YOUR GUIDE TO TUALATIN VALLEY’S WINE COUNTRY
Tualatin Valley is the closest estate wine destination to Portland and offers a wine country escape without the long drive. This underrated gem features boutique wineries and award-winning producers. The region offers diverse wine offerings, thanks to the fertile soil and diverse microclimates. While Pinot Noir reigns supreme in the region, Tualatin Valley produces a wide variety of exceptional red and white wines. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Tempranillo, Riesling, Gerwürtztraminer, Syrah, Sangiovese, Rosé and sparkling wines are just some of the varieties that can be found here.
GLOSSARY
American Viticultural Area (AVA):
A designated wine grape-growing region in the United States
Terroir:
The combination of factors, including soil and climate, that give wine grapes their distinctive character
Varieties:
Wine made from a specific type of grape (i.e. Pinot Noir)
LEGEND
RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND MAY BE
Tualatin Hills AVA Must be 21 or Older
WELCOME TO OUR WINE COUNTRY
Situated in the northern edge of the Willamette Valley in the Tualatin River Basin, Tualatin Valley is one of Oregon’s premier wine tasting destinations. Easily accessible, the valley is just minutes from downtown Portland and boasts 40 estate wineries and tasting rooms.
Our tasting rooms are welcoming to beginning wine drinkers and seasoned wine enthusiasts alike!
In addition to its proximity to Portland, another defining characteristic of Tualatin Valley’s wineries is the intimacy of the wine tasting experience. Not only are the tasting rooms inviting and less crowded, the people who work in our tasting rooms are knowledgeable and helpful, and welcoming to beginning wine drinkers and seasoned wine enthusiasts alike. Also, the person who poured your flight just may be the winemaker!
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
While exploring Tualatin Valley wine country, we invite you to explore more of what Tualatin Valley offers. Stay overnight in our comfy and clean hotels. Dine in our acclaimed restaurants, with cuisine that originates from all corners of the world. Explore our nature trails, breweries, and so much more. Learn more at TUAL ATINVALLEY.ORG .
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
ABOUT TUALATIN VALLEY’S AVAS
WHAT IS AN AVA?
An AVA is an American Viticultural Area, an official designation of a specific grape-growing region. AVAs are determined by geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from the surrounding regions and affect how grapes are grown. An AVA, such as Willamette Valley or Napa Valley, also denotes the origin of where a grape is grown, so consumers can choose wines from their favorite winegrowing regions.
THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY AVA
All of Tualatin Valley’s vineyards fall in the famed Willamette Valley wine region. In 2021, the Willamette Valley AVA earned formal recognition and protection by the European Union, making it only the second American wine region with this distinction and is a global milestone for the Willamette Valley’s hardworking wine growers and winemakers.
Nested in the Willamette Valley AVA are Oregon’s two newest AVA designations, Laurelwood District and Tualatin Hills.
• The 33,600-acre Laurelwood District AVA covers the northern slopes of the Chehalem Mountains AVA, including Cornelius, Scholls and Sherwood. This AVA is differentiated by its Laurelwood soils, iron-rich Missoula Flood loess soil contributing to the unique flavor of the wines.
• The 144,000-acre Tualatin Hills AVA aligns with the watershed of the Tualatin River and encompasses part of the Tualatin Valley. The area is north of the Chehalem Mountains AVA and also comprises Laurelwood soil. The area also has slightly higher temperatures than vineyards located in the Laurelwood District AVA.
Ruby Vineyard & Winery
Founded in the Chehalem Mountains in 1999, Alloro Vineyard is a 110-acre wine farm producing small quantities of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and sparkling wines. In addition to 34 acres of planted vines, the holistic farm--just 30 minutes from Portland--raises pigs, registered Hereford cattle, and heritage breeds of sheep, and also grows fig, chestnut, walnut, hazelnut, and olive trees, along with vegetables and hay for livestock. Reservations recommended.
