Every winter, when the holiday rush recedes and winter’s chill sets in, vintners across the Willamette Valley celebrate the quiet majesty of Cellar Season. Savor the wines of the Willamette Valley this winter with ideas for enjoying your time at local wineries and tasting rooms.
The quiet, laid-back nature of Cellar Season offers an experience you can't enjoy the rest of the year—whether you're new to wine tasting or are members at your favorite wineries. Here's a rundown of what Cellar Season is, along with what makes it so special.
Cellar Season typically runs January-March—the post-harvest, pre-springtime lull for wineries across the Willamette Valley. Just-harvested wines are safely tucked away in barrels, lending a relaxed vibe to regional tasting rooms.
During Cellar Season, chances are good the person pouring your wine is the person who crafted it—so there's no better time to learn about the winemaking process in an easy-going setting.
Slow down and get cozy while enjoying new releases at your favorite wineries—many of which offer fireplaces, heaters, and even blankets for keeping warm. Learn more about fire pits at wineries, distilleries, and restaurants in the Willamette Valley.
You'll want to keep a few tips in mind while visiting Willamette Valley wineries during Cellar Season. Keep these suggestions in mind when making plans.
Most tasting rooms offer reservations, especially for groups of four or more. Visit the websites of tasting rooms and wineries you'd like to visit to learn more about specific policies and, if necessary, to secure an appointment.
During Cellar Season, many wineries may close for breaks or keep reduced hours. It's often a good idea to call ahead to confirm your desired winery will be open when you'd like to visit.
Road conditions can change often—especially in winter. Use the Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck tool for road webcams, up-to-date alerts, closure information, and other traffic tips for the safest possible trip.
First Nature Tours offers a high-end, day trip experience where you can get to know the region's wineries, learn about the Willamette Valley's unique ecology, and enjoy our celebrated wines.
Tours like Hidden Gems Winery tour include a behind-the-scenes look at how wines are crafted, wine-and-food pairings, and conversations with passionate vintners while enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Local outfitter Wine History Tours helps you soak up all the seasonal vibes at regional tasting rooms with its Winter Focused Willamette Valley Wine Tour.
The tour includes visits to three or four boutique wineries (depending on your preferred pace), with stops that include fireplaces for an added dose of cozy ambiance. Lunch at a local eatery rounds out the day-long experience.
