, so this a way to lead you in the right direction by focusing on a lot of what Oregon does best, fantastic wineries that tell the history of Oregon winemaking.
Oregon’s winemaking history is extremely recent. It wasn’t until David Lett planted Pinot Noir in the 1960s that it started to gestate. At that time, he founded the now famous Eyrie Vineyards and would create wines that still stand up. Even though he was showing success, Oregon was still an afterthought for winemaking. That would begin to change with Veronique Drouhin starting up Domaine Drouhin in 1987. It wasn’t just that she was from Burgundy, but that she is from a rather famous family and important producer in Burgundy: Maison Joseph Drouhin. It may seem small now but by providing the approval of a major Burgundy house so early in Oregon’s emergence, the Willamette Valley would then become a destination for Pinot Noir and a large voice in American winemaking.
The Valley has exploded since and there is still plenty of room for it to grow! Each year, there are new and talented producers emerging to bring forth new wines and ideas that are helping shape Oregon going forward. Where Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris used to dominate, the Willamette Valley now is home to a lot of exciting Chardonnay as well as extremely successful examples of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and even Gruner Veltliner. It’s Volcanic soils bring about wines of energy and vibrance that will please a lot of palates. This guide will give you a range of places to visit while providing an excellent overview of the Willamette Valley as a whole.
Suggested Wineries:
The OGs:
These wineries are the standard bearers of the Willamette Valley. They have been around for 20+ years and provide a look into what was as well as where the Valley can go.
Patricia Green Cellars (Newberg)- If there is one winery that I would choose to fully demonstrate the Willamette Valley in a glass; it is this one. They are well known for making many single vineyard and plot specific Pinot Noirs. This provides you with an amazing range and education in the terroir that exists in the Valley. Because of their immense range of wines, you can visit them repeatedly and almost never get the same wines. Sadly, Patricia Green herself passed away a few years back, but they are still helmed by their head winemaker, Jim Anderson and they are as good as they ever have been.
Eyrie (McMinnville)- A visit to the Willamette Valley is incomplete without a visit to McMinnville. And that is where the OG of OGs is located. Visiting their Tasting Room is part of the fun in tasting great Pinot Noir as well as drinking the history of Oregon winemaking. Yes, you will taste Pinot Noir here. But Eyrie is still at the forefront of the Willamette Valley and make so much more than Pinot Noir. You can easily taste less heralded varietals like Trousseau, Pinot Blanc, and Chasselas. They are extremely easy to visit, and their location allows you to easily string together several visits without even getting in a car.
WillaKenzie (Yamhill)- One of the Willamette classics. They named themselves after the area’s specific Marine Sedimentary soils and produce some lovely wines across a range of price points. They began planting in 1992 and the winery was built in 1995. They quickly showed off their quality as their 1995 Gamay Noir was served at a Presidential Gala in 1997. They would go on to having their wines poured at several state dinners since. They are also leaders in sustainable farming and were the first LIVE certified winery. The tasting room is surrounded by hills and beautiful views while you can also get your hands on back vintage wines.
Bethel Heights (Salem)- Along with Eyrie, Bethel Heights is about as OG as it gets in the Willamette Valley. Good thing their wines are also really good! They were founded in 1977 and are leaders in the Eola-Amity area of the Valley. Afternoon winds come in from the Ocean and cool things down. They are home to some of the oldest Own-rooted vines in the Valley while bringing about expressive and gorgeous Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The Casteel family has owned and run the winery since it began with the next generation taking over back in 2006 in the form of Ben Casteel. They are big believers in sustainable farming and have the certifications to match. Be sure to take advantage of their Patio tastings to get some gorgeous views of their vineyards.
