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An Oregon Sommelier Maps the Best Tasting Rooms in Willamette Valley

A local expert reveals where pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling truly shine in Oregon’s premier wine region.

Over the last 15 years, Oregon’s winemaking region has grown exponentially. The verdant, agriculturally-focused area known as the Willamette Valley is now home to over 700 wineries and more than 800 vineyards—and new labels, brands and tasting rooms are still launching left and right. The rapid growth has been a boon for the community, a tight-knit group that’s still largely composed of locals or second-generation winemakers, who view the rising tide as a lift for all boats. But the influx has also made it harder for visitors to decide exactly where to taste wine when they’re visiting the valley without any local knowledge. Even as someone who grew up in McMinnville, Oregon, which is at the heart of the valley, I have a hard time figuring out where to focus my attention when I’m back home and want to see what’s new in the region. 

To break through the noise, I spoke with Elaine Kim, a local expert with 20 years in the industry, and her team to get her recommendations on the best places for visitors to find outstanding hospitality, excellent wine and a sense of what Willamette has to offer. The primary varietals the region is known for are pinot noir and chardonnay, and an emphasis on traditional method sparkling wine is a burgeoning movement, as well. A resident of the Willamette Valley since 2017, Kim is currently the wine director at Jory, the James Beard-nominated restaurant located at Allison Inn & Spa Resort. She curates the property’s extensive 500-label wine list with a heavy focus on local producers. Kim, and Jory sommeliers Jordan Haro and Tim Holst, all chimed in with picks for vineyards and tasting rooms to visit on your next trip to Oregon wine country.

The Best Tasting Rooms in Willamette Valley

Bethel Heights Vineyard

10880 NE Mineral Springs Rd, Carlton, OR 97111

Mineral Springs Ranch is a 250-acre biodynamic farm that houses the Soter Vineyards and tasting room, plus fruit and vegetable plots, animal husbandry, and so much more. Known for their expressive versions of the region’s signature pinot noir and chardonnay, this producer was also a pioneer in the traditional method sparkling wine trend that’s recently taken hold. “I love their sparkling wines, specifically,” Kim says. “They have a brut rosé that was one of the first in the valley. It dates back at least 25 years, if not more. They were part of the earliest wave of producers to start making really excellent traditional method sparkling wine in Oregon.”That sparkling rosé is the welcome drink for visitors who book the Provisions Experience, a paired lunch tasting that has upped the ante for food tastings in the area with its........

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