The Ultimate Guest Guide to Oregon’s Willamette Valley Wine Country

Welcome to Oregon’s Willamette Valley—a wine region so rich in flavor, history, and scenery that it has quietly become one of the most celebrated cool-climate wine destinations in the world. If you’re dreaming of vineyard views, Pinot Noir perfection, and warm hospitality, you’re in the right place.

We’re Cascadia Getaways, your future hosts and neighbors in wine country. As proud Oregonians and passionate wine-lovers, we created this guide to help you explore the Willamette Valley like a local—whether you’re a first-time visitor, returning traveler, or planning a wedding or group retreat. Our homes will be available for booking soon in Newberg and across wine country, and we can’t wait to welcome you.


Why Willamette Valley?

Tucked between the Cascade Mountains and the Oregon Coast, the Willamette Valley stretches for over 100 miles and contains more than 700 wineries across 10 sub-appellations (AVAs). Known primarily for its Pinot Noir, this region also produces acclaimed Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and sparkling wines. The valley’s temperate climate, volcanic and marine soils, and passionate winemakers make it one of the most terroir-driven wine regions in North America.

Unlike Napa or Sonoma, Willamette wineries often feel more intimate, rustic, and welcoming. Expect family-run tasting rooms, friendly dogs, and stories from the winemakers themselves. It’s a place that blends small-town charm with world-class wine.

willamette valley vineyard

How to Use This Guide

This guide is built to help you:

  • Choose which wine regions to explore
  • Discover top-rated and insider-favorite wineries
  • Learn local tips from sommeliers, Redditors, and Oregon wine fans
  • Get inspired to stay, sip, and explore with Cascadia Getaways

We’ve organized the guide by AVA (American Viticultural Area) to help you plan your itinerary geographically below to taste the differences or view our complete map. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a week, our goal is to make your visit seamless, unforgettable, and, of course, delicious.

Interactive Map of Willamette Valley Wineries


AVA-by-AVA Wine Guide

Dundee Hills AVA

Why Go: The heart of Oregon Pinot Noir. Dundee’s volcanic Jory soils produce wines known for their elegance and red fruit character.

Top Wineries to Visit:

Local Tip: Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds. Stop in downtown Dundee for a casual bite at Red Hills Market.

Ribbon Ridge AVA

Why Go: Small but mighty. Known for sedimentary soils and concentrated wines.

Top Wineries to Visit:

Local Tip: Bring a picnic—many Ribbon Ridge wineries welcome outside food and the views are worth lingering over.

Yamhill-Carlton AVA

Why Go: West-facing slopes and ancient soils bring structure and spice to Pinot Noir.

Top Wineries to Visit:

Local Tip: Plan a late lunch or early dinner in Carlton, a quaint town with excellent wine bars and a true small-town vibe.

Eola-Amity Hills AVA

Why Go: Cool ocean breezes through the Van Duzer Corridor create wines with vibrant acidity.

Top Wineries to Visit:

Local Tip: This AVA has many by-appointment-only wineries. Book early and leave extra drive time.

McMinnville AVA

Why Go: Elevated vineyards, intense wines, fewer crowds.

Top Wineries to Visit:

Local Tip: Stay for dinner in historic downtown McMinnville. Don’t miss Thistle for hyper-local dining.


Other AVAs to Explore

Note: While some vineyards do not have public tasting rooms, we include them in our full AVA maps and vineyard count (coming soon) for wine lovers and collectors.


Where to Stay: Cascadia Getaways

When our homes open in Newberg and across the valley, you’ll be able to:

  • Wake up in a vineyard-view home
  • Sip coffee steps from your own patio
  • Walk to tastings or short drive to dozens of wineries
  • Enjoy curated in-home wine experiences (coming soon)
  • Stay in family-sized, couple-perfect, or group retreat homes

Our team is Oregon-based, hospitality-driven, and here to help you plan the perfect getaway. Stay tuned for our official opening announcement!


Cheers to Wine Country

Whether you’re a first-time taster or long-time wine aficionado, Oregon’s Willamette Valley offers an unpretentious, world-class experience. We’re so excited to welcome you soon to Cascadia Getaways and share our favorite places to sip, savor, and stay.

From our vineyard-loving hearts to yours—cheers!