Springtime signals bud break – when buds swell and burst into new leaves and shoots on the vineyard vines. With fewer crowds than summer months, spring is a lovely time to visit the Willamette Valley as wine growers and makers celebrate bud break – when buds swell and burst into new leaves and shoots on the vineyard vines. Wineries open their doors to celebrate the return of the growing season and the start of the new vintage.
Every May, the Oregon wine industry celebrates the state's world-renowned wine scene as part of Oregon Wine Month. The festivities typically include new releases, sweepstakes, and other fun events at wineries, tasting rooms, and restaurants throughout the state.
Early spring is generally cooler temperatures with significant rain fall (especially in March). As you head into April and May, temperatures can reach the high 60’s with ample sun breaks throughout the day, along with scattered showers.
Summer is the peak season for visiting vineyards and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley. The vineyards are lush and green and the surrounding hillsides are dotted with a kaleidoscope of colors from the many native plants and trees in bloom. The weather is generally warm and dry, with late afternoon breezes and cool nights that only require a light jacket. Many wineries offer outdoor experiences during this time of year, where visitors can sip award-winning wines and savor the beautiful views. “Wiking,” (aka wine plus hiking), picnics on the lawn, vineyard tours and even outdoor concerts are offered.
Summer in the Mid Willamette Valley typically means warm days with relatively low humidity. Rain is rare and the evenings are long (the sun doesn’t set until around 9 p.m. in June and July).
Grape harvest typically occurs from late September through October but the exact dates will vary from vineyard to vineyard. This is the busiest time of year for wine production, when winemakers and grape growers work together to pick grapes and start the winemaking process. If you visit during this time, you’re likely to experience the “hustle and bustle” of harvest activities, as well as some unique events at area wineries, including special farm-to-table dinners and even grape stomp competitions.
Thanksgiving in Wine Country is one of the longest-running and most beloved traditions in the region. The weekend after the Thanksgiving holiday, wine enthusiasts bounce between wineries and tasting rooms, enjoy rare tastings, save big on their favorite bottles, listen to live music, and more.
Early fall tends to be relatively dry and sunny with some lingering warmth from summer with daytime highs usually in the mid-60s to low 70s°F . Rainfall generally increases in October and daytime temperatures start to cool significantly in November, cooling to the low 50s by late fall.
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.
Winter in the Mid-Willamette Valley is the coolest season of the year, with frequent rain showers and mostly cloudy skies (significant snowfall is rare although outlying areas 1000 feet or above can see some accumulation).
