For Pinot, go to Willamette Valley, one of North America’s best wine regions
It being harvest season, good wine has been on the minds of many of us. If you’re thinking about a real wine-tasting getaway, you’ve probably already considered Napa Valley and Sonoma, popular spots that rank No. 1 and 2, respectively, on TripAdvisor.com’s recent list of top 10 wine destinations in North America.
But for something more adventurous, head farther north, to Oregon’s wine country. Willamette Valley, which ranks No. 3 on the list released by the user-generated-review site, boasts the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in the state, according to the Oregon Wine Board.
The 150-mile-long valley, sitting between the coastal mountain range and the Cascades, is “a lush rural area” with a “gently curvaceous landscape shaped by volcanic events, then polished by abundant Pacific moisture,” said writer Patrick Comiskey in his article “Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley offers a vintners’ bounty.”
In the region’s 200 or so wineries, many of them small, you can sample wines produced from cool-grape varieties. And if you’re a fan of Pinot Noir? Buy the next cheap ticket you can find to Portland.
“The valley is arguably the finest place in the country to grow Pinot Noir, and in climate and latitude the region most closely resembles Pinot’s ancestral home, Burgundy, France,” Comiskey writes.
If you can’t swing a trip just now, you can sample some of the region’s wares more locally. A list of “Favorite harvest whites and where to find them in L.A.” includes a Pinto Gris from Willamette Valley that you can pick up in Manhattan Beach or Glendale.
But for the beautifully lush landscape, and relaxed Oregonian atmosphere meant to accompany it, you may need to take a rain check.
– Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times
Photo: Pinot Noir grapes in Willamette Valley, Ore. Credit: Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times
9 Comments on “For Pinot, go to Willamette Valley, one of North America’s best wine regions”
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October 13th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Anyone of and recommendations on places to stay, best times to visit, etc. I was thinking of trying to plan something in early Nov.
Thanks
October 13th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Most of the smaller Willamette Valley wineries open up for tours on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which can be a great time to visit.
October 13th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Great Spot in McMinnville is Hotel Oregon. Good location near most of the popular wineries.
http://mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=7&category=Location%20Homepage
October 13th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
A friend & I just went two weeks ago. The wines are amazing and the area is beautiful. We combined our trip with a drive down the southern Oregon coast. Breathtaking! The Saturday market in Eugene is a must do for any foodie and art lover. A trip to be repeated for sure!
October 13th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Get ready for non-stop rain if you plan on visiting in November. Spring is probably your best bet if you’re not too fond of the elements.
October 13th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
For great luxury accommodations, try out the new hotel The Allison, in Newberg, or the intimate Black Walnut Inn, located in Dundee. From either Newberg or Dundee, it’s an easy drive to Dundee’s Redhills area, as well as Carlton and McMinnville. There are plenty of tasting rooms in any of these cities and along the main thoroughfare, 99W. While November is a great time of year, definitely pack for cold weather.
October 15th, 2009 at 7:48 am
The absolute best choice in the Willamette Valley is Youngberg Vineyards and Inn. They have the best views and accomodations. As for the wine you will not find better for your money!
October 16th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Our inn is perfectly situated smack dab in the middle of wine country. Dead center of the Willamette Valley, Albany banks the Willamette and Calpooia Rivers respectively! Stay in Albany at The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn where we serve all that is Oregon in local food and wine!
October 20th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
The Willamette Valley is a special place and we hope to see you all here soon.
There have been some great lodging recommendations listed so far. I would encourage visitors to check out the McMinnville Downtown Association web site at http://www.downtownmcminnville.com. It is filled with lodging and dining options.
Do dress in layers. This is good advise anytime of the year for Oregon. Wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella and a thirst for some of the world’s best Pinot noir.
I am the Director of the new Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center located at 300 NE Third Street in the heart of Oregon Wine Country. We will be opening our doors November 21st and will be your “gateway to Oregon wine”. Please feel free to stop by and our knowledgeable and helpful staff would be happy to personalize your visit to the area. We offer tastings daily from 10am to 7pm and thrive on helping you make the most of your time in the Willamette Valley.
Cheers!