The Willamette Valley is home to several distinct growing regions—most commonly called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Each of these regions boast unique characteristics—whether due to climate, soil content, or other factors—that impart different flavors on the grapes grown in that area. So that’s why a pinot noir produced in the sediment-rich Chehalem Mountains AVA, for instance, may taste different than a pinot noir produced in the cooler, milder Van Duzer Corridor AVA.
So with the Willamette Valley AVA covering our entire region—and eleven smaller AVAs nested within the Willamette Valley—we wanted to introduce you to our unique wine-growing areas. Tasting of six wines.