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Forbes
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Unmissable Food And Wine Stops In The Willamette Valley
A view of the Bergstrom property, home to Oregon's famous Sigrid Chardonnay. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts, offering world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, stunning vineyard landscapes, farm-to-table cuisine, and cozy independent accommodation. What's not to like? Here's a short guide revealing some of the best places to eat, drink, and stay while exploring this very cool wine region. Known for producing some of the country's most important cool climate wines, it stretches from the outskirts of Portland to the southern edge of Eugene, with a range of elevations and microclimates influencing its various sub appellations. The area is home to an increasing number of wineries, that, despite their growing fame, preserve the collaborative spirit of the region's early winemaking pioneers. There is a strong connection to the land here, and a reverence for the people and work that has come before. Many producers open their doors to share not just what they make, but how and why they make it. Restaurants work closely with nearby farms and vineyards, while small hotels offer space to slow down and explore the landscape. Bergstrom is home to one of the best Chardonnays in the United States. Founded by the Bergström family, the winery has championed biodynamic farming and terroir-driven winemaking since its inception. The portfolio of excellent wines, including single vineyard Pinot Noirs, is exemplified in Sigrid, their flagship Chardonnay, widely regarded as one of the finest in America. Named after the family matriarch, Sigrid showcases the elegance and complexity achievable in Willamette Valley Chardonnay, with vibrant acidity, a layered, creamy texture, and remarkable age-worthiness. The welcoming tasting room is set amidst the rolling hills of the valley. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars from above. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars focuses on Pinot Noir from Oregon's northern Willamette Valley, crafting wines that reflect the distinct character of the region's seven major AVAs. Their portfolio draws on fruit from some of the valley's most acclaimed and storied vineyards. The company are now moving quite a bit of volume now. The business has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and is now one of the larger producers in the region. Winemaker Kate Ayres is doing a fantastic job of producing wines with character at attractive price points. The outdoor hangout at Adelsheim Vineyards in Newburg. Adelsheim Vineyards is a pioneering estate in Oregon's Willamette Valley, founded in 1971 by David and Ginny Adelsheim. As one of the region's original wineries, it played a crucial role in establishing Chehalem Mountains as a premier site for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and precise, terroir-driven wines, Adelsheim crafts elegant, balanced expressions that reflect the valley's diverse soils and cool climate. The winery remains a leader in innovation and advocacy, instrumental in defining Oregon's AVAs and shaping the reputation of Willamette Valley wines on the global stage. Walk ins are welcome at this picturesque spot and visitors can try and number of different experiences, including a food and wine pairing session in the Chardonnay barrel cave. Domaine Willamette offers one of the best winery dining experiences in the Willamette Valley. Domaine Willamette, in the Dundee Hills, is the state's first winery devoted entirely to traditional method sparkling wines. Located at the biodynamically farmed Bernau Estate Vineyard, the winery reflects a deep commitment to sustainable practices on the land and low-intervention winemaking. Its design and gardens extend this ethos, creating a space where landscape, viticulture, and hospitality are closely connected. Visitors can choose from a range of immersive tasting experiences that incorporate wine and food prepared by chef Zach, along with opportunities to explore the property. Those interested in the technical side of the business would VIP Walking Tour, offering insight into both sparkling winemaking and biodynamic agriculture. Alternatively, the family friendly dining environment is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some of the best bubbles in the Pacific North West. The Drouhin tasting room where you can also buy the company's Burgundy wines. Drouhin Oregon represents one of the most successful bridges between Burgundy and the New World. Established in 1987 by Maison Joseph Drouhin, the estate was among the first to recognize the potential of the Willamette Valley