Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
A three-glass tasting of Oregon Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, the cool-climate wine country 30 miles south of Portland that the world watches.
The Willamette Valley's modern wine industry traces to 1965 when David Lett (Eyrie Vineyards) planted Pinot Noir in Dundee Hills. By 1979, Lett's South Block won fourth place at the Gault-Millau French Olympics in Paris, tying with Joseph Drouhin's Chambolle-Musigny; Drouhin bought land in Oregon two years later. The Willamette Valley AVA was granted in 1983 and now contains seven sub-AVAs. Portland wine bars (OK Omens, Ava Gene's, Olympia Provisions) all run heavy Willamette Pinot programmes by the glass. Bring a designated driver if you head south on 99W; the cellars are 30 to 45 minutes from downtown.
3 editor picks for Willamette Valley Pinot Noir flight in Portland, ranked by editorial score. All Portland signature dishes · Willamette Valley Pinot Noir flight across every city.
The naturally focused wine room next door to the former Castagna space on SE Hawthorne in Portland, chef Justin Woodward's food, Willamette growers.
TipThe bar takes walk-ins; the dining room reserves on Resy. By-the-glass list rotates weekly.
The bar at Ava Gene's on SE Division in Portland, focused on Italian regional pours and Willamette Valley wines, with full kitchen access for walk-ins.
TipOrder the antipasti as a snack with two glasses of wine; the kitchen will plate a smaller portion.
The Olympia Provisions bar in SE Portland, with European wines by the glass paired to house-cured charcuterie boards and choucroute royale. Family-friendly.
TipWalk-in seating at the bar. The charcuterie board with two glasses is the editorial pick.
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir flight makes more sense with someone from Portland explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Day trip · 7 hours
Discover the Willamette Valley on a guided wine tour from Portland. Visit 3 wineries, taste Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and enjoy a locally sourced charcuterie lunch.
Guided tour · 8 hours
The best Oregon wine tour visiting 3 select vineyards with a planned lunch stop. Explore the Willamette Valley with industry insiders as you sip and taste different re...
Day trip · 7.5 hours
Savor the flavors of Willamette Valley wine country on a full-day tour in northwest Oregon. Explore the scenic beauty of the valley, taste local wines, and enjoy a del...