Willamette Valley, Portland: Address, Phone Number, Willamette Valley Reviews: 4.5/5
Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley
4.5
About
Best known for its diverse agriculture, this verdant valley is flanked by the Coast Range and the Cascades.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Attractions
108 within 6 miles
Domaine Divio
64
1.4 miWineries & Vineyards
Shea Wine Cellars
5
0.6 miWineries & Vineyards
Utopia Vineyard
68
1 miWineries & Vineyards
Patricia Green Cellars
33
1 miWineries & Vineyards
Domaine Serene
608
Wineries & Vineyards
Archery Summit Winery
249
Wineries & Vineyards
Beaux Freres
50
1.2 miWineries & Vineyards
Trisaetum
46
1.5 miWineries & Vineyards
Laurel Ridge
36
1.3 miWineries & Vineyards
Alexana Winery
70
2.3 miWineries & Vineyards
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
893 reviews
Excellent
676
Very good
180
Average
28
Poor
8
Terrible
1
G. Lewison
New York City, NY3 contributions
We visited the wine region during the pandemic times. During this time, one needs to make reservations and because they limit capacities, wine tasting prices are higher. We ate at several restaurants and we never had a bad meal. We went to more-or-less high end wineries and the wines were at least good and some were absolutely great.
Written March 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DickandMary R
Portland, OR232 contributions
The Willamette Valley is more than just a river between hills. There are sever additional streams, Yamhill and Tualatin which help make up the charm. This is especially true of the northern section. Additionally, several of the nearby mountains, such as the Chehalem provide striking vistas.
To add to the experience there are literally 100's of wineries, many of which have tasting rooms. Much of the wine produced is world class, often at reasonable prices. Also, in some of the smaller towns up north including Dundee, Newberg, McMinnville and Independence are often very go restaurants. Finally, and excluding Portland, there are many interesting sites to visit.
To sum up, the Willamette Valley can make for a full day visit, or even overnight in some of the boutique hotels therr.
To add to the experience there are literally 100's of wineries, many of which have tasting rooms. Much of the wine produced is world class, often at reasonable prices. Also, in some of the smaller towns up north including Dundee, Newberg, McMinnville and Independence are often very go restaurants. Finally, and excluding Portland, there are many interesting sites to visit.
To sum up, the Willamette Valley can make for a full day visit, or even overnight in some of the boutique hotels therr.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cynthia C
Willamette Valley, OR882 contributions
Small towns and tiny cities, farmland and wineries. A great place to visit if you like peace and quiet, you will want to move here, but as lovely as the late spring and summer are, the rest of the year is nearly non-stop rain. So come visit in the dry season, you will not be dissapointed.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kjk
2 contributions
Family
Alas, the City of Sherwood, Oregon runs photo speed traps to catch unsuspecting tourists on their way to Willamette Valley wineries and wine tasting. They sure got me.
Stay out of Sherwood!
Stay out of Sherwood!
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wills Wanderers
Salem, OR566 contributions
Friends
Visiting this green lush valley from Portland to Eugene is a great for anyone. There’s much to see and experience but it’s also only a hour to the Pacific Ocean or 2 hours to the cascade mountains. Vineyards, attractions, sightseeing, it has everything.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J0hn_mc53
Portland, OR7 contributions
I live in Portland but work 30 miles away at a winery in Yamhill. My drive to work in the morning is a highlight of the day as I drive through some of the most serene and beautiful countryside in the state. The Valley has so many wonderful attributes, but how many areas offer a great commute ?
