Welcome to the ultimate guide to discovering the best gateway for your next wine adventure in Oregon. With so many different airports in the state, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the different options available to you and help you choose the best one for your needs.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free trip, flying directly to your destination is always a good choice. Fortunately, there are plenty of direct flights to some of the most popular destinations for wine lovers, including Portland, Eugene, and Medford. We’ll give you the details on which airlines offer these flights and what you can expect.
For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path wine experience, there are a number of hidden gems worth exploring. From the award-winning wineries in Southern Oregon to the stunning Columbia Gorge wineries, there’s no shortage of unique and exciting options. Join us as we uncover the best wine country gateways in Oregon.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a new adventure, our guide will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip. From flight information to top wine destinations, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favorite Oregon wine, and get ready to discover the best gateway for your next wine country getaway.
Direct Flights to Oregon Wine Country
Planning a trip to Oregon wine country and looking for direct flights? Look no further! With three major airports serving the region, Medford, Eugene, and Portland, getting to Oregon’s wine country has never been easier.
Flights to Medford, the largest city in Southern Oregon, are available from various cities across the western United States. Upon arrival, you can start exploring some of the best wine destinations in Oregon, including the Applegate Valley and Umpqua Valley, both located in the Southern region of the state.
If you’re looking for a more central location, consider flying into Eugene. As the second-largest city in Oregon, it offers direct flights from major cities across the western United States. From there, you can easily access some of the Willamette Valley’s top wine destinations, such as McMinnville and Dundee Hills.
Portland International Airport is another great option for those looking to explore Oregon wine country. As Oregon’s largest city, Portland has direct flights from major cities across the United States, making it easy to get here from just about anywhere. From Portland, you can head out to some of the state’s most famous wine regions, including the Columbia Gorge, home to many hidden gems that are sure to impress wine lovers.
No matter which airport you choose, you’ll be just a short drive away from some of the best wine destinations in Oregon. With so many great options for direct flights, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip to Oregon wine country!
Fly into Medford Airport
Convenient Location: Medford Airport is located in southern Oregon, just a short drive away from some of the state’s top wine destinations, such as Ashland and Jacksonville.
Direct Flights: The airport offers direct flights from major cities such as San Francisco and Seattle, making it an easy destination to reach from around the country.
Rental Car Options: There are multiple rental car options available at the airport, making it easy to rent a car and explore the surrounding wine country.
Wine Tasting: Some wineries in the Applegate Valley even offer airport shuttle services, so you can start your wine tasting adventure right away!
Affordable Fares: Medford Airport offers competitive airfares, making it a great option for travelers looking to save money while still enjoying the best of Oregon wine country.
If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to explore Oregon’s wine country, flying into Medford Airport is an excellent choice. With direct flights, rental car options, and easy access to some of the state’s top wineries, it’s the perfect gateway for wine lovers.
Eugene Airport: The Perfect Gateway to Oregon Wine Country
- Conveniently located: The Eugene airport is just a short drive away from some of the top wineries in the Willamette Valley, including King Estate Winery and Sweet Cheeks Winery.
- Direct flights: The airport offers direct flights from major cities like Denver, San Francisco, Seattle, and Phoenix, making it an easy destination for wine lovers across the country.
- Car rental options: Once you arrive at Eugene airport, you’ll find several car rental options available to help you get around wine country at your own pace.
- Local shuttle services: If you’d rather not drive yourself, there are also local shuttle services that can take you to and from the airport and around the area’s wineries.
- Airport amenities: The Eugene airport offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, and gift shops, so you can grab a bite to eat or pick up some last-minute souvenirs before your flight home.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to explore Oregon’s wine country, the Eugene airport is the perfect gateway. With direct flights from major cities and plenty of transportation options available, you’ll be sipping some of the best wines in the country in no time.
