Get to Know the Willamette Valley AVAs: Tualatin Hills
Named for the Tualatin River watershed, the Tualatin Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) has long been connected with Oregon winemaking history. In this continuation of our series exploring the 11 nested AVAs within the Willamette Valley AVA, we’d like to introduce you to the Tualatin Hills AVA.
Tualatin Hills AVA
Situated in the northwestern corner of the Willamette Valley, the Tualatin Hills AVA is home to the first commercial vineyard in Oregon. The region benefits from the highest concentration of Laurelwood soil in Oregon, a windblown volcanic soil mixed with basalt. Sitting at an elevation range between 200 and 1,000 feet, the Tualatin Hills AVA experiences slightly lower rainfall, thanks to shelter from the Coast Range, cooler temperatures in spring, and temperate and dry conditions during the fall harvest.
The Tualatin Hills AVA is one of the newer AVAs in Oregon. It was established in June 2020 and is home to 41 vineyards with 10 wineries and tasting rooms. The most common grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer.
Featured Tualatin Hills AVA Wineries
Popular For: Italian-Style Wines
Apolloni Vineyards | Forest Grove, OR
Beloved for its estate-grown and organically farmed cool climate varietals of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc, Apolloni Vineyards has roots in northern Italy that date back 150 years. Moving to Oregon from Italy in 1999, the family began creating premium Pinot Noir and Italian-style wines, which have since been certified sustainable by the LIVE and Salmon Safe programs.
Popular For: Award-Winning Wines
Willamette Valley Vineyards at Tualatin Estate | Forest Grove, OR
Established in 1973 by wine pioneers Bill Fuller and Bill Malkmus, Willamette Valley Vineyards at Tualatin Estate is one of the most respected vineyards in the Willamette Valley, with its grapes producing world-renowned wines for over 45 years. The 171-acre vineyard is the only vineyard to have won the Best of Show for the red and white categories at the London International Wine Competition in the same year. Tualatin’s Pinot Noir captured the Governor’s Trophy, Oregon’s most prestigious wine award, two years in a row, a feat no other Oregon winery has accomplished.
Popular For: Scenic Tasting Room
David Hill Vineyards & Winery | Forest Grove, OR
First homesteaded in 1883, David Hill Vineyards & Winery has a long history in the Willamette Valley. The oldest Pinot Noir vines were planted in 1965 by Charles Coury and still contribute fruit to David Hill’s award-winning wines today. Visit their 150-acre estate for sweeping views of the Oregon Coast Range and experience a tasting of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Muscat, and Semillon in their historic 1883 farmhouse.
Popular For: Biodynamic Wines
Montinore Estate | McMinnville, OR
As one of the country's largest producers of certified Biodynamic wines, Montinore Estate focuses on superior Pinot Noirs, cool climate whites, and fascinating Italian varietals. Their 200-acre Demeter Certified Biodynamic and CCOF Certified Organic vineyard is located in the Tualatin Hills AVA, but you can experience a Montinore Estate tasting at The Grove in the heart of McMinnville, Oregon.
Plan Your Wine Tasting Visit To The Willamette Valley
Tributary is your ideal base for exploring Oregon Wine Country, situated in historic McMinnville, Oregon, just 45-50 minutes from the Tualatin Hills 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. We can also arrange transportation to and from Tributary Hotel for tours.
Book now to reserve your stay.