for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guided by Veronique Drouhin, the wines emphasize elegance, balance, and site expression, reflecting both Burgundian sensibilities and Oregon's unique terroir. The Dundee Hills estate remains a benchmark for refined, age-worthy Oregon Pinot Noir, while the Roserock vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills adds further dimension to their portfolio. Drouhin Oregon continues to set a high standard for Burgundian influence in American winemaking. The Soter Ranch Estate in its glory. A great place to spend an afternoon with local Pinot Noir. Soter Vineyards sits in the hills of Oregon's Yamhill Carlton AVA, where Tony and Michelle Soter have spent more than two decades shaping a property that prioritizes ecology as much as wine. Founded in 1997, the estate at Mineral Springs Ranch spans 240 acres and follows biodynamic farming practices certified by Demeter USA. The team manages the land with an emphasis on biodiversity, soil health, and long term resilience. Guests are welcomed into an experience that goes beyond the tasting room. The Provisions Tasting pairs estate wines with thoughtful seasonal dishes, while the Vineyard Excursion includes a guided walk through the ranch followed by a chef prepared lunch among the vines. A laid back, casual vibe aligns with a seasonal, farm-to-table food experience. Dishes, as you might expect, are paired with their wines, showcasing the synergy between the region's terroir and its cuisine. The wines themselves are restrained and precise. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the property show freshness, fine structure, and clarity. The sparkling wines, made from traditional varieties, bring finesse without excess weight. Across the range, the style is confident and measured, shaped by a team that values transparency over intervention. Humble Spirit, located in the heart of Carlton, is part of The Ground, a collective dedicated to fostering harmony between people, animals, and the planet. After establishing the Tabula Rasa Farms in 2015, The Ground follows the principles of regenerative agriculture, The Ground began with the founding of Tabula Rasa Farms in 2015. At Humble Spirit, this philosophy comes to life through a menu showcasing sustainably raised heritage meats, fresh produce, and local ingredients that celebrate the interconnectedness of nature. The restaurant offers a warm, community-focused dining experience, complemented by an evolving selection of wines from the region. Guests can explore more of The Ground's mission through stays at Tabula Rasa Farms or the newly launched bed & breakfast in McMinnville. Humble Spirit encapsulates the essence of the Willamette Valley—deliciously grounded in its surroundings while reaching for inspired, meaningful connections. Hayward Restaurant, the casual dining spot in McMinnville winning so many admirers. Hayward is a standout dining destination in the heart of McMinnville and is a cool, casual spot for hanging out after a busy day visiting wineries. Founded by chef Kari Shaughnessy in 2023, the restaurant has quickly earned an excellent reputation for its expressive, hyper-seasonal approach to 'New Northwest' cuisine. Moreover, it has achieved James Beard Award semifinalist recognition in both 2024 and 2025. Housed in the creative, communal space of Mac Market, Hayward menu frequently changes to reflect the valley's agricultural rhythm, with dishes like sesame focaccia with koji butter, carrot cavatelli, and shrimp bánh xèo layered with house-made sambal. At the core of Hayward's ethos is a deep commitment to local sourcing, fermentation, and flavor storytelling. Their 'Kickback' family-style tasting experience invites diners to trust the kitchen and enjoy a generous spread of seasonal plates. For wine lovers, Hayward is perfectly attuned to the surrounding wine country with a thoughtful, ever-evolving list spotlighting small Willamette Valley producers, alongside occasional international selections that echo the restaurant's balanced, expressive culinary style. Inn The Ground is one of the best places to stay when visiting the Willamette Valley. Inn The Ground offers a serene and immersive stay in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, reflecting the ethos of The Ground collective. Located near Tabula Rasa Farms in Carlton, this intimate bed & breakfast invites guests to experience the region's natural beauty and regenerative spirit. Each thoughtfully designed room offers comfort and a connection to the surrounding landscape, with pastoral views and a sense of calm rooted in nature. It's a stunning place to sip your coffee and watch the sun come up, or indeed watch it go down with a glass of wine. