Willamette Valley AVA

The Williamette Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is the largest AVA in the state of Oregon. It lies in the Willamette Valley which stretches from the Columbia River in the north to just south of Eugene where the valley ends. It also takes in the Oregon Coastal range in the west to the Cascade Mountains in the east. It covers approximately 5,200 square miles and it contains two-thirds of the state's wineries and vineyards. It currently has approximately 200 wineries and is growing. Oregon has been producing wine since 1965 but the Williamette Valley AVA wasn’t established until 1984. Currently there are six smaller AVA’s (sub-appellations) within this larger region that include; Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, and Yamhill Carlton. The majority of production is in Yamhill County. The climate in this region is relatively mild with a gentle growing season. Its summers are warm and the evenings are cool. Its winters are mild with little snow and it typically has a long rainy spring. This climate provides some of the best conditions for growing Pinot Noir. Although Williamette Valley is recognized worldwide for their production of Pinot Noir, they also produce such varietals as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, and some Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.

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