Oregon Wine: The Rise of the Pacific Northwest
In just over a decade or so, the wines of Oregon have become some of the hottest, most in-demand, and beloved in the entire country. From the great Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that are making such a splash on wine lists across the United States to lesser-known but equally delicious examples of Pinot Gris, Riesling, and more, Oregon is home to some of the most exciting wines around.
What is Oregon wine?
The wines produced in Oregon represent some of the most interesting in the entire country. And while Oregon wine country may not be nearly as famous as California, its reputation has skyrocketed in recent years, with consumers and sommeliers clamoring for the best of them.
Where does Oregon wine come from?
The Willamette Valley is the main wine-producing region of Oregon, but new appellations are sprouting up around the state. Other Oregon wine regions include the Columbia Valley, the Snake River Valley, and appellations like Rogue Valley and Umqua Valley in Southern Oregon.
What styles of wine is Oregon known for producing?
Oregon Pinot Noir, Oregon Pinot Gris, Oregon Chardonnay, Oregon Riesling, and Oregon Rosé lead the way among the state's top wines, but sparkling wines are increasingly popular, and some producers are crafting wines made from lesser-known grape varieties, too. There's always something new in Oregon’s wine country.
What are the best Oregon wines?
And what are popular brands of Oregon wine? There are too many to count, but among the best of them are Samuel Robert Winery; Conscious Pinot Noir; Domaine Loubejac; Domaine Drouhin; Elouan; Penner Ash; Adelsheim; Four Graces; Elk Cove; Rex Hill; Coelho; Erath; A to Z; Josh Cellars; King Estate; the wines of winemaker Joe Wagner, for example Willametter Journal Pinot Noir; Kudos Winery; and La Crema.
Where is the wine region in Oregon?
There are four main wine regions in Oregon. The main one, the Willamette Valley (pronounced will-AH-met), is in the northwestern part of the state. The Columbia Valley is in the north-central part of the state, the Southern Oregon appellations are in the southwestern part of the state, and the Snake River Valley is in the east.
What is there to do in wine country Oregon?
Oregon wine country is increasingly exciting for visitors to experience. Wineries have expanded their tasting rooms and dining options, fantastic hotels and bed and breakfasts can be found all over the place, and even in many of the cities and towns themselves, wine producers have tasting rooms set up.
What wine is Oregon known for?
Oregon is most famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but other wine, made from grapes like Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and more are also excellent.
What state produces the most wine?
California produces significantly more wine than any other state in the country. According to recent statistics, Oregon is the fifth largest producer of wine in the United States, but its reputation is far greater than its production numbers can ever account for.
Where is the best Pinot Noir from?
The most prestigious Pinot Noir in the world is generally agreed to come from Burgundy, France. However, Oregon is increasingly important on the world Pinot stage. So much so, in fact, that some French brands have purchased wineries and land in Oregon, including, most famously, Drouhin, one of the grand old families of Burgundy whose wines in Oregon are considered to be particularly refined and delicious.
What is the best Pinot Noir from Oregon?
Narrowing it down to a single producer is impossible, but the Pinot Noirs from Penner Ash, Bergstrom, Adelsheim, and Domaine Drouhin are certainly among the top examples. Your best bet is to taste as broadly as possible to discover your own favorite Oregon Pinot Noir.
Browse our full selection of Oregon wine online or check out our selection of highly-rated Oregon wine for a great new Oregon wine to try this week!
Want to learn more about Oregon wine?
Visit our Guide to Oregon wine to learn more about Oregon wine.