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts featuring ingredients sourced directly from Tabula Rasa Farms. Whether you're exploring local wineries or seeking a tranquil escape, Inn The Ground provides a restorative base that celebrates the harmony between people, animals, and the land. The wine cellar at the Tributary hotel, full of great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tributary Hotel, located in the center of McMinnville, is a significant statement when it comes to wine tourism in the Willamette Valley. Set within a restored 1917 brick building, the hotel features just eight suites, each named after a regional river. Fireplaces, soaking tubs, and hand built furniture echo the textures and materials of the surrounding landscape. It's high end, without being stuffy, drawing on both the building's historic character and the hotel's deep connection to place. Guests can also dine at Okta, the hotel's restaurant, where a seasonal tasting menu is built around ingredients from the hotel's own farm and neighbouring producers. Initially a fine dining concept, it briefly closed to reconsider its strategy, but is now back open with a more focussed four course tasting menu. The wine list is equally thoughtful, a fascinating collection that showcases some of Oregon's best wines. Oregon's first Relais and Châteaux property, Tributary brings together architecture, food, and wine at a high level. You're only a short walk from McMinnville's coffee shops and beer bars, and with valet parking just outside, it's a great base for exploring wine country.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Cullen Wines: WA winery cracks top 10 in The Real Review's 2025 Top Wineries of Australia list
South West winery Cullen Wines has followed up its impressive 2024 by cracking The Real Review's top 10 wine producers of Australia in consecutive years. A leading wine authority, the outlet awarded the Wilyabrup-based operation out of Margaret River 9th place in the revered list. Vanya Cullen, Managing Director of Cullen Wines, reflected on her standing as a pioneering winemaker in a region of renowned producers. 'I'm incredibly honoured and humbled to be included in the top 10 — waving the flag for Margaret River, but also for sustainability, which sits at the core of Cullen Wines and is so vital to our industry as a whole,' she said. WA's next best performers were Cherubino Wines at number 31, and L.A.S. Vino at 36 — with the later also boasting a rosé named as a finalist for Rosé Wine of the Year. Scraping into the top 50 were Flametree at 47, and Moss Wood at 48. Unsurprisingly, more than 60 per cent of the State's top performers hailed from Margaret River. 'It's wonderful to see so many family-run wineries taking out top spots!' Ms Cullen added. Cullen Wines proudly claims to be Australia's first carbon neutral organic biodynamic winery. As one of just three nominees for Vigneron of the Year, the esteemed managing director said it was 'really special to see the love and energy we pour into the land recognised'. With Victoria boasting nine of the top 20 wineries, Geelong's Wine by Farr claimed the crown for the second time in four years. The win marked the State's fifth consecutive list topper, known primarily for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties. Rankings were determined by an expert panel who assessed almost 15,000 wines. A total of 414 producers were awarded a Top Wineries Certificate, which equates to almost 15 per cent of Australia's 2700-odd wineries.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
WA winery cracks top 10 of renowned Aus list
South West winery Cullen Wines has followed up its impressive 2024 by cracking The Real Review's top 10 wine producers of Australia in consecutive years. A leading wine authority, the outlet awarded the Wilyabrup-based operation out of Margaret River 9th place in the revered list. Vanya Cullen, Managing Director of Cullen Wines, reflected on her standing as a pioneering winemaker in a region of renowned producers. 'I'm incredibly honoured and humbled to be included in the top 10 — waving the flag for Margaret River, but also for sustainability, which sits at the core of Cullen Wines and is so vital to our industry as a whole,' she said. WA's next best performers were Cherubino Wines at number 31, and L.A.S. Vino at 36 — with the later also boasting a rosé named as a finalist for Rosé Wine of the Year. Scraping into the top 50 were Flametree at 47, and Moss Wood at 48. Unsurprisingly, more than 60 per cent of the State's top performers hailed from Margaret River. Manging Director Vanya Cullen of Cullen Wines. Credit: Cullen Wines 'It's wonderful to see so many family-run wineries taking out top spots!' Ms Cullen added. Cullen Wines proudly claims to be Australia's first