Sample a flight at WillaKenzie Estate on an overcast afternoon as mist rolls across the vine-laden hills of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and you’ll be in on a vintner’s secret: Winter is one of the best times to visit Willamette Valley wine country. After the final grape clusters are plucked from the vines, the whole tempo slows down. The days may be short and the rain may drizzle, but the gray months between the emptying of the last harvest bin and the first bud break offer a chance to experience another, more intimate side of the Willamette Valley. 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.
From north to south, here are just a few wineries keeping their lights on all winter.
R. Stuart & Co.
R. Stuart & Co. sources the lion’s share of its fruit from vineyards within 30 miles of its home base in historic downtown McMinnville, a small city at the center of the North Willamette Valley’s wine scene. Reserve a winery tour and tasting to get a behind-the-scenes look at the production spaces and enjoy a terroir-driven tasting of its pinots. Impromptu tasters can pop into R. Stuart & Co.’s downtown wine bar, where winemaker Rob Stuart shows off a deep love of bubbles with his signature sparkling wines.
Lady Hill Winery
History buffs should head for Lady Hill Winery, located on a 1,500-acre farm Jerry Owen’s family has tilled since the 1850s. In addition to estate fruit, Owen and his wife, Elaine, source grapes from other parts of the Pacific Northwest in a nod to regional solidarity with the land that once made up the enormous Oregon Territory. Check the event calendar for live music, pizza specials and tasting dinners throughout the cool season. Then head for nearby Champoeg State Heritage Area, where Oregon’s first provisional government was formed by a historic vote in 1861. Today, it’s an expansive riverside park with hiking trails, camping, a disc golf course and access to the Willamette River.
Left Coast Estate
This family-owned, 463-acre estate boasts 360-degree views of vineyard as well as a major stand of old-growth white-oak forest, one of the rarest habitats in the Willamette Valley. Much like grape vines, winter strips oak of its foliage, leaving gnarled trunks standing like sculptures against the bone-white sky. Left Coast Estate offers tastings and wood-fired pizza daily — just the thing to pair with lush estate pinot and silky chardonnay. Bonus: Ask your server if estate duck or chicken eggs are available to take home.
Brooks
One of Oregon’s most beloved producers, Brooks, in the heart of the Eola-Amity Hills, is a delight year-round but especially cozy in winter. Its modern tasting room is wrapped in a covered, heated porch ideal for enjoying year-round vineyard views. A full food menu spanning snacks, sharing boards, salads, soups and pastas — some featuring ingredients grown onsite — is designed to pair perfectly with a glass of one of Brooks’ crispy rieslings or vineyard-specific pinot noirs. Or make a reservation for special events like seasonal dinners, craft & sip nights and blind tasting workshops.
King Estate
At more than 1,000 acres, this self-described pinot king — noir and gris — is the largest biodynamic vineyard in the nation. Make a reservation for lunch at The Bistro, then stay for a flight at the tasting-room bar. Even if it’s not a classic winter wine, don’t miss King Estate’s flagship pinot gris; it put Oregon on the map for this particular varietal.
J. Scott Cellars
Rain is one thing, but when icy roads make getting out of town impossible, urban wineries like J. Scott Cellars bring wine country to you. Founder Jonathan Oberlander once managed vineyards, giving him the inside line on top-quality fruit. Grapes sourced from around the Northwest mean a larger selection of bigger, meatier reds like cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot, all atmospheric pairings for dark, drizzly days.
Winter touring tips
Check ahead — During winter, many wineries cut back on hours and pare down food programs. It’s often a good idea to call ahead to confirm. The same goes for restaurants and lodging. With fewer options, things can fill up fast, so advance reservations are key.
Visit TripCheck.com — With the valley’s varied elevations and topography, road conditions can change in a single drive. Be sure to check ahead to ensure the route is clear, and avoid setting out in inclement weather.
Celebrate the holidays — Holiday weekends get busy in wine country, especially Thanksgiving and harvest season, when wineries throughout the area have special events aimed at celebrating the season and helping you stock on up gifts. Plan for the fun by making advance reservations.
Dress for it — There’s no getting around it: Winter in the Willamette Valley can be wet, but that doesn’t keep adventurous Oregonians inside. Bring a raincoat, water-resistant footwear and, for extra points, a spare pair of socks — you’ll be outfitted for rain-or-shine wine tasting and seasonal hikes, too.
Book a tour — If no one in your group wants to be the designated driver, book a guided tour. Having a driver takes the stress out of wine tasting and lets everybody get in on the fun.
- Sip, Savor, Explore Oregon combines wine tasting with mindfulness.
- NW Wine Shuttle picks up in Portland and offers specialized tours like sparkling, adventure, or multi-day excursions with lodging.
- Book Destination Willamette’s “pinot car” for small or large group tours.
- Learn from a pro on Triangle Wine Country Tours’ trips, which are led by certified wine specialists.
If you’re traveling on Alaska Airlines, the Wines Fly Free program lets Atmos™ Rewards mileage plan members check a case of wine, free of charge, on domestic flights departing from 32 cities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California.
For more cellar season tips, visit Willamette Valley Wine Country.
