Summer in the Pacific Northwest is here! If you live in the Portland area or are planning a trip to Oregon, don’t miss the chance to experience one of these memorable Willamette Valley wine tours from Portland!
The Willamette Valley is home to 19,000 acres of vineyards, nearly 700 wineries, and numerous award-winning wines. The region is frequently regarded as one of the premier producers of Pinot Noir in the world, though expect to find much more here than just Pinot!
The valley stretches 150 miles from Portland in the north to Eugene in the south, and is hemmed in by the Cascade Range in the east to the Coast Range in the west. Yet the vast majority of Oregon’s most noted wineries can be reached within a short distance of Portland.
You could try to seek out the best ones yourself (being Oregon natives, ourselves, Lori and I have attempted this countless times, all in the name of research, of course…).
What our experience visiting dozens of the state’s best wineries over the years has taught us is that if you’re looking for the best value for your time and money, want to sample the best wines on offer, and want someone else to do the driving (which we strongly recommend for obvious reasons), you simply can’t do better than getting on a top-rated wine tour.
And there are no shortage of options there.
We’ve done the work for you by putting together this carefully-crafted list of the very best Willamette Valley wine tours that you can book online.
Whether you’re looking for the region’s best, top-rated wine tours, a customized private tour, or even tour by helicopter, you’ll find it on our list!
So, load up your daypack and prepare your senses for adventure!
8 Willamette Valley Wine Tours Not to Miss This Summer
1 | Willamette Valley Wine Tour from Portland with Lunch **Our Top Pick!**
What’s special about this tour
This consistently top-rated full-day wine tour organized by A Great Oregon Wine Tour is a perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley and taste some of the region’s most outstanding wines.
Tours feature expertly-trained guides leading the way to 3 to 5 vineyards. Geared to all levels of knowledge and interest.
▸ Find out more about this top-rated Willamette Valley wine tour
Looking for a private tour? A Great Oregon Wine Tour offers a full day private wine tour for two people and groups of four as well.
2 | Private Customized Oregon Wine Maker Tour
What’s special about this tour
Who doesn’t love a fully customizable tour? Before you embark on your wine tour from Oregon Wine Maker Tours, you’ll touch base with Carmine, your knowledgeable tour guide with over 30 years of viticulture experience, to begin customizing your personalized wine tour adventure.
This full-day tour generally features stops at 4-6 of the region’s premier wineries and vineyards, and includes a gourmet wine country picnic lunch.
▸ Read more about this personalized Willamette Valley wine tour
3 | Helicopter Wine Tour
What’s special about this tour
For starters, you’ll be experiencing one of the most exclusive Willamette Valley wine tours by air! Tour DeVine by Heli is the only tour company on our list that offers the unforgettable opportunity to travel in style to two of the region’s finest wineries, while taking in the breathtaking landscape of the Pacific Northwest from above.
The helicopter tour starts and ends in McMinnville, Oregon, about an hour’s drive west of Portland. Additional transport can be arranged from your hotel, etc., to the airfield
Includes champagne and light breakfast snacks, tastings at 2-3 wineries, and a gourmet picnic lunch provided by Red Hills Market.
▸ Read more about this unforgettable Willamette Valley wine tour
4 | Willamette Valley Character Winery Tour
What’s special about this tour
Wine and local personality come together to make this full-day Willamette Valley wine tour from Terran Travels a truly memorable experience.
Dive deep into the unique history, environment, and character of Willamette Valley wines with your small group (up to 11 people) and knowledgeable guide.
And get to know some of the many colorful personalities of the winemakers and servers of this special region along the way, as you visit three tasting rooms (and lunch) in a variety of settings.
▸ Read more about this colorful Willamette Valley wine tour
5 | Small Group Wine Tour from Portland
What’s special about this tour
Embark with your small group (up to 10 people) on a behind-the-scenes look at the unique winemaking culture of Oregon organized by Wildwood Adventures.
