More than 700 wineries (and 800 vineyards) call the Willamette Valley home. Oregon’s wine country holds two-thirds of the state’s wineries and is internationally known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir. Admittedly, a luscious, sigh-inducing Pinot Noir was the sip that first put “Willamette” on my lips—and on my radar, somewhere between the first swirl and the slow, lingering finish. Also, just so you know, it is WillAM-it (like dammit), so don’t go out there mispronouncing it and embarrass me.

You may be wondering about the difference between a winery and a vineyard. The short answer: grapes. Vineyards grow them, wineries crush them—much to our delight. Of course, many do both, and a number also feature tasting rooms with views of the vines, barrels, and bottles.

After eleven blissful, wine-filled days in the Willamette Valley, I feel qualified to guide your search for the perfect sip. May is Oregon Wine Month, making it an especially good time to visit, even if only in our memory. My recommendations for places to lay your head each night, and where to find absolutely delectable treats for your tummy are in my article: Spend 11 Awesome Days In the Willamette Valley: Where You Should Eat, Sleep and Play.

Willamette Valley Wine Country

Willamette Valley touring requires a car. Some towns are walkable, with tasting rooms, but the valley stretches 150 miles (3.4 million acres), bordered by Coastal Range and Cascade Mountains. Depending on your GPS’s sense of humor—or evilness—you may find yourself climbing hills, dodging boulders, or fording streams to reach it all. Stay the course; it’s worth it.

My bio says “Jo infiltrates a place as if on a reconnaissance mission,” and I’ll admit there’s always a plan. After research—and advice from winemakers and innkeepers—I built a spreadsheet of wineries and B&Bs, sorted by town. From there, a route emerged.

To conserve gas and tasting time, I planned winery visits around each day’s lodging and meals. Not one to waste an opportunity, I landed in Portland at 2 pm, grabbed the rental car, and headed straight to a winery—address already in the GPS (okay, honestly—programmed during my flight.) By 5 pm I was sipping a silky Pinot Noir at Chehalem in Sherwood, admiring the view from their posh new tasting room. The night’s lodging still twenty minutes away.

The drive from Portland took longer than expected. Somehow, 28 miles turned into two hours—Friday traffic. A call to Hannah ensured the winery lights stayed on. After that, traffic in the heart of wine country thinned.

Wineries are listed in the order visited—26 in all, averaging three a day. (We did take breaks: a day hiking to waterfalls, time at an impressive Aviation Museum, and a visit to a Trappist Monastery.) Several standout wines were discovered in restaurants and are included—you may want to track down those wineries, too.

So—are you ready for a wineventure? Let’s go!

Chehalem Winery    Sherwood

It is hard to say enough good things about a winery that literally leaves the lights on, the table set, and greets you at the door with a glass. Chehalem Winery did that and more. It was my first stop, and you should make it yours, too.

Several of the Chehalem wines are available in Total Wine & More stores: a Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Rosé.

Bill Stoller is the owner of Chehalem, and he also owns Stoller Family Estate. Although the two wineries share ownership, Chehalem and Stoller operate with separate management and winemaking styles.

This winery is widely known for its single-vineyard Pinot Noir. They hold the philosophy that “outstanding wine should accompany every course of a meal.” I have a similar outlook, but usually word it a bit differently, borrowing the text from Ecclesiastes, “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart.” Sound advice.

At Chehalem, you learn about the things in the area that determine quality in Valley wines: cool macro-climate, soil profiles (like sedimentary and volcanic), vineyard micro-climates, and winemaking styles. In fact, the winery traces its roots to 1980, when Ridgecrest Vineyard planted the first vines in what would become the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Dave was our tasting guide, and he has been with Chehalem for over 6 years.

I think Dave has probably forgotten more about winemaking than the average person knows. Chehalem was planted in 2009 and has had only three winemakers since crushing their first grapes. The winemakers all overlapped, so there is a definite continuity in the wine.

My favorite wines of the evening were a 2019 Reserve Point Noir from the Ridgecrest vineyard and the 2021 Corral Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir.

