Winery News & Accolades

News

Willamette Valley Vineyards’ 2018 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir was included in the Prevention Magazine article, “10 Best Red Wines Made in the United States to Buy in 2020.”

The Wall Street Journal included Willamette Valley Vineyards’ Pinot Gris in the article, “Why Wine Remains a Great Connector.”

Willamette Valley Vineyards began deploying UV light in its estate vineyards to kill powdery mildew as a substitute for its use of organic sulfur after discovering research conducted by Cornell University, Oregon State University and Washington State University was featured in Wine Spectator.

Forbes interviews Founder Jim Bernau in the article, “Willamette Valley Vineyards: How An Innovative Financial Strategy Fuels Dramatic Growth.”

The Oregonian shares an exclusive on the “Sparkling Wine Oasis” at Bernau Estate in the Dundee Hills.

Founder Jim Bernau and Justin King of King Estate Winery accepts the Innovator of the Year award for Oregon Solidarity at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.

Founder Jim Bernau was quoted in the Portland Business Journal article titled, “California-made Oregon pinots: Are they real?”

The Oregonian announces a collaboration between Willamette Valley Vineyards and other Oregon wineries to create Oregon Solidarity wines.

The Mail Tribune covers the rally to save Rogue Valley grapes for the 2018 harvest (includes video).

The Washington Post highlights the efforts made by Willamette Valley Vineyards and others to save grapes in Rogue Valley after Elouan cancels contracts.

Wine Enthusiast praises sparkling wine in the Willamette Valley, with a feature on the future Bernau Estate.

WVV named a “Detour Worth Taking” by Los Angeles Times.

Willamette Valley named Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

WVV is named 2016 Sunset Travel Award Winner for Best Vineyard/Tasting Room Experience by Sunset Magazine.

Founder Jim Bernau Nominated for “Person of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast.

Wine Enthusiast named WVV as having one of America’s Best Value Pinot Noirs.

Groundbreaking for Elton Winery draws more than 500 Wine Enthusiasts.

Bill Fuller returns to winemaking.

Accolades

Best Wine Tasting Room

USA Today 10Best
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named the Best Wine Tasting Room in the United States in 2024 and 2025 by USA Today

A panel of experts makes nominations in awards covering food and drink, shopping, sports and outdoors, travel destinations, lodging, attractions — the list goes on. It’s up to the readers of USA Today to help crown the winners by casting their votes.

#1 Best Winery to Visit in Oregon

Trip Savvy
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named the #1 Best Winery to Visit in Oregon

“If you only visit one winery in Oregon, go to Willamette Valley Vineyards. It’s one of the largest wine producers in the state and the grounds are straight-up gorgeous. Willamette Valley Vineyards offers a variety of experiences where you can familiarize yourself with the winery and its wines.”

2020 100 Best Fan-Favorite Destination

Oregon Business Magazine
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named a 100 Best Fan-Favorite Destination in Oregon for 2019 and 2020

Oregon Business Magazine gathered ratings from the most widely used online review sites such as Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp, then tallied and combined them to determine the level of traveler’s overall satisfaction with a business. More than 80,000 reviews were analyzed! The scores were then ranked to create the 100 Best Fan-Favorite Destinations list.

2018 Top Travel Pick award

2018 Top Travel Pick

Northwest Travel & Life Magazine 2018
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named “2018 Top Travel Pick” by Northwest Travel & Life Magazine.

“Just south of Salem, Oregon, Willamette Valley Vineyards has everything you need for a romantic fall wine getaway. Perched on a hill above the vineyards, the tasting room, dining room and guest suites — not to mention the cellar rich with the aromas of the fresh harvest and oak barrels — all have a view of the vineyards ablaze with fall colors and the broad valley below. The Willamette Valley Vineyards story is one of passion for the vineyards and fine wines coupled with environmental and community stewardship. Since founding it in 1983, Jim Bernau has developed Willamette Valley Vineyards into one of the best producers of pinot noir in the country.”

2018 Trip Advisor Hall of Fame award

2018 Trip Advisor Hall of Fame

Trip Advisor
Willamette Valley Vineyards was included in the 2018 TripAdvisor Excellence Hall of Fame.

The Certificate of Excellence award celebrates excellence in hospitality and service. It is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great Trip Advisor reviews. We’re honored to be included in the 2018 TripAdvisor Excellence Hall of Fame for having won the Certificate of Excellence 5+ years in a row.

Oregon’s Most Admired Companies

Portland Business Journal 2018
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named among the top 20 Most Admired Companies in Oregon.

This pretigious recognition is the result of a survey sent to more than 5,000 CEOs evaluating more than 400 companies in Oregon to determine the Most Admired Companies in our region. The awards highlight a short list of companies who have made an impact on our communities with their proficient marketing, financial impact and extensive stature.

