Wine
Celebrating Oregon Wine Month at Sommsation
May 5, 2025
Few domestic wine appellations have experienced such a prolific rise to fame like those found in Oregon. Deemed staples on restaurant lists and in serious cellars alike, wines from the Willamette Valley and other Oregon sub-regions are just as coveted—and at times, even more so—than long-standing go-tos from California, Europe, and beyond. So what’s to credit for the region’s global renown, and how has the industry’s perception of it changed over time? Our expert sommeliers weigh in to celebrate Oregon and its wines, as well as share their top bottle picks from across the state.
History of Oregon Winemaking
Oregon’s rich winemaking history dates back to the 1840s, though its commercial renaissance truly began about 120 years later. The first grapes were planted by Henderson Luelling, a horticulturist traveling via the Oregon Trail. Over the following 50 years, the state was planted to a myriad of grape varieties; winemaking was thriving, though like everywhere in the United States, the industry was halted by Prohibition until 1933.
During the 1960s, Oregon’s wine industry slowly but surely began to rebuild itself, with the first commercially available Pinot Noir hitting the market in 1967. By 1980, a total of 34 wineries and 115 growers existed in the state, and the wines were beginning to gain attention on a global scale—including receiving high accolades from the New York Times, Wine Spectator, and Robert Parker Jr.
Oregon Wine Today
As of 2024, Oregon is home to an impressive 1,140+ wineries, and has more than 16,000 hectares of land under vine—though its rise to industry fame has really only taken off over the past 10-15 years. “A decade ago, Oregon was still a bit of an underdog—respected, sure, but kind of flying under the radar unless you were deep in the wine world. Now? It’s in the spotlight, especially when it comes to Pinot Noir,” says Elyse Lovenworth, Lead Sommelier at Sommsation, stating that consumers are finally beginning to recognize that Oregon isn't just "good for American wine"—it’s world-class.
One of the few reasons Lovenworth credits this rise in popularity is the regional producers’ respect for its commitment to sustainability, as well as artisanal and authentic winemaking.
“You don't always get in bigger regions,” she says. “Oregon’s not trying to be California, and that’s exactly why people are loving it more and more.” Victoria Love, Winery Management Specialist at Sommsation, agrees, describing Oregon’s similarities to Burgundy in terms of climate, wine style and varieties.
Industry Loved, Expert Approved
In terms of where Oregon shines, both Lovenworth and Love cite the Willamette Valley as the star of the show, particularly in the realm of Pinot Noir. “It’s got that perfect mix of cool climate, volcanic and marine sediment soils, and just enough rain to make the grapes work a little for it,” Lovenworth says, citing the sub-appellations of the Eola-Amity Hills and Dundee Hills as two of her personal favorites. “Dundee brings out this lovely red-fruited elegance, and Eola-Amity has this darker, more brooding, earthy edge thanks to the Van Duzer Corridor winds,” she says.
Beyond Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Love cites Riesling, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Gamay as up-and-coming varieties for Oregon, particularly in the Columbia Gorge. Additionally, Chardonnay is also making a massive name for itself in Oregon’s winemaking scene. “Oregon Chardonnay has evolved big time, and now has this bright acidity, restrained oak, and real finesse that can rival top white Burgundies,” Lovenworth reveals, rendering it a go-to pick for food pairing and cellaring alike.
Top Oregon Wine Picks from Elyse Lovenworth, Lead Sommelier at Sommsation
A crisp, rare treat from Oregon—Aligoté is a Burgundy native that's seldom grown here, but Lumos nails it with bright citrus, green apple, and racy acidity. They currently only work with 1 acre planted in the Temperance Hill Vineyard. I joked when tasting this wine that it is my new favorite Chardonnay!
Alexana Winery 2019 Estate Riesling
This wine is a perfect example of how complex and beautiful Riesling gets with a little bit of age. Mostly bone dry and now showing a bit of weightiness due to its age. This Riesling is balanced and a perfect companion to almost any meal.
Anderson Family Vineyard 2017 Anderson Family Vineyard Chardonnay
Aged and layered, this Chardonnay is Burgundian in style with Oregon soul—think lemon curd, flinty minerality, and a creamy texture without being over-oaked. It’s proof that Oregon Chardonnay has truly come into its own and with a little bit of age can really compete on a global scale.
Ricochet 2023 Jubilee Vineyard Gamay Noir
Bright, juicy, and super fun—this Gamay is like a bowl of fresh berries with a peppery edge. Gamay is finally starting to get the attention it deserves from Oregon’s winegrower and winemaker community, now all we need are the wine drinkers to jump on board. Chill it slightly and it’s a knockout red wine for summer.
Flâneur Wines 2023 La Belle Promenade Pinot Meunier
A rare single-varietal Pinot Meunier that’s floral, spicy, and delightfully silky. It’s a cool twist on a grape usually reserved for sparkling wines, showing Oregon’s experimental edge. Again, served with a slight chill and this is your go-to wine for summer time BBQs.
Archetype12 Wines 2021 The Citizen Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir is a throwback to the classic, more traditional style of Pinot Noir that dominated the Willamette Valley in its early days. It’s restrained and rustic, Pinot Noir is its most natural form. Only 50 cases were produced so hurry up before it’s gone.
Authentique Wine Cellars 2019 The Corridor Pinot Noir
Sourced from the Van Duzer Corridor, this Pinot is marked by vibrant acidity, dark red fruit, and a savory backbone. Winemaker, Nicholas Keeler, really shows that his lifelong experience in the Oregon wine industry has translated into the ability to create truly unique expressions of pinot noir and how the wind and terroir shape complexity in Oregon wines.
SOM 2022 LS Vineyard Pinot Noir
Elegant and site-driven, this Pinot brings red fruit purity, fine tannins, and a subtle spice from a lesser-known but high-potential vineyard that is really grabbing people’s attention. It’s a sommelier favorite for good reason—balanced, food-friendly, and expressive.
Meet Our Oregon Winemaking Partners
At Sommsation, we are honored to work with 11 Oregon-based winery partners that highlight sustainable farming and artisanal winemaking practice in the cellar. Each producer, unique in their own right, merits discovery. To explore our lineup of producers, click the links below.
Alexana Winery (Newberg, Oregon)
Anderson Family Vineyard (Newberg, Oregon)
Archetype12 Wines (Portland, Oregon)
Authentique Wine Cellars (Amity, Oregon)
Flâneur Wines (Carlton, Oregon)
Lumos Wine Co. (Philomath, Oregon)Van Duzer Vineyards (Dallas, Oregon)
ON - Out of Necessity Wines (Newberg, Oregon)
Nysa Vineyard (Dundee, Oregon)
Ricochet (McMinnville, Oregon)
Tior Wines (Eugene, Oregon)
