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Wine 101: Where are wine regions in Oregon?
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The state of Oregon ranks fourth in the United States of America for wine production. Within Oregon there are 16 American Viticultural Areas.
Oregon's largest AVA, the Willamette Valley, is 150 miles long and is up to 60 miles wide in some parts. The Willamette Valley includes six sub-appellations, is home to 200 wineries and has over 12,000 acres of wine grapes. Some of Oregon's biggest cities (Salem, Eugene and Corvallis) lie within the Willamette Valley AVA.
The Willametter Valley's cool and wet winters paired with warm, dry summers make it ideal for cool climate grapes. The most popular grape within the region is Pinot Noir.
While the Columbia Valley AVA and its six sub-appellations lie in Washington state, a small portion of it crosses over the northern Oregon border. It is 185 miles wide and 200 miles long. The Columbia Valley is known for its Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Southern Oregon has the most history growing grapes dating back to 1852. Today, the Southern Oregon AVA includes four other AVAs. The region provides varied soils and the warmest growing conditions in the state. It receives about 40 percent less rain than in the Willamette Valley.
Because climate can vary greatly across the state of Oregon, vineyards have found success growing dozens of varieties of grapes. There are 72 grape varieties planted throughout the state but wine makers tend to focus on 15 particular grapes. Among the most popular grapes grown in Oregon are Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Merlot.
For more information on Oregon wine, check out Portland Wine Examiner David Gray's page here.
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