The Willamette Valley , Oregon's coolest wine appellation, is the source for most of the state's wine grapes. Approximately 60 miles wide at its greatest breadth, the Willamette River valley runs south to north, approximately 100 miles from Eugene to the Columbia River at Portland. The main highway artery of the state, Interstate 5, follows the river. The center of the valley is approximately 50 miles east of the Pacific Ocean which provides marine air influence depending on weather conditions and local formations of the Coast Range mountains. Most of the approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall occurs during the mild winter months.
Summers are relatively warm and dry.
Vineyards are typically located on benchland hillsides at the western margin of the valley. Distinct sub-regions can be identified including the Red Hills of Dundee southwest of Portland, the Eola Hills northwest of Salem, the South Salem Hills and the area west of Eugene near the town of Veneta. Sparkling Wines, Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, Pinot gris, Pinot noir. Tours, picnic area with mountainous view. Ponds home to winery's swans.