Willamette Valley, Oregon

Oregon Wines – a worldwide reputation

Located southwest of Portland and north of Ashland, is the Willemette Valley Wine Country – making a name for itself in the wine industry. Oregon has a much cooler climate than California’s wine regions, making it perfect for growing not just Pinot Noir, but also Riesling, Chardonnay and Gamay. The premier wine region within Oregon is the Willamette Valley, which has gained a worldwide reputation for its Pinot Noir wines. Willamette Valley is located along the same latitude as France’s Burgundy region, which is also known for its Pinot Noir. Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley have received much recognition from wine connoisseurs and critics, and Oregon is regarded as one of the premier Pinot-producing regions in the world. See this link why it was the 2016 Wine Region of the year and continues to have rave reviews from Forbes, Wine Specta tor, Wine Enthusiast and win Awards.

Willamette Wine Country — Photo by Olenik Vineyards

The Wines and Wineries of the Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Today Oregon is recognized as one of the world s premier producers of Pinot Noir wines and Chardonnay is thought to be next. Here are the stories behind of some of the valley s most influential and important winemakers. Click here for more info.

Large Contributor to the Oregon Economy

In 2018, the wine industry contributed an estimated $5.6 million to the state economy. This includes winery and grower revenues, wholesale and retail sales of wine, related industries such as trucking and professional services. The state’s land use laws had prevented rural hillsides from being turned into housing tracts, preserving a significant amount of land suitable for vineyards. Oregon law requires wines produced in the state must be identified by the grape variety from which it was made, and for most varietals it must contain at least 90% of that variety. The exceptions to the 90% law are the following varietals: Red and White Bordeaux varietals, Red and White Rhône varietals, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Zinfandel and Tannat. For these wines, they follow the Federal guidelines of 75%.

Oregon Wine Country: This guide to Oregon’s burgeoning wine scene covers the entire state, from the renowned Willamette Valley to the remote Snake River Valley. While Moore and Welsch focus on touring the state’s wineries, they also provide a wide array of dining and lodging options and spotlight unique recreation, attractions, and natural wonders to seek out in your spare time. Click here for more info.

Olenik Vineyards

A San Diego realtor friend I have known for years, Brian Olenik, lost their home in a 2003 San Diego wildfire. After exploring options, they discovered a new beginning for their family in the Willamette Valley and Olenik Vineyards was born. The breathtaking photos on this post are from their family vineyard which focuses on Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Their production of wines are names after their children and grandchildren which is even more special. You can read about their story, their wineyard, join their wine club and order wine on their website www.olenikvineyards.com