Discover Oregon's Wine Country
Oregon is a world-class wine state with 15 approved winegrowing regions
and more than 300 wineries producing 72 varieties of fine wine. Home to
some of the most diverse and beautiful wine-growing landscapes in the world,
Oregon produces some of the finest wine in the world. Most Oregon wineries
are relatively small, producing on average just 5,000 cases a year. Most of
Oregon wine regions lie in valleys between the southern Cascade Mountains
that run through the state and its Coastal Range to the west. The northwest
portion of Oregon is known for its cool-climate grape varieties, including Pinot gris,
Riesling, Chardonnay, and especially Pinot noir. The Southern Oregon appellation
(AVA), starting south of Eugene, includes the Umpqua Valley AVA, the Applegate
Valley AVA and the Rogue Valley AVA, all are located in the southwestern portion
of the state. These regions, along the vineyards of the Columbia Gorge AVA, are higher,
much warmer and drier than those appellations in the northwestern quadrant of
Oregon State including the Willamette Valley AVA.
The largest concentration of Oregon wineries is located in The Williamette Valley
AVA/appellation. The Williamette Valley stretches from Portland in northern Oregon
to Eugene, more than 100 miles to the south. It's named after the river that flows through
it and is recognized as one of the premier wine producing areas in the world. It is most
widely known for its award winning Pinot noir, but consistently earns top honors for other
such cool-climate varieties as Pinot gris, Dijon clone Chardonnay and Pinot blanc.
Whether your an experienced wine enthusiast or just someone that wants to visit one of Oregon's
beautiful wine-making regions, you'll be pleased with the many wineries, wine shops, wine bars, and
tasting rooms. If your a lover of Pinot noir, you surely must visit The Williamette Valley.