Photo: Soter Vineyards Andrea Johnson
Planning a trip to Oregon wine country and overwhelmed with the options for tastings? I'm from this region and am here to help! Discover the best wineries in Willamette Valley. These are the ones I find myself returning to again and again.
I've yet to hear of a wine lover NOT fall in love with the Willamette Valley. The scenery and views are absolutely stunning, prices are a fraction of what you'll pay in Napa Valley, and the tasting rooms are often intimate and more relaxed.
Many Willamette Valley wineries focus on biodynamic farming (working with the earth instead of against it). Some have bee hives, gardens, and many are organic. It's one of the many things I love about this region. The owners, employees, and winemakers have a love for the land and want to do what they can to take care of it for decades to come.
Oregon wine country is also making a name for itself in the restaurant and dining scene with a focus on farm-to-table and local products. You'll notice many wineries offer food pairings or light bites that are either from their own property or, at the very least, from local farms.
With over 500 wineries, how to choose which Willamette wineries to visit?
Being from McMinnville, the largest town in the Willamette Valley, and visiting at least once a year...I've had ample time to try all the top names. The wineries I list in this post are my favorites. The ones I find myself rebooking again and again each time I plan a trip back to Oregon.
These are the wineries I've been recommending to friends for years. And now I've finally taken the time to lay it all out in a blog post for you!
After tasting world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, experiencing the growing restaurant scene, and taking in unforgettable views with a snow-capped Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson in the background, you'll have a trip for the books!
See my top picks for the best wineries in Willamette Valley. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
Soter tasting room - Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
Photo: Cheryl Juetten - Provisions Tasting
Photo: Josh Chang - Provisions Tasting
1. Soter Vineyards
ONE OF THE BEST wineries in Willamette Valley for the full-blown tasting experience
Soter Vineyards is usually the first place I send friends who are visiting Willamette Valley for the first time. It's a special place that deserves a spot at the top.
The property is gorgeous, yet intimate, and the views are stunning. Before being escorted to your table you're welcomed with the first wine of the tasting. Usually a rose.
There are a scatting of tables in the main cabin and a few private cabins spaced throughout the property. It never feels crowded or loud. Sotor has done a wonderful job of keeping their space relaxed. The last time I was here our tasting was in one of the private cabins and it couldn't have been a more enjoyable experience.
The classic tasting takes you through 5 wines for $45.
I recommend booking the Provisions Tasting for $150. This includes thoughtful food pairings straight from their biodynamic farm. This is not your typical food and wine pairing where you get one bite paired with each wine. The Provisions Tastings serves enough that this will substitute your lunch for the day. Multiple dishes come out together and are poured with multiple wines. This allows guests to experiment a bit more and taste each wine with different food pairings.
Each tasting comes with detailed explanations of the vineyard, the Willamette Valley wine region, how they utilize biodynamic farming, and more interesting tidbits.
A menu of light snacks, cheese, and charcuterie boards is also available.
The overall experience is top-notch. Everyone I've sent here has raved about their tasting and many end up joining the wine club. If you're going to splurge on a more expensive tasting, this is the place to do it.
Durant Vineyards - Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
Durant charcuterie board - Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
2. Durant Vineyards
One of the best wineries in Willamette Valley for views, olive oils/gifts, and an incredible charcuterie board
Durant Vineyards is one of my most revisited wineries. A combination of a relaxed atmosphere (no tasting flight required), affordable prices, and one-of-a-kind views make this a winner.
Sometimes a full-blown, 1-hour plus, 5-flight, detailed description wine tasting is what you're looking for. Other times you just want a casual experience when you can have a glass and enjoy the views/company. I often find it's nice to mix the tasting experiences with the more relaxed experiences.
That's where Durant Vineyards comes in. Book a $30 tasting or order a bottle/something by the glass. I highly recommend pairing a charcuterie board with your wine. It's one of the best in the valley.
Make reservations for the patio on a clear day as you'll be able to see Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson in the background.
Durant Vineyards is more than just a winery. They also have a lavender farm, an olive tree farm, and a cute little gift shop. They have some great olive oil sets to take home as souvenirs or give as gifts.
If you have time, book the blue glass olive oil tasting.
Stoller tasting room - Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
Stoller - Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
3. Stoller Family Estate
One of the best wineries in Willamette Valley for a casual atmosphere and picnics
Stoller Family Estate is another regular haunt of mine. They have the most relaxed patio filled with white Adirondack chairs and picnic tables. This is one of the few Willamette Valley wineries that allows outside food if you want to create a picnic.
Tastings are $25 for a flight of 5 wines and $45 for the Legacy Flight. You can also order wines by the glass or split a bottle. I love their sparkling rose.
Photo: Zach McKinley - Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
Domaine Willamette tasting room- Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
Domaine Willamette - Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
4. Domaine Willamette
One of the best wineries in Willamette Valley for a gorgeous patio and "methode traditionnelle" sparkling wine
The highly anticipated and newly opened Domaine Willamatte does not disappoint. Book the indoor tasting room for an upscale setting.
