Current Red Varietals

90 points - Wine Spectator

Expressing the terroir of our three estate vineyards — the original planting by Founder Jim Bernau​ in the Salem Hills​, Tualatin Estate planted by Oregon wine pioneer Bill Fuller in the foothills of the Coastal Range and Elton ​Vineyard ​planted by Dick and Betty O'Brien in the Eola-Amity Hills.

92 points - James Suckling
91 points, Gold - Sunset International Wine Competition

Years ago, Founder Jim Bernau began experimenting with Pinot Noir by gently dropping hand-picked whole clusters in a chilled stainless fermenter, pushing all the oxygen out with CO2 and sealing the vessel tight. What happened next was magical — the berries started to swell and turn pink. When they burst, they released the most aromatic, fermenting Pinot Noir.

Sourced exclusively from 15 acres of Pinot Noir from the first plantings at the Estate vineyard in the Salem Hills, Founder Jim Bernau planted these vines using a Christmas tree planter pulled behind his 33-horsepower tractor in 1983. 

92 points - James Suckling

This single vineyard designate is sourced from Bernau Estate Vineyard in the Dundee Hills. Named in honor of our Founders Jim and Jan Bernau, this vineyard is the home of Domaine Willamette, our méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine facility.

92 points - James Suckling

Tualatin Estate Vineyard rests in the foothills of the Oregon Coast range and is one of the oldest vineyards in Oregon, planted in 1973 by Oregon wine pioneer Bill Fuller, and now in the newly approved Tualatin Hills AVA. The unique Laurelwood soil profile at the Tualatin Estate Vineyard contributes to the complex nature of the wines.

NEW RELEASE

Made with Pinot Noir picked at peak ripeness and immediately gently pressed, releasing free run juice without color or tannins from the skins to produce this unique wine expressing both red and white wine characteristics.

92 points - James Suckling

Sourced from old vine plantings at our Elton Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills founded in 1983 by Dick and Betty O'Brien, a former schoolteacher and Executive Director of the Santiam Girl Scouts.

— Wine Club & Owner Exclusive —

Sourced from the Hannah Vineyard adjacent to Tualatin Estate, this site is protected by coastal mountains making this area warmer and drier than the rest of the Willamette Valley.

— Wine Club & Owner Exclusive —

Celebrating Bill Fuller’s milestone 49th vintage in Oregon, our 2022 Vintage 49 Pinot Noir is crafted by Bill from his favorite blocks at Tualatin Estate Vineyard using his traditional techniques.

— Wine Club & Owner Exclusive —

An illustration of the art of blending, the Signature Cuvée is selected from the finest barrels sourced from our Estate, Elton and Tualatin Estate vineyards. 

— Wine Club & Owner Exclusive —

Limited production and made only in the best vintages that highlight the stylistic vision for a classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Sourced exclusively from the Tualatin Estate Vineyard and pays homage to Oregon wine pioneer, Bill Fuller who founded Tualatin Estate in 1973.

— Wine Club & Owner Exclusive —

The O’Brien Pinot Noir is made in extremely limited vintages when quality warrants. It has been produced just four previous times before in our history, in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2018 vintages. All vintages of this exquisite Pinot Noir have received many awards, including 94 points for the 2008 vintage from Wine Advocate, 92+ points for the 2012 vintage from Wine Advocate and 93 points from James Suckling for the 2016 vintage.

NEW RELEASE

The vineyard is planted in deep volcanic Jory soils on east slopes that benefit from gentle morning sun in the Eola Hills. The wine is named in honor of Elton and Peggy Ingram, who reestablished the homestead farm in the 1950s, and was made exclusively as an on-premise offering. The vineyard is planted with 667, 777, 943 and Pommard Pinot Noir clones.

Willamette Valley Vineyards was established in 1983 by a dedicated group of wine enthusiasts committed to producing among the highest quality Pinot Noirs while being good stewards of the land. As a tribute to these individuals, we have created this special blend of Pinot Noir.

Founder Jim Bernau traveled with the Oregon Governor's Delegation to Burgundy in the 1980s to seek out French clones to improve our state's quality. These vines were brought back and quarantined at Oregon State University before being propagated for use in Oregon vineyards. Naturally derived Dijon Clones from France being planted in the Willamette Valley was one of the greatest tipping points in Oregon wine quality.

