If you’re looking for an unforgettable wine touring experience, look no further than the Willamette Valley. This stunning region in Oregon is home to some of the best wineries in the world, and with our help, you can explore them all! Our experienced tour guides will take you on a journey through the history and culture of Oregon wine country that provides unparalleled views and delicious tastings along the way. You won’t want to miss out on the best Willamette Valley wine tours!
The History of Winemaking in Willamette Valley
It was a fateful day in 1966 when the late great David Lett decided to plant his now famous Vitis vinifera vines in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. It is notable that the flagship basalt-based volcanic soil of the region already supported other cool climate varieties, like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. However, thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Lett, it would be Pinot Noir that would come to define Willamette Valley wine, with its delicate red fruit flavors and subtle earthy characteristics.
Today, Willamette Valley wine is known the world over for its outstanding quality and incredible diversity. With acres of lush vineyards stretching across hillsides and valleys alike, Willamette Valley offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of the wine country.
Vino with a View
Whether you’re an experienced oenophile or a casual sipper, the Willamette Valley offers a breathtaking backdrop for tasting some of the world’s most celebrated wines. Here are some of our favorites:
Sarver Winery
A visit to Sarver Winery, means you’re in for some picturesque views of the Willamette Valley. The vineyard, which was planted in 1984, is situated on a scenic hilltop overlooking miles of rolling hills and valleys. The hilltop winery is home to some 20,000 vines, some of which are original Pinot noir and Pinot Gris vines from the Willamette Valley, and with clear conditions, you can see all the way to Mt. Jefferson.
Winter’s Hill
The Dundee Hills of Oregon are home to the Winter’s Hill Vineyard, a family-owned winery located on a sprawling 150-acre farm. The vineyard offers stunning Willamette Valley views, and visitors are encouraged to picnic, stroll through the grounds, indulge in some birdwatching, or simply just take in the beautiful scenery. The wines here are truly a reflection of the Willamette Valley, showcasing complex fruit flavors that are well-balanced with bright acidity and earthy minerality.
Willamette Valley Vineyard
When you visit our Willamette Valley vineyard, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the valley and beyond. Perched atop an ancient volcanic hill, the tasting room offers uninterrupted views of the estate vineyard, the valley below, and the hills of the Oregon Coast Range in the distance.
The Best Wines in the Willamette Valley
Of course, when you visit Willamette Valley wine country, as well as take in the magnificent views, you need to taste some of the region’s best wines! Here are just a few of our favorites:
- Pinot Noir: World-famous Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs are renowned for their complex aromas and elegant flavors of fresh fruit, spice, and earth. Whether you prefer a rich and concentrated example, or a lighter and more delicate style, Willamette Valley wines never fail to impress!
- Pinot Gris: With its complex floral and citrus notes, a Pinot Gris from this region is a wine lover’s dream.
- Chardonnay: Bright, tropical, fruit-driven, and with a subtle mineral note, Willamette Valley Chardonnay and the sparkling wines created from it are perfect to pair with everything from fresh seafood to rich cheese.
Why the Willamette Valley Is the Perfect Destination for a Wine Tour
Topography, climate, and rich volcanic soils have all come together to make Willamette Valley a truly exceptional wine region. Willamette Valley is a magical place for wine lovers. Here’s just a taste of what makes this part of the Pacific Northwest so special:
Climate
The cool climate is ideal for growing cool-climate grapes that ripen early, like Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. The warm days and cool nights of the growing season create the optimal environment for the grapes to retain their natural acidity.
Quaint Wineries and Vineyards
From small family-owned wineries to well-known commercial producers, Willamette Valley is home to a wide variety of wineries and tasting rooms. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature or an exciting day trip filled with wine tastings and delicious food, Willamette Valley has it all!
The Accolades
Consistently ranked among the top wine regions in the world, Willamette Valley was recently recognized as producing 7 of Wine Spectator’s ‘Top 100 Wines’ in the world. Quite the testament to Willamette Valley’s tremendous wine quality and variety!
The Villages and Towns
Come for the wine and stay for the hospitality! Willamette Valley is home to charming, historic towns and enchanting villages that beckon you to discover the vibrant local culture, art scene, and foodie hotspots. Places like Dayton, Brownsville, and Cottage Grove offer a charming blend of historic buildings and modern amenities, making Willamette Valley your perfect wine tour destination. So, whether you want to spend your days savoring world-class wines or exploring quaint shops and galleries in a picturesque small town, Willamette Valley has it all!
The People
Apart from the history, views, and wine, Willamette Valley is also home to some of the most friendly and welcoming people in all of wine country. From winemakers to owners to tour guides, everyone you meet here is dedicated to sharing the Willamette Valley wine experience with visitors from all over the world. As the region relies heavily on tourism and the wine industry, it has become a tight-knit community of people who truly love what they do – and that passion comes through in every glass of Willamette Valley wine you taste.
Be sure to take some time to get to know this community – you’ll find yourself falling in love with its charm and character.
Final Thoughts on Best Willamette Valley Wine Tours
At Willamette Valley Wine History Tours, we are proud to offer visitors the best tours, giving you a unique opportunity to experience the history, views, wine, and people that make this region so special. Whether you’re visiting on your own or with friends and family, our tours will allow you to sample some of the most delicious wines in Willamette Valley and learn about the incredible wine-making history of this region.
Our unique selection of wine tours is the perfect way to explore the Willamette Valley and learn about the region’s rich viticultural history. Your driver comes with an impressive resume, including being an award-winning author, graduate school professor, and Pinot historian. He will custom-tailor a private tour to your needs and you’ll visit four boutique wineries per day and enjoy a lunch stop at one of Willamette Valley’s cult sandwich shops. Plus, you’ll get to ride in style in a brand-new plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90!
So, if you’re ready to experience Willamette Valley wine tours like never before, book your next great Oregon wine tour with Willamette Valley Wine History Tours today. We can’t wait to show you all that this incredible region has to offer!
