Cellar Season in Oregon Wine Country

Cellar season (November through March) may be the best time to visit your favorite wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley. Head out into Oregon's wine country for an intimate winter experience at one of these vineyard tasting room locations. Each one has something special to love and unique varietals to taste and take home.

Bennett Vineyards & Wine Company

Located near Cheshire, Oregon, Bennett Vineyards is only 25 minutes from downtown Eugene. Bennett sits on an 85-acre farm focused on perfecting Pinot Noir made in traditional Burgundy fashion. There is inside seating available in the tasting room as well as a heated outside tent. During the winter season, guests are encouraged to bring picnics and snacks.

Benton-Lane Winery

Benton-Lane straddles Benton and Lane County on beautiful acreage adjacent to a golf course and overlooking the valley. The vintners at Benton-Lane have taken exceptional care with each step in the winemaking process since wine was first produced here in 1991. The tasting room has a lovely patio with a woodfire pizza oven that gets fired up for special events. Enjoy an artisan cheese and meat plate with an unforgettable glass of wine inside their charming tasting room on a rainy day. Reservations are encouraged.

Brigadoon Wine Company

Enter Brigadoon Wine Company's intimate tasting room and you'll be greeted by Gracie, the darling old golden retriever. Sit with a glass of wine produced by the family operation and enjoy the unique view of a secluded canyon brimming with wildlife. The charming tasting room is tiny, so reservations are recommended.

King Estate

King Estate is one of the most iconic wineries in the Willamette Valley. Their wines are made with organic grapes grown on their USA-certified Biodynamic® estate. Watch for large birds of prey soaring through the vineyard as this is a release site for rehabilitated raptors in partnership with Cascades Raptor Center.

LaVelle Vineyards

LaVelle Vineyards is a nice space located near Elmira, Oregon. The tasting room here offers a large bar, a cozy loft, a piano and an old-fashioned jukebox. Outside, sit beside a fire pit on the covered patio to enjoy the landscape while staying warm. Wander the grounds and look for the stone labyrinth. As winter gives way to spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the tasting room.

Sarver Winery

Cozy up on the couches with your favorite glass and a decadent cheese and charcuterie plate in this relaxed tasting room with stunning views. The Pinot Noir vineyards below are some of the oldest in the South Willamette Valley. Sarver also offers exceptional Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Riesling grown on the estate.

Sweet Cheeks Winery

Sweet Cheeks is a well-known winery in the Eugene area. The tasting room in wine country offers an enclosed patio with a stunning view including the neighboring winery, Silvan Ridge. Sipping their semi-sweet varietals tastes like a springtime treat making it the perfect choice for bringing a little sunshine to Cellar Season.

Silvan Ridge Winery

Silvan Ridge is great in cellar season because of the warm fireplace, sweeping views and friendly staff. Especially noteworthy are their semi-sparkling early muscat and Elizabeth's Red blend.

Walnut Ridge Winery

This charming French Colonial-style tasting room sits at the foothills of the coastal range. The fireplace and gas lamps give the space a warm and cozy feel. Walnut Ridge is recognized for its excellence in sustainable practices, fine wines and green views.

Saginaw Vineyards

The Saginaw Vineyards tasting room is inside a historic red barn on green farmland dotted with grazing sheep. The dark, rustic interior is an enchanting backdrop for wine tasting on a stormy day. Bottling and labeling are done by hand for each of their unique wines. Saginaw offers fruit wines and rich ports.

Cellar Season Tips

During the winter Cellar Season, it is always a good idea to call ahead to confirm tasting room hours. Cellar Season is a particularly cheerful time to enjoy the bounty of the valley and the slower pace in the winter countryside.