Portland, Oregon, is surrounded by so much natural beauty and fun things to do — from cascading waterfalls and lush hiking trails to sandy beaches and fruit orchards. However, there is one place you just can’t miss out on during a trip to Oregon — the Willamette Valley!
The Willamette Valley is a wine-growing region that lies between Oregon’s Cascade Mountains and the Oregon Coast. The Willamette Valley stretches 100 miles long from Portland to Salem, and within its vast 3.5 million acres, you will find more than 700 wineries and 800 vineyards!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!
What Is the Willamette Valley Known For?
The Willamette Valley is known as one of the top wine-growing destinations in the United States and is recognized as one of the premier destinations for Pinot Noir wine production in the world. The Willamette Valley is also known for growing Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Merlot.
Willamette Valley Winery Map
Exceptional Wineries in the Willamette Valley
It would obviously be impossible to visit every single winery in the Willamette Valley on one trip to Portland, Oregon. So, to help make your decision easier, we’ve narrowed down the selection to a few of the best wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley. Choose one (or a few!) wineries from this list to visit to see the best of what the Willamette Valley has to offer.
1. Trisaetum Winery
Trisaetum Winery is an award-winning winery and vineyard located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Founded in 2003, Trisaetum is owned and operated by James Frey and Andrea Lassa, who have dedicated their lives to creating world-class wines that express the beauty of the land they live and work on. Trisaetum is a name that combines the names of James and Andrea’s children, Tristen and Tatum.
By focusing on terroir selection and sustainable farming practices, Trisaetum has achieved a high level of quality in their wines. The vineyards prioritize the preservation of natural habitats, employing sustainable practices such as dry-farming, avoiding herbicides and tilling, promoting bee-friendly viticulture, and hand-harvesting each cluster. The vineyard specializes in Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rose, and a variety of white blends.
At Trisaetum, visitors can experience stunning views of rolling hillsides and lush greenery while tasting fantastic wines on their patio. Inside, you can view the beautiful art gallery of owner James Frey. The wine flights are carefully crafted to offer a perfect balance of their red and white wines. In addition to wine, spirits are also produced on the Trisaetum property and can be tasted!
Trisaetum’s commitment to sustainability and breathtaking views make them the perfect choice for anyone looking for an exceptional wine experience and one of the best wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley.
- Address: 18401 NE Ribbon Ridge Rd, Newberg, OR 97132
- Tasting Cost: $30 – $40 per person
- Reservations Required: No, but recommended
Contributed by Kelsea from Out of Office Mindset
2. Brick House Vineyards
Brick House Vineyards is a biodynamic vineyard and winery in the heart of the Willamette Valley, and one of the best wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley. We loved the personal and “one-on-one” experience at this winery.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by a member of the winemaking team who will give you a tour through the barn-turned-winery to see where the estate-grown wines are made. Then, you will be led through a seated tasting on the beautiful patio, where you can try current-release wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gammy Noir.
Tastings at Brick House can be scheduled from Wednesday – Saturday. You can also schedule a vineyard tour with your tasting to have a chance to explore the estate for $60 per person.
- Address: 18200 Lewis Rogers Lane, Newberg, Oregon 97132
- Tasting Cost: $30 – $60 per person
- Reservations Required: Yes
3. Domaine Roy & Fils
Domaine Roy & Fils is one of the best wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley for an elevated tasting experience with stunning views of the Dundee Hills. This winery has a strong commitment to organic farming and creating wines with purity and transparency.
Domaine Roy & Fils is open from 11 AM – 5 PM every day and offers three wine-tasting experiences: Origin Tasting, Iron + Quartz Tasting, and Heritage Tasting. Each experience offers something unique to accommodate every interest, palette, and budget.
The Origin Tasting is a 60-minute tasting of Pinot Noirs and costs $40 per person. The Iron + Quartz Tasting is a 60-minute experience and includes a curated flight of wines, including Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, for $60 per person. The Heritage Tasting is a 90-minute experience that includes a tour of the vineyard and wine cellar, an in-depth tasting, and a charcuterie board for $100 per person.