The patio is casual and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and water features.
Known for its sparkling wine, Domaine Willamette uses the traditional method, or Méthode Traditionnelle. You can learn more about this method and visit their underground aging cellar with their Wine Journey tasting ($50).
Domaine Willamette has a full kitchen and offers a wonderful food pairing menu with both "petite pairings" (think mushroom bisque and oysters) and "grand pairings" (steak frites, lobster macaroni, burger, etc.). I wouldn't recommend the charcuterie board here, it was underwhelming.
Sokol Blosser - Best Wineries in Willamette Valley
Photo: Sokol Blosser - Forage and Farm tasting
5. Sokol Blosser Winery
ONE OF THE BEST wineries in Willamette Valley for affordable sparkling wines
Sokol Blosser is another longtime favorite. What first drew me to this winery again and again were the views. The tasting room, a work of art in and of itself, is nestled into the trees with sweeping views of the vineyards below.
The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you still enjoy a good view if it's not a patio weather day.
New to the menu is a Forage and Farm. While the price tag is a hefty $169 for non-members, it's quite the experience. You'll eat and drink your way through 6 courses over 2 hours. The portion sizes are much larger than a typical wine and food pairing and you'll leave more than full. This will substitute your lunch for the day.
Regular wine tastings are $35 for 4 wines.
Reservations are required, though you can pop in for a glass if there's space.
I particularly enjoy Sokol Blosser's sparkling wine...specifically the Blanc de Blancs and Rose of Pinot Noir.
White Rose - Willamette Valley Wineries
White Rose - Willamette Valley Wineries
6. White Rose Estate
One of the most intimate wine tastings in Willamette Valley
White Rose Estate is one of the more unique tastings I've enjoyed in the Willamette Valley. The tasting room is small and intimate. It reminds me of a Hobbit farmhouse.
Unfortunately the price has gone up considerably. A tasting of 3 wines now costs $60. It was $25 just 4 years ago! This is a perfect example of how the popularity of the Willamette Valley has really increased cost. Another reason to visit now. It's just going to become more expensive as crowds and popularity rise.
All that said, while this is one of the most expensive tastings on this list, it's worth it for those who are really into Pinot. Their wine truly is exceptional and has won numerous awards over the years.
The espresso at the end of the wine tasting is a nice touch.
Note that White Rose is appointment only and they serve/make Pinot Noir only.
Domaine Roy & Fils - Willamette Valley Wineries
Domaine Roy & Fils - Willamette Valley Wineries
Domaine Roy & Fils - Willamette Valley Wineries
7. Domaine Roy & fils
One of my favorite Willamette wineries for overall quality
Another gorgeous patio with a gorgeous view. You may notice a trend with the views on every winery I include for the best wineries in Willamette Valley. Why come all the way to Oregon and not find a place that boasts stunning scenery?
Domaine Roy & Fils is one of the more expensive wineries on this list at $50 a tasting (4 wines). The Iron and Quartz tasting ($100) includes premium wines, a charcuterie board, and a cellar visit.
The tasting room is light and airy. Tables are spaced out so it never feels crowded. Book the patio if the weather's nice.
The wine is truly exceptional. Known not only for pinot noir, but also chardonnay. It's actually one of my favorite chardonnays from Willamette Valley. And while I don't normally like rose, I LOVED their rose.
Youngberg Hill - Willamette Valley Wineries
Photo: Youngberg Hill - Willamette Valley Wineries
8. Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery
One of the best McMinnville wineries minutes from historic downtown Mac
This is the only winery I include that's located in McMinnville proper (just south of McMinnville). All the other Willamette Valley wineries on this list are north of McMinnville.
Since Youngberg is an inn and winery, it feels like you're relaxing in a friend's living room vs. visiting a commercial tasting room.
Because of its location away from the majority of Willamette Valley wineries and the small production, Youngberg Hill is lesser-known and therefore rarely feels crowded.
If you want an intimate and casual tasting, this is a great spot!
Their Bailey chardonnay was a favorite for both Jake and me. And no, it's not because of our dog, Bailey.
Domaine Drouhin - Willamette Valley Wineries
9. Domaine Drouhin Oregon
The best winery in Willamette Valley for Burgundy-style wines
If you love French wine, Burgundy specifically, Domaine Drouhin is a must. French Soul - Oregon Soil is their motto. From their winemaking techniques to the imported Burgundy French Oak barrels, things are done in the Burgundy style at Domaine Drouhin.
The Drouhin tasting is $40. I recommend The 1880 Connection tasting for $50 which includes wines from their Oregon winery and the winery in Beaune, France (6 wines in all).
In Summary
I hope this list of my favorite Willamette Valley wineries helps to narrow down your options and create a memorable trip. These are the tastings I find myself booking again and again. These are the ones I immediately think of when planning a return trip to Oregon. Visit the Willamette Valley soon, because it's becoming more popular (and expensive) by the day!
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Best Wineries in Willamette Valley | From a Local!
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