Post Overview: Definitive guide to the best wineries in Oregon, based on a local’s firsthand experience.
Looking for the best wineries in Oregon? You’ve come to the right place.
Well, the time has come. After our extensive research on Oregon’s breathtaking wine country and the jaw-dropping wineries in Columbia Valley, many readers reached out and asked for an overall roundup of the best wineries in Oregon.
And you know we love to deliver.
Our team spent years exploring Oregon’s impressive wine scene (seriously, we’d hate to know the gallons of wine consumed) and feel that we have a pretty good grasp of the best wines in Oregon. This is a subjective list, of course, since we all have different taste buds.
To mitigate this small snafu, we typically sent out the same three gals to explore the various wineries in Oregon and report back on the best. They relied on a ranking system that noted the taste of the wine (most important factor), the ambiance of the winery (we want the good views!) and the friendliness + knowledge of the staff (good wine served by a bad attitude is a no-go).
Originally we wanted to rank for cost, but realized it was a fool’s errand because different wineries have different price points (soooooo many factors to this, I wouldn’t know where to begin).
Also, we’re all for supporting local businesses, and if a winery is going to charge $80 a bottle, I don’t feel right complaining (but will remember the price when decided to revisit).
But with that said, we strive to be transparent and fair, so we will always mention the price of the experience. Likewise, it’s worth pointing out that all of our experiences were paid for out of pocket (this is a passion project, after all). This list of the best Oregon wineries is completely unbiased (simply because we hate being sold as much as the next person).
You May Enjoy Reading: 6 Oregon Wine Regions Worth Getting Excited About
Best Wineries in Oregon
White Rose Estate
You can’t write a list on the best wineries in the Willamette Valley without mentioning White Rose Estate. In the hot summer days of 2000, Greg Sanders knocked on an old farm house door with a proposition to buy. The farmhouse sat atop a hill surrounded by a small vineyard rooted in 1980, renowned in the area for its fruit.
Impressed by the quality of the fruit, Greg sought to buy the land and peruse his dream of owning a vineyard in the Willamette Valley. But not just any vineyard, no, Greg wanted to make something special. He embarked on a mission to produce artisanal hand-made wines using the best fruits available in the valley.
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.
Even the most ardent sommelier can’t help but love these beloved wines. White Rose Estate is pepper with awards that span the gamut. The wines are earth, complex, velvety and structured, 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!) we’d come back in a heartbeat. Anyone visiting Willamette Valley for the first time should prioritize a tasting at White Rose Estate.
Antica Terra
Antica Terra came recommended by a sommelier at another Willamette Valley winery and we’re forever grateful for the advice. The price tag ($95 per person) is hard to swallow, but the wine isn’t. The entire tasting experience focuses equally on the wine and food, and goodness, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.
The tasting takes you on a journey starting with airy bubbles and evolving into deep, bold reds. The clever folks behind this winery pair the meals with 4 wines from their own winery alongside 4 wines from around the world. This makes it easier to appreciate the nuances of the various wines on offer.
All told, this tasting is an unforgettable experience, which is why Antica Terra is considered one of the best wineries in Oregon (you can’t afford to miss it).
Hiyu Wine Farm
Started in 2010 by impassioned winemaker Nate Ready and his equally-talented partner China Tresemer, Hiyo Wine Farm is a sustainability-focused winery in Hood River growing 80 varieties of grapes.
At $65 per person, this is one of the best wine tasting in Oregon and is best saved for special occasions, the experience will definitely be memorable.
It’s clear that the delicate art of wine-making is as important as the end result at this winery and we are all better for it. You’re bound to learn something new during a wine tasting here.
The long wooden tables in the tasting room encourage visitors to linger for a while with a glass of incredible wine in hand.
A clear standout at this Oregon winery is the Hiyu 2017 Corvus, which is barrel aged for three years and offers a delight for the senses.
Alexana
In 2021 Wine Spectator rated Alexana’s 2018 Revana Pinot Noir as the 14th best wine in the world. And what ensued were many sleepless nights for yours truly until I could finally get my grubby little hands on a glass.
Often ranked as one of the best wineries in Oregon, who am I to disagree? This place doesn’t dissappoint, especially when it comes to Pinot noir. I tried 4 different Pinot noirs during my tasting and would give each glass 10/10.
At Alexana, we believe that winemaking begins in the vineyard. Our world-class Pinot Noir is a result of farming in a way that respects the land while maintaining the integrity of the varietal and allowing the vineyard to tell its own story of each vintage.
Alexana
Beaux Frères
Like many of the gems on this list of the best Oregon wineries, Beaux Frères (means brothers-in-law in French) was recommended by a sommelier.
Credited with setting the standard for modern Pinot Noir (whatever that means?), Beaux Frères makes some of the best wine in Oregon and you don’t need to be an expert to come to that conclusion yourself.
The winery was founded in the late 1980s (known as the second generation of Willamette Valley Oregon wineries). 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 for a year.
The tasting room is bare-bones, which is actually a good sign because it tells you the focus at this family-run Oregon winery is on the wine first and foremost. You can taste the passion in every glass, the expert crew behind this operation is producing the most interesting wines in Oregon and isn’t afraid to show it off.
Domaine Drouhin
When it comes to producing the best wine in Willamette Valley, Domaine Drouhin is the apple (grape?) of my eye.
Focused on traditional French winemaking methods, the Drouhin Family creates some of the most elegant and best 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 Willamette Valley. Effectively making this one of the original woman-founded wineries in Willamette Valley.
