![]() ![]() Visitors can easily land at midday and be at their first winery within an hour.įor trips spanning three days or less, it’s best to stay within the Willamette Valley. In this case, that means flying in and out of Portland. When planning a travel itinerary around wine, it makes sense to start close to the region’s epicenter and move outwards. Additionally, Snake River Valley AVA is on the eastern edge of the state and reaches across the border into Idaho. It is north of the Willamette Valley and straddles the Oregon-Washington border. Columbia Gorge AVA was established in 2004. Looking further than the three primary wine-growing regions, Oregon is home to a couple of other smaller areas. Over the past two decades, the grape’s success has put Oregon wine on the world map leading the region to identify 21 official American Viticulture Areas. In 1965, Pinot Noir was planted for the first time by David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards. But a significant industry wasn’t established until the mid-1960s. Oregon Wine Map Southern Oregon Columbia Valley Willamette The American Viticulture Areas of Oregonĭocuments show that winemaking in Oregon began in the 1840s. Oak aging is typical for these wines, which can also mean they’re great for cellaring. ![]() Red wines from these areas are full-bodied with ripe and plummy fruit flavors. In slightly warmer areas of the state, like the Columbia Valley that sits inland and the Rogue Valley, which sits close to the California border, heartier red grapes like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown with finesse. For Chardonnay, oak aging is at the winemaker’s discretion, making both oaked and unoaked versions easy to find. Pinot Gris from Oregon is almost always light and dry with refreshing and zesty flavors. The most popular white grapes that grow in Oregon are Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, which isn’t surprising considering both enjoy proximity to and thrive in similar climates as Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir from the area radiates the elegance and structure of old-world counterparts, like Burgundy, but with a fruit-forward style often found in new-world wine. The region’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, combined with a consistently dry climate with long sunny days, makes it ideal for growing the notoriously finicky grape. It accounts for half of the total acreage planted under vine and dominates most areas of the Willamette Valley. Without a doubt, Pinot Noir is the most common grape that grows in Oregon. Because of this, both cool-climate and warm-climate grapes can grow here. The Umpqua Valley AVA and the Rogue Valley AVA are separated by mountains and are home to several diverse micro-climates. The valley accounts for nearly three-quarters of wine production in Oregon and boasts a moderate climate with cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean.Īnd finally, Southern Oregon combines two separate AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) into a single unifying region. It extends from Portland down past Eugene, spanning approximately 120 miles from north to south. On the west side of the Cascade Mountains sits the Willamette Valley. Temperatures are consistently warm during the summer with little rainfall, making irrigation with river water pretty common. The area sits inland and sits in the rain shadow from the Cascade Mountains to the west. The river serves as a natural border between Washington and Oregon, meaning both states claim part of the region as their own. In the northern part of the state, the Columbia Valley region straddles the north and south sides of the Columbia River. Each has a slightly different climate because of each area’s proximity to the Cascade Mountain Range. ![]() There are three main wine-producing regions in Oregon. This essential guide includes where to go and what to drink while touring wine country in the Beaver State. So break out the suitcase and start filling your itinerary. The timing is spot on since May is Oregon Wine Month. As long as guests abide by the region’s detailed health and safety guidelines, Oregon Wine Country is ready to welcome you with enthusiasm! And without being too optimistic, dare we say, go for it! lists open tasting rooms (both indoor and outdoor) throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond. Many people are champing at the bit to travel, tour and taste. ![]()
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