Private Group Tour Of Willamette Valley Wineries
Whats special about this tour
For a special occasion with family, a fun excursion with coworkers, or day out with friends, this private group tour with Sea to Summit Adventure might be just the ticket!
Your knowledgeable tour guide leads you on a memorable expedition featuring outstanding wine and beautiful scenery.
Traveling along or as a couple, but still want the same experience? Sea to Summit Adventure also offers a similar small group wine tour from Portland as well.
Highlights
- Tour Company: Sea to Summit Adventure
- Price: From US$1,989
Willamette Valley Wine Tasting
6.5 Hours | Let us drive! Enjoy tastings at carefully selected wineries in the famous Willamette Valley!
For 2022, we are able to run Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Tours on a private tour basis only. Please reach out to us via email, phone, or the contact form here if you are interested in getting more details or setting up a private wine tasting tour. We look forward to exploring with you!
Highlights: Willamette Valley | Award Winning Wineries | Viticulture & Education | Wine Tastings
About the Tour
World-famous Pinot Noirs, crisp Chardonnays, and sweet Rieslings are just a taste of the dozens of wines that Oregon has to offer. On this adventure through the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley, well visit three carefully selected vineyards. Guests will partake in tasting flights and experience a behind-the-scenes view of viticulture.
Typical Itinerary
This is a full day tour, typically offered from 10 AM 4:30 PM. Please note, the tour route and sights may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. It is always our goal to provide you with the most interesting adventure possible.
The Grape Varieties Of Willamette Valley Oregon
Pinot Noir reigns king in Willamette. As we mentioned earlier, three producers are ranked in the Top 100 Wines for this varietal in the entire world. That being said, believe it or not, other grapes do grow here and taste great.
Experts advise keeping an eye out for some of the white grapes as well. There is an abundance ofChardonnay, but many will also advise sampling the excellentViognier, Gewürztraminer, andPinot Gris of Willamette. Riesling does well here too and one winery, Brooks Wine, produces nearly 20 of them. Sparkling wines are also on the rise in this region.
In terms of red wine outside of Pinot Noir, make an attempt to ask Vintners if they produce anySyrah, Tempranillo and/or Gamay. If youre able to access it it may be a library wine you wont be disappointed. Wine professionals also advise seeking out unique red wines within theRogue Valley for a breath of fresh air.
Jeff Knapp also notes that although the Willamette Valleys predominantly planted grape varietal is Pinot Noir, Willamette growers also experiment with and produce other grape varieties as well.
The Willamette Valleys hillsides, ancient soils, coastal influence, mild summers and wet winters set the stage for world-class wine production. The climate here is perfect for growing food-focused wines with high acid and delicate complexity.
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Top Three Wine Tours In The Willamette Valley
What are the top three ways to wine tour in Willamette Valley? With the sheer number of fantastic Oregon wineries it is easy to become overwhelmed trying to decide where to visit, organizing and planning your route, and for safety reasons: who will be the designated driver. Fortunately, wine tours are a simple solution to what could be a complex adventure. Wine tours are a great way to see and experience The Oregon Wine Country easily without sacrificing time or energy on the logistics. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and focus on enjoying all that the Willamette Valley has to offer. The following are our favorite wine tour companies.
A Vineyard Wine Tour Led by Debra Kabarsky, A Vineyard Wine Tour designs a special tour just for you. Debra can create the perfect and most memorable day visiting up to four breathtaking, world class, Willamette Valley Wineries. With their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, A Vineyard Wine Tour will deliver you in style with first class door to door service and a fresh seasonal lunch. Enjoy the beauty and splendor of the Willamette Valley. Website: avineyardwinetour.com
Private Customized Oregon Wine Maker Tour
Whats special about this tour
Who doesnt love a fully customizable tour? And this top-rated, full-day private Willamette Valley wine tour with Oregon Wine Maker Tours is one of the best around.
Before you embark on your memorable wine tour, youll touch base with Carmine, your knowledgeable tour guide with over 30 years of viticulture experience, to begin customizing your personalized wine tour adventure.