Lolati Wines            Newberg       Woman owned

Lolati is a delightfully warm and welcoming micro-winery making some of the biggest reds ever to grace a glass. A morning spent with Leigh Brown, owner and winemaker, is a morning well spent. The décor is decidedly South African, and Lolati Wines is named for Leigh’s great-grandfather’s plaas (that’s Afrikaans for farm) near Cape Town.

Lolati Wines are stored and shipped from the local Trappist Abbey (more about that later). All of Leigh’s Kikoi, bright colored Kenyan fabrics, inspire all of her wine labels.

The first wine we tasted was a 2024 Rosé of Grenache that smelled of watermelon—that’s a good thing—and it tasted even better. Other favorites from her lineup were the GSM and the Primitivo. The GSM is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, all from the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington.

Bells Up Winery      Newberg

The unique name, Bells Up Winery, may ring a bell *giggle* with those who spent time in high school band class. That’s all I’ll say—you’ll have to meet Dave Specter in person to hear the rest of the story. Call and schedule an exclusive winemaker-led tasting with Dave, a recovering attorney (ssshhhh). Okay, I’ll give you a clue. Many of the Bells Up wines are named to honor famous musical scores, and there is a playlist on the website.

The Bells Up tasting room is on a covered deck overlooking the Christmas tree farm turned vineyard. The location was picture-perfect and resulted in my photo becoming the cover photo of volume one of Jo Goes Everywhere! (And Dave’s wife, Sara, officially congratulated me on the Bells Up page in a lovely article!)

Dave’s mind stays busy coming up with new wine features, such as rare varietals. Our tasting went far beyond Pinot Noir and included Seyval Blanc (still and Brut with bubbles) and Cabernet Sauvignon—alongside Pinot Blanc and Syrah. I especially liked trying the same white varietals as a still and a bubbly, champagnesque treat. It is a learning experience to taste the grape in more than one form, and you know Dave loves teaching when his eyes start to twinkle.

My favorite wines of the day’s tasting have to be 2023 Prelude (an estate Rosé of Pinot Noir which comes from vines that are eight and ten years old) named for Franz Liszt’s “Symphonic Poem No. 3: Les Preludes,” and 2021 Firebird, a Syrah from 13 year old vines in the Summit View Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley AVA, named for Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.”

Full disclosure: it’s all Dave’s “fault” I ended up flying from South Carolina to spend eleven days drinking wine in Oregon. We were on a podcast with several US winemakers and a few travel-writing wine lovers, discussing wine. Dave said his area had untold fantastic wines, and the writer in me (or maybe it was the wino) knew it was a story worth telling. What a stroke of luck. I attribute my good luck to living right and drinking wine. LOL!

Et Fille                    Newberg       Woman-owned

In the heart of downtown Newberg, Et Fille offers a sleek, urban tasting room where Jessica shares her small-production wines. The name et fille translates from French to “and daughter”, reflecting co-founders Howard and his daughter Jessica Mozeico, as does their logo of a parent holding a child’s small hand. Since Howard’s passing in 2017, Jessica has continued the legacy, producing wines from eight sustainably-farmed vineyards across the Willamette Valley.

During a visit, expect to taste Pinot Noir, Chardonnay (on oak, then in steel), Rosé, Viognier, Gamay Noir, and Sparkling wine. Favorites on my visit were the 2021 Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noir, and the 2021 Gabriella Pinot Noir.

If this is your last tasting of the day, you can walk right next door for Italian food, across the street for small bites and Sangria, or up the street for Mexican. Newberg is a welcoming town.

LucidWild Estate     Dundee

My luck is always good—I met another writer on a trip in California, and she said there was a wonderful new winery near her (in Oregon) that was her favorite place and people. Was she ever right! LucidWild Estate is all that and more. On the day of my visit, LucidWild hadn’t been open a month, but it was running smoothly, and the chef was on the job. Not to mention, Lucid Wild has already received numerous accolades from the likes of James Suckling, Northwest Wine Report, Wine Enthusiast “Editors Choice”, and Decanter.

