There are nearly 30 wineries and countless more vineyards throughout the Eola-Amity Hills. A defining characteristic of this region is the cool maritime air that flows from the coast to the valley via the Van Duzer Corridor. This cold air keeps daytime temperatures in check and ultimately pushes the vines to work harder, heightening the aromatic qualities of wine made from the region’s grapes.
3635 Bethel Heights Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304
Wines: Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Gamay
Founded in 2006, the Björnson family recently finished completion of their beautiful estate winery and tasting room. Winemaker Pattie Björnson crafts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé and Auxerrois solely from fruit grown on the estate vineyard. The winery has quickly made a name for itself thanks to exceptional hospitality in the tasting room, beautiful wines, and their dedication to sustainable faming practices. With commanding views of the vineyard, valley, and Mt. Hood in the distance, Björnson Vineyard is a must-visit winery on your next wine tasting venture to the Eola-Amity Hills.
Why We Love Björnson: Pattie and Mark Björnson are devoted to cultivating their property with sustainability in mind.
21101 SE Cherry Blossom Ln, Amity, OR 97101
Wines: Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Riesling, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Gris, White Blend
Since its founding in 1998, Brooks has become one of Oregon’s most popular wineries because it offers everything a wine lover could want. The biodynamic wines are some of the best in the valley, with a particularly impressive assortment of white wines. The tasting room atmosphere is just plain cool, and the view of the estate vineyard and lower valley hard to beat. Overall, this is a can’t-miss winery in the Willamette Valley.
Why We Love Brooks: Brooks is an acclaimed Oregon winery in the Eola-Amity Hills, esteemed both for its wines and tasting room experience.
5935 Bethel Heights Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304
Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rosé, Sparkling wine, Dolcetto, Tempranillo
With vineyards starting at 650 feet all the way up to 890 feet, this is definitely a high hill. As one of the steepest, rockiest, and windiest sites in the Willamette Valley, just a hundred yards can have a massive impact on sun and wind exposure, soil type and depth. When Jon and Kathy Lauer came to the hill in 2009, there were 4 acres of vines, some assorted sheep and chickens, and a lot of work to do. The Lauers hired Rachel Rose, now winemaker and vineyard manager, to join them in tackling the hill. Over the years, stumps were cleared, brambles beaten back, and more acres of vines planted. In 2014, Bryn Mawr produced 2,700 cases and in 2018, a new winery came online in time for harvest. Today, Bryn Mawr enjoys the longevity of having Rachel and the Lauers still at the helm of managing the vineyards and making the wines.
Why We Love Bryn Mawr: The new tasting room has a great covered patio with commanding southwest views of the Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley and coast range.
9360 SE Eola Hills Rd, Amity, OR 97101
Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, Melon de Bourgogne, Syrah, Tempranillo
After more than a decade selling wine in some of Portland’s finest restaurants, including a 14-year stint at Higgins, owner/winemaker John Grochau plunged into winemaking. His first vintage as owner and winemaker at Grochau Cellars was 2002. With Grochau’s restaurant experience, there was a natural progression as a winemaker to craft food-friendly wines that enhance a meal. Grochau strives to make wines that are balanced, textured and expressive of place. Inspired by the diversity of the Willamette Valley’s soils and microclimates, Grochau sources fruit from organic and sustainably-farmed vineyards. Grapes are hand-harvested and wines undergo a slow, natural fermentation. Working with grape varieties with a legacy in the Willamette Valley – namely Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc.
Why We Love Grochau: Taste emerging varieties like Melon de Bourgogne and Gamay Noir at the charming tasting room
9360 SE Eola Hills Rd, Amity, OR 97101
Wines: Sparking Wine, Rosé, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Keeler Estate Vineyard is a biodynamic & organic vineyard and winery in the Eola-Amity Hills. Nestled on a southwest slope just on the outskirts of the little town of Amity, this small vineyard and winery is owned by Craig and Gabrielle Keeler, two of the nicest people you’ll have the pleasure of meeting in Oregon wine country. Craig is the vineyard manager and farms the property biodynamically. Biodynamics is a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture that happens to produce some pretty stellar wines… (you’ll learn much more about this on your visit!). Most tastings are held outside in a beautiful tent and shady grove of trees.
Why We Love Keeler: The Keelers are some of the best people in the industry, and are eager to welcome you to their property like family
11880 SE Eola Hills Rd, Amity, OR 97101
Wines: Albarino, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir
How To Reserve: Reserve online via Tock
This new winery in the Eola-Amity hills is armed with the winemaking firepower of Jared Etzel, reknowned for his wines at Domaine Roy & fils and Coattails. The Tekstura tasting room is modern and beautiful, set right in the vineyard with a vineyard porch to sit outside on nice days. The wines are excellent and Tekstura offers memorable Albariño and Sauvignon Blanc in addition to more traditional Oregon varietals. Be sure to be among the first to make the visit to this up-and-coming winery!
Why Featured: The beautifully designed tasting room just opened, with top-notch hospitality and wines