Beaux Freres (Newberg)- Beaux Freres is one of the leading wineries in the Valley. Due to the connection with the famous wine critic Robert Parker (he is the brother-in-law of their founder: Mike Etzel), they have sometimes been slightly disregarded. But don’t let that fool you. Mike Etzel is one of pioneers for the Willamette Valley and it would be a massive mistake to ever leave Beaux Freres off a list of the Valley’s top wineries. To visit Beaux Freres is to experience the Valley as it was years ago. The Tasting Room lacks the bells & whistles of many tasting rooms. The parking lot can get a bit muddy in places during the winter, and you are basically walking into a house. This is also why I absolutely love visiting Beaux Freres, and you should too! It’s about the wine here. Specifically, it’s about some of the best wine in the Valley while you sip and chat in one of the least pretentious places I’ve walked into.
A touch of Burgundy in the Willamette:
Since Domaine Drouhin placed their flag down in the Dundee Hills, there has been a symbiotic relationship with Burgundy. Burgundy producers come to the Willamette Valley to expand their knowledge and a few of them have stayed by either opening up their own winery or having a major hand in the consultation. These wineries all have a strong link with Burgundy and will please anyone that wants to understand more about the Willamette Valley and Burgundy.
Resonanace (Carlton)- Let’s cut straight to the chase and talk about one of the Valley’s most expressive producers that also happens to be the Oregon arm of Louis Jadot. You can buy both Jadot and Resonance in their beautiful tasting room, but it is the big ole Resonance hill in which the tasting room sits on that will most likely grab your attention. Resonance officially opened in 2013 after Jadot purchased the property from the previous owners. The beauty in Resonance is that it really is about the expression of Terroir. Everything is done the same as they would in Burgundy so that the beauty of Oregon shines through in the wines. Their winemaker (Guillaume Large) is from Macon and was the cellarmaster at Jadot before taking over the reins in 2016. Since then, they have crafted some of the best wines in the Willamette Valley. That isn’t just a personal opinion of mine, it has also showed up with a lot of high scores and their 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir bottling being named the #9 wine of the year in 2023 by Wine Spectator!
Nicolas-Jay (Newberg)- Hands down, this is one of my top wineries in the Willamette Valley. They are owned by legendary music producer Jay Boberg with Nicolas Meo (of the famous estate Meo-Camuzet) being the head winemaker. Jay and Nicolas have had a 30+ year friendship going back to their college days and with Nicolas-Jay, you are yet again being shown how Burgundy and Oregon express themselves with similar winemaking styles. The tasting room lies in a gorgeous, wooded amphitheater and you get a quick tour through the winery before sitting down and having a personal tasting with one of their hosts. The wines show so much stature and polish with a style that I feel brings out some of the best in Oregon. Here, you can also taste and buy the wines of Nicolas-Jay as well as Meo-Camuzet. If you sign up for their club, you then also get wines made by Meo-Camuzet that are specifically for the club and club only!
Domaine Drouhin Oregon (Dayton)- There was never going to be a list of places to visit in the Valley that didn’t include DDO. Veronique Drouhin is and was a pioneer as one of the early women making wine in Oregon. She also happened to come from a rather famous family in Burgundy: Maison Joseph Drouhin. Along with her brother Philippe, they have blazed the trail in Oregon and have crafted some absolutely gorgeous wine along the way. The views at the winery are just stunning while you also can get a great look into a fully functioning winery when you visit. DDO was started up in 1987 and I’ve been lucky enough to have one of their early bottlings that was still very much alive close to 30 years later. DDO can and should also be considered an OG as their impact on the Valley is felt today. When you come here, you are getting that Burgundian touch while also tasting and experiencing Willamette history.
No Frills, just great wine:
These wineries are throwbacks. You taste in the cellar and are often tasting with one of the owners/winemakers. You don’t come to these wineries looking for a manicured experience. You come to them because you have a love for independent winemakers that wear many hats in the process. These wineries may not be for everyone but for those that want this experience, you will walk away impressed!
