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.
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
