TURNER, Oregon – Friday, March 17, 2023: The home and namesake of Willamette Valley Vineyards – Oregon’s Willamette Valley – was named one of Time magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” to explore in 2023.
The acknowledgment from Time magazine was a perfect gift as Willamette Valley Vineyards, a leading producer of Oregon Pinot Noir, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
The honor highlighted the incredible wine and seasonal cuisine offered in the region and called the Willamette Valley America’s “next Napa,” referring to the storied California wine region. Time’s list includes 50 places the magazine recommended to its readers as places to travel to in 2023.
“In the past two decades, the number of wineries in the state’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA) has grown from 135 to more than 700 today,” said Time writer Nicholas Derenzo, growth that has led to new wine labels, lodging and tasting rooms. The new tasting rooms include sparkling winery Domaine Willamette in the Dundee Hills, a sister company to Willamette Valley Vineyards.
With Portland already a well-known foodie destination, it came as no surprise that the Willamette Valley’s wine scene is creating buzz among wine enthusiasts.
The Willamette Valley’s appeal is partly due to collaborative efforts by Oregon winegrowers, chefs and hospitality leaders, said Jim Bernau, Founder and CEO of Willamette Valley Vineyards.
“Through their joint stewardship, they are creating one of the most beautiful places in the world for people to enjoy,” he said.
Shareholders in the company were already aware of the region’s potential. Their investment in Willamette Valley Vineyards has allowed the winery to expand its wine and dining offerings, making this year a great one to visit the Willamette Valley.
Guests at the company’s tasting rooms experience classic Oregon wines, Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine and stunning scenery at various locations throughout Oregon, including the flagship Estate in the Salem Hills and sparkling winery Domaine Willamette in the Dundee Hills.
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Founded in 1983 by CEO Jim Bernau with the dream of creating world-class Pinot Noir while serving as stewards of the land, Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s leading wineries, earning the title “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. All the vineyards have been certified sustainable through LIVE (Low Impact Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon-Safe programs.
