America’s Best Wine Regions to Visit, Ranked by Sommeliers
by Matt Meltzer
2. Willamette Valley, OR
Must-hit wineries: Soter Vineyards & Argyle Winery, St. Innocent in Eola-Amity
This part of Western Oregon sits on about the same latitude as the Bordeaux region of France and has become synonymous with great pinot noirs. But of all the regions on this list, it’s also the closest to a major city, Portland. So the vineyards are an easy day-trip if you’re staying in town. “Take the scenic route,” says Robinson, of the drive from Portland. “The rolling hills, grass fields, and hazelnut trees are a nice appetizer to the refined elegance of pinot noir.” But Grandison also issues a warning for all who visit: “Willamette Valley has that laid-back feel and overly genuinely passionate people… but make sure to reconfirm your [vineyard] appointments the day before, as there is definitely a certain ‘Willamette time’ thing going on.”