The Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is one of the most beautiful natural regions in the Pacific Northwest, as well as Oregon's premier wine country region, with over 500 wineries. The 19,000-acre region stretches along the pristine Willamette River, surrounded on three sides by the Cascade, Oregon Coast, and Calapooya Mountain ranges. Several American Viticultural Areas have been designated in recent decades to capitalize on the region's cool climate and distinct terroir. Some of the world's best Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris varietals are produced by wineries such as Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, Willakenzie Estate, Archery Summit, and Sokol Blosser Winery.

If you ask where to find the best local food and drinks in the Willamette Valley, don't be surprised if you get a dissertation rather than a recommendation. The term "local" is taken seriously here. In their distinctive Oregon brews, craft brewers use locally grown hops and barley. Farmers raise grass-fed beef and sun-soaked berries; foragers forage for wild mushrooms; and chefs transform all of this goodness into unforgettable meals. You can visit picturesque farms, meet the growers, walk the fields, and pick a basket of fresh produce to take home with you in wine country.

When visiting Oregon Wine Country, don't expect to sit still for long; there are far too many things to see and do. Try cycling between vineyards on the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway or paddling the Willamette River, a nationally recognized water trail, to immerse yourself in the heart of the valley. Hike through protected natural wildlife areas, stopping to smell the flowers, count the birds, and study endangered butterflies. Enjoy ancient forests, rugged mountain peaks, and breath-taking waterfalls.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Location: Oregon, Pacific Northwest region of the United States
Distance from Oregon City: 45.7 miles
Travel Time from Oregon City: 48 minutes
Best Months to Visit: July and August