Four Beautiful Pacific Northwest Wineries
In the world of American wine, names like Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California often take the spotlight. But the Pacific Northwest’s hidden treasures are fast emerging as some of the country’s leading wine destinations. These lesser-known gems are privy to the scenic landscapes that the Pacific Northwest is well-known for, and the passion-driven winemakers who dared many years ago to invest their time and talent into an unknown wine region. While the wineries of Washington and Oregon may not have the same widespread recognition, they offer an authentic and intimate wine-tasting experience amid breathtaking backdrops.
Left Coast Estate
Photo by Andrea Johnson
Willamette Valley, Oregon
In the heart of Oregon’s picturesque Willamette Valley, Left Coast Estate is a family-owned and operated vineyard, winery and working farm. At its core, Left Coast is guided by a deep connection with the land where they live and farm. The winery owes its name in part to its west coast geography, but also a playful nod to the fact that three out of five family members are left-handed.
Photo by Laurel Dailey
From restoring a rare 70-acre old growth oak forest as a wildlife refuge to housing eight different hives of honey bees, the 490-acre estate stands as a testament to sustainable winemaking and environmental stewardship. Each family member contributes their gifts– from winemaking to creative direction to gardening– to carry on Left Coast’s earth-friendly, sustainable vision. For a truly authentic experience, we can arrange an intimate, vineyard dinner featuring seasonal food from the farm and local foragers– with a wine pairing, of course. Or a ride through the property in Left Coast’s 1950 Chevy vineyard truck and wine tasting among the vines.
AniChe Cellars
Columbia Gorge, Washington
AniChe Cellars is in the business of “reinventing the tradition of women making wine.” With an incredible mother-daughter team of winemakers at the lead, this winery’s placement in Washington’s Columbia Gorge couldn’t be more stunningly scenic. AniChe’s beginnings trace back to 2008 when Rachael Horn embarked on a midlife adventure into winemaking, with a mere mason jar of change and unwavering support from friends and family. The winery’s name is a portmanteau combining the names of Rachel’s children, Anaïs and Che. The name reflects the heart of the business: it’s the passion project of family and friends. Perched on the slopes of Underwood Mountain, enjoy views of the Hood River and the Gorge from the tasting room while sampling their cleverly named wines, such as ‘Puck’ and ‘Three Witches.’
Adelsheim Vineyard
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Adelsheim Vineyard, the Chehalem Mountains’ first winery, was founded in the 1970’s by David and Ginny Adlesheim. Located in the Willamette Valley, the married couple was among the first ten or so founding families that gambled their savings on making wine in a place that most people had never heard of. Their faith and hard work was the first step toward the burgeoning wine hub that Willamette Valley is known as today.
Adelsheim’s location in the more remote northern corner of the valley is still a rural paradise, with vineyards and wineries harmonizing with lush farmland and forested beauty. Adelsheim owns 200 acres, cultivating 175 acres of diverse estate sites on this scenic terrain. Whether high or low in elevation, volcanic or sedimentary soils, each of the winery’s sites contribute a unique aspect to their wine. Along the drive to the winery, don’t be surprised to see alpacas, horses, and goats that complete the bucolic idyll.
Alton Wines
Alton Wines, Photo by Kevin Scott
Walla Walla, Washington
Alton Wine’s views are quintessentially Walla Walla—farms, vineyards, mountains, and endless skies. Even beyond aesthetics, the winery embodies the essence of this grape-centric region– one where vintners mingle with farmers, and wine emerges from grit and dedication. The winery is nestled in an existing cove of land, formed by the surrounding landscape and vineyards, that had been deemed unfarmable due to the soil makeup. The result is a sense of seclusion and tranquility with fields of vines surrounding the winery’s tasting room on three sides. The Alton Wines focus is on genuine experiences, not rehearsed stories or complex tasting notes. The notable architecture and design of the tasting room is a reflection of the winery’s ethos— a place where old meets new, elegance marries rustic, and luxury dances with carefree.
Alton Wines
Pairs well with:
The Pacific Coast and Willamette Valley: From your starting point in Portland, you will find yourself in a city ringed by old growth fir forests, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient cliffs adorned with tumbling waterfalls, fertile farmland and vineyards, and hundreds of miles of undeveloped coast ripe for exploration. This luxury Oregon road trip provides an unmatched concentration of stunning, diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes enriched by unique adventures and connections with local producers.