Best Vineyard/Tasting Room award

Best Vineyard/Tasting Room

Sunset Magazine, Travel Awards 2016 – Winner
Sunset Magazine, Travel Awards 2018 – Finalist
Sunset Magazine, Travel Awards 2019 – Finalist
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named “Best Vineyard/Tasting Room” by Sunset Magazine.

2011 Winery of the Year awards

2011 Winery of the Year

Wine & Spirits Magazine
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named “2011 Winery of the Year” by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

“Each year, our panels and critics blind taste more than 10,000 wines, selecting the best for recommendation in the magazine. Our ‘Top 100 Wineries of the Year Award’ highlight brands with a range of wines our critics have scored at the top of their categories. Willamette Valley Vineyards’ performance makes it a great ambassador for wines of Oregon.”

View a PDF of the article.

2011 Oregon Winery of the Year awards

2011 Oregon Winery of the Year

WINE PRESS NORTHWEST MAGAZINE
Willamette Valley Vineyards was named “2011 Oregon Winery of the Year” by Wine Press Northwest.

Andy Perdue, Editor-in-chief, states, “With over 350 possible candidates in Oregon, we make sure we are careful in our selection and that the winery is worth the award. This was an easy decision this year as Willamette Valley Vineyards has been a leader in the industry for decades with their sustainability efforts and high quality Pinot Noir.”

Wine Scores & Awards

PINOT NOIR

ESTATE PINOT NOIR

2023: 90 points – Wine Spectator
2022: 91 points – International Wine Report
2021: 91 points – James Suckling
2021: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2019: 91 points – TheWinePanel.com
2019: 90 points – wine.com
2019: 91 points – James Suckling
2018: 91 points – Vinous
2017: 90 points – Wine Spectator
2017: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2016: GOLD – Cascadia Int’l Wine Competition
2016: 92 points – Wine Spectator
2016: GOLD – San Francisco Chronicle
2016: 91 points & GOLD MEDAL – San Francisco Int’l Wine Competition
2016: 92 points – Wine Advocate
2016: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2015: 93 points & GOLD MEDAL “Exceptional” – Tastings
2015: 91 points – Wine Spectator
2015: 95 points & DOUBLE GOLD – San Francisco Int’l Wine Competition
2014: Best of Show – Portland Seafood & Wine Fest
2013: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2012: 93 points – Wine & Spirits Magazine
2011: 90 points – Beverage Dynamics

BERNAU BLOCK PINOT NOIR

2023: 91 points – Jeb Dunnuck
2021: 95 points – Beverage Dynamics
2021: 93 points – Wine Enthusiast
2019: 90 points – International Wine Report
2019: 90 points – James Suckling
2018: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2018: Gold Medal – Savor Northwest
2017: 92 points – Vinous
2017: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2016: 93 points – James Suckling
2015: GOLD – Savor NW
2015: 92 points – Vinous
2015: 91 points – Wine Spectator
2014: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2013: 91 points – Vinous
2013: 91 points/Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
2012: 90 points/Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
2012: GOLD – Oregon Wine Awards
2010: 91 points – Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar

ELTON PINOT NOIR

2022: 91 points – International Wine Report
2021: 92 points – James Suckling
2019: 92 points – International Wine Report
2019: 92 points – James Suckling
2017: 93 points – Vinous
2017: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2015: 91 points & GOLD – Tastings
2013: 93 points – Int’l Wine Report
2012: 91 points – Wine Spectator
2011: 90 points – Wine Advocate
2010: 92 points – Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar
2010: 91 points – Wine Advocate
2009: 91 points/Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
2009: 90 points – Wine Advocate
2008: 91 points – Wine Advocate

TUALATIN ESTATE PINOT NOIR

2022: 93 points – International Wine Report
2021: 92 points – James Suckling
2019: 90 points – International Wine Report
2019: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2019: 92 points – James Suckling
2018: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2017: 92 points – Vinous
2017: 93 points & Best Pinot Noir – American Wine Society
2016: 92 points – Washington Wine Blog
2015: Platinum, Wine Press Northwest 19th Annual Platinum Competition
2015: 90 points – Wine Advocate
2015: 94 points & Gold/Cellar Selection – Tastings
2015: 91 points – Vinous
2015: 92 points – Wine Spectator
2014: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2013: 91 points – Wine Spectator
2012: 92 points – Tasting Panel
2011: 91 points – Beverage Dynamics
2011: 89 points – Wine Spectator
2010: 92 points – PinotReport
2010: 90 points – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

WHITE PINOT NOIR

2023: 92 points, Gold – USA Wine Ratings
2022: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2022: 90 points & Best of Class/Gold – Sunset International Wine Competition

