Looking for some of the best wines in the USA? Opus One or Stag’s Leap of Napa, or maybe Kendall Jackson of Sonoma will feature on most people’s radar. Most visitors from the European side of the pond are likely to think only of California’s gems, whilst forgetting some of the other superb growers from along the West Coast. Although their prevalence in the European markets may be limited, one spot where you can explore some fabulous wines, whilst avoiding the crowds of more popular regions is Willamette Valley. With the added benefit of lower tasting fees and breath-taking vistas of rolling hills, sweeping vineyards and snow capped mountains in the distance; Willamette Valley is a spot not to forget.
Tendril Wines
Founded and led by Tony Ryndens, ex-winemaker of one of Willamette’s most well known wineries, Domaine Serene, even the most seasoned wine-lover will walk away from a visit to Tendril having learnt something new. Staying true to the wines they produce, without the need for a snazzy tasting room that many will go for, all tasting are led by Tony himself or his assistant winemaker. Offering two different ranges: one the affordable, all priced at US $30, under the name Child’s Play and Tendril, Ryndens original range. With labels designed from original artworks by Ryndens’ own children, Child’s Play offers great examples of the common Willamette grapes at very reasonable prices.
The elder sibling of the collection, the Tendril label, focuses largely around Willamette’s most famed grape – Pinot Noir. Exploring some of the best characteristics of the grape, including a rarely found white version, the range starts at US $50 all the way up to its flagship C-Note at US $100. Ryndens is experimental with the use of whole cluster fermentation (using fruit still on the stems) and new or old French oak, each bringing a different characteristic to the wine. The highlight of your visit to Tendril may (for once) not be wine but the passion that Tony brings to the wine he produces.
Tastings: By appointment only
Don’t miss: Child’s Play Rose
Find out more… https://tendrilwines.com/
Bergström Wines
The story of how Bergström began is a fascinating and romantic story, with the family of Swedish origin stumbling across the land almost by accident and deciding to plant vines here. Bergström is still run by the founder’s son, Josh, to this day. Most visits take place at Bergström’s winery in the Chehalem Mountains, where you can take a seat on their lovely terrace relaxing in the sunshine overlooking the iconic yellow Bergström Barn.
Alternatively, you can head to their vineyard in Dundee for an elevated experience to take a stroll around the vines before tasting the best of Bergström’s wines paired with a chef-curated menu purposefully created to enhance the wines. Bergström’s wines feature single vineyard cuvees from across several different sub-AVAs, including Ribbon Ridge and Yamhill-Carlton, often these will be served side by side during the tasting allowing you to compare and contrast the various regions.
Tastings: By appointment only at Chehalem Mountains Winery (US $30pp) & at Dundee vineyard (US $75pp)
Don’t miss: Silice Pinot Noir
Find out more… https://www.bergstromwines.com/
Flâneur Wines
A visit to Flâneur Wines can be enjoyed either amidst the Chehalem Mountains at their La Belle Promenade vineyard or in a more casual tasting room in downtown Carlton. The century old Blue Barn on site at their estate vineyard has been tastefully redecorated to provide a rustic spot for tastings set against the spectacular views across the vineyard and coastal range. Alternatively pull up a chair in the downtown tasting room, which Flâneur is extending into next door, a historic grain elevator that will host elevated tastings including food and wine pairing experiences.
In the Blue Barn, you can enjoy a tasting exploring the full range of Flâneur wines at their striking long oak table, with fairy lights strung above you, or take a moment to enjoy the views from the window through their telescope to spot landmarks on the horizon. With the option of an enhanced tasting, or a guided tour of the vineyards, you can enjoy their Pinot Noirs as well as a couple of delicious Chardonnays, before wandering out to the edge of the vines to take in the landscapes beyond.
Tastings: By appointment only at The Blue Barn (US $40-60pp), or walk ins available at the Carlton tasting room, 11am-5pm (US $25-40pp)
Don’t miss: La Belle Promenade Chardonnay
Find out more… https://www.flaneurwines.com
Adelsheim
Adelsheim was one of the original, founding wineries of the Willamette Valley, with David and Ginny Adelsheim purchasing the first 19 acres in 1971. David’s reputation amongst winemakers in the valley precedes him and a visit to their winery and tasting room will allow you to taste your way through their interpretations of the outstanding grapes that grow here.
Adelsheim’s tasting room in the Chehalem Mountains is terraced beautifully below the vines planted around the winery. Flower draped pergolas and comfy sofas allow for a truly relaxing experience in the valley. Being larger than many of the wineries we’ve listed here, you can explore a wider range of wines during your visit. Adelsheim’s range comprises of a number of whites (including a Pinot Blanc and divine Ribbon Springs Chardonnay) as well as the classic Pinot Noirs, whether blended across the AVA, or from single vineyards around the area.