carbon neutral organic biodynamic winery. As one of just three nominees for Vigneron of the Year, the esteemed managing director said it was 'really special to see the love and energy we pour into the land recognised'. With Victoria boasting nine of the top 20 wineries, Geelong's Wine by Farr claimed the crown for the second time in four years. Cullen Wines in Wilyabrup, Margaret River. Credit: Cullen Wines The win marked the State's fifth consecutive list topper, known primarily for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties. Rankings were determined by an expert panel who assessed almost 15,000 wines. A total of 414 producers were awarded a Top Wineries Certificate, which equates to almost 15 per cent of Australia's 2700-odd wineries.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Great Pinot Noir Wines Made By 2nd-Generation Oregon Farmers Turned Wine Producer
Leaf of a grape vine A 12-year-old boy with a deep tan, illustrating how much of his free time he spent outside in his farmland paradise, ran off his school bus with his tuba in tow with such an intense burst of energy one would think that he was racing to start shenanigans with his friends which is a time-honored tradition among adolescent boys. But this young boy was in a unique situation as his father was a vineyard manager at one of the top wineries in picturesque Willamette Valley, Oregon, and so, the school would always drop him off where his father worked and by osmosis he would take in the wisdom at a very young age of how an ultra-premium Willamette Valley winery made great Pinot Noir, sparkling wine and eventually Chardonnay. Jackson Holstein with one of his kids Yet his exposure to practical knowledge went deeper as this boy's father owned a prime vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA, a precious sub-region of Willamette, reaching up to 740 feet in elevation with exposure to plenty of sunlight and cool winds from the Pacific. His father was fortunate enough to buy a top vineyard spot before Willamette became such a hotspot for big wine companies, hence driving up prices. His father was happiest working the vines, growing stellar fruit but not taking the risky investment of making his own wine. Although that 12-year-old tuba-carrying bright-eyed boy would go on to become a winemaker, it would not be in the conventional sense of how a modern winemaking journey looks, yet his path does harken to a different time. "It is in his DNA" can often refer to wine producers, especially in Europe, who have been part of several generations of winemakers and wine growers, sometimes going so far back – such as 15 generations – it is dizzying to think about. Immediately, it sounds like an impressive fact. Despite some of those wine families being extraordinary, many others with such a lineage find there are various detriments of such a heritage: lack of innovation by getting held back by centuries of tradition and no sense of autonomy felt by the family member running it will both top the list, as it gets in the way of the direct personal transmission from the living human making the wines to those who are drinking it. Jackson and Ayla Holstein Compared to a much older wine-producing area such as Europe, two generations of working with vines may pale in comparison to centuries-old wine growers at just a superficial level. However, looking deeper, there can be fantastic opportunities to discover rising wine stars among the second generation. One such one is Jackson Holstein, who was that 12-year-old boy with the tuba, now making outstanding wines where he grew up, in partnership with his wife, Ayla Holstein, another second-generation farmer, who grew up on the same hill as Jackson. However, wine can be in one's DNA as a second-generation grower and first-generation winemaker if that person was into all aspects of the wine-growing/making process from a very early age. In recent times, Oregon has gotten tons of attention as a place that some have proclaimed to produce Pinot Noir wines on the level of stellar Burgundy wines, and it was a thrilling place to grow up, as one could see in real-time that Oregon was carving out a prestigious reputation in just a matter of a couple of generations. When one examines much older wine families that go beyond a century, in some cases, it can seem more like an obligation, a heavyweight, which one must bear without the ability to consider any other path in life. It is not always that way, but it is worth considering that being only a couple of generations old as a family business, especially when the kids are given every opportunity to pick another path, can have the main benefit of it being a real choice. Initially, Jackson worked in cellars locally and in other countries. He imagined