Wine Info

Over the past ten years, the Oregon Wines Industry has experienced an incredible amount of growth and recognition throughout the world.

Having built a solid foundation on quality and leadership, the Oregon Wine Industry is a credit to its founding fathers. Producing wines of distinction, Oregon continues to be recognized as a leading wine producing region.

Special thanks to the Oregon Wine Board (OWB) for its permission to use the Discover Oregon Wineries Brochure as a resource. To learn about Oregon wines fast facts, click here.

Willamette Valley

North Willamette Valley

The North Willamette Valley spans the distance between the Columbia River and just south of Salem, Oregon's capital. Iron-rich Alluvial and volcanic soils, a northern marine climate, long growing season and relatively late harvest aid in fruit intensity.

There are 84 wineries in this region, producing Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and others.

South Willamette Valley

The South Willamette Valley stretches south of Salem to just south of Eugene, where it meets the Calapooya Mountain Range. Marine air and mountains produce constant change in climate with Clay, Bluish-gray Sandstone rock and Loam, ensuring firm, compact soils.

There are 20 wineries in this region, producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Müller-Thurgau.

Umpqua Valley

The Umpqua Valley plays home to Oregon's first winery, Hillcrest Vineyards, and dates grape growing back to the late 1800's.

Stretching 70 miles South, from just south of the Willamette Valley to the Klamath Mountains, this entire appellation lies within Douglas County. Extreme temperature fluctuations from day to night creates a higher threat of frost than that in the Willamette Valley.

Despite lower rainfall, irrigation is unnecessary, as an interconnected series of small hillsides (of Sandstone and Sandy Loam) and river drainage creates a perfect home for grape growing.

There are seven wineries in this region, producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.

Rogue Valley

Three microclimates make up the Rogue Valley: Illinois, Applegate and Rogue River valleys. This is the most elevated, warm and dry region in Oregon.

Hot days and cool nights add fruit intensity, where Granite, Sand and Clay soils are home to ten wineries, producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

Columbia Valley

Extending into the state of Washington, the Columbia River Valley's arid climate joins marine air, creating variations in climate. With less than ten inches of rain a year, the hot days and crisp, cool nights intensify fruit flavors.

There are two wineries located in the Columbia River Valley, producing Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Walla Walla Valley

Washington State and Oregon share this appellation, although this eastern region is warmer than the western portion of the Columbia Valley. Like the Columbia River Valley, the combination of arid climate and low rainfall intensifies fruit flavors.

There are two wineries between the two appellations of the Columbia River Region, the Columbia River Valley and the Walla Walla Valley, producing Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

At Large

There are nine Oregon wineries that do not technically fall into one of the five appellations, including King Estate.

These wineries produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, berry wines, among others.