Get to Know the Willamette Valley AVAs

The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s oldest wine region, receiving its distinction as an American Viticultural Area, or AVA, in 1984. Determined by geography and climate, AVAs are designated grape-growing regions that stand apart from their surrounding regions. While often compared to the French wine appellation system, the AVA system is decidedly more relaxed, indicating a geographic boundary rather than regulating varietals or farming practices. Despite being less strict than the French system, gaining AVA status still carries a level of prestige; while often the area’s recognition is long-deserved, the designation offers winemakers the opportunity to highlight and market the unique terroir of their wines. 

The Willamette Valley’s Eleven AVAs

Spanning nearly 150 miles from Portland to Eugene and encompassing over 700 wineries across the region, the Willamette Valley has been divided into eleven smaller AVAs over the years, each with their own distinct characteristics. With several unique soil compositions and climates ranging from coastal to desert-like, the split into nested AVAs was a natural progression for this diverse wine-growing location.

Chehalem Mountains | Est. 2006

Located just southwest of Portland, Chehalem Mountains AVA features dramatic topography, a cool climate, and diverse soils, resulting in complex and delicious wines.

Dundee Hills | Est. 2005

This historic AVA was where the first grapes in the Willamette Valley were planted. To this day, Dundee Hills boasts the ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir and Burgundian varietals.

Eola-Amity Hills | Est. 2006

One hour southwest of Portland, Eola-Amity Hills yields small and concentrated grapes thanks to the area’s shallow and rocky soil, while cool breezes from the nearby Van Duzer Corridor increase the grapes’ acidity.

Laurelwood District | Est. 2020

Sitting within the Chehalem Mountains AVA, Laurelwood District is one of Oregon’s newest AVAs and contains over 25 wineries. The district is known for its soil which comprises a 15-million-year-old basalt base with a freshwater silt top layer.

Lower Long Tom | Est. 2021

Situated between Corvallis and Eugene in the coastal foothills, Lower Long Tom is home to 24 vineyards and a bevy of intergenerational farms, producing wines that are connected to both the farmers and the land.

McMinnville | Est. 2005

Comprising almost 40,500 acres, Oregon’s McMinnville AVA sits at a higher elevation than the surrounding areas and features sedimentary and volcanic soils that produce complex fruit flavors with earthy, mineral notes.

Mount Pisgah | Est. 2022

While Mount Pisgah is the Willamette Valley’s smallest and newest AVA, it is densely planted and its Siletz soil produces exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. It also has a unique microclimate, with slightly warmer temperatures in winter and cooler temperatures in summer.

Ribbon Ridge | Est. 2005

Also within the Chehalem Mountains, Ribbon Ridge is known for its consistently high-rated wines, producing delicate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling thanks to its long, cool growing seasons.

Tualatin Hills | Est. 2020

Home to the first commercial vineyard in Oregon, Tualatin Hills is the Willamette Valley’s most northwestern AVA and spans 15 miles.

Van Duzer Corridor | Est. 2019

Located along the Coast Range, the Van Duzer Corridor has a unique climate whose coastal breezes decrease the fungus pressure. Because they can eschew fungus spray, the area is known for its increased sustainability.

Yamhill-Carlton | Est. 2005

Just north of McMinnville, Yamhill Carlton AVA comprises 60,000 acres and features warmer temperatures, resulting in some of the earliest harvest dates in the Willamette Valley.

Explore The Willamette Valley AVAs

Situated in the heart of historic McMinnville, Tributary Hotel offers a boutique hotel experience featuring world-class hospitality and luxury suites. Conveniently located near the largest concentration of Willamette Valley AVAs, Tributary is your ideal base for exploring Oregon Wine Country. 

Book now to reserve your stay.