Looking for the best wineries in Oregon? You’ve come to the right place.
As a local, I’ve spent my fair share of time exploring Oregon’s wine country. Last summer, the bulk of my time went to the Willamette (rhymes with dammit) Valley, but I also made an effort to survey the lesser-visited wine regions in Oregon as well.
All told, I’ve spent 5 years searching for the best Oregon wineries. This is a subjective list, of course, since we all have different taste buds. But I thought it’d be fun to give you a local’s perspective.
Longtime readers know that I strive to be transparent and fair. I pay for all experiences out of pocket (this is a passion project, after all). This list of the best wineries in Oregon is completely unbiased (simply because I hate being sold as much as the next person), I’m just sharing my experience.
Good to Know About Oregon Wines
As the 4th-most wine producing state in the country, Oregon’s reputation in the wine world is nothing short of impressive. Early pioneers in the Willamette Valley were convinced that grapes were like most things in life: no pain, no gain.
The state’s relatively cool climate and lack of heat meant growing grapes was an arduous affair when the Willamette Valley wine region first began. However, these complicated growing conditions result in wines full of complexity and intrigue.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are Oregon’s specialty, with the state’s premier wineries producing some of the nation’s best. There’s a few interesting wine regions worth knowing about, but the Willamette Valley is undoubtedly the state’s pride and joy.
My Favorite Wineries in Oregon
(Click here for the table of contents)
Oregon Wineries
Local’s Recommendation: Pick up a copy of this fun wine pairing cookbook (co-written by a local sommelier) if you plan to bring home some exciting bottles and need pairing suggestions.
White Rose Estate
During a particularly hot summer day in 2001, a determined Greg Sanders approached an old farmhouse and knocked on the front door with a proposition.
The farmhouse sat atop a hill renowned for fertile soil, impressed by the quality of fruit, Greg made an offer to buy the land and pursue his dream of owning a vineyard in the Willamette Valley.
He embarked on a mission to produce exceptional wine using meticulously tended vineyards grown on volcanic soils. The end result? One of the best wineries in Oregon.
What makes this winery unique is the whole cluster fermentation method employed. This method entails fermenting whole clusters of grapes (vines, stems and all) — which amplifies aromatics and produces an earthy wine that spoils the senses.
The wines are elegantly complex, you don’t need to be a professional to see why these are considered some of the best wines in Oregon. All told, this ended up being my favorite wine tasting in Willamette Valley.
Between the top-notch customer service, epic setting and wine (the wine was SO good!) I’d return in a heartbeat. Anyone visiting Willamette Valley for the first time should prioritize a tasting at White Rose Estate.
Domaine Drouhin
Focused on traditional French wine-making methods, the Drouhin Family creates some of the most elegant wines in Oregon. But that’s not surprising, considering the Drouhin’s are an established powerhouse in France’s revered wine industry.
Helmed by Véronique Boss-Drouhin (born and raised in Burgandy), Domaine Drouhin was established in 1987. Véronique moved to Oregon from France with a clear mission in mind: produce the best Pinot Noirs in the Willamette Valley.
She exceeded expectations and gained global recognition for her skills. In 2019, she was awarded France’s highest award for merit, the Légion d’Honneur, for her winery in Burgandy.
I could go on, but you’d probably enjoy the story more with a glass of wine in hand. So let’s keep it moving. In terms of the wine, I would bathe in the velvety Pinot Noirs, swim through oceans of the Pinot gris and run laps around the roses.
Hell, I enjoyed this Oregon winery so much I returned two times. I especially love the fact that Véronique names her award winning wines after her kids. The Pinot Noir is named after her red-headed daughter (clever) and the Chardonnay is named in honor of her blonde son.
Sokol Blosser Vineyards
Situated on 89-acres in the Dundee Hills, Sokol Blosser Vineyards is a certified B Corp winery that strives to capture the terroir of the region through award-winning Oregon wines.
Specializing in organic and biodynamic farming practices long before they became industry standards, Sokol Blosser has continually pushed the boundaries of sustainability and innovation. But let’s take it back to the start.
The story of this Oregon winery dates back to 1971 when puppy-eyed newlyweds, Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser, decided to invest in a dream. When the couple planted their first vines in the Dundee Hills, they were running on enthusiasm and prayers. The reason? There was no wine industry in Oregon at the time.
Not easily deterred, they established what would become one of the oldest wineries in Oregon. In 2021, Sokol Blosser Vineyards celebrated 50 years.