Enjoy traveling through the stunning countryside of the Willamette Valley in style, with luxury mini-coach transport and your friendly and knowledgeable guide, as you visit three carefully selected vineyards.
▸ Read more about this Willamette Valley wine tour
6 | Small Group Half-Day Wine-Tasting Tour
What’s special about this tour
If you’re limited on time or want to get a later start out of Portland, check out one of the Willamette Valley wine tours from America’s Hub World Tours! Visit three selected wineries, meet local vintners and experience the best of Oregon wine country.
Tour the countryside in your comfortable Sprinter Van with your informative and professional guide, and leave with a new appreciation of one of the premier wine growing regions in the U.S.!
▸ Read more about this Willamette Valley wine tour
7 | Private Group Tour (up to 11) of Willamette Valley Wineries
What’s special about this tour
For a special occasion with family, a fun excursion with coworkers, or day out with friends, this private group tour (up to 11 people) from Sea to Summit Adventure might be just the ticket!
Your knowledgeable tour guide (and designated driver for the day) leads you on a memorable expedition featuring outstanding wine and beautiful scenery.
Traveling along or as a couple, but still want the same experience? Sea to Summit Adventure also offers a similar small group wine tour from Portland as well.
▸ Read more about this Willamette Valley wine tour
8 | Private Full Day Willamette Valley Wine Tour
What’s special about this tour
This private 8-hour tour from Portland organized by Willamette Valley Tour introduces you to four carefully-selected top wineries, Oregon viticulture, and the stunning scenery of the Willamette Valley.
Perfect for a romantic getaway, wedding party activity, or special outing with family and friends.
Want a gourmet lunch as well? Willamette Valley Tour offers this wine tour with an added stop at the famous Red Hills Market in Dundee as well.
▸ Read more about this Willamette Valley wine tour
BONUS! | Personalized Private Wine Tour from Eugene
Looking for a memorable private wine tour from Eugene instead of Portland? Whether you live in the Eugene area, plan to pass through, or are looking to experience a different part of the Willamette Valley AVA, be sure to check out one of the top-rated Willamette Valley wine tours in the area from Oregon Vine2Wine Tours!
This full day (8-hour) tour features stops and tastings at four carefully selected small-batch wineries near Eugene, with artisan picnic lunch included.
Ask about transport upgrades from Portland if you plan to be in the Portland area but looking for a fresh and unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.
▸ Read more about this Willamette Valley wine tour from Eugene
Which of these Willamette Valley wine tours is the best?
We’ve done the hard part narrowing the list of top Willamette Valley wine tours from hundreds to just eight (plus a bonus tour in Eugene).
Now, it’s over to you!
Sure, our top pick could certainly be considered one of the best Willamette Valley wine tours on offer. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the right experience for you and your circumstances.
If you are looking to gain deeper insight into the process, have a more personalized experience, or a private tour with that special someone, there are other tours on the list that are probably better suited for that.
One thing’s clear, whichever wine tour you choose on this list, we’re pretty darn sure it’ll be one heck of a great day in the Pacific Northwest!
Want More Oregon Travel Tips?
As Oregon natives, Lori and I have traveled the width and breadth of this amazing state many times over, and still find ourselves astounded by all Oregon has to offer.
Check out these other helpful articles featuring destinations around Oregon:
- Cape Kiwanda – Guide to a Spectacular Beach Getaway
- Leach Botanical Garden – A Hidden Wonder in Southeast Portland
- 8 Reasons to Visit Cape Blanco State Park & Lighthouse
- Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden – Guide for Visiting
- Pittock Mansion Hike – Pure Bliss in the Heart of Portland
We’ve got a ton more travel adventures and advice (and stories to tell), so check back often as we add to our growing archive of Oregon-related travel articles.
Thanks for Reading Our Handpicked List of Willamette Valley Wine Tours from Portland!
Have you been on any of these Willamette Valley wine tours? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
Cover photo by Dan Meyers (Unsplash).
Such a nice refreshing post to make the finest vine testing tour to Willamette Valley. Loved all the 8 locations. Pictures look enticing.