Willamette Valley
This is not the Napa Valley so forget the large crowds, celebrity wineries, or high prices for wine tasting. Oregon wineries are, for the most part, still small, family run establishments. The wines of the Willamette Valley are primarily the cooler climate varietals traditionally produced in Burgundy and Alsace, France and in Germany. Pinot Noir is widely recognized as the best varietal produced in Oregon, with pinot gris running a close second.
Oregon Wine Country begins only a few miles west and southwest of Portland. Approaching the town of Newberg on Oregon Highway 99W, you leave the Portland urban sprawl behind and enter the rolling farm country of Yamhill County. These hills form the western edge of the Willamette Valley and provide almost ideal conditions for growing wine grapes. The views from these hills take in the Willamette Valley's picturesque vineyards as well as the snowcapped peaks of the Mount Hood and the Cascades. For those simply interested in tasting a little Oregon wine, the wineries along highway 99W are a good introduction. If you have a larger interest in wine and looking for those hidden gems, you'll want to explore the wineries that are located a few miles off Ore. 99W. Many Oregon wineries are only open by appointment only, but all welcome your call or email to schedule your personal tasting.
McMinnville is the center of the Willamette Valley and an excellent place to book your hotel in Oregon Wine Country. Other excellent places to stay include Dundee, Newberg and Yamhill, all of which feature numerous hotels or bed and breakfasts within close proximity of many top Willamette Valley wineries.
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