Marina Martinez-Bateman

Marina Martinez-Bateman (they/them) is an equity and communications consultant and ghost tour guide who moved to Portland in 2014. Read More

The Willamette Valley (pronounced will-AM-met), is the most populated valley in Oregon and is home to all five of the state’s largest cities. It stretches from Portland at its northernmost point, 150 miles (241 km) along the Willamette River just south of Eugene.

Go car-free and indulge in one of many guided wine tours throughout the valley. According to the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, the valley is “one of the premier pinot noir producing areas in the world” because the Coast range to the west and the Cascade range to the east ensure the grapes neither freeze in the coastal winds nor burn in the high-desert sun.

Small-town charm abounds throughout this pastoral landscape. Step into Europe without ever leaving American shores in Mt. Angel, whose culture was established by a Swiss monk and Bavarian immigrants. Explore Oregon’s “Garden City,” Silverton, or walk through the covered-bridge capital of the West in Cottage Grove.

History of the Willamette Valley

There’s a myth that the word Willamette originally meant “the valley of sickness and death,” an odd phrase for this impressively fertile and abundant valley, which tens of thousands of indigenous people used for agriculture, fishing and hunting before colonization.

After their journey from the west on the Oregon Trail, colonizers landed in the valley to file land claims, when Oregon City became the first incorporated city west of the Rocky Mountains. It’s much more likely that Willamette is the colonized pronunciation of “Willamt,” meaning “still water,” and describing a river spot near Oregon City. The Kalapuya, Molalla, and Chinook people settled the Willamette Valley some 10,000 years ago and still call the area home today.

Oregon Wines in the Willamette Valley

Pinot noir originated in Burgundy, but it thrives in the Willamette Valley due to its climatic similarities; in fact, the difference in taste is marginal. It can be found in rosé, but it’s best known for the acidic, darkly fruity and sometimes even umami reds it can create. There are more than 500 distinct wineries in the Willamette Valley, and while a lot of them grow pinot noir, they also produce pinot gris, pinot noir blanc, chardonnay, riesling and many others.

The state is home to over 20 federally recognized grape growing areas known as American Viticulture Areas, or AVAs. In true Oregonian small-business fashion, more than 70% of our wineries produce fewer than 5,000 cases yearly, so get them before they’re gone!

Credit: Aaron Lee, Travel Portland

Willamette Valley Wines and Where to Get Them

Abbey Creek Wines

More than a winery, Oregon’s first Black-owned vineyard does things their way. Located in the Northern Valley, the Crick, as the owner lovingly calls it, bursts with cozy vibes, communal meals, hip-hop trivia and more. Founder Bertony Faustin states that the most important thing about being Oregon’s first Black winemaker is that he won’t be the last. Learn more about his story with Red, White, and Black, a documentary about Abbey Creek’s journey, available for paid streaming on their website. 

Beaux Frères

The pinot here gets name-checked on many a list of Oregon’s best. While this winery on the picturesque Ribbon Ridge in the Chehalem Mountains doesn’t take walk-ins, you can pay ahead for a tasting with their friendly and knowledgeable staff. Or, better yet, attend one of their dreamy food events throughout the year, like summer dinners in the vineyard.

Brooks Wine

Nestled in the Eola-Amity Hills region, Brooks is a favorite with awards committees and wine connoisseurs. It has been on the Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries list three times as an exceptional example of the area. Deep leather chairs in the tasting room beckon the weary traveler, while the views from the open-air deck are not only entrancing but dog-friendly. Last but never least, don’t pass on a healthy glass of vino by the fire pit, a favorite for summer nights in the vineyard.

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Credit: Josh Chang

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Carlton Winemakers Studio

Come for the charcuterie vending machine, and stay for the Northwest’s first alternating proprietorship and LEED-certified winery. The company employs more than 15 vintners working together at a facility so eco-friendly that the tasting room is designed to use natural sunlight first before deploying any electricity. This is an excellent opportunity to taste some of the smallest wine producers in the state, like 00 and Ridgecrest.

Raptor Ridge

With a focus on inclusivity in the tasting room and cellar, guests at the Raptor Ridge Estate Winery enjoy interesting wines in a comfortable setting. As pictured, the tasting room offers a view that fittingly accompanies the wine in beauty and depth. Open daily, offering wine and small plates along with a robust event schedule that includes yoga, live music and opportunities to learn, this winery has a little something for everyone.

Credit: Andrea Johnson Photography, Travel Portland

Two Towns Cider

Wine’s autumnal sibling, cider, is another bountiful artisanal product of the Willamette Valley. A trip would not be complete without Two Towns, one of the most successful examples of the cider revival. Made by hometown boys Lee Larsen and Aaron Sarnoff-Wood, their extensive offerings range from specialty apple brandies to iconic cosmic crisp ciders and more made only with local ingredients.

Getting Outdoors in the Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is also an excellent spot for outdoor sports and recreation — great for folks who aren’t into wine or anyone ready for a break from all the food and drink. Camping, rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are all popular activities depending on the weather. With 18 state parks in the valley, there’s no shortage of nature to explore, including well-maintained trails and beautiful flowing rivers, streams and creeks.

Outdoor Excursions in the Region

Enjoy the fresh air and see the sights.

Explore the region

Portland Aerial Tours

Aerial tours give you a bird’s-eye view of Portland and the surrounding region.

Waterfalls Near Portland

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls line the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. But these cascading natural wonders are even closer to Portland from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountain Range.

Hikes in and Near Portland

With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers — explore the city’s urban walks, verdant parks and lush gardens, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

Make a Splash in the Willamette River

When summertime heats up in Portland, cooling off is as easy as heading to one of the city's many riverfront beaches or docks for a refreshing dip or getting the gear for water sports such as kayaking, or SUP.

Kayaking in and Around Portland

When the weather heats up, folks flock to the water. For paddlers, that typically means hitting one the many rivers in and near Portland.

Whitewater Rafting Near Portland

Conquer rapids, spot wildlife and experience nature in a new way at these favorite spots for whitewater rafting near Portland.

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, you can spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites — from rustic tent camping to cabins and yurts — all located within an easy drive from the city.

Fishing Near Portland

These four waterways — all less than an hour away from Portland — provide the perfect setting for your next fish tale.