Salem is Wine Country!
World-Class Wine
It’s surprising to realize that just 10-30 minutes from downtown Salem, world-class wine is in the works. Eola-Amity Hills is the closest wine AVA, best known for exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is said that the Pinot Noir here rivals those of Burgundy, France. Many Salem wineries and vineyards are still family owned – resulting in boutique wines that are quickly acquired by restaurants, wine club members, and lucky locals!
Beautiful Views
Refined wine is not the only unique part of this evolving wine region. Scenery also contributes to what you will experience from this southern slice of the Willamette Valley. Vineyards, farmland, and pastures inter-mingle, ripe with greenery, creating awe-inspiring scenic drives that you can’t help but lose yourself in. At the tasting rooms, it is not unusual to have views of your entire flight beneath you in the form of vines, such as that at Bethel Heights. Rainbows are also known to surprise visitors from Fall through Spring, and can be layered an top of a backdrop of Mt. Hood and the Cascades in the distance.
Small Bites
Tasting rooms do not have food restrictions in the Willamette Valley which is definitely different from other wine destinations. Food options span from entree meals at Willamette Valley Vineyards to rustic charcuterie plates and popcorn at Brooks Wine. Many wineries have small bite options which enhance your wine tasting experience as well (Pinot Noir is made for food). Some even allow picnic lunches – a great option if you want to stop by Roth’s in West Salem at the start of your trip for their great cheese, bread and olive selections.
Relaxed Atmosphere
There is a friendly, down-to-earth vibe that is welcoming to everyone who visits. This relaxed mind set extends to things like picnics, families, and pets. In fact, it is fairly easy to find wineries that will warmly welcome (well-behaved) children and pets. Left Coast winery has trails among an old oak grove for Fido and the kids to cruise around, and warm cookie offerings for kiddos too. Alternatively, many wineries have outdoor seating and wines by the glass, so you can sit back and enjoy the moment.
Unique Experiences
You can definitely see where the Salem lifestyle shines through in some of the winery offerings. An active lifestyle that relishes in the surrounding natural beauty is highly valued and embedded in the local DNA. It’s easy to find nudges toward this when viewing vineyard vistas during your yoga session or vineyard hike at Eola Hills Winery. Similarly, you can always find salsa music and lessons to go with your ‘spicy’ reds at Cubanismo. Sure, we have the typical wine pickup parties, private tastings, and winemaker dinners, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find more ways to connect with this region via the unexpected events that make us unique.