Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The Willamette Valley is one of Oregon’s most famous wine regions and home to many well-known wineries. There are plenty of things to do during a visit with vineyards, tasting rooms, and restaurants all over the valley. There’s always something for everyone, from urban life in Portland to scenic views up north near Salem!
Some of the most famous wineries in the Willamette Valley include Sokol Blosser, Argyle Winery, and Domaine Drouhin. All offer wine tastings, tours, and restaurants onsite. Many smaller boutique wineries offer unique experiences worth checking out.
One great way to spend the day is to visit a few wineries and pop into some of Portland’s best restaurants. Some great spots include Ox, Clyde Common, or Le Pigeon for fantastic food paired with delicious wines from your tasting!
People love visiting during wine season in September and October when all the leaves change colors on the vineyards. Foliage season is a beautiful time in the valley and the perfect backdrop for a day of wine touring.
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something happening in the Willamette Valley! Check out the Willamette Valley Wineries Association website for upcoming events and activities. You won’t regret it!
History of Willamette Valley Wineries Association
Willamette Valley Wineries Association is a non-profit trade association formed in 1965. The Willamette Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is the largest producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay outside of Burgundy, France. In addition to wineries, some craft breweries have also been established here over time.
It was established to promote Willamette Valley’s wines and heighten awareness about its wine industry, history, culture, activities, and attractions.
Leading up to Prohibition in America (1920-1933), over 400 wineries were operating in Oregon State alone! However, that all changed when President Woodrow Wilson initiated prohibition due to increased alcohol consumption and the need to reduce crime. Prohibition was a complete failure and only caused many wineries to close down, with very few surviving this difficult period.
Even though prohibition was repealed by 1933, the wine industry still struggled as interest had declined significantly during that period which meant that there wasn’t much demand for wine. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that there was a renewed interest in American wines, which helped spur the formation of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association and the growth of wineries in this region.
Today, there are over 190 wineries located within the Willamette Valley AVA, and they continue to produce world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
Events in Willamette Valley Wineries Association
Several annual events take place in the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. Some of these include:
- Barrel Tasting Weekend: This event takes place every March and offers attendees the chance to taste barrel samples of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah wines from participating wineries.
- Spring Release Weekend: This event takes place in April and is the perfect opportunity to taste newly released wines from participating wineries.
- Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Celebration: This event takes place every May and celebrates Oregon’s most famous wine varietals. Attendees can enjoy barrel tastings, food pairings, and live music at this fun event.
- World Pinot Noir Celebration: This annual international wine competition takes place every June and is the largest of its kind in North America. The Wineries Association hosts this prestigious event, which features over 100 wines worldwide. There are also many food pairings with regional restaurants providing delicious options to try alongside the wines.
- Oregon Wine Festival: This festival takes place every August and is the largest wine festival in the Pacific Northwest. Attendees can enjoy tastings from over 250 wineries, food pairings, live music, and more at this fun event!
- Holiday Open House Weekend: This event takes place every December and offers a festive way to celebrate the holidays. Attendees can enjoy wine tastings, food pairings, and holiday shopping at this event.
Many other significant events occur in Willamette Valley Wineries Association throughout the year, so be sure to check out their website for a full calendar of events! You won’t regret it!
Things to Do in Willamette Valley Wineries Association
There are plenty of things to do in the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. You can enjoy wine tastings, scenic views, and more. Here are some of the top activities to check out:
– Wine Tastings: The Willamette Valley is known for its world-class Pinot Noir wines. Sample some of the best at one of the many wineries in the area.
– Scenic Views: The Willamette Valley is known for its lush, green landscape. Take a scenic drive or hike to enjoy the views.
– Outdoor Activities: There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, including fishing, hiking, and biking.
– Historic Sites: In the Willamette Valley, you can learn about its history and enjoy a memorable meal at one of the local historic sites.
– Shopping: The Willamette Valley is home to some charming towns with great shopping options. Check out the local boutiques and art galleries.
No matter what you’re looking for, the Willamette Valley Wineries Association has something to offer. Plan your trip today and enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer!
What to Bring in Willamette Valley Wineries Association
When you visit a winery in the Willamette Valley, you will want to bring some specific items with you. Here are some of the most important things to remember:
– Sunscreen and hats – The weather in Oregon is often sunny, so it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun. A hat will help keep you cool, and sunscreen will protect your skin.
– Water and snacks – Wineries can be a lot of fun, but they can also be quite strenuous. Make sure to bring water and snacks, so you stay hydrated and have enough energy to enjoy the experience.
– Comfortable shoes – Many wineries are located on hills or in vineyards, so you will want to wear comfortable shoes. Flip flops and sandals are not recommended because they can get damaged easily on rough terrain.
– Camera – Many wineries have beautiful views of the mountains or vineyards that make for great pictures outdoors. You may find some wildlife around as well! Make sure your phone has enough storage, or bring a camera to capture the memories.
– Jacket – The weather in Oregon can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to have a jacket with you just in case.
How to Get to Willamette Valley Wineries Association
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA) is located in Oregon’s scenic wine country, just south of Portland. There are many ways to get there, depending on your starting point. If you’re coming from the north, take I-205 SOUTH to OR-43 SOUTH. Follow OR-43 SOUTH for about 33 miles until you reach the town of Dundee. The wineries are located just west of Dundee. If you’re coming from the south, take I-205 NORTH to OR-99 WEST. Follow OR-99 WEST for about 47 miles until you reach the junction with OR-43. Take a left onto OR-43 NORTH and follow for about 14 miles. The wineries are located on the left side of the road.
The WVWA is also accessible by public transportation. Take TriMet’s Line 44 from downtown Portland to Newberg, then transfer to Line 59, which will take you directly to the association’s tasting room. For more information on schedules and fares, visit TriMet’s website (link to: trimet.org/schedules).
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association is open daily from 11 am-to-midnight May through October and Sunday – Thursday 11 am-morning November through April. The tasting room closes at midnight if it falls on a Friday or Saturday or at 11 pm on a Sunday through Thursday.
Wine is available for purchase by the glass, bottle, and case throughout the association’s tasting room complex. You can also enjoy gourmet light fare, including salads, small plates, and sandwiches. Many of our member wineries have restaurants that offer an excellent selection of Northwest cuisine.
Over 200 wineries in the Willamette Valley, and many offer tours and tastings. A complete list of member wineries, their location, and hours can be found on the WVWA website (link to: willamettewines.com).
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association is a great place to start if you’re looking to explore Oregon’s wine country. With so many wineries and restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to find something that fits your taste.
Address: 10200 SW Eastridge St #214, Portland, OR 97225, United States
Phone Number: +1503-297-2962
Website: http://www.willamettewines.com/
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