Top Photo: The sun setting behind our parking space at Eola Hills Legacy Vineyard.
Our mini road trip began outside of Salem at Eola Hills Vineyard, followed by two more wineries, a brewery, & a county park. Willamette Valley is home to approximately 700 wineries
The Willamette Valley runs from Portland to Eugene, Oregon, with the Cascade Mountains to the east, the Coast Range to the west, and Calappooya Mountains to the south. This valley is more than 100 miles long and about 60 miles wide at its widest point. Pinot Noir is the primary grape planted and produces some of the best Pinot Noir wines globally. Approximately 70% of Oregon's population lives within the Willamette Valley.
Overnight Parking - Participating HarvestHosts.com members: no facilities provided, must have a self-contained RV & an active Harvest Hosts membership for an overnight visit:
- May 15th-16th — Eola Hills Legacy Vineyard near Salem, OR
- May 18th-19th — Emerson Vineyards near Monmouth, OR
- May 19th-20th — Deluxe Brewing, Albany, OR
- May 20th-21st — Redgate Winery near Independence, OR
Armitage County Park - County Park Park, near Eugene, OR: Site #30 (37 RV sites total) - This site has: full hookups. Campground Notes: flush toilets • showers • river access • trails from campground • 415’ elevation. July 16th- 18th.
Previous Visits to Armitage: 2021 & 2016Overall Experience for all the Above:
Eola Hills Legacy Vineyard
Armitage County Park
Emerson Vineyards
Deluxe Brewing
Redgate Winery
Tap on thumbnail photos for a larger view.
The Willamette Valley in Oregon has quickly become one of the top wine regions in the United States. In a short amount of time, it has established itself as a place known for producing high-quality wines, especially its famous Pinot Noirs.
A Growing Wine Region The Willamette Valley is now home to over 700 wineries, up from just 400 nine years ago. This makes it the third largest wine region in the country after California and Washington. But it's not just about the numbers - the Willamette Valley is also known for the exceptional quality of its wines, particularly its Pinot Noirs which are considered among the best in the U.S.
Ideal Conditions for Winemaking One of the reasons behind the region's success is its perfect climate for growing grapes. The Willamette Valley has a cool and wet weather that is ideal for cultivating Pinot Noir grapes. The long and cool growing season allows the grapes to develop rich flavors and enticing aromas. Winemakers in the area have also mastered the art of growing and making Pinot Noir to bring out its finest characteristics.
More Than Just Wine Aside from its outstanding wines, the Willamette Valley is also becoming a popular destination for tourists. With its many wineries offering tasting rooms, tours, and other activities, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of wine. But there's more to explore beyond wine - from dining to hiking, there are plenty of things to do in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Willamette Valley.
A Must-Visit Destination The Willamette Valley truly stands out as a gem in Oregon's wine country. Its exceptional Pinot Noirs, growing number of wineries, and picturesque landscapes make it a must-visit place for any wine lover. As the region continues to grow and improve, it is on its way to solidifying its position as one of the top wine regions not only in the U.S., but in the entire world.
