If you’ve heard of the famed Willamette Valley wineries of Oregon but haven’t yet had the time to visit, now is the perfect opportunity! Willamette Valley is the premier wine-tasting region of Oregon, and it is located approximately 1-2 hours south of Portland, Oregon. In total, Willamette Valley wineries make up about two-thirds of Oregon’s wineries and vineyards, and encompasses a huge variety of grape varietals. Altogether, that means Willamette Valley hosts just over 500 wineries and vineyards. Thanks to the unique growing conditions and microclimates found in this part of Oregon, it has been divided up into 7 distinct AVA’s, including Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, Van Duzer Corridor, and Yamhill-Carlton.

Though Willamette Valley wineries are spread out across these distinct AVA’s, and thus grow and produce a variety of grapes and wines, Willamette Valley is most well-known for its Pinot Noir grapes. Pinot Noir grapes thrive in cool climates, and are highly sensitive to their individual growing conditions. Willamette Valley Wineries enjoy a healthy mix of cool, misty climates, thanks to the protection of the Cascade Mountains to the east, the Coast Range mountains to the west, and a series of lower hill chains to the extreme north of the valley.

Since growing conditions vary greatly across the valley, which stretches north to south from Portland to Eugene along the Columbia River, Pinot Noir grapes and wines from one part of the Willamette Valley can be markedly different than those grown and produced just a short distance away. These unique growing conditions and microclimates are also what makes it so appealing to spend some time getting to know each of the Willamette Valley wineries.  While we certainly recommend spending some time getting to know Oregon’s Pinot Noirs, there are a number of other wines produced by Willamette Valley Wineries, which include Pinot Gris, Pinot blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Melon, Gewürztraminer, sparkling wine, Sauvignon blanc, and some Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot.

For more information and travel planning, check out our partner Winetraveler.

There’s More to the Willamette Valley Than Wine

Oregon’s Willamette Valley has turned into one of the most revered wine tasting destinations in the world, producing wines on par with the Burgundy and Alsace regions of France. While visiting Willamette Valley Wineries is sure to be a central component of your time here, there are also plenty of other attractions worth seeing and doing. Beyond extraordinary wine tasting opportunities, tours, and experiences, visitors to Oregon’s Willamette Valley enjoy things like visiting art galleries, biking, hiking, hot-air ballooning, dining at some of the state’s best restaurants, and relaxing at luxury properties like Youngberg Hill.

There are over 150 wineries and vineyards within 20 minutes of Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery, making us the perfect centralized location for enjoying the best Willamette Valley Wineries. Not only that, but we’re just 15 minutes from downtown McMinnville. In McMinnville, you’ll find the warm and inviting heart of Oregon’s Wine Country, with a charming, historic downtown lined with delightful boutiques, inviting coffeehouses, and plenty of wine tasting rooms and craft breweries to enjoy, along with a tasty mix of award-winning farm-to-table restaurants that feature the best of this incredible valley.

Come see everything this incredible wine-growing region has to offer and visit us at Youngberg Hill Inn and Winery. Perched from our hilltop, you’ll enjoy exquisite views of our vineyard and the Willamette Valley below. We’re dedicated to caring not just for our land, but for our guests as well, and have spent years perfecting our award-winning wines. Come enjoy the bounty of Willamette Valley Wineries with us, and book your getaway to this extraordinary region today.