The Willamette Valley stretches 150 miles south from Portland through western Oregon, sheltered by the Coast Range and Cascades. Its cool, marine-influenced climate closely parallels Burgundy, making it one of the New World's finest Pinot Noir sources. The volcanic Jory soils — deep, red, basalt-derived clay — are particularly prized in sub-AVAs like Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, and Ribbon Ridge. Chardonnay and Pinot Gris also perform exceptionally. The region has grown from a handful of pioneers in the 1960s (David Lett, Dick Erath) to over 700 wineries. Key producers include Domaine Drouhin, Eyrie Vineyards, Bergstrom, and Beaux Freres.
