Willamette Valley, OR

The Willamette Valley is world famous for its Pinot Noir.  Pinot Noir grows best in cooler climates.  That is why you won't find much Pinot Noir in the warmer Napa Valley.  At 5,200 square miles, Willamette Valley is the largest AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Oregon, and contains most of the state's wineries -- over 200!   It is located in the Northwest corner of the Oregon, between Portland and Eugene.

Willamette is pronounced “Will-AM-it” as in "dammit." Listen how it is pronounced. 

When planning a tour of the wineries, I always prepare a "winetinerary" in advance to plot my course.  I group the wineries into geographic areas, and then start my tasting tour with the winery furthest away from where I am staying.

For example, if I am planning to visit six specific wineries in a day, and the furthest winery is 20 miles away, I will go there first and work my way back to the B&B where I am staying.  This way I don't have to travel multiple miles back after visiting multiple wineries. Of course, it's always a good idea to have a designated driver too.

Map of the Willamette Valley Wineries.

It's a good idea to call the wineries before you visit, to confirm the days and hours they are open.  Some require reservations. 

Wine Man's Top 10 Wineries in the Willamette Valley for Pinot Noir:
     1- Adelsheim Vineyards (www.adelsheim.com)
     2- Archery Summit (www.archerysummit.com)
     4- Beaux Frères (www.beauxfreres.com)
     5- Belle Pente (www.bellepente.com)
     6- Bergström (www.bergstromwines.com)
     7- Domaine Drouhin (www.domainedrouhin.com)
     8- The Four Graces (www.thefourgraces.com)
     9- Lemelson Vineyards (www.lemelsonvineyards.com)
   10- Willa Kenzie Estate (www.willakenzie.com)

Willamette Valley has great restaurants.  Many people from Portland will travel to dine here.  The chefs source most of their ingredients locally - from farm to table.

Wine Man's Top 5 Restaurants in the Willamette Valley:
     1- Dundee Bistro (www.dundeebistro.com)
     2- The Joel Palmer House (www.joelpalmerhouse.com)
     3- Nick's Italian Cafe (www.nicksitaliancafe.com)
     4- The Painted Lady (www.thepaintedladyrestaurant.com)
     5- Tina's (www.tinasdundee.com)

There are many B&Bs, Hotels and Inns.  Every time I visit the Willamette Valley I stay at the Wine Country Farm B&B (www.winecountryfarm.com).  Click the Willamette Valley tripadvisor  to help make your selection.

Enjoy your visit to the Willamette Valley and let me know how it was!



Cheers!
Wine Man