The state of Oregon has over 1,000 wineries. North and South Willamette Valley make up almost 75% of the state’s winemakers. Any “best of” list cannot possibly be exhaustive given that sheer number. But as a fellow traveler, lover of wine, and a woman who loves getting my money’s worth, I hope this list provides you with some fantastic options that you will enjoy.

This region is best known for producing award-winning pinot noir but Oregon’s 33,000+ acres of vineyards also grow pinot gris, chardonnay, riesling, and cabernet sauvignon. The state has 23 federally recognized grape-growing areas. These are called AVAs or American Viticulture Areas. While planning your trip to Oregon wine country, decide which regions you want to visit, and from there narrow down which Oregon wineries and vineyards you’d like to add to your itinerary.

Which Oregon Wineries Should I Visit?

With over 1,000 wineries to choose from, it’s overwhelming even to know where to begin. When comparing wineries, you can choose based on wine varietals offered, tasting and tour availability, cost, atmosphere, size, and food offerings onsite. You could spend weeks touring the Willamette Valley and trying as many Oregon wineries as possible. 

Utopia Vineyards

17445 Northeast Ribbon Ridge Road
Newberg, OR 97132
Tasting room open daily: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

When choosing vineyards, I wanted to visit a variety of Oregon wineries, both big and small. Utopia appealed to me as a small, family-run operation. And ideally, when we visited, we had the place all to ourselves.

Utopia covers 16.8 acres within the Ribbon Ridge AVA, just under an hour southwest of Portland, Oregon. Their tasting room is open daily, and they recommend that you schedule an appointment but it is not mandatory. Their tasting fee is $25 per person. They also sell cheese plates, but you are welcome to bring your own food for a picnic. If it’s a nice day outside, you can enjoy your wine, and play cornhole or bocce. 

We were able to try a Chardonnay, three Pinot Noirs, and a Pinot Noir Blanc during our visit. It was nice being there early in the day before any fellow wine lovers showed up.

Trisaetum Winery

18401 NE Ribbon Ridge Road
Newberg, OR 97132
Tasting room open daily: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Trisaetum Winery is a bigger operation, with a family of brands including Pashe, 18401 Cellars, Brixeur Spirits, and the James Frey Collection. They own three farms in three different AVAs, each providing different soil and conditions for those grapes. 

We did our wine tasting here out on the heated patio. Even in the rain, the views were stunning over the rows and rows of vines. You can also enjoy a tasting indoors in their art gallery, which is filled with the artwork of Trisaetum’s owner Jams Frey. 

Compared to other Oregon wineries, the price point here isn’t too bad, with three wine flights offered daily, ranging in price from $40 – $50.  When we visited, we could choose a flight of red wines, white wines, or a mix of both. Pinot noir is what the region is known for, but I was pleasantly surprised by their chardonnay and rieslings. I am not the biggest fan of either grape normally, but these were unlike any I had had before. 

These price tags may seem hefty but there are a few ways around the tasting fees. As with most wineries, members will have tasting fees waived. If you find a winery you really like, it may be worth joining their wine club. Often, the tasting price will be waived with some sort of wine purchase as well. 

De Ponte Cellars

17545 Archery Summit Road
Dayton, OR 97114
Tastings offered daily at 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, and 3:30 pm

Let’s move into the Dundee Hills AVA, the first ever AVA in Oregon. One thing that makes De Ponte unique amongst Oregon wineries is that they grow the Melon de Bourgogne grape which is identical to France’s muscadet. During our visit, the daily tasting flight included this delicious, bright wine along with five different Pinot Noirs. 

Currently, the tasting flight costs $30 and is refundable with a $100 purchase. We recommend calling or emailing them to schedule a tasting.

The Melon de Bourgogne was absolutely delightful and one of my favorites. It certainly didn’t hurt that we were blessed with unyielding sunshine as we sat outside. The surrounding vineyard and landscaping provided the perfect atmosphere for a casual afternoon of bright and boozy fun.

Winderlea Vineyard & Winery

8905 NE Worden Hill Road
Dundee, OR 97115
Wine tastings available daily by appointment

Intimate. Modern. Stunning. Winderlea definitely gives the boutique vineyard experience without being too stuffy and bougie. Winderlea has a variety of cool winetasting experiences. For those on a budget, book the Taste of Winderlea, a Vineyard Garden Dome, or the Clue Tasting for $35 per person. For a more in-depth experience, to learn more about the wine, land, and community, schedule the Grape to Glass which includes a wine and cheese pairing. Vineyard Hikes are also available for $75 per person.

Winderlea offers a small bites menu and does not allow outside food.  They also do not refund their tasting fees, but instead donate all proceeds to ¡Salud!, an organization that provides access to healthcare for Oregon wineries’ employees and their families.

My sister and I loved our experience here so much that she joined their wine club, so I still get to enjoy the fruits of that decision. Our tasting included a pinot noir rose, a chardonnay, and three pinot noirs. The chardonnay and pinot noir were stand-outs here for me. 

Hyland Estates

20980 NE Niederberger Road
Dundee, OR 97115
Wine tastings are available daily by appointment: 10 am – 4 pm. Reservations are required.

