10 Best Wineries Around Portland

Ponzi Vineyards was founded in 1970 by a family that was among the first to realise the Willamette Valley’s suitability for growing pinot noir grapes – the region’s signature varietal. The winery sits atop a northwest-facing slope of the Chehalem Mountains about 20 miles outside Portland, surrounded by the Avellana Vineyard. Ponzi specialises in pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay. Small-plate food is also available.

You can enjoy the view outdoors under a covered terrace, with fireside seating offered on cooler days. In summer, use the bocce ball courts. Events include morning yoga, winemaking talks, vineyard strolls, and food pairings. One reviewer says the location was “perfect for a proposal.” Reservations are recommended but walk-in visitors are accommodated based on availability.

Sokol Blosser Winery is another family-run endeavour that began growing pinot noir grapes in the 1970s. It emphasises environmentally friendly growing and winemaking techniques, with its 85 acres in the Dundee Hills certified organic. In addition to many pinot noir varieties, Sokol Blosser produces whites including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and Riesling, as well as rose and sparkling wines.

Schedule a sampling in a tasting room, where food is available, or a slightly longer session in the barrel cellar, where food options are offered. You can also schedule the Farm and Forage experience for wine-and-food pairings. Reservations are required, although walk-ins are accommodated for glasses of wine or tastings based on availability.

David and Ginny Adelsheim, also one of the first families to make wine in the region, began growing wine grapes in 1971. Adelsheim Vineyard is considered a leader in the development of the Oregon wine industry. It now includes 12 vineyards for a total of 237 acres. The winery, near the city of Newberg, is in the Chehalem Mountains.

The winery’s initial focus was pinot noir and chardonnay; it now produces syrah, rose, and a number of sparkling wines as well. Book a tasting with a flight of wines. Food add-ons include truffle fondue, cheeses, caviar, and chocolates. The private Cave Experience includes a food selection. The Fireside Experience, also private, includes the truffle fondue. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Lemelson Vineyards founder Eric Lemelson, an environmental lawyer, demonstrates his 2 passions through his winery: care for the environment and pinot noir. Lemelson uses organic farming methods in his 6 vineyards, and the winery itself is built from sustainable materials. Nearly all the wines Lemelson offers are pinot noir variations. But as you’ll see in the Willamette Valley, that doesn’t mean uniformity in flavour. The diversity of tastes winemakers achieve from variations of the pinot noir grape is remarkable.

A tasting includes a selection of wines and a talk on the Lemelson winemaking process. Picnics are welcome in outdoor areas, which are available in good weather. Reservations are strongly recommended; the maximum number of guests is 6.

Soter Vineyards inhabits a 240-acre biodynamic farm called Mineral Springs Ranch near the city of Carlton. It includes multiple plant and animal species, some of which are used in grape-growing as well as the food offered with tastings. Pinot noir, chardonnay, and brut rose are among the wines produced at Soter.

Book the Mineral Springs Provisions Tasting to sip wine, learn about the winery, and have food from the ranch (the plates are considered enough for lunch). Schedule the Classic Tasting to sample 5 wines, hear an educational talk, and choose from a smaller food menu. Reservations are required; the maximum number of guests is 6.

Hawks View Winery is located on 50 acres near the city of Sherwood. It produces pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay. Its name is a hint to what you’ll find – a spectacular view of the perpetually snow-capped Mount Hood in the Columbia Gorge from an outdoor deck or indoor tasting room.

A flight of 6 wines is available for a 90-minute tasting. You can also purchase wines by the glass or bottle. Food includes a charcuterie and cheese plate, prosciutto panini, and a brie-and-gorgonzola fondue. Reservations are highly recommended; the maximum number of guests is 8.

Many Northwest Oregon wineries focus heavily on pinot noir, yet Cathedral Ridge Winery offers many varietals. Why? It’s situated in the Columbia Gorge, where it draws on vineyards in varying local microclimates that duplicate grape-growing regions around the world. The winery is known for its “big, bold reds” but also produces whites.

It’s based in Hood River and has tasting rooms in Dundee and Carlton. At all locations, it offers 2 levels of tasting (standard and reserve) that include your choice of 6 wines. At Hood River, it offers a longer tasting that features wine direct from barrels. In Dundee and Carlton, it offers a premier private tasting. Reservations are required; the maximum number of guests is 6.

Bells Up Winery calls itself a boutique business, but it’s also a tale of personal success. Self-described “recovering tax attorney” Dave Spectre left his high-stress job to pursue a passion that began as a hobby – winemaking. After working as a winemaker for a time in Ohio, he and his wife, Sara Pearson Spectre (a marketing consultant who applies her skills at Bells Up), moved to Newberg in 2013 to establish the winery.

Bells up produces several varietals, including pinot noir, pinot blanc, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon. You can learn their whole storey – and about Dave’s wines – on a visit. Dave hosts 3 private tastings per day, which are booked in advance by reservation. The maximum number of guests is 6.

Alloro Vineyard is located on a south-facing slope in the Chehalem Mountains. It produces pinot noir, chardonnay, Riesling, and muscat varietals. The winery is located within the vineyard, and all wines are produced on site, giving them the “estate” designation. A farm that includes sheep and cattle, gardens, fruit trees, and a nut orchard contribute to the agricultural operation and the food offered.

Book an Estate Tasting to enjoy several wines and small plates. The Morsi Tasting features reserve wines and food paired with the selections. The Chef’s Tasting is described as “a multi-course wine and food experience.” Reservations are strongly encouraged. Events include Fresh Oyster Wednesdays and dinner served outdoors.

Hip Chicks Do Wine is one of several urban wineries in Portland. Winemakers and spouses Laurie Lewis and Renee Neely took an unlikely course to opening the winery, which they offer as a “fun and approachable” alternative to some, which they believe take things “a little too seriously.” They work with grapes including pinot noir, pinot gris, tempranillo, merlot, malbec, and muscat.

For a tasting, a wine flight includes 6 selections, one being a sangria when available. Also offered are 2 wines on tap to go (bring or purchase a bottle called a growler.) Reservations are requested. Events include wine-and-food pairings, a bingo game based on wine jargon, and a workshop to build a charcuterie board.