When you think of wine country, does Oregon’s Willamette Valley come to mind? The Willamette Valley—famous for their world-class Pinot Noir—has some of the most beautiful vineyards and top wineries in the Pacific Northwest. In the heart of the valley, Salem, Oregon is central to unique wine-tasting experiences that showcase some of the best of Oregon’s wine country. Here’s a look at eleven vineyards and wineries in the Salem area where you can go wine tasting and enjoy some gorgeous Oregon scenery.
Cória Estates
Cória Estates is a Mexican-American family-owned vineyard and winery in the rolling hills of South Salem. The warm, inviting tasting room features stunning views of the vineyards and the Willamette Valley, with an expansive outdoor patio perfect for enjoying their signature Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Riesling, or Chardonnay. They frequently host special events, including live music, food pairings, and cellar tours. For more information, visit their website.
Eola Hills Wine Cellars
Eola Hills Wine Cellars offers two tasting experiences: the Legacy Estate Vineyard and the Wine Cellars Tasting Room. Established in 1986, this pioneering winery is known for their award-winning wines and commitment to sustainability. At Legacy Estate, you can enjoy wine with stunning valley views, while the Rickreall cellars tasting room offers a cozy, welcoming vibe. Both locations host fun events like yoga, live music, and seasonal wine releases. For more information, visit their website.
Cubanisimo Vineyards
Cubanisimo Vineyards is a vibrant winery in West Salem with stunning hilltop views of Cascade Mountains and surrounding vineyards. Known for their exceptional Pinot noir and other varietals, Cubanisimo (which means “very Cuban”) presents rich, bold flavors inspired by the owner’s Cuban heritage. The vineyard often hosts live music and salsa dancing events, adding a lively community twist to the wine-tasting experience. Savor the flavors of the Willamette Valley with a touch of Cuban flair! For more information, visit their website.
Zenith Vineyard
Zenith Vineyard, located in the Eola-Amity Hills, is a top wedding venue and boutique winery known for their exceptional wines. The vineyard—spanning 133 acres—focuses on sustainability and quality, reflected in their small-batch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The elegant tasting room offers panoramic views of their lush vineyard, providing a serene setting to enjoy their wines. For more information, visit their website.
Bryn Mawr Vineyards
Bryn Mawr Vineyards, perched high in the western hills of the Willamette Valley, offers breathtaking views and handcrafted wines that reflect its rugged location. Founded in 2009, this small, family-run vineyard focuses on high-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and unique varietals like Tempranillo and Dolcetto. The intimate tasting room and stunning outdoor patio provide a welcoming space to enjoy wine flights while taking in the valley views. For more information, visit their website.
Bethel Heights Vineyard
Bethel Heights Vineyard is a respected Oregon winery with roots dating back to 1977. The vineyard spans 75 acres and features some of the region’s oldest vines, producing wines known for their complexity and elegance. The tasting room offers a sophisticated and welcoming space, with a peaceful outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy Bethel Heights’ Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For more information, visit their website.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Tasting Room
Founded in 1983, Willamette Valley Vineyards is renowned nationwide for its famous Pinot Noir. The Estate Tasting Room, just south of Salem, offers an elevated tasting experience with indoor and outdoor service, exclusive wines, vineyard history, and stunning views of vine-covered hills. For more information, visit their website.
Stomp by Croft Vineyards
Founded in 1985, Croft Vineyards is known for their exceptional organic wines. The laid-back, family-friendly tasting room (known as “Stomp” by Croft Vineyards), offers beautiful views of the family orchard, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a glass of their wine. Stomp regularly hosts live music events, food trucks, and vineyard tours, reflecting the Croft family’s passion for wine, community, and taking care of the land. For more information, visit their website.
Andante Vineyard
Andante Vineyard is a boutique winery tucked into the foothills of the Willamette Valley, offering a peaceful and intimate wine-tasting experience. Andante focuses on small-batch wines that reflect the unique character of their hillside vineyard. The cozy tasting room and outdoor seating provide vineyard and forest views, perfect for enjoying their standout Pinot noir, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon blanc wines. For more information, visit their website.
Chemeketa Cellars
Chemeketa Cellars is both a winery and an educational center, located at Chemeketa Community College’s Eola campus. It combines hands-on winemaking with academic programs, producing high-quality wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, crafted by students and faculty. The tasting room offers a peaceful setting with panoramic views of the Eola-Amity Hills, and regular events like workshops, wine-tasting flights, and food pairings make it a rich experience for wine lovers and people who love to learn. For more information, visit their website.
Redhawk Vineyard and Winery
Established in 1988, Redhawk Vineyard and Winery is a laid-back spot known for their approachable wines and stunning views of the Willamette Valley and Mt. Hood. The hillside tasting room and outdoor deck are perfect for enjoying wine while taking in the scenery, and the winery hosts events like live music and seasonal wine releases. For more information, visit their website.
Next time you’re looking to go wine tasting in Oregon, consider these beautiful vineyards and wineries around Salem. From breathtaking views of Willamette Valley grapes to expertly crafted wines, each vineyard and winery featured in this guide brings something special to the conversation. Cheers to exploring Oregon’s wine country!
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Oct. 22nd, 2024