notes from two recent tastings in the valley
Recently, a good friend and I ventured out of the city and back into the Willamette Valley for a day of wine tasting. Fog hung low over the hills, the vineyards were quiet, and it felt like the perfect winter afternoon to slow down and sip wine. We tried some fabulous wines (and food), took in the views, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. There’s nothing like a relaxing day of wine tasting with a beautiful view to put me in the best mood (life is beautiful!!!).
We visited two wineries–Brooks, located in the Eola-Amity Hills, and Appassionata, in the Chehalem Hills–and, wow, neither place disappointed! In this post, I’m diving into detail about our experience at both wineries, including tasting notes, food pairings, and (of course) my thoughts on the ambiance. Let’s get started!
brooks winery
Our day started by visiting Brooks winery, a longtime favorite in the Valley known for its focus on farming, community, and intentional winemaking. Brooks is women-led (heck yes!), reflecting a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The winery is well-known for its generous wine club benefits, including complimentary tastings for members and up to three guests per visit, along with great bottle discounts.
Brooks produces a wide range of biodynamic wines. While they are especially known for their Pinot Noirs and Rieslings, they also make sparkling wines, aromatic white blends, and bolder reds like Syrah and Gamay Noir.
The tasting room sits on a hillside overlooking the Eola-Amity Hills, with sweeping vineyard views that make it easy to linger over a glass. My friend and I opted for the mixed flight, which featured a variety of whites and reds. Brooks also offers an extensive lunch and dinner menu with suggested wine pairings, and since we arrived right around lunchtime, we happily took advantage of the opportunity to treat our taste buds.
Here are my notes from the tasting:
2024 Pinot Noir Rose–paired with kale frittata
Crisp and refreshing, with notes of watermelon and strawberry. It paired beautifully with the kale frittata and instantly had me dreaming of warmer days ahead.
2024 Gamay Noir
Bold black peppercorn and pomegranate notes, well rounded and structured on the palate. I love Gamay, so this was easily one of my favorites of the tasting.
2024 Sweet pea riesling–paired with kimchi grilled cheese with kimchi and tomato soup
Holy cow–this pairing is magical. The kimchi adds a sharp tang to the grilled cheese that completely elevates it. The Sweet Pea Riesling acts as the perfect palate refresher, and the balance between the wine’s sweetness and acidity with the richness of the sandwich is gold.
2023 Janus Pinot Noir
A slightly fruit-forward pinot, with notes of prune and earthy undertones. It also paired well with the rest of my grilled cheese!
2022 Royer Reisling (dry)
Notes of honeysuckle, melon, and apple juice on the nose, with a shorter finish and softer acidity.
2022 Muska Reisling
More crisp and acidic, with a lingering finish on the palate and notes of bright green apple.
2023 Muska Pinot Noir
Notes of blackberry and blueberry with higher tannins and clear oak influence, giving it a richer profile.
Espresso + chocolate panna cotta
We finished with the classic espresso-and-dessert combo. The chocolate panna cotta was melt-in-your mouth heavenly!
By the end of our visit, my taste buds were very happy (the lineup really packed a punch)! One interesting thing I learned during the tasting: while white wines are traditionally served before reds, many wineries now place Riesling later in the lineup because of its high acidity. That way your palate isn’t worn out by the time you reach the reds.
Between the wines, the thoughtful food pairings, the beautiful setting, and the warm service, Brooks delivered an experience that felt both relaxed and elevated—a wonderful start to our day in the Valley.
Brooks Winery Visitor Info
Location: Eola–Amity Hills, Willamette Valley
Known for: Riesling and Pinot Noir
Food: Full lunch and dinner menu with wine pairings
Vibe: Scenic, relaxed, food-focused tasting experience
Brooks’ Website
appassionatta estate
Tucked away in the Chehalem Hills just outside Newberg, Appassionata produces three Pinot Noirs alongside Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery was founded as a passion project by German winemaker Eric Loosen and works closely with J. Christopher Wines, giving the experience a clear German influence. The tasting room even features several German Rieslings alongside the Oregon wines.
Music also plays an important role in the winery’s identity. Its three Pinot Noirs are named after movements from Beethoven’s famous sonata: Allegro, Andante, and Fortissimo.
The tasting room sits perched on a hill overlooking the Chehalem Hills, with the winery located below. I was honestly stunned when I walked in—it’s absolutely beautiful. The space feels modern with a touch of rustic warmth, and while it’s small, it still feels open and inviting. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, and the outdoor patio feels almost magical. I can’t wait to come back in the warmer months to watch the sunset there with a glass of wine.
Our tasting room guide, Cindy, made the experience even more memorable. My friend and I stopped in on a quiet Tuesday afternoon and ended up having the whole place to ourselves. Cindy walked us through Appassionata’s story, explained each wine in detail, and even curated a custom tasting for us. Along the way, I learned so much, from soil types in the Chehalem Hills to the meaning behind the “GG” designation on German Rieslings.
Here are the wines we tasted, along with notes on each:
2024 J. Christopher Cristo Irresisto Sparkling
Light, crisp, and refreshing with bright acidity. A lovely way to start the tasting.
2020 Appassionata Chardonnay
Notes of lemon zest, vanilla, and delicate florals with a distinct minerality. Aged on the lees for two years, giving it added depth and texture. This wine was featured on Forbes’ list of “10 Wines for Thanksgiving,” and it was easily one of my favorite Chardonnays I’ve tasted in the Willamette Valley so far—beautifully complex.
2013 Appassionata Fortissimo Pinot Noir
Elegant with a smoky nose and layered aromas of violet and rose petal. On the palate, notes of red velvet and warm baking spices.
2020 Fritz Haag Estate Riesling Trocken
Notes of fresh lemon and peach with a subtle sweetness that keeps the wine fresh and lively.
2020 Dr. Loosen Riesling Bernkasteler Lay GG
Slightly richer, with stone fruits on the nose and a noticeably longer finish and delicate minerality on the palate.
2018 Appassionata GG Riesling
This wine was named one of Forbes’ “favorite wines in the world” for 2025. Complex and structured, with impressive depth and notes of honey-lemon tea, petrol, and fresh pineapple. I ended up leaving with a bottle of this one!
Appassionata was one of the most memorable tasting experiences I’ve had in the Willamette Valley so far. Between the thoughtfully crafted wines, the beautiful setting, and the incredibly warm hospitality, the entire visit felt special from start to finish. It’s the kind of place where you can really slow down, savor each wine, and appreciate the artistry behind it all. If you’re exploring the Chehalem Hills, this is absolutely a stop worth making!
Appassionata Estate Visitor Info
Location: Chehalem Hills, Willamette Valley
Known for: Riesling and Pinot Noir
Food: Light bites
Vibe: Peaceful, elegant yet relaxed, charming
Appassionata’s Website
final thoughts
Overall, this day in the Willamette Valley reminded me exactly why I love exploring Oregon wine country. Both wineries offered completely unique experiences, yet both felt incredibly intentional. From the farming and community focus at Brooks to the patient winemaking philosophy at Appassionata, each winery had a clear sense of identity that came through in the wines and the overall experience.
Days like this, with authentic wines, delicious food, beautiful views, and great company, are exactly what make the Willamette Valley so special. If you’re planning a tasting day in the area, I would absolutely recommend adding both of these wineries to your list.🍷
Thanks for reading 🙂
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