This full-day tour generally features stops at 4-6 of the regions premier wineries and vineyards, and includes a gourmet wine country picnic lunch.
Highlights
- Meal Included: Gourmet picnic lunch
- Group Size: Private
- Departs From: Various points in the Greater Portland area
- Tour Company: Oregon Wine Maker Tours
- Price: From US$285
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Private Full Day Willamette Valley Wine Tour
Whats special about this tour
This private 8-hour tour from Portland with Willamette Valley Tour introduces you to four carefully-selected top wineries, Oregon viticulture, and the stunning scenery of the Willamette Valley.
Perfect for a romantic getaway, wedding party activity, or special outing with family and friends.
Want a gourmet lunch as well? Willamette Valley Tour offers this wine tour with an added stop at the famous Red Hills Market in Dundee as well.
Highlights
Argyle Winery: Gorgeous Tasting House
- Address: 691 OR-99W, Dundee, OR 97115
- Website:
- Contact Number: 503-538-8520
Next up is the enchanting Argyle Winery, located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The winery produces a variety of world-class Oregon wines but are most well-known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sparkling Wine.
The welcoming and modern tasting house provides a peaceful atmosphere to sip and sample wines. It even features an estimable library of the winerys reserve wines, dating back to 1987 when Argyle Winery first opened.
Events like club member parties, brunches, and more take place at Argyle Winery on a regular basis, so be sure to check what next exciting event they have planned for your visit.
Flights and experiences range from $30 to $75, but glass pours are also available. In addition, the winery is available to host private events.
There is plenty of outdoor space, including a stunning garden that is home to west coast native plants, oak trees, evergreen trees, and shrubs.
Editors Note: The winerys 2019 Nuthouse Pinot Noir has a luxurious and fruit expression, which only enhances over time.
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About The Willamette Valley Region
As native Oregonians, we know Willamette Valley Wine Tours better than anyone. Midway between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountain Range lies Portland, Oregon and the beautiful Willamette Valley wine country. The Willamette Valley is approximately 150 miles long and 50 miles wide, consisting of over 500 wineries and nearly 30,000 acres of Oregons wine grapes.
Which Of These Willamette Valley Wine Tours Is The Best
Weve done the hard part narrowing the list of top Willamette Valley wine tours from hundreds to just eight .
Now, its over to you!
Sure, our top pick could certainly be considered one of the best Willamette Valley wine tours on offer. But that doesnt necessarily mean it will be the right experience for you and your circumstances.
If you are looking to gain deeper insight into the process, have a more personalized experience, or a private tour with that special someone, there are other tours on the list that are probably better suited for that.
One things clear, whichever wine tour you choose on this list, were pretty darn sure itll be one heck of a great day in the Pacific Northwest!
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The Pinot Noir Of Willamette Valley
Paul Gregutt has been writing about Willamette Valley wines for the past 35 years. His current project covers the entire Northwest wine industry with in-depth reviews, interviews, and recommendations.
Pinot Noir put the Willamette Valley on the global map, and the years have only confirmed the early promise. The vast diversity of sites, soils and clones, as well as the imprinted styles of the individual winemakers, means that there is no single description that accurately covers the regions wines. In recent years the trend has been to pick when grapes have ripened to the point of physiological perfection rather than aiming for fruity, high sugar/high alcohol wines that emulate California. So current wines are increasingly aromatic, elegant and well-balanced, age-worthy Pinots that may be cellared for a decade or longer. While visiting in the spring and summer be sure to try some of the many Pinot Noir rosés, and be on the lookout for champagne-method sparkling wines from Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.
Adelsheim Winery: Stunning Seating Areas
- Address: 16800 NE Calkins Ln, Newberg, OR 97132
- Website:
- Contact Number: 503-538-3652
Featuring jaw-dropping views and stellar wines, Adelsheim Winery provides a peaceful atmosphere and hard-to-beat tasting experience. You can enjoy your wine in one of the winerys stunning seating areas, including a hilltop garden, patio, and cabana.
