A Guide to Walk-In Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley

"Willamette Valley Vineyards is likely your best bet at grabbing a walk-in spot any day of the week. It’s massive, with a warm-but-spacious indoor tasting area, a large courtyard, a sprawling patio with vineyard views, pinot decks, a mezzanine, and vineyard lawns. Those who walk in, however, may have a harder time nabbing a straight-up flight; the mezzanine, patio, courtyard, decks, and lawns are bottle-and-glass service only (which shouldn’t be a problem for those of you just looking to relax with a glass of wine). Expect lots of pinot noir, from rosé to whole cluster, with some fun rare offerings like méthode champenoise sparkling and semi-sparkling muscat. Willamette Valley Vineyards also offers a full food menu with suggested pairings, like coconut-green curry clams meant to be eaten alongside a glass of pinot blanc. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Fridays." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden