Willamette Valley Vineyards near Salem, Oregon

...an Oregon Landmark Winery


The Winery & Tasting Room

Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

8800 Enchanted Way SE (Map)
Turner, OR  97392
Phone: 800-344-9463 or
503-588-9463

Website: WillametteValleyVineyards.com
Email: 
info@wvv.com


Tasting Room at the
Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Center

Daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

300 NE Third Street 
McMinnville, OR  97128
503-883-9012

Email:  WineCenter@wvv.com

Wine Blog: WillametteValleyVineyards.BlogSpot.com



Winery Information

 
Founder/Winegrower: 
Jim Bernau

Winemaker:  Forrest Klaffke

Vineyard Acreage:  195 acres
Contract with other fine Oregon vineyards

Average Annual Production
125,000 cases per year
Products

Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling,
Chardonnay, Semi-Sparkling Muscat

Tasting Room Hours: 
Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 

Tasting Room    Gift Shop 

Wine Guild      Picnic Area  

On-Site & Off-site Special Events 

Winery & Cellar Tours    
By Appointment. Call 503-588-9463
or email for arrangements

Meeting Rooms    Event Sites    

Weddings/Receptions 

Master Card    VISA 
American Express
 

You Are Invited...
Oregon's Landmark Winery

Wine Tasting  -  Open Daily 11 am - 6 pm  - Tours by Appointment
 

     Once covered with remnants of an old plum orchard and strangled by invasive blackberry vines and scotch broom bushes, the 50 acres of south- and southwest-facing slopes that surround the Willamette Valley Vineyards winery site are now blanketed by neatly and sustainably planted vines of  Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

    The winery and its underground cellar are carved into the top of an ancient volcanic cinder cone -- Ilahee Hill.  Well-drained volcanic soils - colored red by their oxidized iron content - slope away from the winery site at about a 750-foot elevation to a
500-foot elevation of Enchanted Way below, paralleling I-5.  The combined geologic and climatic characteristics of this fine hillside location have proven their propensity to yield intensely flavored grapes year after year.

     What began as a fledgling winery in 1989, in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley appellation, is today the premier landmark Willamette Valley Vineyards and winery, inspiring awe in even the most casual observer traveling along the I-5 corridor just south of Salem.  For the wine enthusiast, the awe of Willamette Valley Vineyards goes beyond the visual as the wines express the elegant flavors and aromas enjoyed in high-quality Burgundian-style wines and the terroir of individual Willamette Valley growing sites can be tasted. 

      With the success of the original estate vineyards and the wines produced from that site, Willamette Valley Vineyards went on to expand its wine-grape sourcing with the 1997 purchase of one of the state's oldest and most respected vineyards -- Tualatin Estate, located near Forest Grove, Oregon.  Since then, plantings at Tualatin Estate were increased to include new rootstocks and Dijon clones of the Pinot Noir grape. 

     In addition to the estate vineyards and those at Tualatin Estate, Willamette Valley Vineyards now purchases fruit from many additional sites throughout Oregon

(continue top of next column)

     Every vineyard lot used by Willamette Valley Vineyards is held separately through fermentation and cellaring; many wines produced from these lots are then blended to achieve the finest synergistic results. 

     "Our intent," explains founder Jim Bernau, "is to create premium wines that are true to their origins and keen of aroma and flavor."

     With native Oregonian Jim Bernau at the helm, environmental issues and sustainable practices related to the growing and vinifying of wine grapes are always part of the equation at Willamette Valley Vineyards' estate vineyards and those at Tualatin Estate.  Both are certified LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon Safe, and all vineyard equipment uses bio-fuel. Bernau believes wines made with consideration for the environment, employees and community simply taste better and are necessary to maintain and grow a sustainable company for the future.

     The art and science of winemaking at Willamette Valley Vineyards are woven together to produce the finest wines possible using the winery's state-of-the-art equipment and age-old European winemaking methods. 

     For an ideal blend of picturesque scenery, award-winning wines, and relaxing atmosphere, be sure to enjoy a leisurely visit to Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Become a Member of
The Oregon Wine Guild

     The Oregon Wine Guild is a unique resource for all wine enthusiasts. Guild membership provides the opportunity to expand your cellar, increase your knowledge of Oregon varietals and receive wonderful benefits from Oregon’s landmark winery. Choose from three types of membership, each catering to different wine preferences.