BERNAU ESTATE PINOT NOIR

2022: 93 points – Wine Enthusiast
2022: 92 points – James Suckling

O’BRIEN PINOT NOIR

2022: 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
2018: 91 points – James Suckling
2018: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2016: 93 points – James Suckling
2016: 94 points – Wine & Spirits
2012: 92 points – Wine Advocate
2008: 94 points – Wine Advocate

FULLER PINOT NOIR

2021: 94 points – Wine Enthusiast
2018: 93 points – James Suckling
2018: 93 points – Wine Enthusiast
2016: 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
2012: 94 points – Tasting Panel
2012: 90 points – Wine Advocate
2008: 92 points – Wine Advocate
2008: DOUBLE GOLD – Oregon Wine Awards

HANNAH PINOT NOIR

2021: 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
2018: 92 points – Vinous
2018: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2015: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2015: 92 points – Vinous
2014: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2013: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2012: 90 points – Burghound
2010: 92 points – Wine Advocate
2010: 91 points – Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar

VINTAGE 43 PINOT NOIR

2016: 91 points – Wine Advocate

VINTAGE 45 PINOT NOIR

2018: 92 points – Wine Enthusiast

VINTAGE 46 PINOT NOIR

2019: 93 points – James Suckling

SIGNATURE CUVÉE PINOT NOIR

2021: 91 points – James Suckling
2017: 94 points & Double Gold Medal – Savor Northwest
2013: 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
2013: 91 points – Wine Spectator
2012: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2010: 91 points – PinotReport
2010: 90 points – Wine Advocate
2010: 90 points – Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar

FOUNDERS’ RESERVE PINOT NOIR

2023 93 points – James Suckling
2022: 93 points – James Suckling
2021: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2019: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2017: 91 points & GOLD MEDAL – Tastings World Wine Championships
2016: 92 points – Wine & Spirits
2008: 91 points – Wine Spectator
2008: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast

WHOLE CLUSTER PINOT NOIR

2023: 94 points – Beverage Dynamics
2023: 90 points – Jeb Dunnuck
2023: 91 points, Gold – Sunset International Wine Competition
2023: 92 points – James Suckling
2022: 92 points – Owen Bargreen
2022: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2020: 91 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2020: 90 points – Wilfred Wong, Wine.com
2019: 91 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2018: 91 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2017: 91 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2015: 90 points – Vinous
2015: 90 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2014: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2013: Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast
2012: 92 points – PinotReport
2010: 90 points – Stephen Tanzer’s Int’l Wine Cellar

DIJON CLONE PINOT NOIR

2023: 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
2022: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2021: 91 points – James Suckling
2021: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast

WHITES & ROSÉ

ESTATE CHARDONNAY

2022: 93 points Gold – Sunset International Wine Report
2019: 91 points – International Wine Report
2019: 90 points – Wine & Spirits
2018: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2017: 91 points – James Suckling
2017: 91 points & GOLD – Savor NW
2016: 93 points – Wine Advocate
2015: 90 points – Wine Advocate
2015: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2014: 90 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2012: 90 points – Tasting Panel
2010: GOLD – Oregon Wine Awards

BERNAU BLOCK CHARDONNAY

2023: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2023: 92 points – James Suckling
2019: 92 points – International Wine Report
2018: 94 points & Gold Medal – Beverage Testing Institute
2018: 91 points & Gold Medal – Savor Northwest

TUALATIN ESTATE CHARDONNAY

2023: 93 points – Decanter World of Wines
2023: 91 points – James Suckling
2022: 92 points – Owen Bargreen
2019: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2019: 91 points – James Suckling

ELTON CHARDONNAY EOLA-AMITY HILLS

2023: 93 points – Owen Bargreen
2021: 91 points – James Suckling
2019: 93 points – James Suckling
2019: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast

VINTAGE 46 CHARDONNAY

2019: 94 points – James Suckling

ESTATE ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR

2021: 90 points – Owen Bargreen
2020: 92 points & Judges selection – Global Fine Wine Selection
2020: 91 points – International Wine Report

PINOT GRIS

2023: 92 points, Gold – USA Wine Ratings
2023: 90 points – James Suckling
2022: 90 points – James Suckling
2021: 90 points & Gold Medal – Sommeliers Choice Awards
2021: 90 points & Gold Medal – Sunset International Wine Competition
2020: 93 points – TheWinePanel.com
2020: 91 points & Gold Medal – Sunset International Wine Competition
2019: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2018: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2018: 91 points – American Wine Society
2016: 91 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2015: 90 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2013: GOLD – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2011: DOUBLE GOLD – American Wine Society
2011: GOLD – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2011: DOUBLE GOLD – American Wine Society
2010: DOUBLE GOLD/BEST OF SHOW – Indy International
2009: GOLD – The Dallas Morning News & Texsom

