Willamette Valley
United States
Pinot Noir is the grape that put Oregon on the wine map when Eyrie Vineyards beat the French at the 1979 Wine Olympics. The 180km Willamette basin runs between the coast and the Cascades, I-5 and 99W threading past vineyards, hop yards, winding rivers, and bubbling hot springs from Portland to Eugene.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Portland
Gateway to Oregon wine country. Powell's Books, food cart pods, and the Willamette waterfront before heading south on Highway 99W.
- Newberg
First wine town south of Portland in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Rex Hill and Adelsheim pour excellent Pinot within walking distance of each other.
- Dundee
The Dundee Hills AVA is Oregon's most celebrated Pinot Noir terroir. Eyrie Vineyards, which beat Burgundy at the 1979 Wine Olympics, is rooted here.
- McMinnville
Capital of the Willamette wine trade and home of the International Pinot Noir Celebration. Third Street's wine bars punch far above a town of 35,000.
- Salem
Oregon's capital, with the Eola-Amity Hills AVA just west, where Pinot Noir vines planted in 1971 grow on ancient marine sediment soils.
- Corvallis
Oregon State University town on the Willamette River, ringed by Pinot Gris and Chardonnay vineyards in the rolling Benton Hills.
- Eugene
The valley's southern terminus and Oregon's college town. Pre's Trail runs along the Willamette River; the Saturday Market fills downtown on weekends.
Where to Eat
- Red Hills MarketFarm-to-Table
Offers wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes using local ingredients in a casual setting.
- Crescent CaféAmerican Breakfast
Known for hearty breakfasts and homemade pastries in a cozy atmosphere.
- King Estate Winery RestaurantNorthwest Cuisine
Serves gourmet dishes paired with estate wines, emphasizing organic and local produce.
Things to Do
- Evergreen Aviation & Space MuseumMuseum
Features a vast collection of aircraft and space artifacts, including the Spruce Goose.
- Silver Falls State ParkState Park
Offers scenic hiking trails with stunning waterfalls, including the famous South Falls.
- Oregon GardenBotanical Garden
Showcases diverse plant collections across 80 acres, with themed gardens and walking paths.