She exceeded expectations and has been globally-recognized for her skill. In 2019, she was awarded France’s highest award for merit, the Légion d’Honneur, for her wine making skills 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 marathons to do it all again.
Okay, the marathon part is made up but the other stuff is true. 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. And you know I can’t resist the cheesiness of that.
Marchesi Vineyards
Marchesi Vineyards is an authentic Italian winery and is often considered one of the best wineries in Hood River by locals and visitors alike, myself included.
It was started by a charming Italian named Franco Marchesi who immigrated to America at the age of 22 and worked as a sommelier for two decades before starting his own winery in Oregon.
He chose the Columbia River Gorge because the climate reminded him of his hometown in northern Italy.
Using an abandoned apple orchard, Marchesi built one of the most charming wineries in Oregon. He takes great pride in creating wine using traditional old-world methods and you can taste the difference.
I can attest that visiting Marchesi Vineyards feels like being transported to the Tuscan countryside. The relaxing ambience of this quaint winery transcends time and the hours slip by without complaint.
My husband and I were lucky enough to snatch one of the tables tucked cozily between rows of grapes and had a private drinking + dinning experience over a bottle of Sangiovese.
Our time at Marchesi felt like such a treat and ultimately nurtured our whirlwind love affair with wineries in Hood River. But can you really blame us? 😉
What to order: I’m partial to the Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese (house specialty) and the cheeseboard.
Sokol Blosser Vineyards
Situated on 89-acres in the Dundee Hills, Sokol Blosser Vineyards is a certified organic, B Corp winery that strives to capture the terroir of the region and express it through wines.
Crafting exceptional award-winning wines in the Oregon using sustainable methods, the story of Sokol Blosser Vineyards dates back to 1971. Two puppy-eyed youths, Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser decided to invest in a dream.
When they planted their first vines in the Dundee Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area), they were running on youthful enthusiasm and frantic prayers. The reason? There was no wine industry in Oregon at the time.
Not easily deterred, they ended up establishing themselves as one of the oldest wineries in Oregon. In 2021, Sokol Blosser Vineyards celebrated 50 years and doesn’t show signs of slowing anytime soon.
While planning my one day wine tasting itinerary in the Willamette Valley, I knew a tasting at Sokol Blosser was non-negotiable.
The tasting room is stunning. I felt like I was living in an issue of Architectural Digest (and there’s no way I’d rush that moment). 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 (hey, New Years Eve was a mere 5 months away!). All told, Sokol Blosser Vineyards belongs on any list of the best wineries in Oregon.
Cerulean Wine
The unique name of this Oregon winery, Cerulean, is derived from the Latin word for Heaven.
Surely it can’t be a coincidence that such a divinely named winery would churn out heavenly wine.
Founded in 2007, this family-owned winery is focused on making pure and authentic natural wine. 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 about these incredible wines that keeps me coming back to this incredible Oregon winery.
Torii Mor
The vineyard at Torii Mor dates back to 1972, making it one of the oldest vineyards in Oregon. Located at an elevation of 800 feet in the breathtaking Dundee Hills, the vineyard enjoys ample sun exposure and cool evening breezes (and like long walks on the beach, just kidding).
Most of the vineyard is devoted to growing some of the best Pinot Noir in Oregon. This Oregon winery takes great pride in sustainable practices, going so far as to build a gravity-flower winery in September 2007. Achieving praise and recognition for leading the industry, this is one of the most environmentally friendly Oregon wineries.
I’ve visited several spots that claim to the be the best wineries in Oregon, but Torii Mor stands out from the rest. The wines are irresistibly delicious, hitting the palate with complex notes that quickly fade into smooth finishes. The folks behind this Oregon wine are experts in their field and it’d be foolish to deny it.
Stave & Stone Wine Estates
Family-owned Stave & Stone Wine Estates dates back to one century ago when it operated as an apple and pear orchard.
In 2004, the family had a hard decision to make, either 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.
Thankfully, the winery won out and 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) and filled to the brim with happy customers every summer weekend, this place is a true gem.
Best known for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, anything you order is bound to inspire.
We tried a 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 visiting!
P.S. Stave & Stone is home to one of the best lavender farms in Oregon.
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 passion project of a married couple that decided to pursue their passion for wine on a whim. The husband was a general manager and wine buyer at Papa Haydn and, upon trying a new shipment of Rieslings, 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 seen in all directions is only made better by the knock-out wine and friendly (and knowledgeable) 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.
At $65 per person, 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 by way of Oregon wineries (how clever).
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 contented.
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. I’d live there if I could!
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.
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).
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. |
| But don’t just take my word for it, 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
- Marchesi Vineyards
- Alexana
- Sokol Blosser Vineyards
- Cerulean Wine
- Stave & Stone Wine Estates
- Antica Terra
- Torii Mor
- Tuetonic Wine Company
- Furioso
- Abbott Claim
- Mt. Hood Winery
Map of the best wineries in Oregon
As a lifelong Oregonian with an insatiable palette for Pinot noirs, I’ve spent the better half of the last three summers traveling the state in search of Oregon’s best wineries, and boy, do I have the credit card bills to prove it!
Oregon wine, while undeniably delicious, is not an affordable habit. I’m not sure why, but the prices on our Pinot Noirs is mind-boggling. I usually purchase a bottle for special occasions.
But for this particular post, I wanted to explore everything our state had to offer and embarked on a tour of the best Oregon wineries. I don’t want the knowledge (and credit card statements!) to go to waste. With that said, I hope you found this list of the best wineries in Oregon helpful.
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.