A scenic drive through the Willamette Valley uncovers a tapestry of vineyard-dotted hills, forests, and agricultural abundance that leaves you feeling like you have traveled to another world. Oregon’s wine country is celebrated for good reason; it is stunning here! The region’s unique climate, geology, and passionate winemaking community have turned it into one of the premier wine destinations in the world. Oregon, for those that are new to the area, is known world-wide for its iconic Pinot Noir.
Introducing the Willamette Valley AVA
The Willamette Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the largest of its kind in Oregon and spans almost 3.5 million acres. This AVA stretches from Portland in the north to just south of Eugene and from the Cascade Mountains to the Coastal Range mountains on the west side of the state. The Willamette Valley AVA is cradled by the Willamette River Basin and features eleven smaller AVAs nested within its bounds. Distinct topography, soils, and microclimates define each of these smaller AVAs. You can learn more about the Willamette Valley AVA as well as its smaller AVAs here.
As you may already know, the Willamette Valley’s reputation is largely owed to Pinot Noir (roughly 70% of the area’s vineyards are planted to this grape), which is indicative of the cool, temperate blend of marine air and volcanic soil. That said, visitors to the Willamette Valley AVA will also find vibrant Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, and other varietals, each reflecting the Valley’s steady winds, gentle elevations, and alluvial vineyard pockets.
The Character of the Valley
There’s a palpable sense of place to the Willamette Valley. With some of the vineyards splayed across old volcanic beds and others rooted in glacial sediment brought by ancient floods, the soils alternate between loam, clay, volcanic basalt, and marine sediment. The climate, which is most often marked by cool, wet winters, followed by warm, dry summers, allows for a slower, more balanced ripening period, which grants local wines a brilliant acidity and complexity. These conditions also foster sustainable farming practices. Wetzel Estate Winery is proud to be LIVE Certified and focused on sustainability.
Discovering Wetzel Estate Winery
Among the many beautiful wineries, vineyards, and estates located in the Willamette Valley, you’ll find us. Wetzel Estate Winery is just outside the small town of Dallas. Wetzel Estate stands as a testament to multigenerational winemaking and innovation. Established in 1990, Wetzel Estate is a family-owned and operated vineyard with roots that trace back four generations to Germany. Our winemaking approach is a blend of family tradition and Oregon curiosity, which is reflected in our premium, small-batch approach and the diversity of our wines.
Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Wetzel Estate embraces the Pinot Noir legacy as well as other cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Marachal Foch, specialty sparkling wines, and more. We are located along the Van Duzer Corridor AVA, meaning that we enjoy steady maritime breezes, which keep our vines healthy and often extend the ripening season. The result is wine with intense character, excellent acidity, and true regional expression.
The tasting room at Wetzel Estate offers a welcoming, unfussy, casual experience. Visitors to our tasting room can enjoy a rotating menu of over 30 wines, guided tastings, and (should they wish), private, group, or event accommodations. A sense of warm, friendly hospitality accompanies the experience, making it a must-stop for anyone who is exploring Oregon wine country.
Essential Directions to Wetzel Estate Winery
Wetzel Estate Winery is both accessible and scenic, whether approaching from Portland, Eugene, or the Oregon Coast. Here’s how to find your way:
FROM PORTLAND
- Take Interstate 5 (I-5) south toward Salem.
- In Salem, take Exit 260B for OR-22 West toward Dallas.
- Head west on Hwy 22 for approximately 20 miles out of Salem.
- The winery is on the right-hand side of the road, marked by a “Wetzel Estate Winery” sign as well as a brown “Mimomas Everyday” sign as you crest Butler Hill, just before descending the hill.
- The drive typically takes about 1.5 hours from Portland, depending on traffic.
FROM EUGENE
- Travel north on I-5 to Albany, then take Exit 233 for US-20 toward Corvallis.
- Follow OR-34 west to intersect with OR-99W
- Take OR-99W north to Monmouth, then head west on OR-194 or OR-22 to Dallas
- Continue west on HWY 22 past Dallas; look for the entrance atop Butler Hill on your right.
- Estimated driving time is approximately 1.5 –
- 1.75 hours.
FROM THE OREGON COAST
- From Lincoln City, travel north on US-101 and take the OR-18 East exit.
- Continue on OR-18 for 27 miles, then merge onto OR-22 East toward Salem.
- Drive for approximately 6.5 miles; the winery will be on the left, just before you descend Butler Hill into the Willamette Valley.
- The trip from Lincoln City is just over an hour, depending on coast traffic.
The Journey and the Destination
For wine lovers, a drive through the Willamette Valley is more than just a scenic excursion: it’s an entry point to a region defined by innovation, stewardship, and creation. Wineries like Wetzel Estate offer the chance to experience Oregon’s world-class winemaking firsthand, from vineyard walks to tasting exceptional wines found only in the valley. Whether traveling from the city, the coast, or beyond, the journey itself rewards with views of rolling vineyards, forested hills, and that gentle feeling of rural escape.
A visit to Wetzel Estate is a reminder that the true magic of the Willamette Valley is found both in its bottles and along the backroads that wander toward them. Embrace the slow pace, savor the scenery and the pour, and let every mile deepen the memory of Oregon Wine Country.