settling down as a winemaker for another producer, even taking viticulture and winemaking classes. Yet, he found those less helpful as he felt the textbook answers of how one works to manage grapes in Willamette Valley, Oregon, were erroneous, with no real experience behind those academic lessons. His wife, Ayla, who worked harvests in New Zealand and Australia as well as in Oregon, became a wine buyer for a prominent local restaurant in Willamette. Yet they never envisioned becoming their own wine producer, as they knew firsthand that they didn't have the capital as well as Ayla's experience as a wine buyer showed her how fiercely competitive the wine market could be. "The currency of a grower" [is soil] -Jackson and Ayla Holstein One day, Jackson's father decided he could no longer handle his estate vineyard, Holstein Estate. He would have to sell or lease it, with many vineyard leases running at least ten years, if not much longer, and either Jackson and Ayla wanted to take it over, or he would have to consider the other two options. It was a terrifying moment, as they didn't know if they could survive, now surrounded by many big wine companies and famous Burgundy producers who dominated the Oregon wine scene. But it terrified them more to think that Jackson's father would quickly be given a price to sell that he couldn't refuse, as they had seen many of the family vineyards around them do the same, and then they would have lost that opportunity forever. So, in 2014, they started their own wine company, Granville Wine Co., with the idea of producing a small amount of wine; today, it is only 4,000 cases in total. They are interested in bottling from top vineyards sourced from key sub-regions of the Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills AVAs, including their family estate Holstein. Jackson and Ayla know the vineyards like the back of their hands and they have close connections with the growers that were established even before they were born, so sourcing outstanding fruit is not an issue for them. Their wines have a beautiful purity of fruit, gorgeous texture, and addictive, vibrant juiciness on the palate, yet their single vineyard bottlings are incredibly distinctive with an intense sense of place. This shows how first-time family winemakers, who come from farmers, can make thrilling wines not held back by tradition yet know how to honor and express the sense of place of each vineyard. Granville Wine Co. vineyard and surrounding landscape Ayla's farming family never grew wine grapes, yet the vineyards surrounding her where she grew up were still a part of her daily existence. She has witnessed the amazing wine journey for Willamette Valley wine producers going from obscurity to becoming a huge hotspot for those who want to make gorgeous Pinot Noir. She is thankful that such well-known California and Burgundy producers have invested in her home, bringing attention to the region. Yet there is the fear that one day, Willamette Valley, Oregon, will no longer have a community of families that even remember the founders, let alone have a personal connection with those who started the Oregon wine dream. As she looks at her and Jackson's two young children, she knows that they have to do everything in their power to keep a healthy balance of internationally recognized producers counterpoised with the second-generation, and hopefully the third - who will keep alive the founders' fierce passion that was able to create wines that rivaled Burgundy against all odds. 2023 Granville, Basalt & Holstein Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir wines Oregon grows a wide range of grape varieties in small quantities, but Chardonnay has become the latest star, which makes sense as Burgundy makes great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, so if one does well in an area, usually the other will thrive too. In the past, Oregon Chardonnay was never that successful as most of the grapes were planted in much cooler vineyards to make Champagne method sparkling wine, so it wasn't ideally suited for still Chardonnay. But in recent years, the Chardonnay still wines have become stars in their own right, as new vines were planted in prime vineyards, and the wine producers have had plenty of time to work with still Chardonnay wine in their cellars to achieve an ideal balance. Also, Oregon has already made a name for itself with its sparkling wines, which go back over 30 years, and the winery where Jackson was dropped off as a kid, where his father worked, is one of the top Oregon sparkling wine producers. The Granville Pinot Noir wines are a must-try, but for those who like ultra-premium sparkling wine and/or Chardonnay wines with freshness and minerality, these should also be on the list. 2023 