Worth mention, the tasting room at Sokol Blosser is one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. Designed by architect Brad Cloepfil, it seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings. It feels like living inside the pages of Architectural Digest.
Our wine tasting included a red, white and sparkling wine. Everything was good, but the sparkling wine stole the show by a mile. We liked it so much we bought a bottle for the house. All told, Sokol Blosser Vineyards belongs on any list of the best wineries in Oregon.
Hiyu Wine Farm
Part working-farm, part-winery, Hiyu Wine Farm was co-founded in 2010 by experienced winemaker, Nate Ready and his partner, China Tresemer.
Before establishing the winery, Ready worked as head sommelier at several fine-dining establishments, most notably Thomas Keller’s French Laundry in Napa Valley (Three Michelin Stars).
Growing 112 varietals of grapes, Hiyu focuses on biodynamic farming practices and employs an old-world practice rare in U.S. viticulture these days. He plants multiple varieties in the same plot and then co-ferments the grapes to produce some of the most interesting wines in Oregon.
The wine tastings are on the pricier side, perhaps best saved for special occasions (but the experience it worth every penny, in my opinion). The long wooden tables in the tasting room encourage visitors to linger for a while with a glass of incredible wine in hand.
Antica Terra
Antica Terra came recommended by a sommelier at another Willamette Valley winery. The price tag ($175 prix fixe meal and wine pairing) was hard to swallow, but we were so impressed by the overall experience we felt the price was justified.
The entire tasting focused equally on wine and food, taking you on a journey starting with exciting sparkling wine before evolving into deep, bold reds. You’ll get a comprehensive tasting of eight wines (four from Antica Terra, four from around the world).
All told, the tasting knocked our socks off, which is why I consider Antica Terra one of the best wineries in Oregon (if budget allows, I’d make this spot a priority).
Beaux Frères
Beaux Frères (means brothers-in-law in French) was recommended to me by a sommelier. Credited with setting the standard for modern Pinot Noir, Beaux Frères was founded in the late 1980s (one of the earliest wineries in Willamette Valley)
Today the vineyard boasts 24-acres of interesting varietals like Dijon clones and Pommard Pinot Noir. The winemakers rely on wild-yeast fermentation and ageing the wine in French oak barrels.
The tasting room is bare-bones, which tells you the focus is on the wine first and foremost. You can taste the passion in every glass, the expert crew behind this operation is producing the best wines in Oregon, and you don’t need to be an expert to come to that conclusion yourself.
Ken Wright Cellars
Originally from Kentucky, Ken Wright put himself through college waiting tables where he was exposed to the world of fine wines. Inspired, Wright enrolled at the University of California, Davis to attend enology and viticulture classes.
From there, he put his book knowledge to the test making wine in Monterey County for nearly a decade. Then one day, some friends encouraged him to to visit the Willamette Valley, and upon his first visit, Wright was convinced the region was producing the finest Pinot Noir in North America.
Wright moved to Oregon in 1986, determined to make the Willamette Valley the nation’s premier region for Pinot Noir and played a pivotal role in making that a reality.
Perhaps more so than any other winery in Oregon, Ken Wright Cellars produces the most exciting Pinot Noirs in Oregon. Wright produced up to 13 single vineyard bottles a year (from 13 vineyard sites) in the Northern Willamette Valley.
Highly revered in region’s wine world, no list of the best wineries in Oregon is complete without Ken Wright Cellars. If you consider yourself a wine-connoisseur, these Pinot Noirs are non-negotiable.
Alexana
Alexana was founded by Dr. Madaiah Revana, a successful healthcare entrepreneur and wine enthusiast. He was drawn to the Willamette Valley due to its reputation for producing exceptional cool-climate wines and decided to open a winery he named “Alexana” after his daughter, Alexandra.
Each wine reflects the distinct terroir of the Dundee Hills, but the Pinot Noirs really stick out. Celebrated for their elegance and complexity, Wine Spectator rated Alexana’s 2018 Revana Pinot Noir as the 14th best wine in the world.
Many sleepless nights ensued until I could finally get my grubby little hands on a glass, now I consider it one of the single best wines in Oregon. Do whatever you can to get a taste, it’s an experience!
Adelsheim
Founded in 1972 by David Adelsheim, one of Willamette Valley’s pioneers, Adelsheim and his then-wife, Ginny, sold everything they had to open this Oregon winery. A remarkable effort, considering Willamette Valley was a sleepy hamlet of scattered farms (with less than 10 wineries in the area) around that time.
