Cozy up to Cellar Season in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley

January through March is Cellar Season in the Willamette Valley, when over 700 vintners take a breath between the holiday craze and the first bud break in spring. Tasting rooms are usually less crowded this time of year, inviting wine connoisseurs to linger fireside with close friends — usually while enjoying just-released vintages and chatting up the winemakers themselves.

1/10/2024

Illahe Vineyards

Check out the laid-back vibes and events at these Salem and Mid-Willamette Valley wineries during Cellar Season and toast the season less traveled. And be sure to take advantage of these special deals at area hotels and lodging properties!

TAKE A WINEMAKER’S TOUR AT CÓRIA ESTATES

The lovely tasting room at Salem’s Cória Estates reflects the founding family’s Mexican-American heritage and sits atop a 140-acre property with stunning views. Cellar Season is the ideal time to nab a spot on the vineyard’s Winemaker Cellar Sip and Explore experience, a tour led by winemaker Aurora Cória where you’ll learn about the family’s winemaking practices and enjoy award-winning wines. Or take a seat on the indoor patio or in the barrel room and enjoy a flight of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, along with charcuterie. The tasting room is open daily.

ENJOY A CHEF-PREPARED DINNER IN A HISTORIC GOVERNOR’S MANSION

Just outside of downtown Salem, West Hills Vineyards is located on the grounds of the 1858 home of Governor I.L. Patterson. Large gatherings and events are often hosted at the onsite pavilion and gazebos during spring and summer, but Cellar Season is a unique opportunity to enjoy the vineyard’s classic vintages and elevated dinner menu in the modern yet cozy tasting room. February’s Bistro Dinner with chef-suggested wine pairings is not to be missed, as it will be held in the recently restored Governor’s house.

CHECK OUT THE PAIRING EVENTS AT WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS

The indoor fireplaces, heated wine pods and sweeping views at Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate tasting room in the Salem Hills are unforgettable — as are the vineyard’s celebratory Cellar Season pairing events. Highlights include January’s Seafood and Chowder Festival, offering Mo's world-famous chowder bowls perfectly paired with the vineyard’s acclaimed Pinot Gris, and the Chef’s Counter, where you can witness the creation of your dish in a shared experience with the winery chef.

SOAK UP VIEWS AND VINO AT EOLA HILLS LEGACY ESTATE AND WINE CELLARS

Spend the afternoon sipping wine amidst one of Oregon Wine Country's most breathtaking settings at Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard in West Salem. The friendly staff will guide you through a flight of reserve wines in the tasting room beside a wood-burning fireplace, or try the outdoor covered patio for alfresco sipping, Friday through Sunday. Another good choice is to pop into nearby Eola Hills Wine Cellars in Rickreall and share a bottle with friends any day of the week. Enjoy the vineyard’s full portfolio of wines and gourmet snacks at both locations.

TRY FIRESIDE FLIGHTS AND BITES AT ANDANTE VINEYARD

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley only 20 minutes west of Salem, the 15-acre Andante Vineyard produces exquisite small-batch and naturally fermented Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté and Gamay Noir. Grab a leather chair for private fireside flights and bites on Monday and Wednesday or, for a more casual experience, schedule a food pairing Thursday through Sunday and sample five estate wines and delish bites prepared by the onsite chef.

SIP HANDCRAFTED PINOT NOIR AT ILLAHE VINEYARDS IN DALLAS

While the Mt. Jefferson views from the new tasting room at Polk County’s Illahe Vineyards will not disappoint, it’s the vineyard’s process for making their 1899 Pinot Noir and white wines that garners the most buzz. The grapes are handpicked, delivered to the winery by horse and some of the wines are made without any electricity. Kick back by the wood-burning fireplace, enjoy a flight of six wines and ponder the results of the vineyard’s meticulous traditions. In January and February, try a flight of the limited-edition Washington reds. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday and snacks are available for purchase.