If you’re planning to visit Oregon wine country, I’ve got the best Willamette Valley wine tasting experience you should try. It’s at Willamette Valley Vineyards, a winery founded in the Salem, Oregon area over 40 years ago.
Like other local vineyards, this destination offers basic tastings and on-site shopping. But Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVV) stands out with the elevated wine experiences they offer. I took a private tour of the winery and got a behind the scenes look. The most exciting part was the “Clonal Blending Experience” where you create your own blend from various Pinot Noir varieties.
Keep reading for details on visiting this winery and how you can book this wine tasting experience for yourself.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Tasting Room
8800 Enchanted Way SE
Turner, OR 97392
CONTENTS:
Observe sweeping views of the vineyard
It’s almost unbelievable how gorgeous the views are at this winery. Located in the Salem Hills, the vineyard rests on 67 acres of rolling slopes. Everywhere you look, you’ll see views of the valley. In the background are the Cascade Mountains just east of the vineyard.
The best views can be seen from the back patio where you can sit and sip some wine. The building itself is picturesque with separate mezzanine, courtyard and immaculate landscaping.
Take a private tour of the winery
Step behind-the-scenes and book a private tour of the winery. You’ll be led on a 90-minute tour through the vineyard, library and barrel cellar. We were led by a Wine Ambassador who spoke about WVV’s history and contributions to Oregon’s wine scene.
I learned that the vineyard’s land had once been a volcano which makes the soil great for growing grapes. The hillside slope also helps yield perfect grapes by orienting the vines toward the sun.
The barrel cellar was the most interesting part. Seeing wines at different stages of the aging process truly puts the difficult wine-making experience into perspective for me. The tour ended in the barrel room where we learned about how vintners blend their wines.
Blend your own Pinot Noir with “Clonal Blending”
Here’s where WVV stands out from any other Willamette Valley wine tasting.
Book this experience to learn about different Pinot Noir grapes and the art of combining them into a blend.
The experience is based around WVV’s unique Clonal Blending System (pictured above). It allows for small-scale blending and testing wine using the dials on the front.
You start by sampling the different varieties as the Wine Ambassador talks you through the notes. At the end, you get to choose your favorite varieties to mix into your very own wine blend.
Conclusion
See winemaking like you never have before at Willamette Valley Vineyards. Bring your friends for a quick girls trip or your significant other for a romantic vibe. Whether you choose a simple tasting or go big with the clonal blending experience, it’s sure to be an unforgettable visit.
Love taking trips to places with mountains? Read about visiting Zion Canyon, Utah for the most gorgeous views you’ll ever see.
Comments
One response to “Discover the Best Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Experience”
[…] Do you like learning about wineries? Check out this post on Willamette Valley Vineyards in Salem, Oregon. […]