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carole Ann W
San Diego, CA38 contributions
Friends
There were 8 gals in my groups, celebrating our friend's milestone birthday. We flew into PDX, rented 2 cars and traveled south to Willamette Valley for a long weekend of wine tasting. What a weekend it was!!! We hired a driver to drive our car and we sampled some amazing wines at gorgeous vineyards. Here's a quick re-cap of my top picks, in this order:
1. Domaine Serene - elegant & beautiful!
2. Sokol Blosser - cool library rm and popcorn with great seasonings.
3. Stoller - great tasting rm & outside tables; can bring own food.
4. Argyle - right on Hwy 99. Champagne tastings. Lovely setting.
5. Durant - great gift shop. Makes own olive oil & can watch process and taste. Casual wine tasting room. Grounds are so pretty with olive grove, vineyards, lavender.
6. Domaine Drouhin - near #1. French family started. Nice views.
7. Hawks View Cellars -. nice tasting room and lovely grounds.
8. Archer - Bright tasting room. Cute seating, inside and out. Vineyard views. Kevin is great guy & wine pourer.
I hope this information is helpful...I researched for WEEKS before we traveled and we visited about 20 wineries....enjoy the fruits of my labor ;)
1. Domaine Serene - elegant & beautiful!
2. Sokol Blosser - cool library rm and popcorn with great seasonings.
3. Stoller - great tasting rm & outside tables; can bring own food.
4. Argyle - right on Hwy 99. Champagne tastings. Lovely setting.
5. Durant - great gift shop. Makes own olive oil & can watch process and taste. Casual wine tasting room. Grounds are so pretty with olive grove, vineyards, lavender.
6. Domaine Drouhin - near #1. French family started. Nice views.
7. Hawks View Cellars -. nice tasting room and lovely grounds.
8. Archer - Bright tasting room. Cute seating, inside and out. Vineyard views. Kevin is great guy & wine pourer.
I hope this information is helpful...I researched for WEEKS before we traveled and we visited about 20 wineries....enjoy the fruits of my labor ;)
Written December 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter A
Scranton, PA93 contributions
Couples
There are three things any oenophile traveling to the Willamette valley should know: it's Wil-LAM-ette (as the locals are happy to tell you,) the region is divided into smaller AVA's (or American Viniculture Areas) and many tasting rooms are in a store front and not a vineyard.
The absolute best thing you can do for yourself is get a copy of the valley brochure at http://willamettewines.com/, the official bureau of tourism for the region. It not only breaks the region up for you, and provides maps, but it also gives the opening hours of every tasting room. It is an indispensable resource and it's free. The regions are: Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill/Carlton, McMinnville and Amity/Eola Hills.
The most important facts to keep in mind are: not all wines are estate wines, not all wineries use locally sourced grapes and there are several different soil types in each region which imparts a different flavor into the wine. The locals don't seem to grasp why this is important to traveling wine enthusiasts, but you should. We bought some incredible 2007 Petite Syrah from a winery in Amity Hills, but we'll never be able to purchase it again. They sourced the grapes from somewhere else, and never did so a 2nd time. Estate wines mean consistency. It means that if I like it, I can get it again next year. I'm probably not going to get back here for a number of years, so in between I need to buy what I already know.
You should also know that many of the tasting rooms are only open certain days of the week and certain hours of the day. You have to plan your visit ahead of time otherwise you will be disappointed. That said, here's a real short overview of each region (with tasting notes intentionally left out.)
Dundee Hills
Mostly store from tasting rooms, although not all, and mostly open all week long. The soil here is volcanic, so IF the grapes used are locally sourced then the flavor will have a mineral taste to it and usually a pepper finish.
Ribbon Ridge
Nearly all vineyard tasting rooms with mostly marine sedimentary soil. They are mostly small batch vineyards that impart a smooth, soft finish to the wine. My personal favorite, when we went we met the owner/winemaker at 4 of the 8 vineyards we went to.
Yamhill/Carlton
Two regions treated as one, where Yamhill is mostly vineyard tasting rooms and Carlton is mostly storefront. The soil types are mixed, and they are mostly small batch vineyards.