Top Oregon Wine Destinations in Willamette Valley
If you’re looking to explore Oregon’s wine country, the Willamette Valley is a must-visit destination. With its picturesque vineyards, stunning countryside, and award-winning wineries, the valley is a wine lover’s paradise. Here are five top wine destinations to add to your list:
Dundee Hills: Known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, Dundee Hills boasts over 50 wineries and tasting rooms. The rolling hills, expansive vineyards, and quaint tasting rooms make for a charming wine tasting experience.
Yamhill-Carlton: With its unique soil composition and climate, Yamhill-Carlton is another top destination for Pinot Noir lovers. The valley’s 60 wineries offer visitors a diverse range of tasting experiences, from cozy tasting rooms to grand estates.
McMinnville: Home to the International Pinot Noir Celebration, McMinnville is a must-visit destination for any Pinot Noir enthusiast. In addition to Pinot Noir, the region is known for producing excellent Chardonnay and other cool-climate varietals.
Eola-Amity Hills: Located on the east side of the Willamette River, the Eola-Amity Hills AVA is home to some of the valley’s highest vineyards. This unique geography and soil composition contribute to the region’s distinct Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flavors.
Chehalem Mountains: The Chehalem Mountains offer a diverse range of wine tasting experiences, from boutique wineries to larger estates. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, from the region’s renowned Pinot Noir to lesser-known varietals like Riesling and Gruner Veltliner.
The Birthplace of Oregon Pinot Noir
The Willamette Valley is world-renowned for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and for good reason. The region’s cool climate and unique soil composition provide the perfect environment for growing this delicate grape variety, which has been a favorite of winemakers for over 50 years.
Pinot Noir is the star of the Willamette Valley wine region, and there are many award-winning wineries that specialize in this varietal. The wine is known for its complexity, balance, and subtle flavors of red fruit, earth, and spice.
Visitors can explore the many Pinot Noir producers in the area, including the historic Eyrie Vineyards, which was the first winery to plant Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. Other must-visit wineries include Domaine Serene, Beaux Frères, and Ponzi Vineyards.
Many wineries offer tastings, tours, and educational experiences that allow visitors to learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the best wines in the region. Be sure to check each winery’s website for information about hours, reservations, and fees.
If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir, a visit to the Willamette Valley is a must. With so many world-class wineries to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite bottle.
Visit the Wineries of McMinnville
Located in the heart of Willamette Valley, McMinnville is a charming small town with a thriving wine scene. Here are some of the top wineries to visit:
- Winderlea Vineyard and Winery: This boutique winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and offers intimate tastings in a serene setting.
- Youngberg Hill: With stunning views of the valley and a focus on sustainable winemaking practices, Youngberg Hill is a must-visit for wine lovers.
- Brittan Vineyards: This family-owned winery is known for its bold and complex Pinot Noirs and offers tastings by appointment.
- Hyland Estates: With over 200 acres of vineyards, Hyland Estates produces a range of award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
- Atticus Wine: This small, family-owned winery is dedicated to crafting small-batch, handcrafted wines with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Make sure to also explore McMinnville’s charming downtown area, which features numerous restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. A visit to McMinnville promises to be a memorable experience for any wine enthusiast.
The Stunning Vineyards of Dundee Hills
If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir, you won’t want to miss the Dundee Hills AVA. With more than 50 wineries, this region has some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, thanks to its unique terroir.
The Dundee Hills region is known for its red volcanic soil and sloping hills, which create ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir grapes. In fact, the region is so famous for its Pinot Noir that it’s often called the “Burgundy of the West.”
Some of the top wineries to visit in Dundee Hills include Domaine Serene, Archery Summit Winery, and Sokol Blosser Winery. All of these wineries offer tastings, tours, and beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards.
| Wineries | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Domaine Serene | Dayton | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay |
| Archery Summit Winery | Dayton | Pinot Noir |
| Sokol Blosser Winery | Dundee | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay |
| Erath Winery | Dundee | Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay |
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking for a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery, the Dundee Hills region is a must-visit destination in Oregon’s wine country.
