Wine, Beer & More
Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley has become synonymous for its exquisite Pinot Noir. Wine Enthusiast magazine named the region “Wine Region of the Year” for 2016. Tualatin Valley, located in the northern end of this growing region, boasts a collection of well-known and up-and-coming wineries–more than 30 vineyard estate wineries in all (and most with regular tasting room hours).
Oregon’s Two Newest American Viticultural Area Designations
Tualatin Valley is home to Oregon’s two newest American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Laurelwood District and Tualatin Hills. These two AVAs are located in the northwestern corner of the Willamette Valley growing region.
- The 33,600-acre Laurelwood District AVA covers the northern slopes of the Chehalem Mountains AVA and is differentiated from other areas of the Willamette Valley by its Laurelwood soils, iron-rich Missoula Flood loess soil contributing to the unique flavor of the wines.
- The 144,000-acre Tualatin Hills AVA aligns with the watershed of the Tualatin River and encompasses part of the Tualatin Valley. This AVA, which also has Laurelwood soil, experiences slightly higher temperatures than vineyards located in the Laurelwood District AVA.
While Oregon is known for its outstanding Pinot Noir, wineries are producing more varieties than ever. Experience more than Pinot Noir at these acclaimed wineries, which are also known for white wines, such as Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and Rosé. Tasting rooms are welcoming, and during warmer months many wineries play host to live music, theatre productions and special wine events.
More than Wine
Not into wine? The valley also has one of the largest premium-grade, large-production saké breweries in the U.S.: SakéOne, which offers saké tastings and free tours.
From hearty IPAs and refreshing ales to award-winning whiskeys and other spirits, the region’s craft breweries and distilleries showcase the artisanal spirit of Oregon. With more than a dozen breweries and brewpubs, the Tualatin Valley’s craft beer scene continues to grow at a steady pace.
Facts at a Glance
- Tualatin Valley is home to biodynamic/organic winery Cooper Mountain Vineyards.
- Tualatin Valley is home to some of the pioneers of Oregon wine, namely Ponzi Vineyards, which was started by Dick and Nancy Ponzi. The old vines at David Hill Vineyards were planted in the mid-1960s by Charles Coury, and many vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley were grafted from the “Coury Clone.”
- Established in 1992, SakéOne was the first large production, American owned and operated saké producers in the world. Today, SakéOne is the leader in premium craft sake, and the only sake brewery in Oregon. In 2019, SakéOne introduced canned saké, as an answer to the growing segment of wine in cans.
- Tualatin-based winery, Union Wine Co., is among the leaders of “wine in a can.” Canned under the Underwood brand, Union Wine Co. first released its wine in a can at an event in 2013, and a new craze was born. Today, Underwood wines in cans are available in more than 45 states, as well as a few countries.
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About Oregon’s Tualatin Valley
Tualatin Valley is scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast. The destination is home to world-class golf courses, award-winning wineries, an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, lush, natural and scenic wetlands and wildlife preserves, superb dining, and tax-free shopping centers and boutiques. Tualatin Valley covers 727 square miles and includes the growing communities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. Learn more at tualatinvalley.org
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