Oregon is known for being one of the top contenders in the production of world class and high quality wines. Oregon wines have often been in competition with their Napa Valley neighbours, but Oregon wineries have held their own in recent years and have an incredible array of products to show for it.
Oregon is doing exciting things in the world of wine, not only do they produce some of the best bottles in the world, they are venturing out too. Oregon wineries have covered all the bases and have many varieties on offer, no matter what your taste or specific need is. They are currently the fourth largest wine-producing state in The United States, coming in behind California, Washington and New York.
Oregon’s viticultural areas are split up into five significant growing regions:
- Columbia Gorge
- Columbia Valley
- Snake River
- Southern Oregon
- Willamette Valley
Most of the wine production in Oregon takes place in Willamette Valley. Each of these growing regions has its own style and unique method, tradition and overall taste in the wine.
If you are planning a trip to Oregon in the near future, are curious about the best wineries in Oregon, or are just looking for a romantic weekend away to an elegant wine country, then look no further and keep reading for more information.
How Many Wineries are In Oregon?
Oregon has a whopping 900 wineries to brag about. These 900 wineries span over 21 approved winegrowing regions in some of the most breath-takingly beautiful landscapes in the world. They also produce over 100 different varieties of grapes.
Where are The Most Wineries In Oregon?
Among the 21 wine regions in Oregon, the largest one and the one with the most wineries in one section is, The Willamette Valley. This massive wine region stretches from Portland in Northern Oregon, to Eugene which is over 160 kilometres. There are some of the best Oregon wineries nestled in this section of the state, over 600 Oregon wineries reside in The Willamette Valley.
What Is The Biggest Winery In Oregon?
The largest winery in Oregon is the Willamette Valley Vineyards in South East Turner, Oregon. This is one of the best and most beautiful wineries in Oregon. They pride themselves on their tasty and classy wines and the fact that they focus on sustainability throughout their entire wine making and grape growing process.
They intentionally uplift their employees and surrounding community and attempt to do all of this with a minimal carbon footprint. Their approach to wine making is gentle and admirable, and keeps in the tone with the latest wine trends in the industry.
There is plenty on offer at this fine estate, whether you are looking to plan a day trip, educate yourself on wine and sustainability, purchase some unique and wonderful wines, go on a tasting tour, or just have a relaxing trip in Oregon’s wine country for you and your partner, Willamette has you covered.
Should you be planning a trip there, then here is some more important information to help you plan your visit:
- They are open daily from 11am to 6pm, except for Fridays where they are open from 11am to 8pm.
- Phone number: +1 503 588 9463
- Their address is: Willamette Valley Vineyards, 8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, Oregon, 97392
What Is The Oldest Winery In Oregon?
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Honeywood Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Oregon. Honeywood was the first urban winery in Oregon and has a wonderful reputation. They offer tastings, food pairings, and have an artisanal selection of wines and gift shop merchandise to choose from.
Should you wish to visit the oldest winery in Oregon for a day of delicious tasting fun and wine education, then here is some useful information:
- They are open daily: Monday – Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 11am-5pmSunday 11am-5pm
- The address is: 1350 Hines Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97302, United States
- Phone number: +1 503 362 4111
What Wine Is Oregon Known For?
The wine that Oregon is most well-known for its Pinot noir. This delicious red wine is produced throughout the state, but the Pinot noirs from the Willamette Valley have received the most attention, awards and praise. Oregon wineries are seen to be one of the best and most highly acclaimed producers of Pinot Noir in the world.
Why Is Pinot Noir The Best Oregon Wine?
Willamette Valley is the world renowned region in Oregon that produces the best Pinot Noir. What makes this area so suitable for producing countless bottles of world class Pinot Noir? The answer is the climate and the soil.
The Willamette Valley is a hugely fertile area, filled to the brim with nutrient dense soil. This makes for phenomenal grape growing and creates a nourishing environment to plant and grow grapes in. The Valley climate is supportive of grape growing throughout the year, regardless of the season. Winter is cool, wet and mild, while spring is rainy and summer is warm. This provides an elongated grape-growing season that is said to be ideal for Pinot Noir. The valley is ranked 45th in the world in terms of the idealistic growing conditions for viniferous grapes. This area has a perfect balance of temperature, humidity and luscious soil.
Another element of why the Pinot Noir that comes out of Oregon is of such a high standard is the love, care, and handcrafted attention to detail that the best Oregon wineries have. The Pinot Noir that comes out of Oregon is unique, not only in its undeniable taste, but in the intention that goes into the wine, the grape and the way of life for all the Oregon wine maker’s.
The Top Five Wine Varieties Produced in Oregon
- Pinot noir
- Pinot grigio
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
The Top 5 Wineries In Oregon
Willamette Valley Vineyards
- Address: 8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392
- Phone number: 503-588-9463
- Most well-known for: Pinot noir, pinot gris, rosé, chardonnay, méthod champenoise sparkling brut, red blends
King Estate Winery
- Address: 80854 Territorial Rd, Eugene, OR 97405
- Phone number: 541-942-9874
- Most well-known for: Pinot noir, pinot gris, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, riesling, rosé
Union Wine Company
- Address: 19600 S.W. Cipole Rd., Tualatin, OR 97062
- Phone number: 971-322-4791
- Most well-known for: Chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir, riesling, rosé, sparkling
The Great Oregon Wine Co. / Rascal / Duck Pond
- Address: 2155 N.E. Lafayette Ave., McMinnville, OR 97128
- Phone number: 503-434-9025
- Most well-known for: Pinot noir, pinot gris, rosé
Coelho Winery
- Address: 111 5th St., Amity, OR 97101
- Phone number: 503-835-9305
- Most well-known for: Pinot noir, pommard, chardonnay, pinot gris
So, next time you are sitting on your couch and wondering where your next trip should be, or where you buy your next bottle of Pinot Noir, remember that Oregon should be at the top of your list.