Things to Do in Willamette Valley Wine Country
Pinot noir in red hills, small farm towns and a trail behind ten waterfalls.
See top-rated activities »The Willamette Valley, Heart of Oregon Wine Country
The Willamette Valley runs about 150 miles from Portland south to Eugene between the Coast Range and the Cascades, and its northern end is the heart of Oregon wine country. A mild, damp climate similar to Burgundy's suits pinot noir, and since the first vineyards were planted here in the 1960s the valley has become one of the best-known pinot noir regions in the world, with hundreds of wineries. Pinot gris and chardonnay grow well too. Most tasting rooms are within an hour of Portland, around the towns of Newberg, Dundee, Carlton and McMinnville.
The Dundee Hills, with their red volcanic soil, hold many of the pioneering estates, and the drive along their winding roads looks out over the valley to Mount Hood on clear days. McMinnville has a lively, walkable downtown and is home to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, which displays Howard Hughes's giant wooden flying boat, the Spruce Goose. Carlton is a tiny town of tasting rooms, and many wineries sit on country roads between orchards, hazelnut groves and grass seed farms. As in other wine regions, weekend tastings are easier with a reservation and a designated driver or tour.
There is more to the valley than wine. Salem, the state capital, has a gold pioneer statue on its Capitol dome, and east of it Silver Falls State Park, the largest state park in Oregon, has the Trail of Ten Falls, a loop that passes behind several of the curtains of water, one of the best Oregon waterfalls hikes. In spring, the tulip fields near Woodburn bloom in bright bands of color, and Eugene, at the valley's south end, is a college town with a strong arts and food scene. The best seasons in Oregon wine country are late spring and the September and October harvest.
Don’t Miss
Hillside estates on red Jory soil, many of them pioneers of Oregon pinot noir.
The Spruce Goose flying boat, aircraft and spacecraft in two large hangars.
The Trail of Ten Falls loop, with paths that go behind South Falls and other waterfalls.
An Art Deco capitol topped with the gilded Oregon Pioneer statue, with tours and gardens.
Acres of tulips with Mount Hood beyond, open for the spring tulip festival.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Willamette Valley
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best of Oregon may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Willamette Valley — FAQ
How far is Oregon wine country from Portland?
Newberg and Dundee are about 40 minutes southwest of downtown Portland, and McMinnville about an hour. Many tours pick up in Portland, which avoids drinking and driving on country roads.
What wine is the Willamette Valley known for?
Pinot noir above all, along with pinot gris, chardonnay and sparkling wine. The valley has several smaller wine areas, including the Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills and Chehalem Mountains.
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