Willamette Valley AVA [wuh-LAM-iht] | Wine Terms

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Willamette Valley AVA
[wuh-LAM-iht]

This Oregon VITICULTURAL AREA is in the state’s northern portion, starting north of Portland and stretching to just south of Eugene. The Willamette Valley AVA nestles between the coastal range to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east in Oregon’s best-known grape-growing areas. It stretches for about 175 miles and is this state’s main wine-producing region. Although not officially divided, this area is typically thought of as being split into the North Willamette Valley, which has the largest concentration of wineries, and the South Willamette Valley, which is slightly warmer. The dividing line is just south of Salem. The Willamette Valley is a cool growing region and the most popular grape varieties here are PINOT NOIR, PINOT GRIS, RIESLING, and CHARDONNAY. It is because of this area that Oregon now has a worldwide reputation for excellent Pinot Noir. Other grapes, planted in small amounts, include CABERNET SAUVIGNON, GEWÜRZTRAMINER, MÜLLER-THURGAU, SÉMILLON, and ZINFANDEL. The Dundee Hills area, with its red soil and steep hills, is considered one of the best, as is the Eola Hills area. Both areas have applied for their own AVA status, as have four other Willamette Valley subregions—Chehalem Mountains, McMinnville Foothills, Ribbon Ridge, and the Yamhill-Carlton District. All are located in the northern part of the region.

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