A quick note about Carlton, unless you are visiting on a weekend DON"T WASTE YOUR TIME. If there are 15 wineries available in total: 5 you can taste at the winery itself, 4 are only open on the weekend, 3 are only open Thursday through Sunday and the remaining 3 open daily. That applies to the restaurants too, so unless you like baked goods (probably the best bakery I've ever been to aptly named The Carlton Bakery) don't bother.
McMinnville
Great town. A real example of the Pacific Northwest, it has a mix of vineyard tasting rooms and storefronts. The store front tasting rooms in town are excellent and most are open daily. Again, consult your guide.The soil types are mixed too, so the products are varied.
Amity/Eola Hills
Much like the Ribbon Ridge area: small batch wineries, tasting rooms at the vineyard, and very friendly people. Another favorite of mine.
The absolute best thing you can do for yourself is get a copy of the valley brochure at http://willamettewines.com/, the official bureau of tourism for the region. It not only breaks the region up for you, and provides maps, but it also gives the opening hours of every tasting room. It is an indispensable resource and it's free. The regions are: Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill/Carlton, McMinnville and Amity/Eola Hills.
The most important facts to keep in mind are: not all wines are estate wines, not all wineries use locally sourced grapes and there are several different soil types in each region which imparts a different flavor into the wine. The locals don't seem to grasp why this is important to traveling wine enthusiasts, but you should. We bought some incredible 2007 Petite Syrah from a winery in Amity Hills, but we'll never be able to purchase it again. They sourced the grapes from somewhere else, and never did so a 2nd time. Estate wines mean consistency. It means that if I like it, I can get it again next year. I'm probably not going to get back here for a number of years, so in between I need to buy what I already know.
You should also know that many of the tasting rooms are only open certain days of the week and certain hours of the day. You have to plan your visit ahead of time otherwise you will be disappointed. That said, here's a real short overview of each region (with tasting notes intentionally left out.)
Dundee Hills
Mostly store from tasting rooms, although not all, and mostly open all week long. The soil here is volcanic, so IF the grapes used are locally sourced then the flavor will have a mineral taste to it and usually a pepper finish.
Ribbon Ridge
Nearly all vineyard tasting rooms with mostly marine sedimentary soil. They are mostly small batch vineyards that impart a smooth, soft finish to the wine. My personal favorite, when we went we met the owner/winemaker at 4 of the 8 vineyards we went to.
Yamhill/Carlton
Two regions treated as one, where Yamhill is mostly vineyard tasting rooms and Carlton is mostly storefront. The soil types are mixed, and they are mostly small batch vineyards.
A quick note about Carlton, unless you are visiting on a weekend DON"T WASTE YOUR TIME. If there are 15 wineries available in total: 5 you can taste at the winery itself, 4 are only open on the weekend, 3 are only open Thursday through Sunday and the remaining 3 open daily. That applies to the restaurants too, so unless you like baked goods (probably the best bakery I've ever been to aptly named The Carlton Bakery) don't bother.
McMinnville
Great town. A real example of the Pacific Northwest, it has a mix of vineyard tasting rooms and storefronts. The store front tasting rooms in town are excellent and most are open daily. Again, consult your guide.The soil types are mixed too, so the products are varied.
Amity/Eola Hills
Much like the Ribbon Ridge area: small batch wineries, tasting rooms at the vineyard, and very friendly people. Another favorite of mine.
Written September 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JvL
Kyoto, Japan43 contributions
Before heading out to the Willamette Valley to enjoy the scenery and the world-famous Pinot Noir wines, we were advised by another TripAdvisor journalist to hire a driver. What great advice! Spending time with John Swenson of Insider's Wine Tour allowed us to experience all of the best features of Oregon wine country from a "local's perspective." We will happily recommend John to anyone looking for the best way to tour this lovely valley.