There are a range of tasting options to choose from, including Adelsheim Tasting and Adelsheim Estate Tasting. The latter includes a delicious combination of recent club releases, historic selections, and more.
If youre looking for a beautiful place to catch up with friends and family over a bottle or two of luxurious wine, you cant go wrong with Adelsheim Winery.
Editors Note: One wine you definitely need to try at this winery is the 2020 Artist Series Rosé, with strong flavors of strawberries and cream twitch notes or mineral, citrus, and floral.
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Lemelson Vineyards: Spacious Patio
- Website:
- Contact Number: 503-852-6619
Lemelson Vineyards is another top-quality winery in Willamette Valley, offering picturesque views, an inviting tasting room, and delicious wine.
Tastings cost $25 per person but are complimentary for wine club members and with a 2-bottle purchase. Youll enjoy a flight of 5 to 6 wines, which you can sip either inside or outside in the winerys stunning 3-level patio.
There is plenty of seating outside, as well as picnic blanket areas, and a warm wood-burning fire on the patio. The evergreen trees and rolling hills outside make for a charming and natural atmosphere so you can enjoy your wine in pure bliss.
Editors Note: The 2018 Reserve Chardonnay is sourced from the Chestnut Hill Vineyard, which has volcanic soils. This gives it a crisp and natural acidity with a long and mineral finish. Its even better when shared with friends and family!
Domaine Drouhin Oregon: Delightful Atmosphere
- Address: 6750 NE Breyman Orchards Rd, Dayton, OR 97114
- Website:
- Contact Number: 503-864-2700
Domaine Drouhin Oregon uses winemaking traditions from France to create phenomenal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The expansive estate is filled with lush trees and vineyards, which provides a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere.
Tastings are available daily, but youll need to book in advance. There are a couple of tasting options to choose from, such as the Domaine Drouhin Oregon experience and the Range Chocolate Flight. The latter pairs well with the standard tasting experience and is the perfect choice for chocolate lovers.
Editors Note: The 2018 Edition Limitée Pinot Noir is one of the winerys standout wines. It has tantalizing aromas of dried flowers, crushed stone, fennel, and boysenberry, with luxurious flavors of blackberry, Mirabelle plums, and shaved chocolate. Sublime!
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Willamette Valley Wine Tour 202: Top 10 Winieries To Visit
As Oregons leading wine region, the Willamette Valley is home to two-thirds of the states vineyards and wineries. There are almost 700 wineries in the area, many of which produce some of the best Pinot Noir youll find in the world.
Willamette Valley is a must-visit for wine lovers, so if youre planning on heading up to this state for a day or two of wine tasting, here are the top Willamette Valley wineries you need to visit.
The Best Wineries To Visit In Willamette Valley
Stoller Family Estate: One of the most highly recommended wineries to visit is Stoller Family Estate according to many regional experts. Not only is Stoller a winery, but it also has guest homes and epic vistas. Its also the worlds first LEED Gold Certified Winery a leader in sustainability. Theres also a disc golf course on the property, seasonal running races, a tire swing, and a large food garden.
Elk Cove Vineyards: One of the founding wineries of the Willamette Valley, family-owned and operated Elk Cove Vineyards was the first vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Owner/Winemaker Adam Campbell is a second-generation winemaker and a fifth-generation Oregon farmer specializing in Pinot Noir and cool-climate white wines. Elk Cove is 100% estate-grown sourcing fruit from its 6 sustainable vineyards across the northern Willamette Valley.
Maysara: Abiodynamic producer youll also have the opportunity to taste wine in a cave.
Coeur de Terre Vineyard: Family-owned, the views here are incredible.
Domaine Serene: This posh-styled winery recently won #2 Chardonnay in the world per Wine Enthusiast. That in and of itself is worth checking out.
Bells Up Winery: Offers winemaker-led private tastings, one party at a time. You can expect an intimate tasting experience at this boutique winery.
Carlton Winemakers Studio: This is a co-op, where a number of producers work to produce premium Oregonian wine. A good opportunity to taste the breath of Willamette.
