OREGON WINE VARIETIES UPDATED 11.1.16
OREGON'S TOP VARIETIES
Pinot noir is the predominant variety grown in Oregon; however, the state's diversity of geography and microclimates make it well-suited to many different varieties.
Pinot noir
62.3%
All Others
14.4%Syrah
2.2%Riesling
2.6%Chardonnay
5.6%
Pinot gris
12.9%
72 varieties of wine grapes are grown in Oregon
Source: 2015 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
VARIETIES
PINOT NOIR
Oregon’s flagship variety, this thin-skinned grape thrives in cool sites throughout the state, with particular prominence in the Willamette Valley.
50,737tons harvested in 2014
of Oregon’s winegrape harvest
62.3%
WILLAMETTEVALLEY WESTERN END
OF COLUMBIA GORGE
NORTHERNUMPQUA VALLEY
NORTHERNROGUE VALLEY
Most commonly found in:
Source: 2015 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
VARIETIES
Source: 2014 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
PINOT GRIS
For this widely grown variety, Oregon vintners generally follow the Alsatian style of vinification creating weightier, more complex, expressive wines with long aging potential.
15,294tons harvested in 2014
of Oregon’s winegrape harvest
12.9%
WILLAMETTEVALLEY
WESTERN END OF COLUMBIA
GORGE
UMPQUAVALLEY
Most commonly found in:
Source: 2015 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
VARIETIES
Source: 2014 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
CHARDONNAY
Winemakers in Oregon frequently apply new oak judiciously for bright yet rounded character, although all ends of the spectrum from creamy to fresh and tart are produced.
3,668tons harvested in 2014
of Oregon’s winegrape harvest
5.6%
WILLAMETTEVALLEY COLUMBIA
GORGE
SOUTHERN OREGON
Most commonly found in:
Source: 2015 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
VARIETIES
Source: 2014 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
RIESLING
Most commonly, Oregon winemakers produce dry or off-dry wines with this grape, yet the acidity retained allows for dessert styles that are in wonderful balance.
2,470tons harvested in 2014
of Oregon’s winegrape harvest
2.6%
WILLAMETTEVALLEY
ELKTONOREGON
Most commonly found in:
WESTERN END OF COLUMBIA
GORGE
Source: 2015 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
VARIETIES
Source: 2014 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
SYRAH
Commonly known as a warm-climate variety,when grown in Oregon’s moderate regions, this grape achieves rich complexity and depth balanced by acidity.
1,593tons harvested in 2014
of Oregon’s winegrape harvest
2.2%
ROGUE VALLEY
Most commonly found in:
WALLA WALLA VALLEY
THE ROCKS DISTRICT OF MILTON-FREEWATER
Source: 2015 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report
VARIETIES