This new designation highlights 25 wineries and 70 vineyards to date, all west of Sherwood and north of Newberg. With unique soil layers, the Laurelwood District produces distinct wines. Championed by the founders of Ponzi Vineyards and Dion Vineyard, this area is uniquely diverse. All Oregon wine lovers should add a Laurelwood wine to their cellar. Jump in feet first with this set of recommended wines and explore.
22075 SW Lebeau Rd, Sherwood, OR 97140
Wines: Chardonnay, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Muscat Dessert Wine
Originally planted in 1999, the 34-acre Alloro vineyard is devoted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Muscat—sweeping across a west-to-east southern aspect on Laurel Ridge. Alloro is an integrated farm with registered Hereford cattle, sheep, lamb, and goats on diversified landscape reminiscent of the Old World. Situated at 450 – 700 feet in elevation, the vineyard has a unique combination of soils to create optimal conditions for sustainable, dry farming in a LIVE Certified Sustainable manner. In short, this is a can’t miss tasting experience in Sherwood’s Chehalem Mountains.
Why We Love Alloro: The winery is stunningly beautiful… you’ll feel like you’re tasting somewhere in Italy.
16740 SW Pinot Pl, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sparkling wine
15 acres of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay in Oregon’s newest AVA – the Laurelwood District. Located in the beautiful countryside south of Hillsboro and west of Sherwood, Benza Vineyards grows and crafts classic Oregon varietals and sparkling wine. Owners Ron Benza and Trish Damkroger bought the 22-year old vineyard in 2017 and have been hard at work setting up their winery since. The wines are all excellent and speak to the promise of the newly formed Laurelwood District AVA. Tastings are held on the beautiful back patio overlooking the vineyard or inside the converted horse barn.
Why We Love Benza: Excellent wines on a family estate with great people to host you!
20875 SW Chapman Rd, Sherwood, OR 97140
Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé, White Pinot Noir and Riesling
Situated just 5 minutes from Sherwood and 25 minutes southwest of Portland, Blakeslee is well-loved for their proximity to the metro, excellent hospitality and full lineup of Oregon wines. Formerly known as Quail Hill Vineyard, the 25-year-old vineyard was purchased by Bill and Sheila Blakeslee in 2005. The Blakeslee’s have since built a tasting room on the property, with gorgeous views of the vineyard and Mt. Hood. The wines are made by Jim Sanders of Aubichon and Le Cadeau fame (Jim learned his craft from Mike Etzel of Beaux Freres). Blakeslee produces a full range of classic Oregon varietals from their estate vineyard, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé, Riesling and a delicious White Pinot Noir. There’s even a pool for club members to lounge next to on nice days!
Why We Love Blakeslee: One of the most unique and luxurious tasting spaces out there, Blakeslee features a clubhouse and a pool!
33155 SW Riedweg Rd, Cornelius, OR 97113
Wines: Chardonnay, Sparkling Wine, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo
Established by grape growers, Dion Vineyards is a hidden gem in the countryside south of Hillsboro. Owner and winemaker Kevin Johnson’s parents planted the oldest vines in 1973. Today, Dion Vineyards harnesses those old vines to make well-rounded, focused wines. Kevin and his wife Beth Klingner collaborate on the winemaking and management of this family winery. Recognized for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Dion also makes two bottlings of delightful bubbles!
Why We Love Dion: Kevin and Beth were influential in establishing the Laurelwood District AVA. If you’re an Oregon wine aficionado, these are the wines to taste and the folks to ask all your questions about this new American Viticulture Area.
Email info@dionvineyards.com or call 503-407-8598 to book tasting
20210 SW Conzelmann Rd, Sherwood, OR 97140
Wines: Rosé, Pinot Gris, White Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir
Located three miles west of downtown Sherwood, Hawks View Winery makes wines of extraordinary character and quality from their estate vineyard. The winery was founded in 2007 and features an elegant tasting room, beautiful grounds and breathtaking views of Mt. Hood. Wine tasters can enjoy a flight of wines in the tasting room or opt to enjoy wine by the glass and bottle as well as charcuterie boards. The winery is open daily and keeps the doors open late (until 7PM!), so this is a great stop for wine tasters who got a later start tasting.
Why We Love Hawks View: Hawks View Winery’s vineyards are planted in 100% Laurelwood soil and are a perfect representation of the high-quality wines this area can produce
