Willamette Valley
Less than an hour’s drive from Portland, the Willamette Valley is Oregon’s answer to Burgundy— a region with world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Nestled between the Coast Range to the west and the Cascade Range to the east, the valley runs more than 100 miles along the Willamette River, from Portland in the north to Eugene in the south. This lush, pastoral landscape is home to two-thirds of Oregon’s vineyards and wineries. Most vineyards in the Willamette Valley grace the gentle, rolling hillsides, while fruit, hazelnut, and Christmas tree orchards blanket the valley floor.
The Willamette Valley has a cool, damp maritime climate in winter that transitions to dry, sunny Mediterranean conditions in summer. The cool-climate bookends to warm summer days allow vintners to craft ripe Pinot Noir with lower alcohol levels while preserving the region’s signature freshness in every bottle.
Pinot Noir Characteristics
With bright red fruit, medium body, and silky tannins, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is approachable and food-friendly. Sourced from six sub-AVAs, La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir showcases vibrant raspberry and cranberry fruit and orange zest, evolving into supple tannins and a subtle cedar note for a long, elegant finish.
SHOP WILLAMETTE VALLEY
A Landscape Shaped by Nature, Shapes the Wines
The Willamette Valley is home to 11 sub-AVAs, each defined by dominant soils, unique microclimates, and geographic features. Shaped by its geological past, the region has three primary soil types that lend distinct characteristics to Pinot Noir. Marine sediment—evidence of the valley’s ancient submersion under the Pacific Ocean—imparts dark fruit, truffle notes, and firm tannins. Jory soil, born from the volcanic activity of the Ring of Fire, delivers bright red fruit flavors. Laurelwood—windblown sand and silt from the Ice Age—contributes round tannins and a mix of red and black fruit.
Beyond Wine
Wine tasting is a must in the Willamette Valley, but don’t miss a visit to a “u-pick” farm to gather fresh orchard fruit for a picnic. Savor authentic farm-to-table cuisine in historic towns like McMinnville and Newberg, indulge in the famous marionberry pie, and take a bottle of La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir to the Oregon coast for an invigorating dose of negative ions.