- Address: 8351 Northeast Worden Hill Road, Dundee, OR 97115
- Tasting Cost: $40 – $100 per person
- Reservations Required: Yes
4. Sokol Blosser Winery
There are lots of wineries to choose from in the Willamette Valley, but one you won’t want to miss is Sokol Blosser Winery, situated between the towns of Dayton and Dundee. It’s a perfect stop on any Oregon road trip and one of the best wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley!
Sokol Blosser was started in 1971 when Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser first planted vines in Oregon’s Dundee Hills – long before the area would become an AVA. Now a second-generation family-owned winery, Sokol Blosser crafts wines from certified organic grapes with a focus on sustainability. They are most known for their Pinot Noir but also make Chardonnay, White Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and sparkling wines under two labels.
You can take a tour of the vineyard and winery in Dayton, or simply visit the modern tasting from 10 AM – 4 PM. The tasting room offers up incredible views of the hillside vineyard and the surrounding Dundee Hills, and guided tastings last an impressive 75 minutes. Enjoy a Butcher’s Board along with the views as you work your way through a tasting flight. Just note that reservations for tastings and required and can be made online.
- Address: 5000 NE Sokol Blosser Lane, Dayton, OR 97114
- Tasting Cost: $35 per person
- Reservations Required: Yes
Contributed by Amanda from A Dangerous Business Travel Blog
5. Cooper Mountain Vineyard
Cooper Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned, biodynamic, organic winery that took root in the Willamette Valley in 1978. This winery is just 25 minutes from Downtown Portland, so it is really easy to reach if you are staying in the city.
Cooper Mountain Vineyards hosts all their tastings under a shaded haven under an oak grove right next to one of the vineyards. It is perfect for tastings in all weather — rain or shine! If you have children, they are allowed to accompany you during the tasting, but they must always stay with you. The tasting is very informative and lasts for 75 minutes.
We loved the Outdoor Haven Tasting and felt like we were able to sample a generous amount of wine for the tasting price. If you are interested in a private tasting, you can book a 75-minute Indoor Rustic Barn Tasting at a private table for an additional cost.
- Address: 20121 SW Leonardo Lane, Beaverton, OR 97007
- Tasting Cost: $25 per person
- Reservations Required: No, but highly recommended
6. Stoller Family Estate
Stoller Family Estate is one of the best wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley for its rich history. The Stoller Family established the property in 1943 and turned it into a vineyard 50 years later — and it still has the same family-friendly feel, with children and well-behaved dogs allowed to tag along with their parents.
Stoller Family Estate offers a 90-minute wine-tasting experience for $25 per person from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily in the Heritage Tasting Room. The tasting includes five wines, and you can choose to order lunch or snacks to enjoy from the family-style lunch menu.
If you are looking for somewhere to relax, you can enjoy the Stoller Lawn on a beautiful sunny day — you can purchase wine and food from Stoller Family Estate and enjoy the lawn games provided (or bring your own).
- Address: 16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton, OR 97114
- Tasting Cost: $25 per person
- Reservations Required: No, but strongly recommended
7. Andante Vineyard
Andante Vineyard is a family-owned winery situated in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The star of their wines is the Sauvignon Blanc, which is not commonly produced in the region. In addition to regional staples like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Andante also plants niche crops such as Aligoté, which has become very popular.
Andante offers visitors the chance to taste their delicious wines through a wine tasting or a full experience with food pairings on Wednesday – Monday from 11:00 AM – 5 PM. Tastings include a flight of six estate wines, which can be enjoyed inside the rustic tasting room or outside on the new patio. They also regularly host events such as concerts, special wine-pairing dinners, and cooking classes.