Granville, "Basalt" Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon: 100% Pinot Noir sourced from vineyards in Dundee Hills & Eola-Amity Hills. Granville's "Basalt" wines come from organically farmed vineyards with rich volcanic basalt soils. A vivacious wine with lots of juicy, bright fruit of black cherry intermixed with rhubarb crostata with a hint of underbrush with a fine, delicate tannic structure and vibrant acidity. Only 500 cases made. 2023 Granville, Holstein Estate Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon: 100% Pinot Noir sourced from the Holstein estate single vineyard in Dundee Hills, which is rich in both iron and clay with fractured basalt bedrock underneath, and it is organically farmed. An exciting bouquet on the nose with lilacs, raspberry crisp, crushed rocks and dry tree bark with big, rounded tannins and deep concentration of fruit on the palate that has a long, flavorful finish with an aromatic lift. Only 350 cases made. 2023 Granville, Basalt & Koosah Vineyard Chardonnay wines 2023 Granville, "Basalt" Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon: 100% Chardonnay sourced from Dundee Hills & Eola-Amity Hills vineyards. Granville's "Basalt" wines come from organically farmed vineyards with rich volcanic basalt soils. Pristine notes of pear drop, wet river stones and freshly made brioche with enchanting scents of honeysuckle and orange blossom slowly revealing themselves. Only 400 cases made. 2023 Granville, Koosah Vineyard, Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon: 100% Chardonnay sourced from the Koosah single vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills. Koosah Vineyard was established by the Chambers Family in 2016, who pushed the boundaries with data-driven biodynamic farming, and is one of the highest and steepest vineyards in Willamette Valley. Despite the family selling this vineyard to Louis Jadot in 2022, Jackson and Ayla will still be able to work with this vineyard. A wine that wows just from the aromas with electric notes of lemon confit and quince paste with hints of delectable marzipan with a fierce undertone of saline minerality and a slightly creamy texture perfectly balanced by crisp acidity. Only 225 cases made. 2022 Granville, Basalt Sparkling 2022 Granville, "Basalt" Sparkling, Willamette Valley, Oregon: 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir sourced from vineyards in Dundee Hills & Eola-Amity. Granville's "Basalt" sparkling wines come from organically farmed vineyards with rich volcanic basalt soils. Lemon sorbet and violet petals are irresistibly enticing on the nose, along with freshly baked apple pie, sea spray and torn lemongrass stalks with a creamy mid-palate created by very fine bubbles that has a long persistence. Only 200 cases made.
West Australian
6 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Southern Forests wines shine in WA's first-ever People's Choice awards
Southern Forest wines have made their mark on Western Australia's wine scene, with local producers dominating the State's inaugural People's Choice awards. The Top Up wine awards are a new, consumer-driven celebration of WA wines with more than 20,000 wine lovers casting their votes over a six-week voting period. The result was a people-powered list of the State's most loved wines, with Southern Forests producers earning 12 spots in the top 100, including the coveted number one position, which was claimed by Ampersand Estates' pinot noir. Six Pemberton-grown pinots made the top 100, reinforcing the region's standing as a premier source for the notoriously delicate variety. The region's diversity also shone through with Pemberley prosecco coming in at number 80 — the only prosecco to make the list, adding sparkle to the region's accolades. Southern Forests Food Council chair Arthur Wilson said seeing so many local drops celebrated was a boost to the individual brands as well as the reputation of the wider region. Lisa Radomiljac, representing the Southern Forests Wine Regions, agreed. 'This result is a resounding endorsement from consumers,' she said. 'Southern Forests producers are growing some of the most exciting wines in the State, and it's fantastic to see the public responding to that quality with such enthusiasm.' Southern Forest wines which featured in the top 100 #1 – Ampersand Estates Pinot Noir#2 – Cherubino Ad Hoc Nitty Gritty Pinot Grigio#19 – Picardy Pinot Noir#20 – Pemberley Pinot Noir#29 – Below & Above Pinot Noir#35 – Cherubino Ad Hoc Hen & Chicken Chardonnay#64 – Ampersand Estates Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay#74 – Bellarmine Sauvignon Blanc#75 – Below & Above Chardonnay 1#78 – Ampersand Estates Chardonnay 11. #80 – Pemberley Prosecco 12. #99 – South by South West Pinot Noir