Winemaker, Tom Fitzpatrick
14135 NW Timmerman Road, Forest Grove, OR 97116 503-359-3606; apolloni.com
Tradition, Italian and family are the foundations of Apolloni Vineyards and its winemaking. Apolloni specializes in the production of traditional Pinot Noir and Italian-style wines. Here, you will find the only Estate Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio in the Tualatin Valley. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome.
APOLLONI VINEYARDS
Voted one of Oregon’s top 10 wineries with panoramic views, Árdíri Winery and Vineyards specializes in Willamette Valley and Napa Valley Pinot Noir. With vineyards in both prestigious wine-growing regions, their wines illustrate the differences in terroir and how that affects the complexity of the wines. With a spectacular view of Mt. Hood, the tasting room boasts an open-air area with fireplace and fire pits. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome.
Blakeslee Vineyard Estate produces wines that beautifully represent the terroir of the region. Blakeslee has been producing Pinot Noir from its sustainably farmed vineyard for more than 20 years. The site, which was a hazelnut (filbert) and Christmas tree farm, was converted to a Pinot Noir vineyard in the late 1990s. By appointment only. Reservations required.
BLAKESLEE VINEYARD ESTATE
Co-owner, Sheila Blakeslee
Blizzard Wines’ modern Tasting Hall has stunning views of Chehalem Mountains over the estate vineyard. The family-run winery specializes in Columbia Valley bold reds, as well as Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Female winemaker Dana Blizzard is inspired by French winemaking and also imports Grower Champagnes. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome.
Owner/winemaker, Dana Blizzard & Owner, Nick Blizzard
Located at the base of Oregon’s Coast Range is Carpenter Creek Winery and Farm, a 25-acre farm, complete with a herd of “Tennessee Walking Horses.” In the cozy tasting room, sit back and relax and experience the tranquility and beauty of the farm. Enjoy wine and meet the horses at this one-of-akind wine tasting experience. Reservations recommended for 6 or more. Walk-ins welcome. CARPENTER CREEK FARM &
Experience the essence of Cooper Mountain Vineyards at its estate winery founded in 1978, where you are invited to indulge in their meticulously crafted quality wines. Cooper Mountain honors the unique character of the land and climate from which our wines originate in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Discover the harmony of Oregon’s nature and craftsmanship in each bottle. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome.
Winemaker, Gilles de Domingo
DAUNTLESS WINE CØ.
Reservations recommended for 5 or more Old 47 Estate Vineyard 6505 SW Old Highway 47,
Reservations recommended for 5 or more
Founded by three Iraq war combat veterans, Dauntless has a mission to make great wine and serve the veteran community through charitable contributions. The tasting room features their own wines, as well as wine, cider and beer from veteran-made producers.
TASTING NOTES:
Owner/winemaker, Ben Martin – Marine Corps
Dion Vineyard, named after Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, is a family owned and operated vineyard located in the north end of the Chehalem Mountains. For more than 40 years, three generations have farmed this land, growing premium wine grapes on 60 acres. Dion sells most of their wine grapes to a variety of local wineries, and preserves some of the best blocks to produce small amounts of their own wines. Dion Vineyard is small, old-school and friendly, with great wines and great views. Reservations recommended. Same day often available.
Owners, Beth Klingner & Kevin Johnson (Winemaker)
Eagles Nest Reserve is a family-run vineyard and winery focusing on dry farming, no-till, herbicide-free agriculture to produce unfined and unfiltered, low intervention wine. The 160-acre reserve is a diverse landscape of vineyards, wetlands, wildlife, and easement-protected forest sanctuaries. Surrounded by vines with a panoramic view of the valley, its showcase barn is host to wine tastings as well as public and private events.
Established in 1998, Freja Cellars is a family-operated vineyard and boutique winery dedicated to producing premium Pinot Noir and Albariño wines from estate-grown grapes in the Old-World style. Freja is located at a high elevation in the beautiful Chehalem Mountains. By appointment only. Reservations required.
Open March-November, by appointment only.