Written May 26, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GeorgePortland_OR
Greensboro, GA335 contributions
Friends
As a Portlander, I've led countless out-of-town guests on visits to wine country, and, to a person, they have enjoyed the excursion. The wine industry in Oregon is relatively young (1970s) but distinguished, especially for its pinot noir (Burgundy) wines. Keeping in mind that the Willamette (will-AM-ette) Valley runs much of the north-south distance in the state and has wineries throughout, the number within an hour's drive of Portland is immense. Part of the fun is the Wine Country architecture because a number of wineries have constructed beautiful wineries and tasting rooms. I'd recommend Stoller, Domaine Drouhin, and Domaine Serene for the wines and the views. Domaine Drouhin offers, by reservation, an intriguing comparative tasting of pinots made at their winery in Burgundy, France, and locally in Oregon. On the same road is an olive orchard that offers olive oil tastings and a very nice, small nursery of garden plants. Portland hotels can arrange a van or limo for a safe trip with numerous tastings.
Two other attractions nearby can be visited in the same day (if you start early) for a varied day in wine country. The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum just outside McMinnville is stellar and features Howard Hughes' famously large Spruce Goose airplane and a Boeing 747, among other things. Across the Willamette River from Newburg in the agricultural countryside is Heritage Roses, one of the largest growers anywhere of old heritage roses and the newer varieties that favor fragrance and old-fashioned shapes, along with repeat blooming. The gardens are spectacular from late spring into fall.
Lunch options are varied in Dundee and Newburg. McMinnville offers some high quality restaurants and a great example of the local McMenamin's chain of historic buildings restored as hotels and pubs. The Evergreen Museum has two nice, modern cafes.
Two other attractions nearby can be visited in the same day (if you start early) for a varied day in wine country. The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum just outside McMinnville is stellar and features Howard Hughes' famously large Spruce Goose airplane and a Boeing 747, among other things. Across the Willamette River from Newburg in the agricultural countryside is Heritage Roses, one of the largest growers anywhere of old heritage roses and the newer varieties that favor fragrance and old-fashioned shapes, along with repeat blooming. The gardens are spectacular from late spring into fall.
Lunch options are varied in Dundee and Newburg. McMinnville offers some high quality restaurants and a great example of the local McMenamin's chain of historic buildings restored as hotels and pubs. The Evergreen Museum has two nice, modern cafes.
Written February 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are looking to travel in the beginning of November? Concerned about weather?
Gabriel
Mukilteo, WA4 contributions
I live in Washington State, where the weather is similar to Oregon. November and December are two of the wettest months of the year. Regardless, typically when it rains it drizzles and most of us don't bother to use umbrellas. Expect grey days without sunshine. On the other hand hotels and inns will be much cheaper at this time of the year.
Hello. Planing to come visit there but mostly for the nature and sceneries. We want to know which hotel/ resort/ inn is good for us to stay at ? Greatly appreciate your help in advance
Sue143
Orange, CA9 contributions
Hi, Susan. What would you like to know about this attraction?
My Sister and I have a day and half to spend in Willamette Valley Sept 13 & 14. Could you recommend a nice place to stay and a few wineries and places to see.
Ruth F
Portland, OR405 contributions
I would take some time and look up wineries on the Internet. The only reason I say that is there are wineries in Silverton Stayton and also McMinnville area which are at opposite ends of the valley. Both areas have a lot to offer both areas are absolutely adorable in their own way.
razorface50
Houston, TX39 contributions
Hi, is October a good time to visit? My wife and I were planning a trip there for this October but were concerned about getting into the rainy season.
Thanks, Razorface50 - Houston
William B
Portland, OR154 contributions
The fall weather is usually good in October. Expect cooler days-50-70's and great fall color.The rainy season doesn't really begin until November but's it Oregon so a small umbrella or rain jacket. is always a good idea. WJB
mecoll
Oro Valley, AZ46 contributions
Recommendations on high quality bed and breakfast inns. 2 couples late july
William B
Portland, OR154 contributions
The Allison Inn. isn't a Bed and Bedfreast per se, but it is wonderful place to stay and I would highly recommend it. The location is perfect for exploring the valley. WJB
Modelnut
Calgary, Canada89 contributions
Hi, We are planning a trip to Portland and want to visit some winery. Based on your trip, can you advise us of good restaurants in Portland or in the Willamette Valley? Should we stay in the Willamette valley instead of in Portland? Thank you.