Discover Award-Winning Wineries in Southern Oregon
If you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience in Southern Oregon, you won’t be disappointed. This region has a lot to offer, including many award-winning wineries. Some of the most popular destinations for wine lovers include the Applegate Valley and the Rogue Valley.
The Applegate Valley is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wine offerings. Here, you can enjoy everything from crisp whites to bold reds. One standout winery in this region is Troon Vineyard, which has won numerous awards for its biodynamic and organic wines.
The Rogue Valley is another great destination for wine lovers, with over 50 wineries to explore. This region is known for its warm climate and fertile soil, which make it ideal for growing a wide variety of grapes. One must-visit winery in this area is Del Rio Vineyards, which has won several awards for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.
Other top wineries in Southern Oregon include Belle Fiore Winery, which is known for its Mediterranean-style wines and stunning views of the Rogue Valley, and Abacela, which is known for its Spanish-style wines, including its award-winning Tempranillo.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun weekend activity, Southern Oregon’s award-winning wineries are sure to impress. With so many top-rated wineries to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options for your next wine-tasting adventure.
Visit the Applegate Valley Wine Trail
The Applegate Valley Wine Trail is one of the most scenic wine trails in Oregon. The trail is located in Southern Oregon and stretches for 50 miles through the Applegate Valley. It is home to some of the best wineries in the region.
The Applegate Valley has a warm climate and a diverse range of soil types, making it ideal for growing a wide variety of grapes. Some of the most popular grapes grown in the region include Tempranillo, Syrah, Viognier, and Chardonnay.
The Applegate Valley Wine Trail is made up of 18 wineries and vineyards. Each winery offers a unique experience, from wine tastings to vineyard tours. Some of the most popular wineries on the trail include Troon Vineyard, Red Lily Vineyards, and Wooldridge Creek Winery.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Applegate Valley Wine Trail or join a guided tour. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer and fall months when the weather is warm and the grapes are ripe for harvesting.
Aside from wine tasting, visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in the nearby Applegate River. The region is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bed and breakfasts, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Sample Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Dundee Hills
If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, then you can’t miss a trip to Dundee Hills. This region is known for producing some of the finest examples of these varietals.
Take a tour of the vineyards and wineries in the area to learn more about the process of growing and harvesting these grapes, and see how they’re turned into delicious wine.
Many of the wineries in Dundee Hills also offer tastings, giving you the chance to sample a variety of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, and discover which flavors and aromas you prefer.
The Dundee Hills Wine Experience
If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, you won’t want to miss the Dundee Hills wine experience. This area is home to some of the best wineries in Oregon and is known for its exceptional cool-climate wines.
During your visit, be sure to explore the Dundee Hills AVA and its stunning vineyards. You’ll have the opportunity to taste wines from a variety of wineries, each with their own unique style and character. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, so be sure to check ahead for availability and make reservations if necessary.
In addition to world-class wine, the Dundee Hills area also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Take a drive or hike through the rolling hills to take in the scenery and explore the area’s rich history and culture.
Explore the Red Hills of Dundee
Located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, the Red Hills of Dundee are known for their rich and complex Pinot Noir. The region’s unique microclimate, with its cool nights and warm days, creates the perfect conditions for growing grapes that produce exceptional wines.
Visitors can explore the Red Hills by taking a scenic drive along the winding country roads, stopping at award-winning wineries along the way. Many of the wineries offer tastings and tours, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the vineyards and learn about the wine-making process.
While the area is best known for its Pinot Noir, visitors can also sample other varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Syrah. The region’s diverse soil types and elevation ranges make it possible to produce a wide variety of wines.
Visit Sokol Blosser Winery
Sokol Blosser Winery is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Dundee Hills AVA. Founded in 1971, Sokol Blosser is one of the oldest wineries in the Willamette Valley. Visitors can take a tour of the winery, stroll through the vineyards, and enjoy a tasting of the winery’s award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The winery is committed to sustainability and has been certified by the LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) program since 199Sokol Blosser’s tasting room features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the Willamette Valley and the winery’s estate vineyards.
