Get to Know the Willamette Valley AVAs: Mount Pisgah
Nestled within Polk County, Oregon, just west of the capital city of Salem lies the small-but-mighty Mount Pisgah American Viticultural Area (AVA). In this continuation of our series exploring the 11 nested AVAs within the Willamette Valley AVA, we are excited to introduce you to the Mount Pisgah AVA.
Mount Pisgah AVA
While the Mount Pisgah AVA was only founded in 2022, the mountain itself formed 65 million years ago as a seafloor volcano which was covered by marine sediment before emerging out of the ocean. The unique geology of this region produces complex grapes, enhanced by the Van Duzer winds and rain protection from Laurel Mountain to the west.
Mount Pisgah is the Willamette Valley’s second smallest AVA, but one of the most densely planted in Oregon Wine Country. Freedom Hill Vineyard was a pioneer in the area, paving the way for 10 other vineyards to pop up in the 40 years that followed. The region has just three tasting rooms spread across its 5,530 acres, but many of the vineyards supply grapes to wineries scattered across the Willamette, with the most common grape varieties being Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo.
Featured Mount Pisgah AVA Wineries
Popular For: Horse-Powered Vineyard
Illahe Vineyards | Dallas, OR
With a focus on making wine as naturally as possible, Illahe Vineyards in Dallas, Oregon is an 80-acre horse-powered vineyard that uses Percheron drafts and Norwegian Fjords to deliver grapes to the winery at harvest. In the spirit of natural winemaking, Illahe makes its wines without enzymes or additives, avoids filtering its Pinot Noir, and makes some wines entirely by hand without electricity. At their tasting room, you can sample their Pinot Noir, aged in French and Oregon oak.
Popular For: Comprehensive Tasting Tours
Open Claim Vineyards | Dallas, OR
Open Claim Vineyards have been growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on their family farm for 30 years with a commitment to dry farming and sustainable wine growing. Experience a leisurely two-hour tasting at their Dallas, Oregon vineyard, which includes a walking tour of their vineyards and gardens, a tasting that pairs creative bites with Open Claim wines, and a selection of art on display by local artisans.
Popular For: Sustainable Growing Practices
Amalie Robert Estate | Dallas, OR
Situated outside of Dallas, Oregon, Amalie Robert Estate was founded in 2000 on top of an old cherry orchard and comprises 36 acres of sedimentary Bellpine soil. The winery primarily grows Pinot Noir but also offers pours of Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Meunier, Syrah, and Viognier. Amalie Robert engages in sustainable viticulture practices by utilizing gravity flow methods and planting cover crops to reduce soil erosion.
Plan Your Visit to the Willamette Valley
Tributary Hotel is nestled in the heart of historic McMinnville, Oregon, just 35 minutes from the Mount Pisgah AVA wineries. Our boutique luxury inn offers elegant suites and world-class hospitality, and our dedicated concierge is ready to assist with winery recommendations and reservations. Tributary is your ideal base for exploring Oregon Wine Country.
Book now to reserve your stay.