WILLAMETTE VALLEY AVA
Forget what you think you know about wine regions...the Willamette Valley is the real MVP of cool-climate wine, and it's basically the chill younger sibling to Burgundy. This is where Oregon's signature Pinot Noir gets its groove on, but don't sleep on the awesome Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. You'll find a patchwork of unique sub-regions here, each with its own special vibe and terroir that makes every sip a new adventure.
Sub AVAs: Chehalem Mountains AVA, Laurelwood District AVA, Ribbon Ridge AVA, Dundee Hills AVA, Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Lower Long Tom AVA, McMinnville AVA, Mount Pisgah Polk County AVA, Tualatin Hills AVA, Van Duzer Corridor AVA, Yamhill-Carlton AVA
CHEHALEM MOUNTAINS AVA
This large, elevated region has a variety of soil types, including volcanic, sedimentary, and loess (wind-blown) soils, which lead to diverse expressions of Pinot Noir. This AVA also contains two smaller AVAs: Laurelwood District AVA & Ribbon Ridge AVA
RIBBON RIDGE AVA
The smallest AVA in the Willamette Valley, it's defined by its uniform, marine sedimentary soils. Its sheltered location makes its wines elegant and concentrated.
EOLA-AMITY HILLS AVA
Defined by its volcanic basalt soils and a unique "wind tunnel" from the Van Duzer Corridor, this AVA has a cooler climate that helps grapes retain acidity. Wines from here are known for their bright, vibrant flavors and firm structure.
MCMINNVILLE AVA
Shielded from rainfall by the Coast Range, this AVA has shallow, sedimentary soils. The wines, particularly Pinot Noir, are known for their deep flavor and rustic tannins.
TUALATIN HILLS AVA
This AVA in the northwestern corner of the valley has a slightly cooler, drier climate and is known for its volcanic Laurelwood soils. It's home to some of the oldest vineyards in the region.
YAMHILL-CARLTON AVA
This region is known for its ancient, well-draining marine sedimentary soils. Its Pinot Noir is often characterized by rich, dark fruit flavors and fine-grained tannins.
LAURELWOOD DISTRICT AV
Known for its unique Laurelwood soil, which is a mix of volcanic basalt and wind-blown loess.
DUNDEE HILLS AVA
As the first area in the Willamette Valley to have grapes planted, this region is famous for its classic volcanic Jory soils. This is where you'll find some of Oregon's most iconic Pinot Noir, often with notes of red fruit and an elegant structure.
LOWER LONG TOM AVA
This is the southernmost AVA within the Willamette Valley. Its marine sedimentary soils and east-to-west ridgelines make it ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
MOUNT PISGAH AVA
One of the newest AVAs, it's situated on a formerly submerged volcano. Its marine sedimentary soils and a mild, consistent climate make it suitable for a variety of grapes.
VAN DUZER CORRIDOR AVA
This AVA gets its name from a low-elevation gap in the Coast Range that funnels cool winds into the valley. These winds lead to grapes with thicker skins, resulting in wines with deeper color and more pronounced flavors.