Forty-six acres of Dundee Hills land, planted with 27-year-old vines and called Bella Vida Vineyard, was purchased in 2020 to create LucidWild Estate. Twenty-three of those acres grow Pinot Noir, and two produce Chardonnay. Blair and L.J. Nicholas started LucidWild with the intention of producing hand-picked single-vineyard estate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the Burgundian style. The winery and its wrap-around balcony offer visitors a stunning view of the Cascade Mountains and Mount Hood.

Company President John gave a great tour of the property. He introduced me to the vineyard’s Valais Blacknose sheep and the llamas. I just waved at the honey bees as we passed by. John took to the Carolina Shag like a true Southern beach boy. *smile* I hope they’re still playing Beach Music and dancing in the tasting room.

The tasting started with LucidWild’s Lust – a Blanc de Blanc Sparkling made from 100% Chardonnay. You’ll never know how divine Chardonnay can be until you taste Lust. We moved on to another Chardonnay and three Pinot Noirs, Fusion, Beast, and finally Chosen, all 2021 vintages. My two top picks of the day make a sentence—I still Lust for Chosen. Chosen has been awarded 95 points from Wine Enthusiast’s “Editor’s Choice” and 94 points from Decanter and Northwest Wine Report (I told you I have good taste!).

All this wine needs a place to live, so there are wine caves on the grounds.

Pro tip: Ask about the password—you’ll need it at the cellar’s hidden door!

Woodshed     Dundee

My luck continued as we left LucidWild and headed toward the night’s B&B. Along a road cut through vineyards, there it was—a tasting room. I immediately thought of the saying, “I’ll take you out to the woodshed”, hit the brakes, and made a quick U-turn for this roadside find.

Woodshed Wine Company is tucked in among the vines, easy to miss if you’re not looking. At first glance, it resembles a Southern roadside stand. Inside, a small counter opens up to several cozy seating areas and a yawning patio overlooking a historic vineyard. Woodshed produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines from estate fruit, along with grapes from neighboring vineyards.

Potter’s Vineyard             Newberg

Let me tell you, Bill Sanchez, owner and winemaker, knows how to make you feel special. As we approached the entrance to Potter’s Vineyard, I spotted a welcome sign stating that the Winery was closed for the day for a special guest—me! Not something you see every day. Besides crafting excellent wines, Bill also makes the wine glasses and charcuterie plates, giving real meaning to the vineyard’s name.

It was a beautiful morning, so instead of sitting inside, we chose a spot in the shade of the trees bordering the patio. The setting enhanced the wines, and the wines enhanced the setting—altogether, a perfect start to the day.

Potters Vineyard produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with seasonal specialties like White Pinot Noir, Sparkling, and even a Super Tuscan.

My favorites were Potter’s 2023 Terra’s White Pinot Noir—I can already taste it with that cedar plank grilled salmon, and the silky 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. But, then, there was that Sauvignon Blanc—so many decisions.

Ocelli Cellars         Newberg

John Peacock makes Grenache at Ocelli Cellars. That’s it. Just Grenache. Just 400 cases a year. When you focus on one thing, you do it very well. And he is the only one in the northwest making Grenache exclusively. I love Grenache, so I arrived expecting a couple of red pours. Boy, I was wrong.

John started with a rosé—then moved to his white Grenache Blanc—and finally into reds from Columbia Valley, French Creek, and Upland Vineyard. Turns out, Grenache—and John—can do it all. The rosé spends only eight hours on the skins before pressing. The white wine is made from red grapes, but pressed off the skins. When John started talking about pairing White Grenache Noir with scallops, I started dreaming.

The downside of working with a single varietal is the lack of scale. Until production grows, it’s not practical to grow, crush, cellar, bottle, and ship everything independently. Enter August Cellars, a local co-op where wineries share space, equipment, and staff for tastings and shipping. Visitors can taste wines from multiple wineries in one place. Ocelli sources grapes from Oregon and Washington to maintain both quality and volume. John Peacock worked with another winemaker from 2012 to 2016. Working on his own, he produced his first vintage in 2019. By 2020, he started receiving impressive ratings for his tasty Grenache wines.