This special wine was developed years ago by our late winemaker, Forrest Klaffke. Founder Jim Bernau loved to end his winery tours with a tasting of this wine from the barrel, but Forrest complained that he was giving away too much of this precious, limited-production wine. In an attempt to deter Jim, Forrest locked the Pinot Noir Port barrels away and wore the key around his neck. The day before his passing, he gave the key to Jim. Since then, we have continued to make this wine according to Forrest's methods and bottle it with the vintage label design.

The Willamette Valley's long, cool growing season is ideally suited for growing low yields of high-quality Chardonnay grapes. Our Estate Chardonnay is sourced from our estate vineyards located on the iron-rich volcanic slopes and sedimentary seabeds of the Willamette Valley Appellation.

92 points - James Suckling

Made with Dijon clones planted more than 20 years ago by Founder Jim Bernau who traveled with the Oregon Governor's Delegation to Burgundy in the 1980s to seek out French clones to improve our state's Chardonnay quality. The vines were brought back and quarantined at OSU before being propagated for use in Oregon vineyards.

Willamette Valley Vineyards was established in 1983 by a group of wine enthusiasts committed to building a world-class winery focused on producing high-quality Oregon wines while being good stewards of the land. This special Founders’ Reserve Chardonnay is a tribute to these individuals. The tradition continues today—we invite you to join us as Owners in the Oregon wine industry, enjoying the rewards of creating this dream together.

Founder Jim Bernau traveled with the Oregon Governor's Delegation to Burgundy in the 1980s to seek out French clones to improve our state's Chardonnay quality. These vines were brought back and quarantined at Oregon State University before being propagated for use in Oregon vineyards. Naturally derived Dijon Clones from France being planted in the Willamette Valley was one of the greatest tipping points in Oregon wine quality.

— Wine Club & Owner Exclusive —

Celebrating Bill Fuller’s milestone 49th vintage in Oregon, our 2022 Vintage 49 Pinot Noir is crafted by Bill from his favorite blocks at Tualatin Estate Vineyard using his traditional techniques.

NEW RELEASE

Staff from various departments worked as a team to develop an experimental block of Sauvignon Blanc at Tualatin Estate Vineyard as a "vine to wine" educational project. They researched rootstocks and vine materials, helped plant and farm the vines. This bottling represents our team's collaborative approach of making the highest quality wines possible from the Willamette Valley appellation and continuing to tell the Oregon story through unique offerings.

NEW RELEASE

Sourced from a small planting at our Tualatin Estate Vineyard, the grape clusters are whole cluster pressed and aged in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels.

INAUGURAL RELEASE

The wine is blended from the best lots of Pinot Gris grown in our estate vineyards for an elevated style. Pinot Gris was first introduced to the Willamette Valley in the late 1960s by The Eyrie Vineyards Founder David Lett, whom we affectionately call "Papa Pinot." Our first cuttings of Pinot Gris came from David’s groundbreaking work, representing the first commercial planting of this variety in North America.

NEW RELEASE

The Grüner Veltliner is an Austrian style varietal and was grafted on the first vines planted by the O’Briens at the Elton Vineyard. It is one of the smallest blocks of vines among our plantings. This refreshingly crisp white is known for its flexible pairings and medium body with a zesty finish.

91 points - Owen Bargreen

When Terry Culton, Director Winemaking and Vineyards,  was the Cellar Master for Willamette in 1998, we made small-lot, Dry Riesling from Tualatin Estate Vineyard. He believed our Dry Riesling rivaled the Rieslings from Alsace, France. Coming back to Willamette in 2022 as our Director of Winemaking, Terry resurrected the wine, bringing a splash of the past into our winemaking future.

— Wine Club & Owner Exclusive —

91 points - Owen Bargreen

Bill Fuller planted his Gewürztraminer grape vines at Tualatin Estate Vineyard in 1973, inspired by wine that thrived for centuries in France and Germany. He revived the wine in 2022, making it according to his traditional methods. Bill’s Gewürztraminer shows off intense floral aromas, varietal character and excellent acid levels.