In addition to wine tasting, Sokol Blosser offers a variety of experiences, including food and wine pairings, vineyard hikes, and private tastings. The winery also hosts events throughout the year, including concerts, picnics, and winemaker dinners.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Columbia Gorge Wineries
Located along the Columbia River, the Columbia Gorge Wineries offer breathtaking views and award-winning wines. With over 40 wineries and tasting rooms to explore, visitors can take in the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge while tasting the unique flavors of the region.
One of the hidden gems of the area is the Cor Cellars winery. The winery is known for its small-lot production of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and other varietals. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the stunning tasting room or on the outdoor patio with views of Mount Hood.
The Memaloose winery is another must-visit spot in the Columbia Gorge. The winery is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can taste a variety of unique wines, including Tempranillo and Barbera, in the rustic and charming tasting room.
Experience the Beauty of Hood River Wineries
Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is a picturesque destination for wine lovers. With a unique combination of volcanic soils and a temperate climate, the region is known for producing outstanding wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
There are several wineries in the area that offer breathtaking views of the Hood River Valley and the surrounding mountains. Many of these wineries also have outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning scenery.
If you’re looking for a unique wine tasting experience, be sure to check out the wineries that specialize in fruit wines. You’ll find an array of delicious options, including peach, apple, and blackberry wines.
Columbia Gorge Wine Tours: A Unique Wine Tasting Experience
Embark on a unique wine tasting experience with Columbia Gorge wine tours. Discover the diverse and scenic landscape of the region while sampling award-winning wines from local wineries.
From the stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge to the rolling hills of the Hood River Valley, these tours offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to taste some of the finest wines in the Pacific Northwest.
Experience the art of winemaking and learn about the history of the region from knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of wine, Columbia Gorge wine tours are the perfect way to indulge your senses and discover the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.
The Wines of Maryhill Winery
If you’re looking for a winery that offers a variety of wines, then Maryhill Winery is the place to go. With over 50 different wines to choose from, including bold reds and crisp whites, there is something for every wine lover.
One of the standout wines at Maryhill Winery is their Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied wine has notes of black cherry, cassis, and vanilla, making it the perfect pairing for a juicy steak.
Another popular wine at Maryhill is their Viognier. This white wine is known for its floral aromas and flavors of apricot and peach. It pairs well with seafood and light salads.
In addition to their wide selection of wines, Maryhill Winery also offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine on the patio while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airports are located near Oregon wine country?
There are several airports that are located near Oregon wine country. The closest airport is the Portland International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from the Willamette Valley. Other nearby airports include Eugene Airport and the Medford Airport.
What airlines fly to the airports near Oregon wine country?
Several airlines fly to the airports near Oregon wine country. Major airlines that serve the Portland International Airport include Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Other airlines that serve nearby airports include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Horizon Air.
How can I get from the airport to the wineries?
There are several transportation options available to get from the airport to the wineries. Many visitors choose to rent a car, as this gives them the flexibility to explore the region at their own pace. Alternatively, there are several shuttle and limousine services that operate in the area, offering transportation to and from the airport and various wineries.
What are some popular wineries to visit in Oregon wine country?
There are many popular wineries to visit in Oregon wine country. Some of the most well-known wineries include Domaine Serene, Stoller Family Estate, and Penner-Ash Wine Cellars in the Willamette Valley, and Maryhill Winery and Syncline Winery in the Columbia Gorge region. There are also many smaller, boutique wineries that offer unique tasting experiences.
When is the best time to visit Oregon wine country?
The best time to visit Oregon wine country depends on personal preference. The peak season is typically from June to October when the weather is warmer and the vineyards are in full bloom. However, the offseason can offer a quieter and more intimate experience, with the added bonus of lower prices and fewer crowds. It’s also worth noting that the weather can be unpredictable in the offseason, so it’s important to plan accordingly.