Gemini Vineyards is a small batch producer of estate grown wine, focusing on exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rosé from their site on Laurelwood soil in the Chehalem Mountains. Tastings take place in a covered gazebo in the middle of the vineyard. By appointment only. Reservations required.
Hawks View Winery shapes award-winning wines sourced from its estate, which can be sampled in the stylish tasting room or on the outdoor deck, complete with stunning views of Mt. Hood. Owned by Ponte Family Estate, the wines from the sustainably farmed vineyard reflect the terroir of the Chehalem Mountains. Reservations recommended.
Helvetia Winery provides a country winery experience ten minutes from high-tech Hillsboro in the historic Helvetia area of Tualatin Valley. The Jakob Yungen House and the great outdoors are the perfect setting for sampling award-winning wines, touring a working vineyard and winery, or simply relaxing in a beautiful, secluded, rural setting in the Tualatin Mountain foothills. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome.
Open summers from Memorial Day to Labor Day 6200 NW Gales Creek Road, Forest Grove, OR 97116 503-217-4122; maloofwines.com / noclosradio.com
Maloof Wine’s estate winery is situated on a legacy vineyard located outside of Forest Grove in the Tualatin Hills AVA. They have been producing wine since 2015 and purchased the vineyard in 2020. Their vision is to produce single-vineyard wines of often overlooked or misunderstood white varieties. Their wines, as well as other wines from around the world can be enjoyed at the winery’s seasonal full-service restaurant, No Clos Radio Cafe. Visit their website for hours. Reservations required for parties of 6 or more.
NEMARNIKI VINEYARD & WINERY 21425 SW Aebischer Road, Sherwood, OR 97140 971-235-2364; nemarnikivineyard.com
Nemraniki Vineyard crafts its wines exclusively with sustainably-farmed grapes. The estate vineyard is LIVE and Salmon Safe certified, which is a testament to the vineyard’s sustainable farming practices. While several wineries have used grapes from Nemarniki’s vineyards to produce their own wines, the winery also produces its own Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah and Dry Muscat. Reservations are recommended.
WHY IS THIS REGION SPECIAL?
THE SOIL!
Tualatin Valley is a special place. Its soil, which comes from the Laurelwood family, is unique to this area of the Willamette Valley wine region. From the slopes of the Chehalem Mountains to the Tualatin River Basin, these Laurelwood soils were formed millions of years ago by the erosion of rock, which blew into the north end of the valley. Tualatin Valley’s vineyards are planted in these unique soils, which help define the diversity and complexity of the wines found here.
Established in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards was among the first founding wineries to put the Willamette Valley on the map as a world-class wine region. In 2021, Ponzi was acquired by the venerated Champagne producer Bollinger. With Luisa Ponzi still at the winemaking helm, the founding spirit of Ponzi Vineyards is as alive as ever, they continue to elevate the elemental into exceptional, celebrating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in their purest expressions. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome.
Proteus Wines is a tiny estate overlooking an expansive swale of unencumbered views to the east and south on the north side of the Chehalem Mountains. The shape-shifting Greek god, Proteus, is the metaphor for the adaptability and resilience they focus on with every wine they make, employing agricultural sustainability in the vineyard and minimal manipulation in the winery. By appointment only. Reservations required.
Ruby Vineyard and Winery produces premium Pinot Noir from some of the oldest own-rooted vines in Oregon. The great-great-grandfather of owner Stephen Hendricks was an Oregon pioneer, arriving in the Willamette Valley from the Oregon Trail in 1843. Today, Stephen continues his family’s pioneering spirit via winemaking. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome.
SHERWOOD HILLS WINERY
17404 Southwest Parrett Mountain Road, Sherwood, OR 97140
971-979-5465; facebook.com/SherwoodHillsWinery
Located atop Parrett Mountain, Sherwood Hills Winery is a new winery located on Parrett Mountain in Sherwood. The combination of sun exposure, ideal soil and meticulous farming grow winegrapes with optimal depth of flavor. The winery is open for tastings by appointment only and for special events.
