Get to Know the Willamette Valley AVAs: Ribbon Ridge
Contained within the larger Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA), the Ribbon Ridge AVA is a small area producing wines with big flavors. Continuing our series exploring the 11 nested AVAs within the Willamette Valley AVA, we are excited to introduce you to the Ribbon Ridge AVA.
Ribbon Ridge AVA
Established in 2005, the Ribbon Ridge AVA is home to 10 wineries, 11 tasting rooms, and 34 vineyards. Situated on the Northwest end of the Chehalem Mountains, the Ribbon Ridge AVA comprises 3,350 acres of land with 500 planted acres, making it Oregon’s smallest AVA. The area stands apart due to its island-like appearance towering above the Chehalem Valley floor and features uniform and unique ocean sedimentary soils.
Most of the vineyards in this region are forced to dry farm, a type of production that forgoes artificial irrigation during dry months and relies on the soil's residual moisture from the prior rainy seasons. However, Ribbon Ridge has deep and well-drained soil that makes it ideal for growing high-quality wine grapes, resulting in Pinot Noirs with complex notes like rose petals, dark cherries, earth, and spice. The region features a majority of Pinot Noir with a bit of Chardonnay and Gamay Noir grapes as well.
Featured Ribbon Ridge AVA Wineries
Popular For: Comprehensive Tasting Tour
Trisaetum Winery | Newberg, OR
Founded in 2003, Trisaetum Winery in Newberg, Oregon practices dry farming, low/no-till, and hand harvesting. Tour their extensive sorting system, innovative tank hall, cold room, and barrel cave while tasting their most recent releases, or sit back and relax at their covered heated patio. The winery also houses a 1,500-square-foot art gallery featuring original works of abstract paintings and photography.
Popular For: Organic Wines
Brick House Wine Co. | Newberg, OR
Brick House Wine Co. is a trailblazer in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, becoming certified organic in 1990 and Biodynamic by Demeter USA in 2005. The 40-acre farm prides itself on handling low-yielding vines with great care, and plants three varieties of Burgundy: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay Noir. Brick House also offers an immersive farm tour and tasting or a private seated tasting in their farmhouse.
Popular For: First Ribbon Ridge Vines
Ridgecrest Wines | Newberg, OR
A multi-generational family winery, Ridgecrest Wines was founded in 1980 and planted the first vines on the Ribbon Ridge AVA in 1982. Pinot Noir is the star of the show, with supporting roles played by Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, and Gamay Noir. Choose from an estate tasting, a library tasting, or a vineyard tour and lunch.
Popular For: Small-Lot Wines
Utopia Vineyard | Newberg, OR
Utopia Vineyard is a family-owned producer of small-lot, handcrafted wines specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The family bought their horse pasture estate in 2000, comprising 16.8 acres of south-facing hillsides at an elevation of 500 feet. Book patio, barn, or picnic wine tastings at their estate, or reserve a private tour with the winemaker for a curated tasting experience.
Plan Your Visit To The Willamette Valley
Tributary Hotel is nestled in the heart of historic McMinnville, Oregon, just 25 minutes from the Ribbon Ridge 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. Our concierge team can also set up transportation to and from your winery tour throughout Oregon Wine Country.
Book now to reserve your stay.