Hundred Suns (McMinnville)- I wrote a longer article about Hundred Suns in December, so for deeper information, please check out that article. That said, I have to make a point of bringing them up again as they are just that good. Grant and Renee are insanely down to earth and a joy to talk with any time you get the chance. They also happen to be making some killer wine that you want and need in your glass. The visit is in something of a warehouse space, so be prepared to wear a jacket if you get cold….even in the summer. If you are a fan of tasting and talking with the people that make the wine, Hundred Suns needs to be at the top of your list!
Goodfellow Winery (McMinnville)- Are you someone who loves walking away from a visit knowing a ton more than you did going in? Then you need Goodfellow at the top of your list! This is a visit where you are in the cellar with either Marcus or Megan and you are surrounded by barrels. Oh, and you will also taste through an entire spectrum of amazing wine. Marcus has been making wine in the Willamette Valley for the better part of 25+ years and keeps going from strength to strength. He focuses on wines that possess tension and acidity with a style that is all to his own. If you are even remotely interested in what the Willamette Valley can do with Chardonnay, this has to be towards the top of your list to visit!
Kelley Fox Wines (Gaston)- I can’t begin to speak highly enough about the wines of Kelley Fox. Simply put, she’s a straight up badass. This isn’t a visit for those looking for Instagram views/likes or taking pictures of beautifully manicured vineyards. You sit down outside with either Kelley or her host and you will taste through the range of wines for current release and stuff that is sold out. It is a one-on-one experience with a working winery all around you. It’s a little out of the way as it is north of Carlton, but the trip is well worth it to taste through some of the best wines of the Willamette Valley.
Crowley (Newberg)- Crowley are the unsung hero of the Willamette Valley in my honest opinion. They’re a winery that locals love and they seem to be just fine with that. The good thing is that it allows you to get a great experience from an unexpected place! What sets them apart on the visit is that you will Barrel taste through a few wines. How cool is that?! As someone in the industry, that can happen on occasion when I twist the right arm or two, but here that is just part of the visit for anyone to experience. It also doesn’t hurt that the wines are just delicious. They are well-priced and really speak to what makes the Willamette Valley such a great place to taste.
For when you want more than Pinot Noir and Chardonnay:
These are some wineries that yes, make some wonderful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also make fantastic wines from other grapes as well. The Willamette Valley is so much more than just a few grapes. These wineries bring that vision to life and provide great visits as well.
Dominio IV (Carlton)- This is a producer that really seems to fly under the radar, yet those in the business utterly love. While they make some wonderful Pinot Noir, it is their off-beat nature and perspective that makes you fall in love with them. The entire property is gorgeous and makes you feel at home really quick while their Barn provides a beautiful backdrop all year round for tastings. Their entire approach is a bit different as their Imagination Series of wines provides a more abstract palate and point of view to the wines. Each bottle has a label that was drawn to represent a pictorial tasting note. When words can’t describe a wine, sometimes paintings can! What I also love is their range of wines where you can get some big, bold reds to racy, high acid white wines and everything in between. Creativity is what Dominio IV is all about as they are a place that is easy to fall in love with after a visit.
Corollary Wines (Amity)- Do you like Bubbles? Well, if you do (and I certainly hope you do), then Corollary is an absolute must stop when visiting the Valley. They are the first dedicated winery in the Willamette Valley to making Traditional Method Sparkling wine. Yes, Sparkling Wine has been done in the Valley for years, but Corollary specializes in it and it’s not just for show! They make bubbles that will delight any Champagne lover and novice alike. Their range stays true to classic Champagne grapes (which does include their use of Pinot Blanc!) while providing an Oregonian-take that is just pure joy. The best part is to catch them in the afternoon when the winds from the Pacific Ocean make their way through the Eola-Amity hills as you look out on the vineyards beneath you.
