The Willamette Valley features more than 700 wineries and 11 distinct AVAs, making it a unique wine-tasting destination. Preferences vary; some desire scenic views, while others seek high-quality pinot noir or new varietals. Notable winemakers and sommeliers provide insights into the local wines. Pinot noir is central to the valley's reputation. Eyrie Vineyards is highlighted as a key tasting location where visitors can experience historical vines, including some of the region's first plantings from the 1960s, expertly managed by David Lett's son, Jason Lett.
In many ways, pinot noir created the Willamette Valley as we know it. It's a bit of a goldilocks grape: Delicate and fussy, it needs enough sun to ripen, but too much and it becomes Smucker's saccharine.
Still, the valley is absolutely flooded with exceptional winemakers making subtle, sophisticated pinot noir. For a taste of some trailblazing vines, begin at the Eyrie Vineyards' McMinnville tasting room.
David Lett planted some of the Willamette Valley's first pinot noir (and pinot gris) back in the mid-1960s, on the slopes of the Dundee Hills.
Reserve a spot at the old-school tasting room to encounter pinots from those original plantings and, if you're lucky, a few bonus pours from the cellar.
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