An Alsatian varietal that is related to Chardonnay and often blended with Pinot Blanc, winemaker Terry Culton chose to highlight our beautiful Auxerrois in a stand-alone wine. Our crew hand-picked the fruit at Tualatin Estate Vineyard, one of Oregon's oldest and most respected vineyard sites. Traditionally, Auxerrois makes a rich and complex wine with lush fruit and crisp acidity.

Our Riesling is classic and versatile. Serve well-chilled and allow it to warm in your glass for optimal enjoyment of aromas and flavors.

Domaine Willamette is dedicated to producing the highest quality sparkling wines. Our Brut is crafted from estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay using méthode traditionnelle where the wine goes through secondary fermentation in this bottle.

92 points - Decanter World Wine Awards

Domaine Willamette is dedicated to producing the highest quality sparkling wines. Our Brut Rosé is crafted from estate-grown Pinot Noir using méthode traditionnelle where the wine goes through secondary fermentation in this bottle. It’s then aged on its lees to develop complexity while preserving vibrancy before disgorgement.

NEW RELEASE

90 points - James Suckling

Domaine Willamette is dedicated to producing the highest quality sparkling wines. Our Blanc de Blancs is crafted from estate-grown Chardonnay using méthode traditionnelle where the wine goes through secondary fermentation in this bottle.

Sourced exclusively from our Tualatin Estate Vineyard. Enjoy ice cold to preserve the bubbles.

Sourced from our sustainably-farmed Estate and Tualatin Estate Vineyards, the grapes were gently whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel to deliver expressive aromas and flavors with a crisp, dry finish.

A complex red blend of the finest varietals from the Walla Walla Valley, this bottling celebrates the Métis heritage of Founder Jim Bernau's fourth great grandmother Catherine "Kitty" Umfreville Pambrun who worked with her husband Pierre Chrysologue Pambrun to lead Fort Nez Percés in Walla Walla, ushering in a time of peace to the trading post and Columbia Basin.

NEW RELEASE
Père Ami, a red blend, is dedicated to Founder Jim Bernau’s Father, Fred Bernau. Père Ami, translated to “Father Friend,” is sourced from the Umpqua Valley, where Fred was a small town lawyer, as well as a big believer in the future of Oregon wine. 

Folsom's rich winemaking history dates back to the mid-1800s with the planting of the celebrated Natoma Vineyard. In the early 1900s, Natoma Vineyard boasted 2,000 acres and was one of the largest vineyards in the state when gold was discovered on the property — and the vines were replaced with dredgers. Our dream is to reestablish Natoma by crafting local wines and celebrating its place in California wine history.    

Folsom's rich winemaking history dates back to the mid-1800s with the planting of the celebrated Natoma Vineyard. In the early 1900s, Natoma Vineyard boasted 2,000 acres and was one of the largest vineyards in the state when gold was discovered on the property — and the vines were replaced with dredgers. Our dream is to reestablish Natoma by crafting local wines and celebrating its place in California wine history.

Pioneers of the Oregon wine industry, Don and Traute Moore have been cultivating vines at their Quail Run Vineyards in the Rogue Valley since 1989, growing varietals from all over the world.

For more than two decades we have been working with the Moore family, dedicated stewards growing the highest-quality wines from their Rogue Valley vineyards since 1989. The Rogue Valley is an emerging Oregon region with temperatures similar to France's Bordeaux or Rhône regions.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with aromas of mocha, baked blackberries, dark chocolate, baking spices, cedar and ripe plums. The full-bodied palate is packed with lush dark fruits, cranberry preserves and dried figs. Firm tannins and balancing acidity contribute to a long, lingering finish.

For more than two decades we have been working with growers Don and Traute Moore, crafting the highest-quality wines from their Rogue Valley vineyards since 1996. With temperatures similar to France's Bordeaux or Rhône regions, this area is an emerging Oregon region.

The wine is ruby red in color with powerful barrel notes of leather, cassis and sweet baking spice giving way to subtle fruit aromas of blueberry and cherry tart. Vibrant flavors of cherry, black pepper and shiitake mushroom are discovered as you sip the wine. The barrel characteristics and sweet red fruit move across the palate outlining a warm vintage and mature Merlot grapes.

For more than two decades we have been working with the Moore family, dedicated stewards growing the highest-quality wines from their Rogue Valley vineyards since 1989. The Rogue Valley is an emerging Oregon region with temperatures similar to France's Bordeaux or Rhône regions.