A Guide to the Best Wine Tastings in the Willamette Valley

"With its massive estate tasting room just south of Salem, Willamette Valley Vineyards is likely a best bet at grabbing a walk-in spot any day of the week. Depending on the weather, choose between the warm-but-spacious indoor tasting area, a large courtyard, a sprawling patio with vineyard views, pinot decks, a mezzanine, and vineyard lawns for your tasting setting. 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 (this shouldn’t be a problem for those 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 a shrimp and scallop salad meant to be eaten alongside a glass of pinot blanc or wood-fired pizzas with some pinot to wash it down. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Fridays." - Zoe Baillargeon, Brooke Jackson-Glidden