Oregon Wine Country: The perfect vine-filled escape

Oregon is where you will find a perfect vine-filled escape. Summer of 2021 I returned to Oregon Wine Country, which is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful wine-growing landscapes in the world. Wine making started in Oregon in the 1840's, with commercial wine making beginning in the 1960's. Oregon is now the third largest wine producer in the United States. It has 21 approved wine growing regions, or AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), more than 900 wineries. These wineries produce wines from around 100 grape varieties. Top Oregon wines include Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, followed by Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling. This Pacific Northwest state is wine country at its best.

Oregon Wine Country at Ribbon Ridge © Spaswinefood

The list of Oregon AVAs now include:

• Applegate Valley AVA

• Chehalem Mountains AVA

• Columbia Gorge AVA (shared with Washington)

• Columbia Valley AVA (shared with Washington)

• Dundee Hills AVA

• Elkton Oregon AVA

• Eola-Amity Hills AVA

• Laurelwood District AVA

• Lower Long Tom AVA

• McMinnville AVA

• Red Hill Douglas County, Oregon AVA

• Ribbon Ridge AVA

• The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA

• Rogue Valley AVA

• Snake River Valley AVA (shared with Idaho)

• Southern Oregon AVA

• Tualatin Hills AVA

• Umpqua Valley AVA

• Van Duzer Corridor AVA

• Walla Walla Valley AVA (shared with Washington)

• Willamette Valley AVA

• Yamhill-Carlton AVA

Given such a rich diversity of terroir it is not surprising that Oregon wines have become widely known. Most of my Oregon wine travels have centered on the Willamette Valley, where two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards are located. The valley is recognized as one of the premier Pinot Noir producing areas in the world. Willamette Valley produces 91% of Oregon's Pinot Noir. While the Willamette Valley is well known for its Pinot Noir the area also produces great Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling and others. Willamette Valley, 150 miles long and up to 60 miles wide, is named after the river that flows through it. The North Willamette Valley includes seven appellations: Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, Van Duzer Corridor and Yamhill-Carlton. These seven appellations offer a rich diversity of wines. 

Sweet Cheeks Vineyard, South Willamette Valley © Spaswinefood

The South Willamette Valley wineries and vineyards are easily explored in/around Eugene. Home to more than 25 wineries, the South Willamette Valley includes, large internationally recognized names like King Estate or Benton Lane, the urban wineries of Eugene, and small, seasonally open venues. Just like the North Willamette, the South Willamette Valley is just perfect for experiencing Oregon Wine Country at its best.

King Estate, Oregon © Spaswinefood

Continue south of the Willamette Valley to Southern Oregon where you will discover Applegate Valley, Elkton Oregon, Red Hill Douglas County, Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley appellations. For those who are looking for wine country explorations in eastern Oregon then Snake River Valley AVA (shared with Idaho) is ideal, or you can checkout Columbia Gorge AVA, Columbia Valley AVA, and Walla Walla Valley AVA shared with Washington State. Without a doubt Oregon Wine Country is where you will find your perfect vine-filled escape.

This post is the first in a series on  Oregon Wine Country. I invite you to join my explorations in Oregon and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!

Sharon

January 3, 2022

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua, Guatemala © Spaswinefood