Andante Vineyard is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to unwind in a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views while tasting the estate wines and learning about the wine-making process. The winery’s commitment to organic and sustainable practices is also a great reason to visit. Andante’s excellent hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful location make it the perfect spot for a special occasion or an afternoon getaway.
- Address: 3855 Morris Road, Dallas, Oregon 97338
- Tasting Cost: $20 per person
- Reservations Required: Strongly recommended
Contributed by Michelle from Intentional Travelers
8. Lemelson Vineyards
Lemelson Vineyards is one of the best wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley for sweeping vineyard views and refreshing wines. Lemelson Vineyards produces primarily Pinot Noirs and select white wines, including Pinot Gris and Riesling.
Lemelson Vineyards is open for tastings from 11 AM – 4 PM daily. Tastings are hosted inside or on an outdoor patio. Well-behaved pets and outside food are permitted on the outdoor patio, so book an outside tasting if you would like to bring snacks to munch on with your wine.
The tasting costs $30 per person and includes five wines. Lemelson Vineyards also hosts special events, so keep your eye on their calendar!
- Address: 12020 NE Stag Hollow Rd, Carlton, OR 97111
- Tasting Cost: $30 per person
- Reservations Required: No, but strongly recommended
9. Compris Vineyard
Compris Vineyard is a 12.5-acre vineyard nestled in the Willamette Valley, less than an hour’s drive from the capital, and perfect for a Portland weekend getaway. Previously called Vidon Vineyard, the family decided to sell the business in 2022. The new owners, Dru and Erin Allen renamed the enterprise Compris, which is French for “included, understood.” Compris celebrates its first anniversary on May 27–28th, 2023
Compris Vineyard transports visitors back to the earth, with the rows of earth embroidered with vines. The region’s varying climate and diversity of soil characterize its Chehalem Mountain AVA vineyard. Tasting flights cost $30 for the “nuanced and complex wines,” and reservations for tastings are recommended for weekends. They are conducted in the production space of the estate vineyard. Compris Vineyard grows a variety of grape varietals. The vineyard is open three days a week, Friday through Sunday, with three separate daily tastings.
After your tasting, purchase a bottle of wine and go out to relax on the rolling lawn and stare at the mountains. The outdoor gazebo can accommodate up to five people, and blankets and heaters are available on chilly days. Don’t forget to bring your pup — well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash.
- Address: 17425 NE Hillside Drive, Newberg, Oregon
- Tasting Cost: $30 per person
- Reservations Required: No, but recommended
Contributed by Terri from Female Solo Trek
10. Willamette Valley Vineyards
Willamette Valley Vineyards is one of the largest, oldest, and most established wineries in Oregon, founded in 1983. At the Estate Tasting Room, you can enjoy spectacular wine flights and other exceptional services and tours.
Willamette Valley Vineyards offers two tastings that each include five wines: the Daily Wine Flight for $15 per person and the Reserve Flight for $20 per person. During your tasting, you can also order wine by the bottle and glass, or food for an additional charge.
While you are at Willamette Valley Vineyards, you can also book a Pairings Exploration Experience, Private Winery Tour & Tasting, and Pinot Noir Clonal Blending Experience — simply check the website for pricing. The winery also offers open seating, so you can enjoy a glass of wine and a bite to eat without reserving a tasting.
- Address: 8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392
- Tasting Cost: $15 – $20 per person
- Reservations Required: No
Tips for Visiting the Willamette Valley
Make tasting reservations in advance.
Most wineries in the Willamette Valley require you to make tasting reservations in advance. However, even if they don’t, it is wise to make reservations as least a month or so in advance at the popular wineries — especially on weekends and during the summer months!
Many wineries in the Willamette Valley are family-owned and run by a small team, so it is impossible for them to churn out hundreds of tastings in one day. Reservations are helpful to ensure they have an adequate number of staff available to host you.
Food options are limited.
Most wineries in the Willamette Valley are working vineyards — not restaurants. While you may find cheeseboards and quick snacks at the wineries, it is not common to find a full lunch or dinner menu that will keep you satisfied all day.
