Sip Sublime bei Salem
The world has finally discovered the wonders of Willamette Valley wine country.
In fact, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Oregon’s Willamette Valley as the 2016 Wine Region of the Year – solidifying what residents and visitors alike have appreciated about the area for years: world-class wines coupled with breathtaking scenery; friendly winemakers eager to share their stories; and a very laid-back vibe.
Discover all of this and more by visiting one or more of the dozens of wineries within a ½-hour (or less) driving distance from downtown Salem.
West of Salem
Head west of Salem for stunning hillside views and small clusters of boutique wineries. At Left Coast Estate, discover outstanding wines including their popular white Pinot noir and Queen Bee Bubbly, a sparkling rosé using honey produced by their estate honeybees. Head towards Dallas and stop at Andante Vineyard, a 15-acre estate vineyard located adjacent to Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. At nearby Van Duzer Vineyards, you’ll find gorgeous hilltop views, a lovely outdoor patio and expressive wines.
East of Salem
East of Salem, you’ll find 15 small, family-owned wineries that make up the Cascade Foothills Winegrowers Association. Be sure to stop at nearby Hanson Vineyards, a welcoming, family-owned winery that produces 100% estate grown wines. At the north end of Silverton sits Vitis Ridge Winery, a boutique winery owned and operated by Chris & Sharon Deckelmann, whom you’re likely to find in the tasting room, sharing their stories and wine knowledge with guests. Just south of Silverton, enjoy tastings in the vintage-inspired Red Barn Tasting room at Pudding River Wine Cellars.
South of Salem
Just a few short miles south of downtown Salem sits one of Oregon’s most iconic wineries, Willamette Valley Vineyards. Founded in 1983 by vintner Jim Bernau, this winery offers outstanding hospitality and breathtaking views along with award-winning wines that pair perfectly with tasty bites prepared on-site. A stone’s throw from Willamette Valley Vineyards is St. Innocent Winery, where winemaker Mark Vlossak’s wines reflect balance and that special “sense of place.” Also located nearby is Coria Estates, one of Oregon’s Latinx-owned wineries, with breathtaking 360-degree views of their vineyards and the Willamette Valley.
North of Salem
Near Woodburn sits Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm & Vineyards. World famous for its annual Tulip Festival each spring, this farm features classic Willamette Valley varietals like Pinot gris, along with more unusual wines, including Albarino, Marechal Foch and a sweet Tempranillo. At Lady Hill Winery in St. Paul, stretch out on the 1,500-acre farm and taste current releases as well as exquisite library wines. Enjoy wines paired perfectly with fresh creations by Chef Vance Wilson on a lovely patio setting at Aurora Colony Vineyards.
For more wine stops in the Mid-Willamette Valley, check out “Eight Willamette Valley Wineries with a View.”