notes from 2 recent tastings in the valley
My most recent day of wine tasting in the Willamette Valley was about a month ago, and I’m finally sitting down to write about it. Looking back, it ended up being one of the most memorable tasting days I’ve had–not because of the number of wineries we visited, but because the two experiences couldn’t have been more different.
On a beautiful summer day in late June, my friend and I visited Abbott Claim and Johan Vineyards. While both produce exceptional wines and offer incredible hospitality, the atmosphere at each couldn’t be be more distinct.
Abbott Claim’s tasting takes place in a dramatic underground cellar—think dark, moody, elegant, and incredibly refined. Johan, on the other hand, is relaxed and rustic, with a farmhouse tasting room overlooking the vineyards and a sunny patio where you can slow down and enjoy the afternoon.
The best part? I genuinely can’t choose a favorite.
The hospitality was outstanding at both wineries, just expressed in different ways. One offered a luxurious, elevated experience, while the other felt peaceful, intimate, and effortlessly charming. Experiencing both in the same day reminded me why I love exploring the Willamette Valley. Every winery has its own personality, and no two visits are ever the same.
Let’s get into it!
Abbott claim
Abbott Claim is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and is known for its collector-worthy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Even before arriving, there was already an expectation of excellence. Their wines have earned an outstanding reputation, and after my visit, it’s easy to understand why.
The tasting room itself is absolutely stunning. Built directly into the hillside, the winery features sleek, modern architecture while still feeling warm and inviting. Officially opening in 2020, everything still feels fresh and thoughtfully designed. One of my favorite parts of the tour was seeing the five massive concrete fermentation tanks—a really cool feature that immediately caught my attention.
From the moment we arrived, we felt like VIPs. Our host, Vince, greeted us outside with a welcome glass of sparkling wine from South Africa. I loved learning that they rotate their welcome bubbles from different regions around the world based on wines the staff enjoys. It’s such a thoughtful little touch that immediately sets the tone for the experience.
Before our tasting, Vince walked us through the history of Abbott Claim and gave us a tour of the winery before leading us into the barrel cellar. This was easily one of the most beautiful wine cellars I’ve ever visited.
Hidden underground inside the hillside, the cellar is a long, gently curved hallway lined with neatly stacked barrels only two high. The space is dimly lit with candles, naturally cool from being underground, and filled with that unmistakable aroma of oak barrels (which I absolutely love). Ib the middle of the cellar sits their wine library, where older vintages are carefully stored alongside a beautiful candelabra that adds even more character to the space.
The tasting tables are tucked between the rows of barrels, complete with cozy blankets for guests because of the cool cellar temperature. I definitely wasn’t dressed appropriately—I had on a sundress because it was a gorgeous summer day outside and I hadn’t read the website beforehand. Learn from my mistake and bring a sweater!
Tasting wine surrounded by the very barrels it’s aging in made the entire experience feel incredibly immersive. It wasn’t just a tasting—it felt like stepping behind the scenes into the heart of the winery.
The tasting itself was phenomenal. We enjoyed three Pinot Noirs and two Chardonnays paired with Jamón Ibérico (one of my favorite Spanish cured meats), artisan cheeses, fresh bread, and butter. As the grand finale, the team rolled out a cart to prepare a caviar bite tableside that was paired with the final Chardonnay. It was pure heaven.
Here are my tasting notes:
2021 Abbott Claim Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dark cherry, tart blackberry, and a hint of smoke with present tannin and a smooth finish. Definitely a dinner wine.
2023 Abbott Claim Vineyard Pinot Noir – ranked #1 of Decanter’s Top 50 U.S. Wines
Darker, with notes of black cherry, ripe/juicy blackberry, raspberry, and forrest floor.
2023 Abbott Claim Vineyard “Due North” Pinot Noir
Notes of blueberry, plum, ripe blackberry, and mushroom, truffle, and wet stone on the nose.
2023 Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay
Heavy petrol, caramel, lemon zest and grilled pineapple on the nose. Very round and slightly buttery.
2023 X Omni Vineyard Chardonnay
(I apparently forgot to write tasting notes…oops)
Overall, these wines leaned beautifully savory with pronounced umami notes. They’re wines that practically beg to be enjoyed alongside food: rich, layered, and incredibly complex.
