Get to Know the Willamette Valley AVAs: McMinnville
Just west of the vibrant city of McMinnville, Oregon, and only one hour from Portland lies the McMinnville American Viticultural Area (AVA), a winegrowing region tucked into the coast range foothills. We’re continuing our series exploring the 11 nested AVAs within the Willamette Valley by introducing you to the McMinnville AVA.
McMinnville AVA
Established in 2005, the McMinnville AVA covers 39,045 acres with 16 vineyards growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. This AVA is protected from heavy rainfall by the Coast Range mountains, and its position 20 miles south-southwest of the Van Duzer Corridor provides cool and dry winds. The region’s uniquely shallow soils consist of uplifted marine sediment and volcanic soil on top of marine bedrock, causing the vines to struggle; this combination, plus the cool and dry conditions, results in complex fruits that retain their acidity as they ripen.
In historic downtown McMinnville, you can find many wineries and wine bars offering pours grown in both the McMinnville AVA and throughout the Willamette Valley AVA. Tributary Hotel, our boutique luxury inn situated in a lovingly restored 19th-century building on Third Street, is the perfect base for exploring McMinnville AVA wines.
Featured McMinnville AVA Wineries
Popular For: Small Artisan Winery
Martin Woods Winery | McMinnville, OR
Known for its artisan, terroir-driven wines, Martin Woods Winery is situated in the foothills of Oregon's Coast Range just outside McMinnville. Winemaker Evan Martin has been developing wines since 2009 and has been continuously striving for excellence ever since. Primarily featuring Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, their portfolio also features Gamay, Riesling, Syrah, Gruner, and Cabernet Franc. Both Evan’s small team, and the growers they partner with, prioritize sustainable, holistic farming principles. Tasting appointments at the winery have limited availability, but you can schedule a tasting at HiFi Wine Bar in McMinnville for a comprehensive tasting experience in a cozy atmosphere.
Popular For: Sparkling Wines
Lundeen Wines | McMinnville, OR
Lundeen Wines combines the former Walnut City Wineworks with third-generation Oregonian Michael Lundeen’s family farm, Poverty Bend Vineyard. Michael planted Poverty Bend’s Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines back in 2001 with his father; today, Lundeen Wines comprises six vineyards across the Willamette Valley. A champion of the Oregon sparkling wine scene, Lundeen Wines is one of Oregon’s most lauded producers of Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. Visit their tasting room for communal tastings of sparkling or still wines, including their top bubbly, a Brut Rosé featuring a 60/40 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend.
Popular For: Sustainable Estate Wines
Coleman Vineyards | McMinnville, OR
Feel like part of the family at the casual and educational tasting room atmosphere at Coleman Vineyards in McMinnville, Oregon. This estate-grown vineyard was planted in 1991 and is helmed by co-vintners Randy and Kim Coleman. Coleman Vineyards prioritizes minimal winemaking techniques with sustainable land management practices like utilizing cover crops, compost, and in-row cultivation. Sample pours of their classic Pinot Noir, along with Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Rosé.
Popular For: Exclusive Pours
Coelho Winery | Amity, OR
Planted in 2000, Coelho Winery wines are crafted with care from their three vineyards located within the Willamette Valley. All of their grapes are exclusively used in Coelho wines and not shared with other wineries, meaning each sip is truly authentic to their cultivation. Taste pours from their McMinnville AVA vineyard, Delfina, at their rustic tasting room in the historic fire-damaged 1930s Amity Hardware store.
Plan Your Stay in the McMinnville AVA
Conveniently located within the Willamette Valley, Tributary Hotel is nestled in the heart of historic McMinnville, Oregon, and offers a boutique hotel experience with world-class hospitality and luxury suites. Tributary is your ideal base for exploring Oregon Wine Country.
Book now to reserve your stay.