Top Photo: The sun setting behind our parking space at Eola Hills Legacy Vineyard.
Our mini road trip began outside of Salem at Eola Hills Vineyard, followed by two more wineries, a brewery, & a county park. Willamette Valley is home to approximately 700 wineries
The Willamette Valley runs from Portland to Eugene, Oregon, with the Cascade Mountains to the east, the Coast Range to the west, and Calappooya Mountains to the south. This valley is more than 100 miles long and about 60 miles wide at its widest point. Pinot Noir is the primary grape planted and produces some of the best Pinot Noir wines globally. Approximately 70% of Oregon's population lives within the Willamette Valley.
Overnight Parking - Participating HarvestHosts.com members: no facilities provided, must have a self-contained RV & an active Harvest Hosts membership for an overnight visit:
- May 15th-16th — Eola Hills Legacy Vineyard near Salem, OR
- May 18th-19th — Emerson Vineyards near Monmouth, OR
- May 19th-20th — Deluxe Brewing, Albany, OR
- May 20th-21st — Redgate Winery near Independence, OR
Armitage County Park - County Park Park, near Eugene, OR: Site #30 (37 RV sites total) - This site has: full hookups. Campground Notes: flush toilets • showers • river access • trails from campground • 415’ elevation. July 16th- 18th.
Previous Visits to Armitage: 2021 & 2016Overall Experience for all the Above:
Eola Hills Legacy Vineyard
Armitage County Park
Emerson Vineyards
Deluxe Brewing
Redgate Winery
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The Willamette Valley: Oregon's Premier Wine Country
The Willamette Valley in Oregon has rapidly emerged as one of the premier wine regions in the United States. In an amazingly short time, this area has grown into a wine region known for its high-quality varietals, especially its world-renowned Pinot Noirs. [1]
The Willamette Valley is now home to over 700 wineries, up from just 400 just 9 years ago. [1][2] This makes it the third largest wine region in the country after California and Washington. [1] But the Willamette Valley is not just about quantity - it is renowned for the exceptional quality of its wines, particularly its Pinot Noirs which are considered among the finest in the U.S. [1][3]
The region's success is due in large part to its ideal growing conditions. The Willamette Valley has a cool, wet climate that is well-suited for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The long, cool growing season allows the grapes to develop complex flavors and aromas. sup>[4] Winemakers in the region have also developed expertise in cultivating and vinifying Pinot Noir to bring out its best qualities. [3]
Beyond its world-class wines, the Willamette Valley is also becoming a popular tourist destination. The region boasts over 700 wineries, many of which offer tasting rooms, tours, and other visitor experiences. [2][5] Visitors can enjoy not just wine tastings, but also dining, hiking, and other activities in the beautiful natural setting of the Willamette Valley. [6][7]
The Willamette Valley is truly a gem of Oregon's wine country. With its exceptional Pinot Noirs, growing number of wineries, and picturesque landscapes, it is a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast. As the region continues to evolve, the Willamette Valley is poised to cement its status as one of the premier wine regions not just in the U.S., but in the world. [1][8]
- Oregon's Willamette Valley Wine Industry Aims To Become A Year
- 10 Beautiful Wineries in Oregon Wine Country - the Willamette Valley
- History of Oregon Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley Vineyards
- Understanding Oregon Pinot Noir Country - Food & Wine
- Welcome to the Willamette Valley: Oregon Wine Country
- Visit-Worthy Vineyards in Oregon's Willamette Valley - Food & Wine
- The Most Interesting Wine Scene in the US Is in Oregon's Willamette
- Willamette Valley AVA Turns 40: The Spots Moving the Wine Region