Tastings: Available by appointment or walk in (US $15-25pp)
Don’t miss: Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir (final release)
Find out more… https://www.adelsheim.com/
Granville Wines
Sitting in a beautiful spot atop the Dundee Hills, one of Willamette Valley’s sub-AVAs is Granville Wines. With vines originally planted back in the 1970s, Granville is truly rooted in family history. Winemaker Jackson Holstein grew up on the vineyard he now cultivates, after taking over from his father a few years back, in 2017. The winery is surrounded by sloping vineyards in every direction, with mesmerising views of the valley, and even the sight of Mt Hood in the distance on a very clear day!
Again focussing largely on the classic Pinot Noir grapes, with a Chardonnay and Rosé to complete the line-up, most of the wines that Granville produces are single vineyard cuvees, brilliantly showcasing the micro-terroir of each vineyard. Granville also have a vineyard in the neighbouring Eola-Amity Hills, allowing for a chance to compare different sub-AVAs side by side. Sip on your glass sat in the lovely pergola admiring the vines beyond in this special spot.
Tastings: By appointment only
Don’t miss: Holstein Vineyard Pinot Noir
Find out more… http://www.granvillewines.com/
Domaine Drouhin
The Drouhin Family originated from the rolling hills of Burgundy, founders of Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune, before choosing Oregon as their international expansion over some of the better-known US wine regions in the 1980s. The land they chose in the Dundee Hills was, in fact, a Christmas tree farm. You can spot one remaining tree on the slopes below the tasting room, left to pay homage to this, amidst the 225 rolling acres of vines.
Domaine Drouhin’s philosophy is based on bringing the soul of French wine to the wonderful terroir of Oregon where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourish. The jewel in the crown of their exquisite tasting room is the outdoor terrace with sweeping views of their vineyards and the entire valley below. During a tasting you’ll get the chance to enjoy a selection of their wines, including a couple of their flagship labels named after the family’s daughter, and even the option to do a side by side comparison of their Burgundy wines against those made in Oregon. Don’t miss out on a trip to the bathroom here as your route takes you through the functioning winery and past precious barrels of aging wines.
Tastings: Available by appointment (recommended for the best seats on the terrace) or walk in (US $25-50pp)
Don’t miss: Cuvée Laurène Pinot Noir
Find out more… https://www.domainedrouhin.com/
Bethel Heights
Bethel Heights is located slightly further south to the majority of Willamette wineries, in the Eola-Amity Hills. The area is named after the Greek god of the winds, due to the cooling marine winds that this region benefits from, causing ideal Pinot Noir growing conditions and resulting in bright, fruit forward wines.
The team at Bethel Heights have built a gorgeous tasting room, with floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the views from inside on cooler days, and a lovely wraparound terrace for when the sun is shining. There’s also a private library tasting room, where the team host elevated tasting experiences including library release flights and curated food pairings. One thing that stands Bethel Heights apart is everyone’s passion for wine; members of staff are given a section of vines to care for and will proudly show you those that they’ve been tasked with looking after.
Tastings: Available by appointment or walk in (US $20-75pp)
Don’t miss: 2011 The Wedding Wine Pinot Noir
Find out more… https://www.bethelheights.com/
R. Stuart & Co.
R. Stuart & Co. is a family run affair founded by wine-loving couple Rob (the winemaker) and Maria (front of house guru). The family own one estate vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, where they often hold wonderful events, including a tour and lunch. But the majority of their fruit is sourced from selected producers across the Willamette Valley, before being made into wine in their downtown winery in McMinnville.
Alongside the winery, R. Stuart owns a charming wine bar in downtown McMinnville, where you can taste the full range of wines they produce. Alongside the classic grapes, taste some of Rob’s more unusual wines for the region such as Tempranillo, a sparkling wine and a port! A full tour of the winery and cellars is also available should you like to get a peek behind the scenes of what goes on there.
Tastings: Wine bar available for walk ins (flights from US $12), cellar tours and tastings by appointment only (US $30-45pp)
Don’t miss: Rosé D’Or
Find out more… https://www.rstuartandco.com/
Top Tips for Visiting Willamette Valley
Make a note of the length of each of your tasting appointments and add an additional half an hour to explore the vineyard, purchase any wines and (most importantly) relax and enjoy the views! You can comfortably visit four wineries in a day if they’re within close proximity to each other.
Try to plan your day ahead of time and make appointments if possible. Some wineries are not open for walk-ins and the ones that are can get very busy at times, such as weekends or holidays, during which you may struggle to find a table.
Hire a driver for the day or join an organised tour, such as Cellar Door Wine Tours, so you can fully enjoy your tastings without worrying about a designated driver.
Explore more from Willamette Valley and Oregon
Many thanks to Cellar Door Wine Tours and all the wineries for hosting our wine tastings during our time in the Willamette Valley. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely our own, we wouldn’t recommend something if we didn’t love it!