That said, add a winery that serves food to your wine-tasting itinerary, like Stoller Family Estate, or plan a lunch break somewhere in your day. Red Hills Market in Dundee is an excellent stop for gourmet sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. McMinnville is a small town that also offers several top-rated restaurants, including Thistle, Pizza Capo, and La Rambla Restaurant & Social Room.
Some wineries will allow you to bring your own food to eat alongside your tasting, so you can always pack a picnic lunch to eat at a winery or in your car on the go. Even if you don’t bring lunch — bring some snacks to munch on.
Don’t overbook your wine-tasting day.
The Willamette Valley is huge — some wineries are more than an hour apart. If you want to visit multiple wineries in one day, it is doable, but it would be smart to make no more than 2–3 reservations. You probably will not be able to find a tasting earlier than 10 AM, and most wineries close between 4 PM to 5 PM.
You should plan to spend at least 90 minutes to two hours at each winery and plan another 30 minutes to one hour of travel time between wineries. I would recommend two wineries with a stop for lunch so you don’t feel rushed unless you book a tasting at a winery that serves food — in that case, three wineries may be doable!
Save some money in your budget.
Wine tasting in the Willamette Valley is not cheap. If you are used to paying $10 – $15 for a wine tasting, you may experience some “sticker shock” when you realize that most tastings in the Willamette Valley are between $25 – $40 per person!
However, it is important to understand wine tasting in the Willamette Valley is an experience. You will not be standing at a bar having wines poured into a plastic cup to sample with the pressure to buy a glass. You will be seated with a stunning backdrop and guided through the tasting process with a knowledgeable guide for an hour or 90 minutes.
These winemakers are proud of their craft — and when you pay for a tasting, you are helping to keep their small, local, and family-run winery in business. It is worth the money — just be sure to budget at least $100 per person for a day of wine tasting in the Willamette Valley.
Book a tour from Portland.
If you are staying in Portland without a car or do not have a designated driver, you can still enjoy some of the best wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley. Here are a few top-rated wine tours to choose from, with transportation included.
- Willamette Valley Wine Tour with Lunch —This full-day trip from Portland with round-trip transportation includes stops at 3–5 wineries in the Willamette Valley and a wine country-style lunch.
- Willamette Valley Wine-Tasting Tour from Portland —During this small-group tour from Portland, you will visit three wineries and sample award-winning wines while enjoying the gorgeous countryside.
- Small Group: Willamette Valley Wine Tour from Portland — This small-group, full-day, wine-tasting tour from Portland includes transportation and wine-tasting fees for three wineries in the Willamette Valley.
FAQs: Best Wineries to Visit in the Willamette Valley
What is the best part of Willamette Valley?
There are several small towns scattered throughout the Willamette Valley — including McMinnville, Dundee, Carlton, and Newberg. Find the wineries you want to visit most and keep your trip focused around the area to avoid too much back-and-forth driving.
What area of Oregon has the best wineries?
The Willamette Valley has the best wineries in Oregon. It is Oregon’s oldest wine-growing region with 700+ wineries — over two-thirds of the state’s wineries.
What is the oldest winery in Willamette Valley?
Tualatin Estate Vineyard was established in 1973 and is the oldest winery in the Willamette Valley. Honeywood Winery in Salem is the oldest winery in all of Oregon — this award-winning winery dates to 1934.
Plan an Epic Wine Tasting Journey with These Best Wineries to Visit in the Willamette Valley
There is definitely no shortage of incredible wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley! Regardless of which wineries you choose, you are bound to have a fantastic time enjoying the refreshing wines and beautiful views in Oregon’s Wine Country.
Save the Best Wineries to Visit in the Willamette Valley for Your Wine-Tasting Trip
Read More
Are you looking for more things to do in Oregon? Check out these other things to do while you are in Portland, Oregon, and near the Willamette Valley:
6 comments