Hyland’s vines date back over 50 years, so it’s one of the Oregon wineries with some serious history. Hyland is unassuming from the outside, but its inside design is modern and eye-catching. We opted to sit outside amongst the greenery and enjoy our wine tasting. They do accept walk-ins but reservations are recommended and you can make them online.

When we visited, the two tasting flight options cost $20-$25 and were able to be waived with a two-bottle purchase. This may have changed since our trip. We had one of each flight and were able to try a Rose, Riesling, and five different Pinot Noirs. 

Yamhill Valley Vineyards

16250 SW Oldsville Road
McMinnville, OR 97128
Tasting room open: Thursday – Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm

We’ve made it to the McMinnville AVA, to its oldest winery dating back to 1983. Yamhill’s 150-acre vineyard is located in the foothills of the Coast Range mountains. The wine here is 100% estate-grown. Like most Oregon wineries, Pinot Noir lies at the heart of Yamhill’s wine-making, along with Rose, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. 

Yamhill rotates the wines on their tasting flights and is usually a mix of red, white, and rose. A flight costs $25 and a tour and tasting costs $50. Both are waived with two and three-bottle purchases. Yamhill also serves wine by the glass and bottle. During spring and summer, you can hike the impressive property via two trails. 

The Gorge White House

2265 OR-35
Hood River, OR 97031

This farm truly has it all but this isn’t your typical Oregon winery. If you’re thirsty and hungry this is the perfect spot to stop while exploring the Hood River. The Gorge White House offers cider flights and wine, plus fresh, tasty food from their farm fresh food cart. I cannot recommend the pear quesadilla enough. Such a unique item! Their burgers and fries also hit the spot after our active day. One reason why we chose The Gorge White House was because everything on their menu is gluten-free or can be made gluten-free, which was key for my travel companion.

The grounds here are marvelous, as is the house itself which was built in 1910. I may be a little biased because we saw a massive rainbow against the mountains, but it was the perfect stop for lunch.

Visitors can also pick-your-own fruit and flowers. And if you end up stopping here, check out the lavender farm nearby too. Be sure to check their hours and offerings as they change seasonally.

More Willamette Valley, Oregon Wineries

We’ve covered a few popular AVAs, let’s break down a few more options for Oregon wineries in other parts of Willamette Valley.

Chehalem Mountains AVA – Oregon Wineries

Adelsheim Vineyard

16800 NE Calkins Lane
Newberg, OR 97132
Tasting room open daily: 11 am – 4:00 pm

Year-round, you can book a tasting experience for $40 per guest. The fee can be waived with a $110 bottle purchase. In the winter from December to April, you can enjoy a two-hour, private cave experience, complete with your own wine educator and a cheese and charcuterie board. Either tasting can be booked online in advance. 

Rex Hill

30835 OR-99W
Newberg, OR 97132
Tasting room open daily: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

When it comes to luxury Oregon wineries, Rex Hill is at the top of many lists for good reason. They’ve been making high-quality, elegant wines for 40 years. 

This is one of the Oregon wineries where you really should make a reservation due to its popularity. 90-minute tastings are available outdoors and indoors and cost $45 per person. This standard flight includes REX HILL’s small-production Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

If you are seated outside, you’re welcome to bring your dogs with you. But outside food is not allowed. 

Yamhill-Carlton AVA – Oregon Wineries

Abbey Road Farm Winery

10501 NE Abbey Road
Carlton, OR 97111
Tasting room open daily: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

🍷  Dog friendly (outdoors)
🍷  Varietals include Trousseau, Grüner Veltliner, Mondeuse, Mencia & Godello
🍷  Food available in tasting room
🍷  Two wine flight options: White Wine Flight and Red Wine Flight; $35 each

Laurel Ridge Winery

13301 NE Kuehne Rd
Carlton, OR 97111
Tasting room open daily: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

🍷  Dog friendly (outdoors)
🍷  Two cheese & charcuterie options available for purchase
🍷  Traditional tasting ($30) – flight of five wines, including Pinot Noir, at least one other red, and a selection of white wines. Fee can be waived with a 2-bottle purchase or club membership.
🍷  Reserve tasting ($55) –  includes a number of limited production, Reserve-tier wines.  Fee is waived with a 4-bottle purchase.

Eola-Amity Hills AVA – Oregon Wineries

Brooks Wine

🍷  One of five “Must Visit Wineries” – USA Today, 2015
🍷  Tasting room reservations available online to enjoy a flight, glass or bottle 
🍷  Wine Flights ($30) – 6 one-ounce pours of six wines. One tasting fee waived per 3-bottle purchase.
🍷   Draft beer, cider, and Curious Elixirs Booze-Free Cocktails available.
🍷   Food menu includes baked brie, salad, risotto, sandwiches, and mac & cheese.
🍷   Mothers Day Brunch & Fathers Day BBQ

In Summary – Oregon Wineries

There is clearly no shortage of Oregon wineries, especially if you like pinot noir. And if you don’t like it or have never had it, this is a fantastic opportunity to give it a shot. I found myself surprised at how much I liked all of the wines, including varietals that I normally don’t love, like chardonnay. The quality of the wine, coupled with the scenery and friendly grape growers make Oregon wine country a wonderful place to spend a long weekend or a whole week. Just give your poor liver enough of a break in between Oregon wineries. There’s a whole lot of pinot noir out there to taste!

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