One more detail: Ocelli is Latin for “little eyes”—like the markings on a peacock’s tail. Handy to remember…especially if it ever comes up on Jeopardy.

Appassionata Estate & J. Christopher           Newberg

Don’t you love a two-for-one stop? Appassionata Estate and J. Christopher Wines share a tasting room. They share something else, too—a familiar name—Sirpa Peacock. Winemakers are a tight-knit bunch, and these two are husband and wife. The wine industry in Willamette Valley is unlike other businesses or locations—they all encourage you to visit the competition. These wineries are smart enough to understand the marketability of wine. The more wineries people visit, the more they drink and buy, and the longer they stay in the area, helping restaurants and inns, and gas stations too.

On Friday nights, there is live music on the patio from 4 pm-7 pm, along with small bites and wine by the glass—now that’s how you start a weekend. Check the website for the music schedule.

Appassionata Estate

Appassionata Estate has deep roots in the Chehalem Mountains, with one foot in Germany through winemaker Ernst Loosen. Hearing the name Loosen, you think exquisite Riesling. Still, Erni’s love for Pinot Noir brought him to Oregon more than 30 years ago. In 2005, he collaborated with J. Christopher Wines to produce a limited-production Pinot Noir named Appassionata. The seeds of the one-off partnership grew, and soon Erni purchased acreage and planted Appassionata Vineyard. As a lover of both his Finger Lakes Rieslings (and yes, he produces a lovely Oregon Riesling) and Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs, maybe I need to follow Dr. Loosen around—you know, just for research.

Today, Appassionata Estate produces three Pinot Noirs, a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc aged in acacia barrels, and a dry German-style Riesling (GG style—after all, we are talking about Erni Loosen!) Erni holds several of his wines for more than 10 years, primarily because he believes a wine’s character and complexity don’t show themselves until it matures. When he sells these wines, they are ready to enjoy, making him the original “sell no wine before its time” guy. You can taste the difference in these bottles, especially in the 2017 Andante Pinot Noir, grown in volcanic soil.

My readers know I’m not a fan of oaky Chardonnay. Still, his Estate 2020 Chardonnay is a fine wine, and James Suckling supports my assessment with a 94-point rating.

J. Christopher Wines

J. Christopher Wines, now owned by Ernst Loosen, has been named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine four times. J. Christopher wines include at least seven Pinot Noirs, made from fruits grown in various areas of the Valley (yes, dirt really makes a difference), Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc (rare in the Valley), and the off-dry Sonnenschein Riesling.

We very much enjoyed the dry 2024 Christo Irresisto Sparkling. It was a complex blend of Syrah and Grenache. But my personal favorite was the 2019 Estate Rock Blocks Pinot Noir.

Utopia Estate Vineyard    Newberg

In the midst of farmland in the Ribbon Ridge area is Utopia Vineyard. The vineyard owner and winemaker Daniel Warnshuis built sits on a south-facing hill in the northern Willamette Valley. Come fall, the fruit is quickly hand-picked, moving from the field to the winery in under an hour. Those clusters produce a world-class Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir Rosé.

We tasted three Estate Pinot Noirs and a Chardonnay. We also enjoyed their Gamay. My favorite taste of the visit was the 2021 Estate Pinot Noir Blanc “Bliss”; the tannins were smooth, and it was easy to imagine drinking this with a juicy prime rib.

Utopia Vineyard has another unique feature: a hidden log cabin where you can book a private stay, surrounded by 37 acres of forest next to the vineyard.

Sokol Blosser Vineyards  Dayton

In 1971, the husband-and-wife team Susan Sokol Blosser and Bill Blosser planted what would become one of the Dundee Hills’ oldest and most beautiful vineyards. Today, Sokol Blosser is still family-owned and operated, and the third generation is in training. And family members don’t start at the top—twin grandsons were pouring tastings and serving cheese plates.

Sokol Blosser makes Pinot Noir, and lots of it. If you don’t really understand what a horizontal tasting is, this is the place to focus on terroir (location, land, and climate). The Pinot Noirs’ names carry the name of the block where grapes were grown, like Orchard Block Estate Pinot Noir and Kalita Crimson Clover Yamhill-Carlton Pinot. The winery also produces Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and a Blanc de Blancs Sparkling.