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The Best Seasons To Visit Willamette Valley
This really comes down to personal preference. However, weve asked some of the local experts what times they think are best to visit the region.
According to Jeff Knapp, Executive Director of Visit McMinnville one of Willamettes sub-appellations Winter may be the most opportune time for a visit.
The most popular time to visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The weather is the sunniest and the vineyards are waking up. In my opinion the best time to visit is in Winter. Our winters are mild. Traffic at this time of year is slower. You are more likely to spend time with the owner or winemaker at wineries that you visit. If you love eating, Oregon has year round access to locally grown produce. In fall through spring we have stellar seafood like dungeness crab, native Oregon truffles and mushrooms to be foraged and on and on. It is a food lovers mecca.
For those who are okay with a little bit more foot traffic, the Summer and Early Fall can also make for ideal seasonal visits.
While Willamette has unfortunately received a reputation for being a rainy region, this isnt entirely true. Jeff notes that Willamette really doesnt receive much rain during the Summer and Early Fall. So if youre looking to enjoy warmer weather, the Summer is actually a great time to visit.
Discover The Best Of Wine And History Together
Visit our wine tour options for the best wine tours near you, Dundee wine tours, and wine tours from Portland, Oregon.
Wine History Tours was founded with a simple purpose: to be the best tour provider for wine lovers and history lovers alike.
The idea for Wine History Tours was born when our founder couldnt decide which he liked better, drinking world-class Pinot Noir or watching award-winning documentaries. The solution, wine tours for those who love wine and history alike!
If you want to go to primary wine regions, learn the history, and taste the best winesyou are our clientele and we have a tour package for you!
We are currently booking Oregon Wine History Tours in the Willamette Valley with Burgundy Wine History Tours and Tuscany Wine History Tours coming soon!
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Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery: Fantastic Tours
- Address: 10660 SW Youngberg Hill Rd, McMinnville, OR 97128
- Website:
- Contact Number: 503-472-2727
Established in 1989, Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that makes some of the finest wines in Willamette Valley. Its surrounded by vineyards, the Eola-Amity mountain range, and the Cascades.
On sunny days, you can even spot Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood! The tasting room is open each day for wine tastings, of which there are various options. The standard experience costs $20 per person but is complimentary for inn guests and club members.
One of the best features of this winery is its fascinating tours. Youll drive through the winerys gorgeous vineyards and learn more about the winerys history and winemaking process. At the end of the tour, youll be treated to a personalized wine flight underneath a gazebo.
If youre thinking of staying a night or two in Willamette Valley, the winerys cozy inn is the perfect place to stay. There are various suites to choose from, all of which are well-presented, ultra modern, and come with a gourmet breakfast each morning.
Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery is also available to hire out for private events like birthday parties, weddings, and bridal showers. The peaceful setting and beautiful estate will make for an unforgettable day.
Where To Eat In Willamette Valley
We left these recommendations to the experts, given their length of tenure here. Jeff Knapp was kind enough to offer our readers a hefty list of some of his favorite restaurants within the McMinnville area.
Thistle This small restaurant, which sources its entire menu from farms within 20 miles of McMinnville, was named Restaurant of the Year by the Oregonian. It has an excellent wine list and the top cocktails in the county.
Nicks Italian Cafe This historical restaurant was established in 1975, and was a gathering place for early Willamette Valley winegrowers. In 2014 Nicks was named a James Beard American Classic Award Winner.
The Joel Palmer House This outstanding restaurant focuses its menu on wild truffles and mushrooms. It is a favorite wine country destination.
Pastorcillos Taco Truck A well-known eatery in the area. So good in fact that this is a favorite for winemakers themselves to come and enjoy a taco paired with a glass of Pinot Noir.
Other great options in the area if youre looking for fresh and authentic cuisine include:
JORY Restaurant Fine dining located at the Allison Inn & Spa offers authentic Pacific Northwest Cuisine with great views of Willamette Valley. Universally this is one of the best known and admired fine dining establishments in the state.
The Painted Lady in Newberg is Oregons only Forbes four-star and AAA Four Diamond dining restaurant.
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