Rick+Jan
Ormond Beach, FL409 contributions
There are so many great restaurants in Portland it’s hard to choose. It is one of the best “foodie” cities anywhere. As far as staying if you want piece and quiet go to VRBO, lots of places in the valley that are wonderful. If you stay in the city you can easily Uber to many attractions and restaurants. Must visit Voodoo Donuts. Originators of the specialty donuts. ( downtown branch is the original around the corner from the Embassy Suites Hotel). A couple great restaurants=. Little Bird ( French leaning), Jakes Famous Crawfish, best pizza is Apizza Scholls, and for Italian go to Nostrana, When you go to the wineries stop in Dundee at the Red Hills Market and get sandwiches to go and take them to one of the wineries which most have outside tables with great views. You will love Portland. Remember one thing! It is a very cool liberal city😃.
Mcdonald_karen
1 contribution
We are planning a trip to spend a few days in Portland and a few in the Willamette Valley. We will be driving but are also bringing bikes. Can anyone recommend a town in the Willamette Valley we can make our home base that would be easy biking distance (say, less than 50km return trip) to visit a few good wineries?
Stephen F
Redding, CA49 contributions
Given that you are planning on spending some time in Portland, and are looking for a base, McMinnville - Dundee might work well for you. Depending on your budget, you may want to a look into the Allison - good place to wind up the day.
You are in the rainy season, but for great views you might like a ride around Haag Lake - there is only one rest stop (if it is open) - otherwise.... There is a small grocery store just before you go into the park in case you forgot provisions.
Donna M
Houston, TX48 contributions
Should we book a hotel in Portland and travel out each day--or are there hotels along the way--should we book ahead or take our chances in June?
bouncebackmom
Poughkeepsie, NY778 contributions
Use Portland as a base. I loved my hotel ( River’s Edge Hotel and Spa) because I was able to enjoy my down time or go into the downtown. The sauna and steam room were great after walking and exploring.
SE37
Cleveland, Ohio112 contributions
We will be staying in Lincoln City and exploring the coast the week before and after Memorial Weekend. I have booked an equestrian wine tour in Dundee. We had planned on Saturday (Memorial Weekend). We also want to spend some time at the Saturday Market in McMinnville before our tour. I had read that driving up and down the coast Memorial Weekend is crazy with traffic. We were wondering if heading in and out of McMinnville from the coast will be bad as well? Google shows our drive in is about 1.25 hours...should we count on it being longer?
boz61949
Vancouver, WA133 contributions
You may suffer slight delays on the coast to McMinnville piece of your trip, but probably nothing more than a slight irritant. You'll remain primarily west of the congested areas (Dundee)
Frequently Asked Questions about Willamette Valley
- We recommend booking Willamette Valley tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 Willamette Valley tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Willamette Valley:
- Willamette Valley Wine-Tasting Tour from Portland (From $330.00)
- Willamette Valley Wine Tour from Portland with Lunch (From $200.00)
- Willamette Valley Character Winery Tour (From $160.00)
- Private Air Tour of Multnomah Falls for 3 (From $299.00)
- 1-Hour Private Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge (From $489.00)
- Hotels near Willamette Valley:
- (3.42 mi) The Setting Inn Willamette Valley
- (3.68 mi) Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard
- (5.04 mi) The Carlton Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (5.53 mi) La Bastide Bed & Breakfast
- (5.65 mi) The Dundee, A Trace Hotel
- Restaurants near Willamette Valley:
- (2.99 mi) Rosmarino Osteria Italiana
- (4.82 mi) The Horse Radish
- (6.35 mi) Painted Lady
- (5.56 mi) Tina's
- (5.53 mi) Red Hills Market