Where To Stay (and taste) In Oregon Wine Country
Time to read: 3-5 minutes
If you’re interested in exploring Pacific Northwest wine country, there’s no better place to start your journey than by checking out Oregon. Oregon has four major wine growing regions, all of which are just a short trip from Portland.
Before you rush to buy your tickets, it’s worth it to know where to stay in Oregon wine country and what to expect from each region to make sure you have the best experience possible. Often the most stressful part of vacation can be researching where to put your dollar.
Now, let’s break down the best spots to drink wine and rest your head. I’ll even give you a hint right now: you don’t have to love Pinot noir to love Oregon’s wine country!
Where To Stay In Oregon Wine Country-Based On Region
It’s Pronounced Willamette-Dammit!
If you read my post on Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, then you got the broad strokes on everything Oregon’s infamous Willamette Valley has to offer. Despite its size, you can easily experience multiple unique subregions in a single weekend – and eat your heart out – all while keeping your hotel bookings to a minimum.
At the time of this post, the Willamette boasts 11 subregions. Each region has their own signature soil composition and winemaking style, with exquisite restaurants laced between them.
Two of the most notable regions to spend your day are the Dundee Hills and the Chehalem Mountains. Both regions offer excellent quality Pinot noir and numerous comfortable options for accommodations.
Where To Stay In The Willamette Valley Wine Country
The Dundee Hills
Home to the first grapes planted in the Willamette Valley, the Dundee Hills have earned the reputation for producing some of the highest quality Pinot noir the United States has to offer. In addition to boasting over 40 wineries and numerous additional tasting rooms, the Dundee Hills is also home to some of the best restaurants in the Valley.
When searching for where to stay in the Willamette Valley wine country, a weekend spent here will make it easy to taste award-winning Pinot noirs from history-making wineries. With exceptional restaurants just a stone’s-throw away, this is my favorite spot to be when I’m craving Pinot.
Where to Stay: The Allison Inn & Spa, The Dundee Hotel
Where to Taste: Argyle Winery, Torii Mor, Evening Land
Where to Eat: Trellis, Red Hills Market
Chehalem Mountains
This region is essentially one giant uplifted land mass featuring diverse soil composition and the Valley’s tallest peak, Bald Peak.
Due to its high elevation and soil diversity, this region features outstanding views and smaller subregions (including Ribbon Ridge and the Laurelwood District), each with unique terroir and flavor profiles.
Where to Stay: Atticus Hotel, The Vintages Trailer Resort, The Setting Inn Willamette Valley
Where to Taste: Adelsheim Vineyard, Trisaetum, Chehalem Winery
Where to Eat: Chehalem Valley Brewing, Thai the Knot
It’s Not All Pinot In Oregon Wine Country
Now, I love Pinot as much as the next wine, but sometimes I crave something a little on the bolder side. If you’re feeling like me, then there is luckily a wine region – or several – for you in Oregon.
There are three large wine regions – outside of the Willamette Valley – that each offer unique varietals and scenery. Those regions are Southern Oregon, the Columbia Valley, and the Snake River Valley.
Each of these regions has smaller regions within them, and each region offers a diverse selection of high-quality wines at approachable price points.
Southern Oregon
South of the Willamette we have the up-and-coming region of Southern Oregon. Expect a more eclectic selection of wines such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier, and more.
One reason I love visiting this region is because of its outstanding scenery. You won’t be far from the coast if you head this direction, and the vibrant greenery and rolling hilltops are sure to make for a pretty gorgeous wine tasting experience.
Where to Stay: Bell Sister Flats, Hummingbird Estate
Where to Taste: Abacela Winery, Del Rio Vineyards, Red Lily Vineyards
Where to Eat: Rosario’s Italian Restaurant, Brix Grill
Fun fact: even if you don’t make a trip this far south, many winemakers in the Willamette Valley like to break out of their routine and offer guests non-Pinot wines made from grapes in this region. For example, Penner-Ash makes an exceptional Syrah made with grapes from the Rogue Valley and the Columbia Gorge.
The Columbia Valley
60 miles east of Portland we have the Columbia Valley which mostly encompasses Washington state. However, there is a small strip that lies on Oregon’s side of the border.
Most notably the Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla Valley feature more signature bold reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and white such as Chardonnay and Viognier.
Visiting this region allows you to experience the nuanced differences between Washington and Oregon. Due to Oregon’s elevation, you can expect wines with slightly higher acidity. I encourage you to try wines on both sides of the border if you make it this way, and see if you can tell the difference.
Where to Stay: The Society Hotel Hood River, Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa
Where to Taste: Cathedral Ridge Winery, Mt. Hood Winery
Where to Eat: pFriem Brewery, Boda’s Kitchen
The Snake River Valley
This region stretches from eastern Oregon to southwestern Idaho and features exceptional growing conditions. With similar weather to eastern Washington, the highly-fluctuating temperatures between night and day make for bold and richly flavored wines.
Expect to find high-quality Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling, among others.
Where to Stay: The Ison House Bed & Brew, Blue Door Inn Baker City
Where to Taste: Copper Belt Wines
Where to Eat: El Erradero, AJ’s Corner Brick Bar & Grill
Where To Stay in Oregon Wine Country- Final Thoughts
No matter where you choose to book your stay in Oregon’s wine country, you are guaranteed to have a memorable and thirst-quenching experience.
Even if you can’t make it to a region on your list, you can likely still experience a small taste of what that terroir has to offer. Just check out the local wine shops or a restaurant’s wine list and pick out something that you’re curious about.
Where To Stay In Oregon Wine Country FAQ
What is the best wine region in Oregon?
The Willamette Valley.
Despite its size, you can easily experience multiple unique subregions in a single weekend – and eat your heart out – all while keeping your hotel bookings to a minimum.
Each of the 11 subregions has their own signature soil composition and winemaking style, with exquisite restaurants laced between them.
What town in Oregon has the most wineries?
Willamette Valley boasts over 500 wineries, and is the place to be if you are into all things wine, including amazing restaurants, wine hikes and bike trails. The region is especially known for its excellent Pinot noir.
What is the best town to stay in Willamette Valley?
Dundee Hills region.
Home to the first grapes planted in the Willamette Valley, the Dundee Hills have earned the reputation for producing some of the highest quality Pinot noir the United States has to offer. In addition to its over 40 wineries and numerous additional tasting rooms, the Dundee Hills is also home to some of the best restaurants in the Valley.
A weekend spent here will make it easy to taste award-winning Pinot noirs from history-making wineries. With exceptional restaurants just a stone’s-throw away, this is my favorite spot to be when I’m craving Pinot.
What is the best time of year to visit Oregon wine country?
Harvest season is in Sept/October and can make the tasting rooms overcrowded (and the heat waves are extreme).
December – February is the best time to stay. While tasting hours are more limited, the winemakers and vineyard owners are more often the ones to pour your tastes.