WHOLE CLUSTER ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR

2023: 90 points – James Suckling
2022: 94 points, Gold – Sunset International Wine Competition
2021: 91 points & Best Buy – Wine & Spirits
2021: 91 points & Gold Medal – Sunset International Wine Competition
2021: 91 points & Gold Medal – Sommeliers Choice
2020: 91 points – Wilfred Wong, Wine.com
2020: 90 points – Wine & Spirits Magazine
2019: 90 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2018: 90 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2017: 90 points & Year’s Best Rosé – Wine & Spirits Magazine
2017: 92 points & Best Buy – Wine Spectator
2017: 93 points & 5 stars – Beverage Dynamics
2017: 90 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2017: 91 points – Blue Lifestyle
2016: 91 points & Gold – San Francisco International Wine Competition
2015: 90 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2015: 91 points – International Wine Review

MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE BRUT

2021: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2021: 92 points – International Wine Report
2021: 90 points – Vinous
2018: 96 points – Global Fine Wine Challenge
2017: 92 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2017: 91 points – James Suckling
2017: Platinum Medal & “Best Sparkling of the Northwest” – Sip Magazine
2016: 93 points, DOUBLE GOLD – American Wine Society
2016: DOUBLE GOLD – Sip Northwest Magazine
2016: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2016: 90 points & Year’s Best Summer Sparkling – Wine & Spirits Magazine
2015: 92 points, GOLD & Best of Show – American Wine Society
2015: 92 points – Wine Advocate
2015: 91 points, GOLD & Exceptional – Tastings
2015: DOUBLE GOLD – Cascadia International Wine Competition
2014: 92 points – Wine Spectator
2014: 93 points – Wine & Spirits

BLANC DE BLANCS MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE

2021: 91points – Vinous
2021: 90 points – James Suckling
2017: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2017: 90 points – James Suckling

BRUT ROSÉ MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE

2021: 92 points – International Wine Report
2021 91 points – Vinous
2021: 92 points – Decanter World of Wines
2020: 92 points – Owen Bargreen
2017: 92 points – James Suckling

DIJON CLONE CHARDONNAY

2023: 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
2022: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
2021: 91 points – James Suckling
2018: 93 points & Gold Medal – Beverage Testing Institute
2018: 90 points – Wine & Spirits
2017: 91 points & Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2016: 92 points – Washington Wine Blog
2013: Year’s Best U.S. Chardonnay – Wine & Spirits
2012: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2008: 91 points – Tasting Panel
2008: Excellent – Wine Press Northwest

RIESLING

2020: 90 points & Best Buy & Top 100 Best Buy Wines for 2022 – Wine Enthusiast
2019: 91 points & Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast
2019: 90 points – The Wine Panel
2018: 90 points & Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast
2014: 90 points & Best Value – Wine Spectator
2012: GOLD – Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
2011: DOUBLE GOLD – San Francisco Chronicle
2010: 90 points & Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast
2009: DOUBLE GOLD/BEST OF SHOW – Indy International
2009: BEST OF SHOW – Portland Seafood & Wine

SAUVIGNON BLANC

2020: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast

PINOT BLANC

2022: Double Gold – Sip Magazine
2020: Double Gold – Sip Magazine
2019: Double Gold – Sip Magazine

DRY RIESLING

2022: 91 points – Owen Bargreen

DRY GEWÜRZTRAMINER

2022: 91 points – Owen Bargreen

AUXERROIS

2022: 91 points – Owen Bargreen

FOUNDERS’ RESERVE CHARDONNAY

2023: 93 points – James Suckling

OTHER REDS

MÉTIS

2022: 94 points & Editors Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2021: 92 points – Owen Bargreen
2020: 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
2018 – 91 points & Editors Choice – Wine Enthusiast
2018: Gold – San Francisco Chronicle

GRIFFIN CREEK CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2016: Gold – McMinnville Wine & Food Classic

GRIFFIN CREEK CABERNET FRANC

2017: 93 points & Gold – Global Fine Wine Challenge
2017: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2017: Double Gold – McMinnville Wine Classic
2016: Gold – Newport Seafood & Wine Festival & Competition

GRIFFIN CREEK SYRAH

2016: 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
2015: 90 points –Wine Advocate

GRIFFIN CREEK MALBEC

2015: 91 points – Wine Advocate

GRIFFIN CREEK MERLOT

2016: 91 points – Wine Enthusiast

PAMBRUN MALBEC

2022: 91 points – Vinous
2022: 91 points – James Suckling