Willamette Valley

With close to 20,000 acres (8,094 hectares) planted to vineyards, this region was established as an AVA in 1983. Over 20 years later, the uniqueness of the different soil, climate and growing areas was firmly established, and six smaller areas were awarded AVA status between 2005 and 2006: Dundee-Hills, Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge, McMinnville, Eola-Amity Hills and Chehalem Mountains. Currently, the number has expanded to 12 AVAs in total.

With top-quality Pinot Noir being grown and produced, the area has gained recognition from top Burgundy producers such as Maison Joseph Drouhin and Louis Jadot, who both purchased land and planted vineyards here. Other cold climate grapes grown are Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. There’s also a sense of place and responsibility here; a little over 50 percent of the vineyards are sustainably farmed.