Tasting expert Elana guided our experience, from the first pour of a lovely Riesling crossbred grape that carried hints of peach and pineapple to the four Reserve Pinot Noirs, each from a different block. Sokol-Blosser is one of those rare places where I could not pick a favorite, or even a least-favorite. Every pour, from start to finish, was perfectly balanced when paired with the cheese plate (filled with delicacies like Cypress Grove’s Midnight Moon and Bermuda Triangle cheeses, and Red Rock Cellars’ Aged Cheddar Blue Cheese).

The winery has lovely tasting spaces, but on nice days, it is hard to beat the porch. Sit out there and enjoy the day, the wines, and a small plate of seasonal treats that perfectly complement each sip. On weekends, the downstairs wine bar is open, pouring your favorites by the glass, and some hard-to-come-by vintages put in a brief appearance.

Pro Tip: Make time for the tire swing—it’s the simple pleasures you remember, after all.

Domaine Serene    Dayton

What would you name a winery that sprawls across a hilltop other than Domaine Serene? The views will make you forget any worries you carry. The smiles started at the door when we were greeted and served a glass of ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Dundee Hills Brut.

Tableside, Alex took over, pouring a variety of Domaine Serene’s best examples of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and the ‘Grand Cheval’, an Oregon Red blend of the two workhorses, Pinot Noir and Syrah. This wine is so beloved that it has its own sculpture in the garden. My favorite pour of the visit received 93 points from the International Wine Report.

Domaine Serene makes wines in France, too, at Château de la Crée. We sampled two of those, the 2020 Santenay Les Terrasses de la Crée (Chardonnay) and the 2021 Santenay La Confrérie (Pinot Noir)

The winery also offers an impressive array of small bites to pair with your wine selections, from house chips to duck confit to a large charcuterie board.

Soon, Domaine Serene’s Yamhill Cuveé will be available for purchase in Total Wine and More.

Stoller Family Estate        Dayton

Vineyard 30 yrs/Winery 20–Hannah Guth

Stoller Family Estate sits on a wide sweep of land just outside Dayton, with vineyard views that seem to stretch forever. The tasting room is modern but relaxed, making it easy to settle in and stay awhile. Known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Stoller focuses on sustainability, with one of the first LEED-certified wineries in the country. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, sip slowly, and soak in the landscape.

Ayoub Wines          Dundee

Ayoub Wines is a small, appointment-only winery where the focus is entirely on the wine. Winemaker Mo Ayoub produces elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in limited quantities, and tastings feel more like a conversation than a formal experience. It’s a quieter stop, but one that rewards those who appreciate craftsmanship and attention to detail in every glass.

Argyle Winery         Dundee

Argyle Winery has built its reputation on sparkling wines, and for good reason. Located in the heart of Dundee, the tasting house offers a polished but welcoming space to explore everything from crisp bubbles to still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The sparkling flights are a highlight, showcasing the winery’s depth and consistency. It’s a lively stop, often with a buzz of energy that matches the wines.

Domaine Roy & fils  Dundee

Domaine Roy & fils brings a touch of French influence to the Dundee Hills, both in style and approach. The wines—primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—lean toward balance and structure, with a focus on vineyard expression. The setting is understated and calm, allowing the wines to take center stage. It’s a thoughtful stop, especially for those who enjoy a more restrained, Old World style.

DRIVE YOU 2 DRINK

Everyone has a friend who drives them to drink (literally). I met that friend in Willamette Valley and her name is Amy, owner of Drive You 2 Drink. While visiting the Willamette Valley, Amy will pick you up (even at the Portland Airport), serve you champagne, then get on the road to wineries. Her choices or yours, but she has great taste and knows everybody! Just sayin’! As proof, I offer the itinerary of our day drinking below:

Parrett Mountain Cellars  Newberg

Parrett Mountain Cellars sits high above the valley, with views that stretch across vineyards and farmland below. This is a small, family-run winery known for its approachable atmosphere and estate-grown wines. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris lead the lineup, along with a few unexpected offerings, all produced in limited quantities. It’s the kind of place where the scenery competes with what’s in your glass.