Combined with the dramatic underground setting, outstanding hospitality (huge shoutout to Vince and Hunter), and exceptional food pairings, Abbott Claim delivered one of the most memorable tasting experiences I’ve had in the Willamette Valley. If you’re looking for an elevated, luxury tasting experience for a special occasion, this should absolutely be on your list.
Abbott Claim Visitor Info
Location: Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Willamette Valley
Known for: Premium Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, cellar tasting experience
Food: Charcuterie boards & curated food pairings
Vibe: Luxurious, intimate, modern
Abbott Claim’s website
johan vineyards
Our second stop of the day brought us to Johan Vineyards, a biodynamic winery located in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA (near the Eola-Amity Hills). Immediately, the atmosphere shifted. Instead of dramatic architecture and underground cellars, Johan feels like a peaceful working farm tucked into the countryside. The tasting room overlooks rolling vineyards and a small pond, while guests can relax on the sunny patio or picnic tables scattered throughout the property. The pace here is slower, the views are wide open, and the whole place feels wonderfully peaceful.
Johan follows a holistic biodynamic approach to farming, producing not only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also several varieties you don’t commonly find in the Willamette Valley, including Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, Savagnin, and Melon de Bourgogne. For anyone wanting to taste something beyond Oregon’s classic Pinot Noir, it’s an incredibly fun lineup.
We enjoyed our tasting outside overlooking the vineyard on what was one of those perfect Oregon summer afternoons. Warm sunshine, a gentle breeze, birds chirping—everything about the property encourages you to slow down.
I was honestly so impressed—not only by the wines but by the overall experience. Our host was fantastic, offering a warm, conversational style of hospitality that fit the atmosphere perfectly. Rather than simply pouring wines, she invited us on a walk through the vineyard where we learned more about the property’s biodynamic farming practices, explored the vines, and met some of the farm animals. It felt much more like visiting someone’s farm than going to a traditional tasting room, and I absolutely loved that.
Here are my notes from the tasting:
2024 Savagnin
Notes of lees aging and lemon on the nose and a bit sweeter on the palate–lemon cookie and coconut cake with a long finish.
2022 Chardonnay “Estate”
Herbal with notes of dill, sage, rosemary, graham cracker, sweet pickle, yellow apple, and jasmine. Incredibly complex and well-balanced.
2023 Pinot Gris “Drueskall”
Beautiful color, described as cosplaying rose.” Notes of grapefruit and guava and perfectly balanced.
2023 Zweigelt
(Forgot to take notes…which probably means I was too busy enjoying it.)
2022 Pinot Noir “Sapience”
(Also forgot my notes here.)
Overall, I walked away genuinely impressed by Johan Vineyards. The wines were fresh, expressive, and unlike many tastings you’ll find in the Willamette Valley thanks to their lineup of lesser-known grape varieties. More than anything, though, the atmosphere is what makes Johan unforgettable.
It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time sitting outside with a glass of wine, soaking in the sun, and simply enjoying the quiet. The biodynamic farming philosophy isn’t just something they talk about–it genuinely feels reflected throughout every part of the property. If you’re looking for an unhurried tasting experience that feels authentic, peaceful, and a little off the beaten path, Johan Vineyards deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Johan Vineyards Visitor Info
Location: Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley
Known for: Biodynamic wines, farm setting, several varietals
Food: Light snacks available (don’t skip the deviled eggs!)
Vibe: Peaceful, rustic, laid back
Johan’s website
final thoughts
This tasting day perfectly captures why I never get tired of exploring the Willamette Valley. Two wineries located less than an hour apart delivered completely different experiences, yet both left equally lasting impressions.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking for a luxury tasting complete with food pairings and an unforgettable underground cellar, Abbott Claim is hard to beat.
If you’re craving a slower afternoon surrounded by nature, unique grape varieties, and relaxed hospitality, Johan Vineyards is the perfect choice.
Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
If you’ve visited Abbott Claim or Johan Vineyards, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments. And if you’re planning a trip to Oregon wine country, be sure to check out my other Willamette Valley winery guides for more recommendations!🍷
Thanks for reading 🙂
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