The wine lover's guide to the Pacific Northwest

Oregon

When most people think of Oregon's culinary scene, they think of Portland, which is home to many restaurants, tours and spots where you can have a wine tasting. Portland is indeed every foodie's delight, but the surrounding areas around Oregon have much more to offer! 

Oregon's sub-regions have a unique focus on small-yield, sustainable vineyards that typically produce more Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignons. So where else is worth visiting outside of Portland?

Willamette Valley

Willamette Valley has plenty of unique varieties of its own but is best known for its Pinot Noir, and is sometimes referred to as "Oregon's Nappa Valley". The valley is also home to smaller regions, such as Dundee Hills.

Rogue and Umpqua Valleys

Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley are two of the most popular wine regions in southern Oregon. Characterised by its diverse and warm climate, Rogue Valley is an ideal destination for fans of Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Meanwhile, Umpqua Valley is known as Oregon's "cradle of fine wine", and boasts an impressive 50 varieties of wine grown at more than 30 wineries throughout the valley.

he wineries in the Northwest use their offer some uniquely delicious blends and focus on sustainable grape growing. 

Washington

Washington is home to rapidly growing wine regions and is currently the second-largest wine producer in the United States, and wine lovers with a diverse palate will delight in the selection available throughout the state! Most people know Washington for its rugged Pacific Ocean coastline, but it actually has desertous environments that produce wines more commonly associated with more Southern regions like Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. 

Columbia Valley

Columbia Valley is known for its warm sunshine and rolling hills, is the ideal area for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. This is the biggest wine region in Washington, and is even bigger than Denmark! The Columbia Valley also stretches into Oregon and contains the iconic sub-regions Columbia River Gorge, Walla Walla and Horse Heaven Hills (one of Washington's warmest and driest regions). 

Yakima Valley

Yakima Valley is a much smaller region, but is home to over 90 wineries, produces half of the Washington's wine grapes, and is the perfect spot for those looking to have a cosy and friendly wine tasting, as most vineyards are family owned operations. This wine region isn't as popular as some others around Washington, but it is a great place to go for those who love French wine!

Did you know? Washington has over 1,070 wineries and Oregon has more than 900, making the region the second-largest wine producer within the United States after California!