Willamette Valley

Western Oregon, a broad fertile valley running between the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains, around Portland and Salem.

Cool, wet winters and dry summers; the valley's maritime climate suits Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Willamette Valley, in western Oregon, is the New World's Burgundy. Its rainswept, cool-climate valleys produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of purity and perfume that are the most elegant in America, and its pioneer winemakers are now legends.

The 1979 Drouhin tasting and the region's stunning 2005 Pinots put Oregon on the global map, and today its best vineyards command commensurate prices.

For the buyer, Willamette offers supple, perfumed Pinot Noir and world-class Chardonnay - perfect for food pairing and enjoyment now or after years of cellaring.

Terroir & Soil

Ancient volcanic soils and hillside slopes, with great diurnal swings and long hang time for early-ripening varieties.

What to Expect from the Wines

· Willamette Valley is America's coolest great Pinot Noir region - its signature is finesse, perfume and bright acidity.
· Its Chardonnay has a Burgundian purity and texture that has earned cult status.
· The region's small family-owned wineries are American Pinot royalty.

Remarkable Bottles from Willamette Valley

Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley · 2024 (representative vintage)

Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir is an red wine from United States, in the Willamette Valley region (Western Oregon, a broad fertile valley running between the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains, around Portland and Salem.), made principally from Pinot Noir. Burgundy's Drouhin family planted here in 1987 — proof that Oregon Pinot could rival the Old World.

$45–$70 est. retail

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley · 2024 (representative vintage)

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is an red wine from United States, in the Willamette Valley region (Western Oregon, a broad fertile valley running between the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains, around Portland and Salem.), made principally from Pinot Noir. a house-style Willamette Valley pinot noir that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Willamette Valley Chardonnay

Willamette Valley · 2024 (representative vintage)

Willamette Valley Chardonnay is an white wine from United States, in the Willamette Valley region (Western Oregon, a broad fertile valley running between the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains, around Portland and Salem.), made principally from Chardonnay. a house-style Willamette Valley chardonnay that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Willamette Valley Pinot Grigio

Willamette Valley · 2024 (representative vintage)

Willamette Valley Pinot Grigio is an white wine from United States, in the Willamette Valley region (Western Oregon, a broad fertile valley running between the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains, around Portland and Salem.), made principally from Pinot Grigio. a house-style Willamette Valley pinot grigio that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Willamette Valley Melon de Bourgogne

Willamette Valley · 2024 (representative vintage)

Willamette Valley Melon de Bourgogne is an white wine from United States, in the Willamette Valley region (Western Oregon, a broad fertile valley running between the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains, around Portland and Salem.), made principally from Melon de Bourgogne. a house-style Willamette Valley melon de bourgogne that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Willamette Valley Shiraz

Willamette Valley · 2024 (representative vintage)

Willamette Valley Shiraz is an red wine from United States, in the Willamette Valley region (Western Oregon, a broad fertile valley running between the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains, around Portland and Salem.), made principally from Shiraz. a house-style Willamette Valley shiraz that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Food Pairing

· Willamette Pinot pairs beautifully with duck, salmon and mushroom dishes.
· Chardonnay is superb with roasted chicken, creamy pasta and seafood.
· The bright red acidity makes it a great match for charcuterie.

Buying from Willamette Valley

› Look for single-vineyard Pinot from the region's famed AVAs - Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity and Chehalem.
› Chardonnay from the region's top producers is a serious young Burgundy alternative.
› The region rewards patient buying: several bottlings shine after 5-10 years.