Driven and impassioned, Adelsheim’s commitment to wine would define the appellations of the Willamette Valley. In 1978, they planted the first vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains and have since then expanded to 200-acres. Today, they’re known for producing some of the most beautiful and balanced Pinot Noirs in Oregon.
Cerulean Wine
The unique name of this Oregon winery, Cerulean, is derived from the Latin word for Heaven. Aptly named, this family-owned winery has been focused on making authentic natural wine since 2007. Each batch is handcrafted to reflect the local climate and land and ensure the flavor pairs well with local food.
The owners still hand trim and pick the organic grapes that they grow on their 23-acre vineyard, Acadia Vineyards. The love and labor that goes into the wine-making process is not lost on the palate. There’s something special about these incredible Oregon wines that keeps folks coming back.
Tuetonic Wine Company
Sourcing grapes from our neighbors to the north (Washington), Tuetonic Wine Company focuses on producing German and Alsatian wines and consequently makes some of the most delicious white wines in Oregon.
This beloved Oregon winery is the joint venture of a married couple that decided to pursue their passion on a whim. The husband a wine buyer at Papa Haydn and, upon trying a new shipment of Riesling, encountered an aha-moment that changed the course of his career.
Shortly thereafter, he purchased some vines to grow on a friend’s farm and began his endeavor into producing the best wine in Oregon. The operation grew and grew, fueled by locals that couldn’t get enough of the wine, and is now considered one of the best wineries in Oregon.
Furioso
Furioso’s all-glass tasting room boasts some of the most gorgeous vineyard views of all the wineries in Oregon. The panoramic beauty is only made better by the knock-out wine and friendly staff.
Furioso Vineyards is a 10-acre site that dates back 30+years. These mature vines are known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in Oregon and it’d be a shame to miss the opportunity to try it for yourself.
Abbott Claim (Appointment Only)
Abott Claim is an appointment-only winery in Oregon, but goodness- if you can squeeze in a reservation, do it. This Oregon winery came highly recommended while my husband and I were exploring the Willamette Valley.
This is one of the most expensive wine tastings in Oregon, but damn — the wine and food pairings can’t be beat. The entire evening was such a romantic affair, I can’t recommend it enough for anyone celebrating a special occasion.
Mt. Hood Winery
If I had to choose the best wineries in Oregon based on the beauty of the tasting room alone, Mt. Hood Winery would be a top contender.
Started in 2002, this family-run winery is one of the most seasoned wineries in the Columbia River Gorge. It expanded in 2008 to include a stunning tasting room and antique wine bar. The tasting room has massive floor-to-ceiling windows and offers breathtaking views of Mt. Hood.
The kind staff are very knowledgeable about the wine making process and are happy to share that knowledge. Visitors can even get a tour of the entire wine-making process from start to finish, just make sure to call ahead if you’re interested in doing that.
I suggest ordering a chilled glass of the Estate Pinot Gris or the award-winning Syrah. But honestly, you can’t go wrong regardless of what you order because this winery won the prestigious Oregon Winery of the Year award in 2016 (the most prestigious award an Oregon winery can earn).
You might enjoy reading: 18 Charming Hood River Wineries Guaranteed to Impress
Stave & Stone Wine Estates
A century ago, Stave & Stone operated as an apple and pear orchard. In 2004, the family had a hard decision to make, replaces all the aging trees and start the orchard anew, or dive into a risky endeavor of pursuing a life-long dream to start a winery in Hood River.
The first block of Pinot Noir was planted in 2012. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Stave & Stone can officially lay claim to being one of the best Oregon wineries.
Adorned with numerous awards (listed here), scoring a table in the summer won’t be easy because this place is a true gem.
We tried the smoky Pinot Noir (with grapes harvested after the infamous Eagle Creek wildfire in 2017) and I can’t get that wine out of my mind to this day. It was one of the most memorable wine tastings I’ve had. My husband and I are consistently impressed by the friendly staff, ambiance and well curated wine flights + food pairings.
This is one of our favorite wineries in the Columbia River Gorge to take new folks to because they always leave equally impressed. I highly recommend Stave and Stone to anyone searching for approachable wineries in Oregon.
P.S. Stave & Stone is home to one of the best lavender farms in Oregon.
Best Wines in Oregon FAQ
There are more than 725 wineries in Oregon. The Willamette Valley alone is home to 500+ making it one of the most prolific wine regions in Oregon.
The most famous wine grown in Oregon is Pinot Noir, considered some of the best in the world. Oregon’s climate creates the perfect conditions for growing Pinot Noir grapes.
