Oregon Wines

Oregon: Young economy in small wineries

On 25,000 hectares of land, Oregon grows wine. Each year, about 15 million liters are produced. The winegrowers consist primarily of small and medium-sized businesses. Although Oregon's viticulture is still a relatively young economic sector, it has rapidly gained international popularity.

Sustainable and fruity: How Oregon makes wine

Oregon produces elegant wines with a focus on fruit aromas. The most commonly grown grape varieties are clearly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are also grown. You can find these wines among others at VINELLO.

Pinot Noir as the driving force of Oregon

The offer in Oregon is dominated by Pinot Noir: It makes up almost half of the wine production. The grape variety is so important to the state that the International Pinot Noir Convention is held in McMinnville every year. A full-bodied fruit is combined with structure and finesse in this wine. The delicate Pinot Noirs Oregons are reminiscent of French Burgundy wines and are thus far removed from their Californian cousins.

The Oregon viticulture

About one-third of all vineyards in Willamette Valley, Oregon's premier wine region, have been certified as biodynamic or otherwise sustainable. This percentage increases with each year. Environmentally friendly viticulture in harmony with nature is of great importance for the wine region. In addition, Oregon has one of the strictest wine laws in the entire USA: For varietals, i.e. varietal wines, the percentage of the specified grape variety must be at least 90 percent.

The pioneers in Oregon: wine as an economic field?

In contrast to many other states in the USA, Oregon was settled late, namely in the middle of the 19th century. Already at this time the first wineries were established.

The first wines of Oregon

But at that time, in the early days of Oregon viticulture, it had little economic significance. Instead, some hobby winemakers lived out their passion and experimented with the grape varieties that are important today. Contrary to the expectations of other winegrowers, the pioneers grew European varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling or even Pinot Noir, and not American hybrids. It is only since the sixties that wine has really mattered in Oregon. 

Oregon and wine are deeply connected today

Today Oregon is one of the most important wine-growing states of the USA and can even compete with California. The state is also a major supplier of oak wood, from which American barriques are made. Oregon currently produces wine at over 300 wineries, almost a third of which are located in the Portland area. Most of them are small and medium-sized producers, but never large wineries.

The unique climate of Oregon

In contrast to other states, Oregon is characterized above all by its climate. The region is less warm and dry than California, for example, which leads to a completely different style of wine.

Volcanic soils and mountains in Oregon

Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. The center of viticulture is in the Willamette Valley, between Eugene and Portland. This region is protected from the hot climate by the Cascade Mountains, part of the Rocky Mountains. In the middle of the Willamette Valley are the Dundee Hills. This range of hills is characterized by characteristic volcanic soils: even today the earth is slightly red in color and has a high content of iron and clay.

Cool Climate in Oregon

Oregon winters are mild, summers are long with cool and humid climates. Especially in autumn there is heavy rainfall. This climate is caused by the proximity of the sea and the northern location. It promotes cool-climate viticulture: the cool nights give rise to strong fruit aromas and a fresh finesse. Oregon winegrowers produce wines with pronounced acidity, long maturation phases and distinct aromas.

Things to know about Oregon

What is the Oregon wine style?

Small to medium sized wineries produce wine in Oregon according to a strict wine law. The focus is on sustainability. Very few wineries are certified for biodynamic cultivation, but the trend is increasing. The wine style is based on elegance and fruity aromas, which are promoted by Cool Climate viticulture. Oregon also produces oak barriques. 

What is the climate like in Oregon?

The state is close to the sea in the Pacific Northwest, which is why Oregon's temperatures are moderate. Mild winters and humid summers alternate, and heavy rainfall is normal, especially in the fall. A mountain range protects the wine region from hot climatic influences.

Which grape varieties are cultivated in Oregon?

The dominant grape variety in Oregon is clearly Pinot Noir. Besides these delicate, fruity wines, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are also very important. Other grape varieties grown in this region are Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. It shows: One loves wine with European influences in Oregon.

Buy Oregon wines online at VINELLO

We would like to invite you to try the popular wines from Oregon. Browse through our offerings to your heart's content and find your new favorite wine at VINELLO today. We are proud to present a wide range of wines from all over the world.

We attach great importance to the satisfaction of our customers. Therefore we guarantee that your purchase with us is safe. Furthermore, we stand for fast delivery, so that your requested package reaches you without long waiting times. Please feel free to ask our sommeliers for advice - we will be happy to help you!