Columbia Valley AVA

Columbia Gorge AVA - The Columbia Gorge AVA is unique because it is a cross-border appellation shared by Oregon and Washington, established in 2004. Vineyard elevations range from sea level to 2,000 feet, which significantly affects growing temperatures. Because of the climate variances, this AVA can grow a wide range of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel and Berbera in the warmer eastern-end and Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer in the cooler western end.

Walla Walla Valley AVA - The Walla Walla Valley AVA is another prominent cross-border appellation, shared between northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. Established in 1984, this AVA is a red-wine powerhouse with 95% of its acreage planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.

The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA - Established in 2015, this sub-AVA is located entirely within the Oregon portion of the Walla Walla Valley. It is also nested within the much larger Columbia Valley AVA. While 2800 acres are plantable, only about 700 acres are currently under vine with Syrah being the superstar. Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache are also significant.

Snake River Valley AVA

This AVA was established in 2007. It is a massive cross-border appellation covering over 8,000 square miles across southwestern Idaho and two counties in eastern Oregon (Baker and Malheur). The region is growing both reds (Syrah, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot) as well as whites, with Riesling being the most planted.

Southern Oregon AVA

The Southern Oregon AVA is a massive “super AVA” established in 2004 to unify several distinct growing regions in the southwestern corner of the state.

Red Hill Douglas County AVA - This is one of Oregon’s smallest AVAs, established in 2005. It’s a single-vineyard AVA whos boundaries were drawn specifically to highlight the unique terroir of this single hilltop. Red Hill Vineyards produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

Rogue Valley AVA - Established in 1991, this AVA is Oregon’s southernmost wine region, bordering the California state line. It’s reported the this AVA grows more than 70 different varieties. Red include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot and Malbec. Whites include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Albariño.

Applegate Valley AVA - A high-elevation sub-appellation of the Rogue Valley, located in the southwest corner of Oregon. Established in 2000. Grows Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. White grapes include Viognier, Vermentino, Marsanne and Roussanne.

Umpqua Valley AVA - Established in 1984, this AVA is often called the birthplace of Oregon wine. It is home to the state's first post-Prohibition plantings of Pinot Noir and Riesling, established by Richard Sommer at HillCrest Vineyard in 1961. Beyond Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Grüner Veltliner and Albariño do well.

Elkton Oregon AVA - It is the northernmost region in the Umpqua Valley and, due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean (roughly 33 miles inland), it is the coolest and wettest area in Southern Oregon. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer do well here.

Willamette Valley AVA

This is the crown jewel of Oregon's wine industry, encompassing approximately 3.4 million acres between the Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range. Established in 1983, it is the state's oldest and largest wine region, producing roughly two-thirds of all Oregon wine. Pinot Noir is king and accounts for ~70% of all plantings. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir leans more toward elegance and restraint — red cherry, cranberry, and raspberry dominate, often accompanied by earthy, savory notes of forest floor, dried herbs, and spice. The acidity tends to be higher and more pronounced, the body lighter to medium, and the overall profile more Burgundian in character. These wines can be more structured and sometimes need more time to open up.

Chehalem Mountains AVA - Established in 2006, it is a single landmass located just 19 miles southwest of Portland. Covering roughly 70,000 acres, it is one of the valley's largest and most diverse AVAs, touching Yamhill, Washington, and Clackamas. Pinot Noir accounts for nearly 70% of plantings along with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Rielsing.

Laurelwood District AVA - This is a fascinating "AVA within an AVA," established in 2020. It is nested entirely within the Chehalem Mountains AVA and was the first in Oregon to be defined almost exclusively by a specific soil type and its geological history. Pinot Noir tends to be savory with notes of blueberries, dried herbs and white pepper. Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are also highly regarded.

Dundee Hills AVA - The historic heart of Oregon’s wine industry, this AVA was established in 2005. It is located about 28 miles southwest of Portland and is the most densely planted sub-AVA in the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir is dominate along with Chardonnay.

Eola-Amity Hills AVA - Located just northwest of Salem, it is defined by its intense exposure to the Pacific Ocean through the Van Duzer Corridor. Established in 2006, the Pinot Noir here is known for being darker and heavier. This is arguably the most prestigious region in Oregon for Chardonnay.

Lower Long Tom AVA - The sourthernmost AVA established in 2021 alonig the Long Tom River between Corvallis and Eugene. Pinot Noir here is described as earthy and spicy. Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are also standout wines.

McMinnville AVA - Established in 2005, this is the most rugged region in the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir is powerful, dark and highly structured. Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are also well regarded.

Mount Pisgah, Polk County AVA - One of Oregon’s newest nested sub-appellations, established in 2022. It is located about 15 miles south of Salem and is the second smallest AVA in the Willamette Valley. Pinot Noir is described as elegant red fruit (cherry and strawberry) but with structured earthiness and savory spice. Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are also being grown.

Ribbon Ridge AVA - The smallest and most uniform AVA. Established in 2005, it has only about 600 acres planted. The Pinot Noir has darker fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry. Chardonnay and Gamay Noir is also being grown.

Tualatin Hills AVA - The northermost AVA established in 2020. Pinot Noir has bright red fruit (strawberry and raspberry) with white pepper and herbal notes. Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay are also well regarded.

Van Duzer Corridor AVA - Established in 2019, this AVA is named for the natural gap in the Coast Range mountains. Pinot Noir is dark, structured and spicy with flavors of black cherry and plum. Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling are also produced.

Yamhill-Carlton District AVA - Established in 2004, this AVA is a horseshoe-shaped drainage basin defined by some of the oldest soils in the valley. Pinot Noir is famously dark and lush with flavors of black cherry, blackberry and black currants. Chardonnay is also produced.