Get to Know the Willamette Valley AVAs: Chehalem Mountains
Spanning 150 miles from Portland to Eugene, the Willamette Valley is a vast American Viticultural Area (AVA) that has been recognized over the years for its unique terroirs and full-bodied Pinot Noirs. But the true magic of this sprawling appellation lies within its 11 nested AVAs, where local wine growers harness the varied climates of western Oregon to produce wines as distinctive as each of the valley’s regions.
The first of our series exploring the nested AVAs of Oregon Wine Country, the Chehalem Mountains AVA is a diverse region that houses two sub-AVAs within its borders.
About the Chehalem Mountains AVA
Located in the northern Willamette Valley just 19 miles southwest of Portland, the Chehalem Mountains AVA extends for 20 miles in length and five miles in width, and contains the highest mountains in the valley. The Chehalem Mountains provide shelter for the vineyards, protecting them from southerly winds that come through the Columbia Gorge, and include several spurs and ridges such as Ribbon Ridge and Parrett Mountain. The AVA features three of the notable hillside soil types: basaltic, ocean sedimentary, and loess, with the predominant wine varieties being Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gamay Noir.
Though the AVA was established in 2006, Chehalem Mountains’ winegrowing history can be traced to 1968 when Dick Erath purchased 49 acres in Yamhill County, dubbing the property Chehalem Mountain Vineyard. Today, the region comprises 179 vineyards, 53 wineries, and 34 tasting rooms, with the sub-AVAs of Ribbon Ridge and Laurelwood District being found within the northwest and northern corners of the region, respectively.
Discover These Willamette Valley AVA Wineries
Best For: Historic Winery
Adelsheim Vineyard | Newberg, Oregon
Planted in 1971, Adelsheim Vineyard opened its doors in 1978 as the first-ever winery to grace the Chehalem Mountains. Discover the origins of this historic AVA turned LIVE-certified sustainable winery and seven time Wine and Spirits Top 100 Winery at their secluded tasting room in Newberg, Oregon.
Best For: Tasting Options
Flâneur Winery | Newberg, Oregon
Also based in Newberg, Flâneur Winery’s grapes were planted in 2003, with the winery opening in 2013. Featuring a warmer microclimate and lower elevation, Flâneur’s wines boast complex and deep fruit palates with their grapes hailing from two vineyards, La Belle Promenade in the Chehalem Mountains AVA and Flanerie Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Flâneur offers a variety of tasting options at their Carlton Grain Elevator and La Belle Promenade Vineyard locations.
Best For: Private Tastings
Matzinger Davies | McMinnville, Oregon
Matzinger Davies focuses on small lot AVA-based wines. Though they have several vineyards across the Willamette Valley, their Chehalem Mountains vineyard specializes in Chardonnay. Matzinger Davies offers a private wine tasting with winemaker Anna Matzinger in downtown McMinnville just off of 3rd Street.
Best For: Pinot Wines
Domaine Divio | Newberg, Oregon
Situated in the heart of the Ribbon Ridge AVA, Domaine Divo's Pinot Noir is a product of careful planning and meticulous cultivation. The 23-acre Clos Gallia property’s venture began in 2014 with five acres of land dedicated to Pinot Noir. Utilizing sustainable and biodynamic farming practices, they honor and preserve the land, letting nature thrive alongside their vineyards, resulting in unique and exceptional wines.
Book Your Stay in Willamette Valley’s Wine Country
Nestled in the heart of charming McMinnville, the Tributary Hotel offers a boutique-style experience with top-tier hospitality and luxurious suites. Perfectly located near the Chehalem Mountains AVA, Tributary serves as your perfect launchpad for discovering the beauty of Oregon Wine Country.
Book now to reserve your stay.