See Member Benefits

 


Featured Willamette Valley Vineyard Wines


Willamette Valley Vineyards' approach to wines

     Our approach is to grow, by hand, the highest quality fruit using careful canopy management, and to create wines that are truly expressive of the varietal and the place where they are grown. Since we ferment and barrel each vineyard lot separately (sometimes as few as two barrels), we can save the best barrels for single vineyard bottlings and Signature Cuvée.

     Our stylistic emphasis is on pure varietal fruit characters, with attention to depth and richness of mouthfeel and balance. The wines are truly a collaborative effort of the entire vineyard and winemaking staff.

See ordering information below

Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley Vineyards
2007 Vintage
$25.00 Order Now

The 2007 Pinot Noir has sweet, delicate aromas of raspberries and red cherries with hints of cocoa and toast. The sweet and tart flavors of ripe, red cherries and raspberries are accented by hints of vanilla and white pepper spice. An elegant Pinot Noir with delicate round tannins and nicely-balanced acidity that lingers into the silky finish. Drink now - 2013.

Wonderful with many foods and is a perfect complement to wild salmon. Also try with roasted duck, turkey, mushrooms, and medium cheeses.

Technical Data

  • Grape Type: Pinot Noir

  • Pinot Noir Clones: Dijon 113, 114, 115, 667, 777, Pommard, Wadenswil

  • Soil Type: A variety of Willamette Valley Soils including Jory (iron rich volcanic), Laurelwood (Missoula Flood sediment and windblown, glacial loess)

  • Appellation: Willamette Valley

  • Harvest Date: September 27 - November, 2007

  • Release Date: November 2008

  • Alcohol 13%

Pinot Noir - Whole Cluster
2008 Vintage
$19.00 Order Now

As refreshing as liquid fruit salad in a glass, this wine opens with explosive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, and a hint of smoke and anise. Flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by balanced, soft tannins and ripe acidity. Juicy flavors lead to a juicy pomegranate finish. This wine holds an elegant, refined weight on the palate throughout, inviting another sip. Meant to drink young. Enjoy this wine now through 2012.  Perfect with bold cheeses, Thai food and pizza. If lightly chilled, the perfect pairing for a summer picnic. Also an excellent match for grilled fish or chicken - a good choice for a summer BBQ.
 
Technical Data  
  • Grape Type: Pinot Noir  

  • Pinot Noir Clones: Dijon 115, 667, 777, Pommard and Wadenswil 

  • Soil Type: A variety of Willamette Valley Soils including Jory (iron rich volcanic), Laurelwood (Missoula Flood sediment and windblown, glacial loess)  

  • Appellation: Willamette Valley  

  • Harvest Date: October 1 - October 31, 2008 

  • Alcohol: 12.5%  

  • Fermentation: Stainless Steel, Carbonic Maceration 

  • Cases Bottled: 19,270

  • Release Date: May 2009 

Pinot Noir Founder's Reserve
2007 Vintage
$30.00 Order Now

The 2007 Pinot Noir has sweet, delicate aromas of raspberries and red cherries with hints of cocoa and toast. The sweet and tart flavors of ripe, red cherries and raspberries are accented by hints of vanilla and white pepper spice. An elegant Pinot Noir with delicate round tannins and nicely-balanced acidity that lingers into the silky finish. Drink now - 2013.
 
Wonderful with many foods and is a perfect complement to wild salmon. Also try with roasted duck, turkey, mushrooms, and medium cheeses. 
 
