How to Visit Oregon's Pinot Noir Country

Oregon has a long wine making history. Begun in the mid-19th century, the industry was jump-started in the 1960's by a handful of Pinot Noir growers in the state's Willamette Valley. Today, Oregon's Pinot Noirs are regarded among the best in the world and the state boasts over 8000 acres of vineyards devoted to the grape. Sampling this full-bodied, fruit-forward wine is one of the highlights of any visit to Oregon.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the Willamette Valley. The Willamette Valley, Oregon's premier region for growing Pinot Noir grapes, follows the Willamette River from the Columbia River in the North to the town of Eugene in the South. This narrow stretch of land is home to over 200 wineries, most of which welcome visitors to sample their wines in tasting rooms.

2. Tour the Columbia Valley. This wine region, which encompasses much of the Columbia River plateau in the central and southern Oregon, is the state's largest wine region. This region has a drier climate than the Willamette Valley, but the wineries here still produce a limited number of Pinot Noirs.

3. Explore the Southern Oregon wine region. The newest of Oregon's wine districts, the Southern Oregon region extends south from Eugene and incorporates the entire southwestern corner of the state. The wineries here are less formal and it's not unusual to find the owner of a winery here pouring wine for visitors in the tasting room.

4. Attend the International Pinot Noir Celebration. For over 20 years, Oregon has hosted a worldwide Pinot Noir Festival the last weekend in July. The event, held in McMinnville just outside of Salem, is open to the public and features tastings, food demonstrations, lectures and food events.

Resources

• Purchase tickets to Oregon's Pinot Noir Celebration.