Our wineries and winemakers can’t wait to see you this season. Many of our tasting rooms and wineries are open on a limited basis, and have implemented changes out of respect for our community’s health and safety. Reservations are highly encouraged at some locations and mandatory at others; please call ahead in any case so we can ensure a wonderful experience.
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association keeps a running list of which wineries are open and when each is slated to reopen. The list is updated often and contains the most current information on reopening throughout the Willamette Valley.
Here’s a quick guide to making safe choices and understanding the new normal this year.
Stay local: Most of the Willamette Valley is currently in Phase One for reopening; as such it’s still important to stay local to your county and community.
Make an appointment: Most tasting rooms are open by appointment only. If you visit without a reservation, you may be turned away for the safety of others. Visit the websites of tasting rooms and wineries you’d like to visit to learn more about specific policies and to secure an appointment.
Join a virtual tasting: We want you to feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Many wineries are offering virtual tastings that can be enjoyed from home; check in with your favorite winemakers to see what kind of virtual events they’re offering this year.
Stay safe: If you have additional questions about what’s open, what’s closed, and how to stay safe, visit our page on COVID-19 in the Willamette Valley for the latest details, updates, and recommendations.
Wineries and tasting rooms will take several precautions to keep visitors safe. Want a fun look at what might be different from one Willamette Valley winery? Check out this video and read on for further precautions that will help keep you (and others) safe.
Face coverings: Face coverings are strongly encouraged at tasting rooms, especially as you enter the establishment and are seated. Some tasting rooms may deny access without a face covering; this is no different than “no shirt, no shoes, no service” signs.
Physical distancing: Wineries will keep tables spaced at least six feet apart to ensure appropriate physical distancing—and will limit the number of on-premises visitors at any given time. So make an appointment ahead of time with your favorite winemakers to ensure seating and service.
Group limits: Groups will be limited to 10 or fewer people to ensure that physical distancing and capacity limits are respected; some tasting rooms may impose lower group limits, depending on the size of their space.
Bar and counter seating: Most tasting rooms will not permit bar or counter seating—except in special circumstances (such as when a counter faces a window or wall, and when six feet of distance between parties can be ensured).
Cash: Many wineries will accept only debit cards, credit cards, and other forms of contactless payment (such as Google Pay or Apple Pay through your smartphones). Check ahead with the wineries you plan to visit to see whether they accept cash.
Signs: Except plenty of signage listing common COVID-19 symptoms, personal health guidelines, and other relevant information.
Pick-up Options: Most wineries throughout the valley are still encouraging wine pick-up this weekend, regardless of whether they’re open. If you purchase a case, consider joining the Oregon Wine Board’s Vine Perks program; if you spend $250 or more on Oregon wine between now and July 1, you become eligible for perks at your favorite wineries—including two-for-one tastings, discounts, and more—through April 2021. And you’re not just supporting your cellar by joining, either; with each pass earned, the Oregon Wine Board will make a donation to the Oregon Food Bank.
With more than 550 of Oregon’s wineries calling the Willamette Valley home, it’s easy to find one to suit your taste. Whether you’re in the mood for Pinot noir or Pinot gris, experiencing the ambiance of a hip, metropolitan winery or admiring the legacy of a small town vineyard pioneer, you’ll find it in the Willamette Valley. Find a wineries with our map explorer and plan your next visit. Looking for something specific? Try our winery listing below. Remember to call ahead for updated hours and to make reservations, and drive safely!
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