Technical Data 
  • Grape Type: Pinot Noir 
  • Pinot Noir Clones: Dijon 113, 114, 115, 777, Pommard & Wadenswil 
  • Soil Type: A variety of Willamette Valley soils including Jory (iron rich volcanic), Laurelwood (Missoula Flood sediment and windblown, glacial loess) 
  • Appellation: Willamette Valley 
  • Alcohol: 13% 
  • Bottling Date: August 2008 
  • Cases Bottled: 1,285 
  • Release Date: June 2009 

Other wines from
Willamette Valley Vineyard
 

Dijon Clone Chardonnay
2007 Vintage
$18.00 Order Now

This elegant, golden honey-colored Dijon Clone Chardonnay shows ripe aromas of pineapple, coconut, honeysuckle and almonds with just a hint of green olives. An acid-forward style, the smooth entry and creamy mouthfeel highlight citrus flavors of grapefruit, orange rind and lemon peel. Flavors of anise contribute a slight spiciness, and rhubarb flavors contribute a slight tartness, leading to an overall complex wine with bright acidity and a green apple snap on the finish. 
 
Pairs well with white fish such as grouper, grilled halibut and citrus scallops. Also try with fresh fruit, nuts and light-medium cheeses. 
 
Technical Data 
  • Grape Type: Chardonnay 

  • Appellation: Willamette Valley 

  • Vineyard Source: Estate 

  • Chardonnay Clones: Dijon 76, 96 and Espiguette 352 

  • Soil Type: Jory (iron rich volcanic) 

  • Harvest Date: October 25-26, 2007

  • Residual sugar: 0.01%  

  • Alcohol: 13%  

  • Cases Bottled: 1,508 

  • Release Date: September 2009 

  • Peak Drinkability: Now - 2012

Pinot Gris - Willamette Valley Vineyards
2008 vintage
$15.00 Order Now

Bright, fruity, refreshing style with aromas of pear layered over a light citrus backbone and complemented by honeydew and green apple in the nose. A creamy, round mouthfeel highlights the nicely balanced acidity. Flavors open with fresh green apple, complemented by a bold minerality and notes of tropical fruit, leading into starfruit flavors in the finish with just a hint of sweetness. The small addition of Pinot Blanc, picked very ripe, adds emollient mouthfeel, and contributes to this classic Oregon style. While the Muscat adds flowery sweetness, the barrel fermented portions of the Pinot Gris add a kiss of toast and richness. Drink now - 2010.  
 
The quintessential match with salmon. Wonderful with cheese, shellfish, chicken, salads and white fish. Serve chilled and allow to warm in the glass for optimal enjoyment. 
 
Technical Data 
  • Grape Type: Pinot Gris 

  • Appellation: Willamette Valley 

  • Harvest Date: October 1-30, 2008 

  • Alcohol: 13.0%  

  • Residual sugar: 0.15%  

  • Fermentation: Stainless Steel with < 1% French Oak barrel 

  • Bottling Date: June & July 2009 

  • Cases Bottled: 24,000 

  • Release Date: June 2009 

Dry Riesling - Willamette Valley Vineyards
2008 Vintage
$14.00 Order
Now

This wine opens with vanilla custard on the nose, accented by notes of peach and honeysuckle with just a hint of tropical fruits. Lemon and lime lead on the palate, complemented by a surprising Thai basil flavor and underlying tropical notes. The well developed structure has a steely acidity with a slight sweetness that rounds out to a soft finish. 
 
Pairs well with Asian flavors, including chicken satay and garlic black bean sauce. Also delicious paired with halibut with a mango-chili salsa. 
 
Technical Data 
  • Grape Type: Riesling 

  • Appellation: Willamette Valley 

  • Soil Type: Jory (iron rich volcanic), Woodburn (Missouls Flood sediment) 

  • Harvest Date: October 29 - November 1, 2008 

  • Alcohol: 12.5 %  

  • Residual sugar: 0.15 %   

  • Fermentation: 100% Stainless Steel 

  • Bottling Date: March 13, 2009 

  • Cases Bottled: 1,025 

  • Release Date: October, 2009 

  • Peak Drinkability: 2009-2011 

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Choose any of the following options to place your order:

  • Click here to order wines from WVV's secure wine store;

  • Call the winery: 1-800-344-9463 or 503-588- 9463

  • Fax the winery:  503-588-8894

  • Email us:  info@wvv.com


Finding Willamette Valley Vineyards Winery

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   Oregon's North Willamette Valley Wine Region Map page link 

 

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Copyright © 1997 - 2010
Susan R. O'Hara.  All rights reserved.
Last updated:  01/25/2010