Flaneur Wines (Carlton)- Stepping into Flaneur, you will immediately be taken by their drop dead, gorgeous tasting room that makes you feel at home. Naturally they have a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (which are wonderful and expressive), but what has really grabbed me are their wines that aren’t either Pinot or Chardonnay. Depending on the time of year and what’s available, you can easily taste excellent Gruner Veltliner, Aligote, Gamay Noir, Bubbles, and Pinot Meunier. They have really kicked on in the last few years and are going from strength to strength. It’s not just that they make other grapes, it’s that they do them really well and I am certainly a big fan of their Gruner Veltliner as it shows off racy acidity and excellent balance. Simply put, every time I’ve sent someone to them, that person has walked away extremely happy and I’m sure you will as well.
Artist Block (Dundee)- When you come here, throw out every expectation you’ve ever had with a tasting room experience. And I mean that in all of the best ways. From the second you walk in you are greeted with some Rose that is poured out of a tap. You will also quickly notice that it is an Art Gallery and designed in a very modern way that is unlike anything I’ve experienced in the Willamette Valley. This isn’t a stodgy tasting room, it’s a place to kick back and have fun with some really great wine. They will have Sparkling Mencia, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and so much more along with top quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. If you come during the winter season, they also do movies on Friday, and every new club member gets to saber a bottle of bubbles to celebrate. While this may sound a bit gimmicky, don’t let it fool you. This is a serious winery that has gotten big scores from major publications while having Oregon’s only Master of Wine (currently) making their wines. If what you want is to drink great wine and have a fun time, they need to be on your list!
Great views and great wines:
There are a lot of places on this list that have gorgeous views from their tasting rooms. But these are ones that really stick out for how truly special they are. It can be a view of the Mountains, Vineyards, or just an overall gorgeous estate. Either way, you will want to take in the views here and let it all soak in.
Granville Wines (Dundee)- Granville are one of the newer kids on the block, but don’t let that deter you from making sure you visit them! As a winery, they are newer, but Ayla and Jackson Holstein are Dundee natives that knew what they wanted when they started up Granville. Granville is up the road from Artist Block and may just have one of my favorite view+wine combos. You get to park yourself down and are hosted to a flight of wonderful wines while looking out on Mount Hood. This makes for a great backdrop as you look out on the Holstein vineyard and get to drink some fantastic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (be sure to ask for their Holstein vineyard wines as you are looking out on that exact vineyard) in a setting that will leave you nothing but relaxed and happy.
Winderlea (Dundee)- Winderlea has been around since 2006, but they also don’t really aim for loads of press. What they do is make some gorgeous and flowing wines that will put a smile on your face. Their tasting room is modern, yet it is also laid back in a way that is inviting. Most of all, you’re greeted with some bubbles and can step out on their terrace to get a bird’s eye view of their vineyards and vineyards around them. Just be careful, you may quickly fall in love with them as that is greatly encouraged!
Johan (Rickreall)- The Willamette Valley has many producers that are Organic and Biodynamic, but for me, Johan is *the* winery that you want to visit for better understanding of living farming. This is a producer that really focuses on their farming and doing things as sustainably as possible. Oh, and they also happen to make some really killer wine. The beauty of Johan isn’t just that their Pinot Noir and Chardonnays are excellent, it’s that they also make a litany of other grapes ranging from Gruner Veltiner to Blaufrankisch to Melon de Bourgogne to crazy Red Field blends that will keep you coming back for more.
When you just want to splurge for something special:
This right here is a list of one. Because this experience really is that special and worth it.
Antica Terra (Amity)- There really isn’t anything like Antica Terra’s experience. At the most “basic” levels, yes, you can absolutely sit down and taste through the wines of Antica Terra and Lillian (Maggie Harrison’s winery in California). Even if that is what you want to do, you will taste through some of the better wines that Oregon has to offer. But that isn’t why I’m specifically noting Antica Terra. Because you can make a fully customizable experience with them that can include Antica Terra wines…….and also have the opportunity to taste legendary wines from around the world. Have you ever wanted to try some Giuseppe Quintarelli but are a bit afraid of buying a whole bottle? Yea, you can do that here (if it’s available). Are you a bit Valley’d out and want to kick it with some great Grower Champagne? Guess what, Antica Terra has an amazing selection across many producers. I can go on, but hopefully you get the idea at this point. It is far from an affordable tasting, but if you want to really go to the wall and walk away completely impressed, this is where you want to go. The team at Antica Terra really work on making everything special for you and that extra mile comes through swimmingly.