Tressler Vineyard  Newberg

Tressler Vineyard is a quieter stop, rooted in the idea of small-lot, handcrafted wines. The focus here is on Pinot Noir, with fruit sourced from select vineyard sites around the Willamette Valley. Production is limited, and the approach leans toward letting the grapes speak for themselves. Tastings feel personal, often more like a conversation than a formal experience.

Meraviglioso          Newberg      woman owned

Meraviglioso brings a slightly different energy to the valley, with Italian-inspired wines and a relaxed, welcoming setting. The name itself means “marvelous,” and the lineup reflects that spirit, often featuring varietals not commonly found in the region alongside more familiar options. It’s an easygoing stop, with a focus on enjoying the moment as much as the wine.

Laurel Ridge          Carlton

Laurel Ridge Winery has been part of the Willamette Valley wine scene for decades, producing a range of wines that go beyond the region’s signature Pinot Noir. Alongside Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, you’ll often find varietals like Riesling, Merlot, and even a few surprises. The tasting experience is straightforward and friendly, with an emphasis on variety and consistency.

Trappist Monastary Carlton

Wine Warehouse & Fruitcake Bakery

Kramer Vineyards  Carlton/Gaston      Woman Owned and Operated

Kramer Vineyards has been quietly producing wine in the valley for two generations, since the early 1980s, making it one of the area’s more established producers. Best known for its sparkling wines, Kramer also offers Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The setting is relaxed and unpretentious, with a focus on well-made wines and a welcoming atmosphere.

Penner-Ash  Newberg

Penner-Ash Wine Cellars is known for its elegant approach to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with fruit sourced from top vineyard sites across the region. The tasting room offers sweeping views of the valley, paired with a polished but comfortable experience. The wines lean toward balance and structure, reflecting both place and craftsmanship.

Tori Mor Winery     Dundee

Torii Mor Winery focuses on small-lot Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, produced from vineyard sites throughout the Willamette Valley. The winery’s name reflects a blend of Japanese and French influences, hinting at its thoughtful approach to winemaking. Tastings often highlight the subtle differences between vineyard sources, offering a deeper look at the region.

White Rose Estate Dundee

White Rose Estate is dedicated almost entirely to Pinot Noir, with a winemaking style that emphasizes whole-cluster fermentation and minimal intervention. The result is wines with structure, complexity, and a distinct sense of place. The estate setting is quiet and intentional, mirroring the focus found in the glass.

Durant Winery         Dayton

Durant Vineyards combines wine, olive oil, and sweeping views into one destination. Family-owned and operated, the property produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, along with estate-grown olive oils. The tasting experience is relaxed, with plenty of space to linger and take in the scenery.

When You Go

It isn’t a question of “if”, but “when”, because you will want to visit the Willamette Valley and all these wineries (and more!) When you go, be sure to plan ahead, mapping out your days, and clicking the winery links to schedule a tasting. The tasting rooms are busy, even when you think you will be able to walk right in—like at 10 am in the middle of the week.

Bonus Pro Tip: Eat breakfast, then have the small bites plate at each winery. That allows you to skip lunch, but still be standing after tastings at three wineries.

Lodging & Dining

Small towns throughout the area offer a variety of hotels, but I gravitate toward bed and breakfast inns. Staying in small, locally-owned inns offers guests an opportunity to get to know the locals, ask for tips on where to go for food and drink, and you are assured a delicious breakfast before starting a hard day’s work wine tasting.

I spill the wine on all my favorite spots in this article: Spend 11 Awesome Days in the Willamette Valley: Where You Should Eat, Sleep and Play. I’ll tell you more about this spot, too, but here is a link to whet your appetite.

State Park and Waterfalls

Listen to this Jo Goes Everywhere! podcast and read the article about Silver Falls State Park–it really is the ultimate Oregon Adventure. It was absolutely worth taking a day off from wine tasting, and the hike will do your heart and soul good.