Oregon wine country has come a long way since its humble beginnings when a few rogue dreamers planted vines in the Willamette Valley. The state’s wine scene has blossomed to more than 600 wineries in 18 distinct growing areas (also known as American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs) and is the third largest wine-grape-producing state in the nation. Our talented vintners regularly earn international and national accolades. And yet that early spirit of modesty remains. Oregon wineries, often family- owned, focus on small-batch, high-quality production. Visit a tasting room and you’re likely to see the owner pouring wine or moving barrels. Once thing is certain: Wherever you go in Oregon wine country, you’re sure to get a warm welcome.
Check out the following websites for more travel inspiration: Willamette Valley Visitors Association, Oregon Wine Board, Southern Oregon.
Oregon’s Celebrity Winemakers
An NBA champion, a Heisman trophy winner and a Golden Globe nominee all have one thing in common: They’re among Oregon’s celebrity winemakers.
Cellar Season in the Willamette Valley
Winter is one of the best times to visit Oregon’s wine country. After the final grape clusters are plucked from the vines, the whole tempo slows down. Throughout cellar season, winemakers stoke fires in their tasting rooms, pop open a few prized vintages and even host a range of special tastings. So summon up a little bit of pioneer spirit, throw on an extra layer and get out there.
Fall Festival Fun in the Willamette Valley
To every season, turn, turn, turn. And when it’s fall in the Willamette Valley, you may be ready for changing leaves, fall bounty, fresh-hopped beers and special events that bring friends and family together. Don’t miss these seasonal celebrations in the valley this fall.
Pedal and Sip in the Applegate Valley
The Applegate River winds leisurely through the heart of Southern Oregon wine country — a varied landscape of family farms, thick forests and steep, rocky hills. While the Applegate may be lesser known, it’s been showered with increasingly enthusiastic accolades.
Vineyard Stays in Wine Country
While not every vineyard in Oregon has the facilities to let you stay the night, some do. These fine Oregon wineries invite you to kick back and stay awhile.
To Taste Oregon’s Terroir, Retrace the Missoula Floods
Take a geology-inspired tour of the lesser-known wine regions along the Columbia River. Vineyards function like stoic survey crews, pulling up characteristics from long-ago environmental shifts and presenting them through wildly unique wines.
A Diverse Future for Oregon Wine
Two up-and-coming players in the Oregon wine scene are working to make the state’s tasting rooms, cellars and vineyards as diverse as the wine they represent. Both are under 40 and Black, and part of a growing demographic showcasing the expanding diversity in Oregon wine.