Facts About the Wineries in Oregon
| If you’re interested, here’s some fun facts about Oregon wine: |
| Oregon produces around 1% of the country’s wine yet earned 20% of Wine Spectator’s domestic 90+ ratings in 2015 and 2016. In “regular people speech” this simply means our state makes some knock-out wines! Quality over quantity. |
| Home to more than 908 wineries (not a typo), Oregon is the 4th-most wine producing state in the country. |
| Oregon has 19 certified wine growing regions that span the length of the state from north to south. Featuring more than 700 wineries, the impressive Willamette Valley is undoubtedly the gold standard in terms of wine producing regions. |
| Acclaimed New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov called Willamette Valley “the country’s most exciting wine area.” |
| In terms of grapes, Oregon’s flagship varietal is the Pinot noir, followed by Pinot gris and Chardonnay. Worth mention, Oregon is regarded as one of the premier Pinot-producing regions in the world. Have a glass and see what all the fuss is about. |
Best Oregon Wineries
In sum, here’s a quick list of the best wineries in Oregon.
- White Rose Estate
- Hiyu Wine Farm
- Beaux Freres
- Domaine Drouhin
- Alexana
- Sokol Blosser Vineyards
- Cerulean Wine
- Ken Wright Cellars
- Adelsheim
- Stave & Stone Wine Estates
- Antica Terra
- Tuetonic Wine Company
- Furioso
- Abbott Claim
- Mt. Hood Winery
Map of the best wineries in Oregon
I hope you found this list of the best wineries in Oregon helpful, it was fun to share!
Cheers!
Great article but you are missing out on the the great wineries of Southern Oregon. There is a lot more to Oregon than Pinot Noir.
It seems you chose only wineries in the Portland area. That’s too bad because the Umpqua and Rogue Valleys in southern Oregon have some fabulous wineries that are better than some on your list. “Oregons best” should be changed to Portlands best, if they really are.
Thanks for the comment! Which ones do you recommend down there?
Cheers,
Antonina
Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyard. You’ll find others in that area. Vitis Ridge over in Silverton is great! Good variety. Left Coast Cellars, Eola Hills and Cubanisimo. All off Hwy 22 in West Salem. Vintyr just outside of Amity is also great with lots of varieties.
Very good article and we will certainly try some of these wineries. I would like to point out one that was not on your list but should be: Big Table Farm. Here’s the link:
https://www.bigtablefarm.com/
Not well known, but their Pinots are stunning. I was turned on to them by the previous Executive Chef at Jory’s Restaurant. They were one of his favorites.
As a dedicated oenophile and a longtime Oregon resident far older than you, I was, to say the least, more than a bit disappointed in your determination of “The Best Oregon Wineries.” To be sure, what constitutes the “best” in wines and wineries is, as you suggested, highly subjective. However, both my wife and I, the latter who happens to work at a boutique Willamette Valley winery (Sass Winery / South Salem), have experienced more than 200 Oregon and Willamette Valley wineries over the years. Currently we belong to 8 wine clubs and own stock in four Willamette Valley Vineyards wineries. — To suggest that “the best” Willamette wineries exist “only” north of the Highway 18 / 99 Picket Line adjacent to PDX, we believe, is both a bit biased and misleading, particularly when one considers that the Willamette Valley AVA is some 110 miles long and 50 or so miles wide. Most of which is far reaching south of the Dundee Hills! — We believe, too, you are in error when you suggest that one should relegate themselves to *only* award winning wines, as many wineries prefer not to submit their wines to judging for one reason or another. Also, with a little more exploration, you will find that there exist many tasting fees far lower than the $40-$60 range that you cited. Plus, there are more than the few wine tour operators available that you may be unaware of. — Thus, I think you might need to update your data as you inform your readers, which would include the dozens upon dozens of awesome wineries beyond the immediate PDX metropolitan area. To that end, come further south and Carpe diem!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful note, JR! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective. You’re absolutely right that the Willamette Valley’s best wineries span far beyond the northern region, and I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise. My list reflected personal favorites from recent visits, but it’s definitely due for an update to include more of the incredible spots further south (Sass Winery is now on my radar!). I also appreciate your points about awards, tasting fees, and tour options — helpful context I’ll keep in mind as I revise. Thanks again for writing and for the kind nudge to keep exploring.
Eugene has excellent wines and wineries not far out of town with beautiful scenery and delicious wines, one of our favorite was Sweet Cheeks!
Thank you for the recommendation, Cindy! I will check them out!