Wine Tasting Near Salem, Oregon

Mid-Willamette Valley Wineries & More to Explore

Head to Salem, Oregon, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley, a region renowned for its world-class wineries. Vineyards here may be some of the “newer kids on the block” in the world of wine making. But wine connoisseurs agree the depth, range and quality of Willamette Valley AVA wines make them top of class.

For a perfect day away from it all, explore Salem wineries and the scenic mid-Willamette Valley. There is much to do, discover, taste and savor in Oregon wine country!

Wine Tasting in Salem, Oregon

Willamette Valley wineries offer memorable wine tasting experiences, each one unique to its winemaker. We’ll get you started with three Salem area wineries within easy driving distance for a perfect day of tasting and exploring:

Björnson

Eco-aware and committed to using sustainable farming techniques, Björnson produces exceptional wine in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA that surrounds Salem. This warm and welcoming winery emotes the feeling of family. Wine tasting here is an authentic experience, knowledgeable, friendly and informative. You’ll receive a first-class wine education – and may find yourself in the vineyard alongside your winemaker getting up close and personal with the grapes used to produce Björnson’s acclaimed wines. Explore Pinot Noirs, Gamay Noir, Rose, Chardonnay and Auxerrois in the English style tasting room, complimented by an excellent charcuterie plate. Sip, relax, and take in the sublime setting overlooking the Valley.

Lingua Franca Winery

Old world style meets state-of-the-art at Lingua Franca Winery, where “lingua franca” (“universal language”) brings together people from diverse backgrounds. Here rolling green hills and vineyards evoke the region of Burgundy and award-winning winemakers create critically acclaimed wines. Thoughtfully planted, farmed and harvested in harmony with the environment, Lingua Franca produces outstanding Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays on sixty-six acres. Enjoy a private seated wine tasting served by friendly, knowledgeable staff. Visit their website for reservations!

 

Cristom Vineyards

Family-owned and operated Cristom Vineyards bottled its first vintage in 1994. A warm, down-to-earth welcome will greet you at this prestigious winery near Salem. The comfortable tasting room or shaded patio provides scenic settings for sipping. Enjoy a seasonal flight as you take in the view or tour the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle. Wander a peaceful garden pathway or pack a wine-worthy picnic and relax in the grass. Select from elegant, sustainably produced Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noirs, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Viognier craft wines.

Other Things to Do In Salem

You don’t have to look far for other things to do around Salem, Oregon:

Feel like exploring Willamette Valley’s natural beauty? The Oregon Garden is a stunning 80-acre botanical garden with over 20 specialty gardens showcasing the flora and fauna of the Valley and the Pacific Northwest. Minto Brown Island Park (one of many city, county, and state parks) is the largest park in Salem and offers a peaceful retreat with walking paths and picnic areas throughout its lush 1,200 acres. Find North Falls, a 136-foot waterfall in Silver Falls State Park just east of Salem, and take the grotto path that passes behind it for a memorable, misty view.

Interested in history and art? The Oregon State Capitol is open for both self-guided and scheduled tours. Pay a personal visit to the bronze Oregon Pioneer, a familiar landmark, atop the Capitol building while there. Fourteen historic structures make up the Willamette Heritage Center, offering immersive exhibits, art galleries, retail shops, and art studios that explore and preserve Oregon’s history. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art is the third-largest art museum in Oregon and houses one of the most significant collections of Northwest art where you can lose yourself for an afternoon.

A must-see that brings together nature, history, and art is Salem’s Riverfront Carousel on the banks of the Willamette River in Riverfront City Park. The indoor carousel features over 40 exquisite hand-carved animals; take a ride and admire the work and heart put into this moving piece of art by dozens of dedicated volunteers.

Where to Eat

There are a variety of delicious restaurant options, from casual to fine dining, in and near Salem to top off your day of wine tasting and exploring. In downtown Salem, choose from:

• DaVinci Ristorante & Wine Bar Romantic Italian fare and live piano music
• Amadeus A third-generation family favorite serving New American dishes
• Taproot Lounge and Café Late night eatery offering fresh American plates and cocktails
• The Kitchen on Court Street 24-hour comfort food made from scratch

For a unique fine dining experience, end your day on the water! Enjoy an elegant dinner and relive Oregon’s historic past while gliding down the Willamette River on the Willamette Queen, an 87-foot sternwheeler. Board at Salem Riverfront Park for a voyage to remember

Where to Stay In & Around Salem, Oregon

If you’d like to stay in the mid-Willamette Valley for a night or two (we recommend it), there are great accommodations in and near Salem.

Take a spacious room or suite in the elegant, top-rated Grand Hotel in Salem, located conveniently downtown. Bella Collina Bed & Breakfast, a premier destination inn in a serene setting, offers breathtaking vineyard views and a two-course gourmet breakfast. The historic Amity Flats Hotel is comfortable and accommodating, providing rooms with well-equipped kitchens and a complimentary bottle of wine. Each room of the Oregon Garden Resort has its own private deck or patio to relax on (open a bottle from the day’s tasting!). And the historic MaMere’s Guest House, located in the very heart of Oregon’s wine country, is a perfect bed and breakfast to rent for wine tasting weekends and family gatherings.

Tour Salem Wineries with Tour DeVine

See Salem wineries and the Oregon wine country from a special viewpoint with Tour DeVine. Our wine tours by helicopter offer VIP treatment and an unforgettable wine tasting experience. Take off with us for the day and fly over picturesque vineyards to the best wineries in Salem, Oregon, and the mid-Willamette Valley. 

 

Book your Tour DeVine wine tasting tour today – then sit back, relax and enjoy the flight! Questions? Give us a call at (503) 687-3816.