Sidereus Vineyard & Winery, which opened in 2021, is a boutique winery in the Laurelwood District AVA. The established estate-grown vineyards produce Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling. Winemaker Jason Bull, who has earned acclaim as a winemaker from several wineries in the Willamette Valley, makes complex wines that truly reflect the region’s terroir. Reservations required.
Winemaker, Jason Bull
Hamacher Wines has been an artisan wine producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as other varietals, since 1995. The winery and tasting room is situated on the Historic Ponzi Estate, home to some of the oldest vines in Oregon. Come spend a relaxing afternoon at the winery, sample a flight of wine, and play a game of bocce ball. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome.
BARKING FROG WINERY SHERWOOD TASTING ROOM 16125 SW Railroad Street, Sherwood, OR 97140
barkingfrogwinery.com
Barking Frog Winery has been producing small batches of handcrafted Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley as well as Syrah, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington grapes since 2005. In 2021, this Sherwood-based winery opened its second tasting room, and its first in Old Town Sherwood.
J. Rallison Cellars is a boutique winery with a dedication to single-vineyard red and white varieties. This winery focuses on limited-production wines, and each bottle is individually labeled. Visit the tasting room, located in Old Town Sherwood, where visitors will have an outstanding wine tasting experience.
Owner/Winemaker, Jared Rallison
Owner/winemaker, Leigh Brown
WINES
34615 SW Bell Road, Sherwood, OR 97140 (503) 756-5508; lolatiwines.com
Lolati Wines features a collection of expressive and bold wines. Lolati is a small production wine brand made and owned by female winemaker, Leigh Brown. Lolati is named after her great grandfather’s farm in South Africa, and means “back and forth,” which playfully defines these lively wines. Enjoy a unique experience of big reds in an intimate setting. Reservations required. LOLATI
Micro-boutique producers Résolu Cellars and Rue Cler teamed up to bring The Winery on 4th Craft Wine Bar + Production to Historic Downtown Hillsboro. Discover this urban wine bar featuring wines by Résolu Cellars along with rotating craft wine producers nestled in the winery production space. Rue Cler wines also available for purchase or by private appointment. Reservations recommended. RÉSOLU CELLARS URBAN
CRAFT WINE BAR & TASTING ROOM 262 SE 4th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97123
resolucellars.com / rueclerwine.com
TASTING NOTES:
President, Steve Vuylsteke
SAKÉONE
820 Elm Street, Forest Grove, OR 97116 503-357-7056; sakeone.com
SakéOne is the leading brewer of craft saké in America. SakéOne leads the fast-growing category with distinct styles, flavor infusions and a penchant for education and sharing their unique beverage. Tours of the kura will give you an inside look at how saké is made. The kura tour and saké flights will leave you enlightened and informed with a smile on your face.
Reservations recommended.
TASTING NOTES:
3 GOATS VINEYARD TASTING ROOM
3 Goats Vineyard takes pride in crafting wines from fruit grown all around the Pacific Northwest. From Pinot Noir grown at their estate vineyard in the Tualatin Hills AVA, to Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc sourced from the beautiful Applegate Valley AVA in Southern Oregon, 3 Goats’ wine library is a reflection of this gorgeous winegrowing region. Taste a flight at their new tasting room in downtown Hillsboro. Reservations recommended.
STAY IN TUALATIN VALLEY WINE COUNTRY
Elevate your Tualatin Valley wine country getaway with unique lodgings.
CASA OLEA is a charming bungalow overlooking Olea Vineyards. A stay here includes private wine tastings and enjoy the lounge chairs and outdoor fire pit.
ORENCO HOTEL is a cozy brownstone hotel located in the Orenco Station neighborhood close to dining and attractions.
MCMENAMINS GRAND
LODGE is a fun and quirky hotel in Forest Grove. This historic hotel features an on-site spa, soaking pool, movie theater and restaurants and bars.
SOSTA HOUSE, surrounded by some of Oregon’s oldest vineyards, is a unique destination bed-and-breakfast. Breakfast is included, and wine dinners are available on Sunday and Thursday evenings.
Casa Olea
Sosta House