Where to eat:
With all of this wine tasting, you will clearly need places to eat! Good thing that the Valley has a lot of options. There are a few places that hit the higher end, but the best part is that many of these will be wallet friendly and relaxed.
Lunch:
Red Hills Market (Dundee)- I’m not sure it’s a trip to the Valley if you don’t go to Red Hills Market. This is a WV classic where you don’t need a reservation to where you just walk up and order from the counter. There is nothing fancy here, but everything is excellent and well worth your time. If you feel like having some wine while you eat, they have retail selections to take to your seat.
Wooden Heart (Dundee)- On the weekends, this is effectively open all day. The food range is wide here and brings a bit of something for everyone. They are probably best known for their Wood-fired Pizzas (where do you think the name comes from, ha!) that come out quick and seem to disappear just as quick once you start eating.
Lemon and Olive (Newberg)- For when you want something Healthy and good. They serve Mediterranean food and are open every day except for Sundays and Mondays. Quick and easy, this is a great spot to eat something a bit lighter between tastings.
Dinner:
Pizza Capo (McMinnville)- For when you want something just delicious and awesome. You can dine in or take out, but I really recommend dining in! There may be a bit of a wait depending on when you come by, but don’t let that deter you. This is great pizza from what has quickly become a staple in Mac. They also have a fun wine list featuring Willamette wines (of course) while also having Italian wines to drink with your Pizza.
Humble Spirit (McMinnville)- Humble Spirit is a warm hug. Comfort food is what they do, but it isn’t about food that will stick to your ribs. Nope, this is really about sitting down after a day traipsing around the Valley and just wanting something really good. Which is exactly what Humble Spirit is great at! The Menu is seasonal and really provides a wonderful experience of what Pacific Northwest Cuisine is about.
Hi-Fi Wine Bar (McMinnville)- Yes, Hi-Fi is a wine bar. But they also have excellent food and are a necessary visit for anyone visiting the Valley. If you are going deep into Oregon wines on your trip to the Valley, they have an excellent selection from some of the best producers. They are also owned and run by Evan Martin of Martin-Woods and you can taste Martin-Woods wines as well. That said, you come here for the records being spun, the great music, and the deep list of wines from around the world that will appeal to all palates.
Jory (Newberg)- Jory is the restaurant that is attached to The Allison in Newberg. And let me say, that it is a whole lot of fun walking around The Allison and sitting down in Jory. There is a real touch of class that comes with dinner here while you will have a deep wine list to explore. Of course there is a lot of Oregon wine on the list, but you don’t want to sleep on their Burgundy and Champagne selection. This is where you want to kick things up a level and just let yourself go with a dinner that fully falls in the treat yourself category.
Joel Palmer House (Dayton)- Classics are classics for a reason, and Joel Palmer House is a real classic for Fine Dining in the Willamette Valley. It has been around for close to 30 years elevating the dining scene in the Valley. The food is flat out wonderful with service and a deep wine list to match. Their wine list is 95% Oregon with wines going back to 1994. Everything about Joel Palmer House screams Oregon and that is exactly why you come here. If your desire is to fully immerse yourself in what the Willamette Valley has to offer, then this is where you have to come!
Hopefully after reading this, you want to visit the Willamette Valley! This is a wine region that is forward thinking, focusing on sustainability, farming right, and making wine in a thoughtful manner. There is a reason that Vine Pair made this their #1 wine region destination and hopefully this guide will help you make the decision to pay a visit!
If you’re a fan of Oregon Wines or are looking for more info, be sure to drop a comment or question!
-I want to give a big thanks to
for helping me in putting this together!