Happy summer, y’all! My favorite season is finally here, and luckily enough, it’s also one of the best times of year to go wine tasting in Oregon.
After spending time exploring the Willamette Valley and visiting wineries throughout the region, I’ve discovered a handful of spots that truly shine during the summer months. Whether it’s sweeping vineyard views, incredible outdoor seating, refreshing wines, or unforgettable hospitality, these wineries offer everything I’m looking for in a summer tasting experience. Read more in-depth about each winery and notes from my tasting by checking out my 2 Stand-Out Willamette Valley Wineries series!
Here are five Willamette Valley wineries that deserve a spot on your summer bucket list.
brooks winery
Located in the Eola-Amity Hills, Brooks Winery combines incredible wines, thoughtful hospitality, and a stellar outdoor tasting setup. The winery is known for its biodynamic farming practices and women-led leadership, both of which contribute to the intentional approach you’ll find throughout the property.
Brooks also has a remarkable story. The winery was founded by Jimi Brooks, who unexpectedly passed away in 2004. His vision for producing expressive, terroir-driven wines lives on today, and Brooks has since become one of Oregon’s most respected producers of Riesling.
In the summer, the expansive deck overlooking the vineyards is hard to beat. Brooks is also one of the few wineries I regularly recommend for lunch thanks to its excellent food menu. Pair a glass of Riesling or Gamay Noir with one of their seasonal dishes, and you’ll quickly understand why so many people love this place.
What stands out most about Brooks is its balance between being educational and approachable. The atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming while still showcasing some of the Valley’s most celebrated wines.
2 Stand-Out Willamette Valley Wineries: Brooks & Appassionata
maysara winery
Tucked into the rolling hills outside Amity, Maysara Winery offers one of the most peaceful tasting experiences I’ve had in the Willamette Valley.
Founded by the Momtazi family in 1997, Maysara is one of Oregon’s pioneering biodynamic wineries. The family’s Persian heritage is woven throughout the winery’s philosophy, creating an experience that feels deeply rooted in both culture and land. Their commitment to biodynamic farming isn’t simply a winemaking technique, it’s a holistic approach that influences every aspect of the estate.
The setting alone is worth the visit. Surrounded by steep vineyard slopes and forests, it’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time while enjoying a tasting outdoors. During my visit, I found myself lingering long after the tasting simply because of how serene the property felt.
The wines are equally memorable. Their Pinot Blanc is one of my favorite white wines I’ve tasted in the Valley so far, and it’s ideal for a warm summer afternoon. Across the portfolio, there’s a level of precision and intention that truly reflects the winery’s farming philosophy.
2 Stand-Out Willamette Valley Wineries: Furioso & Maysara
soter vineyards
Perched atop a hill in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Soter Vineyards delivers one of the most refined tasting experiences in the Valley.
Known for biodynamic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking (I guess this is a common theme here), Soter focuses on allowing the vineyard to speak through the wines. Much of that expression comes from their Mineral Springs Ranch estate vineyard, a stunning property that serves as both a working farm and world-class vineyard.
The property itself is breathtaking. A minimalist tasting room opens onto sweeping vineyard views, while the surrounding grounds invite guests to slow down and enjoy the landscape. Summer is especially magical here, whether you’re enjoying a glass on the patio or wandering the property before your tasting.
What sets Soter apart is its hospitality. Tastings feel highly personalized, with knowledgeable hosts guiding guests through both the wines and the story behind the estate. The winery’s culinary program embraces a farm-to-table philosophy that complements the wines beautifully. Beginning the experience with a glass of rosé and a walk around the grounds feels like the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in wine country.
2 Stand-Out Willamette Valley Wineries: Lucidwild & Soter
white rose estate
If I could recommend only one winery for summer, White Rose Estate would be near the very top of the list.
Situated at one of the highest elevations in the Dundee Hills, White Rose offers some of the most spectacular views I’ve encountered in the Willamette Valley. On a clear day, the combination of rolling vineyard-covered hills and distant mountain views creates an unforgettable backdrop for a tasting.
White Rose is best known for its dedication to whole-cluster Pinot Noir, a winemaking approach that has helped define the estate’s distinctive style. Their tasting room, built directly into the hillside, creates an intimate experience that feels deeply connected to the surrounding vineyard.
Their Convivialist Chardonnay and Convivial Feast Pinot Noir are especially enjoyable during the warmer months. Beyond the wines, White Rose excels at creating a complete experience. Every detail, from the beautifully maintained grounds to the warm hospitality, feels intentional. One of my favorite touches is the complimentary espresso or affogato offered after the tasting, a thoughtful addition that perfectly reflects the winery’s hospitality-focused approach.
2 Stand-Out Willamette Valley Wineries: White Rose & Sokol Blosser
abbey road farm
Abbey Road Farm offers something a little different from the traditional Willamette Valley winery experience, and that’s exactly why it deserves a place on this list!
Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the property combines a winery, tasting room, event venue, and lodging destination in one. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend an entire afternoon, or even an entire weekend. One of its most unique features is the collection of converted grain silos that have been transformed into guest accommodations, making it one of the most unique places to stay in Oregon wine country.
What impressed me most was the winery’s willingness to experiment. While many Oregon wineries focus primarily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Abbey Road works with an impressive range of grape varieties, currently producing wines from sixteen different varietals. That diversity creates a tasting experience full of surprises.
Their sparkling wines were standout favorites for me, offering the perfect balance of bright acidity and brioche-like richness. Pair a glass of sparkling rosé with a seat beneath the outdoor cabanas overlooking the vineyards, and you’ll understand why Abbey Road is such a fun summer destination.
2 Stand-Out Willamette Valley Wineries: Abbey Road Farm & Résonance
Final thoughts
The Willamette Valley is filled with incredible wineries, but these five stand out to me as exceptional summer destinations. Whether you’re planning a weekend wine country getaway or simply looking for your next tasting room visit, each offers a unique combination of beautiful scenery, memorable hospitality, and outstanding wines.
And if you’re looking for even more recommendations, don’t miss the other wineries I’ve featured in my 2 Stand-Out Willamette Valley Wineries series, including Appassionata, Furioso, LucidWild, Résonance, and Sokol Blosser!
Stay tuned for more on which specific wines to ask for when you visit these wineries…
Thanks for reading 🙂
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