Your Ultimate Guide to Yamhill-Carlton Wineries: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

Discover the exquisite wines of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, with a focus on the acclaimed Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Our comprehensive wine guide highlights the best tasting experiences this remarkable region has to offer.

Nestled in the northern part of the Willamette Valley, less than an hour south of Portland, lies the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area (AVA). This celebrated region is home to over 50 distinctive wineries, each offering a unique glimpse into the art of winemaking.

While exploring every winery is an ongoing adventure, we’ve savored many of the wines produced in this area. Over the years, we’ve made numerous visits to Yamhill-Carlton wineries, witnessing firsthand the region’s remarkable growth into one of Oregon wine country’s premier AVAs. The evolution of this region is a testament to the dedication and passion of its winemakers.

In this guide, we’ll delve into our favorite Yamhill-Carlton wineries, sharing tasting notes and personal experiences to help you plan your own unforgettable wine tasting journey. Prepare to discover the hidden gems and established estates that make this AVA so special.

Table of Contents

• About the Yamhill-Carlton AVA
• About This Wine Tasting Guide
• Abbey Road Farm
• Anne Amie Vineyards
• Et Fille Wines
• Gran Moraine Winery
• Lenné Estate
• Pike Road Wines
• Soter Vineyards
• Tendril Wine Cellars
• Explore More of Yamhill-Carlton

Discovering the Yamhill-Carlton AVA

Established in 2004, the Yamhill-Carlton AVA occupies a unique position within the Willamette Valley. It’s sheltered by the Coast Range to the west, bordered by the Dundee Hills to the east, and defined by the Chehalem Mountains to the north. This specific geographic location contributes significantly to the region’s ideal grape-growing conditions.

The soil composition in Yamhill-Carlton is another crucial factor in its winemaking success. The ancient, well-draining marine sediments promote healthy vine growth by limiting excessive leaf production. This allows the grapes to receive maximum sunlight and ripen fully, resulting in intensely flavored fruit.

While the AVA boasts over 50 wineries, all of its 100+ vineyards are strategically planted at elevations ranging from 200 to 800 feet above sea level. These elevations leverage the favorable microclimates that are perfectly suited for cultivating Pinot Noir, the region’s flagship varietal.

Although renowned for its world-class Pinot Noir, the Yamhill-Carlton AVA also produces exceptional Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Exploring these lesser-known varietals can reveal surprising complexity and character.

Its proximity to Portland makes Yamhill-Carlton an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Escape the city and immerse yourself in the beauty and flavors of Oregon wine country.

Navigating Your Wine Tasting Journey

This guide is a living document and will be regularly updated with the latest information. However, we strongly encourage you to visit each winery’s website to confirm tasting room hours, reservation policies, and any specific requirements. Given the rapidly changing landscape, it’s always best to double-check directly with the winery.

The wineries featured in this guide are all personal favorites that Alain and I have visited and enjoyed. We’ve been exploring the Willamette Valley wine scene for over two decades, and some of our most cherished wine tasting experiences have taken place in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Our recommendations are based on years of firsthand experience and a deep appreciation for the region’s wines.

We thank you for supporting these exceptional Oregon wineries! Your patronage helps them continue to produce the world-class wines that make Yamhill-Carlton so special.

Abbey Road Farm: A Unique Agritourism Experience

Spanning over 80 acres of vineyards and farmland in Carlton, Oregon, Abbey Road Farm offers a truly unique agritourism experience. This multifaceted destination features a winery, tasting room, a charming Bed & Breakfast, and a working farm. Sustainability is a core value at Abbey Road Farm, evident in its commitment to using sustainable energy in all aspects of its operations, including winemaking.

The Abbey Road Farm Estate Vineyard cultivates an impressive 15 different grape varieties, including some less common ones like Grüner Veltliner, Mencia, and Godello. Of course, they also excel at producing exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that showcase the best of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.

Many of their bottles fall within the $25-$50 range, and you can save up to 20% on bottle purchases by joining their wine club. During our visit with friends, we were impressed by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The tasting room offers ample space, both indoors and outdoors, making it ideal for small to medium-sized groups. Currently, online reservations are limited to groups of 8 or less.

Wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Tempranillo, Syrah, and more.

Wine Tasting Experience: Maximum of 8 guests. Reservations are required.

Wine Tasting Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Wine Tasting Room: 10280 NE Oak Springs Farm Road, Carlton, OR 97111. Phone: (503) 687-3101

For more information, visit the Abbey Road Farm website.

Anne Amie Vineyards: Breathtaking Views and Exceptional Wines

Perched high on the hillsides of the Chehalem Mountains, overlooking the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, lies the picturesque Anne Amie Vineyards. The scenic drive up the gravelly road leading to the winery sets the stage for a memorable tasting experience. Upon arrival, grab a glass of wine and step outside to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views.

Anne Amie primarily focuses on producing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc wines. Their estate vineyards are managed without the use of herbicides, and the winery is LIVE certified, demonstrating their commitment to environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing practices. This dedication to sustainability shines through in the quality of their wines.

Wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Müller Thurgau

Wine Tasting Experience: Wine flight: $20 per person, maximum of 6 guests (fee waived with a wine purchase of $75 or more, or with wine club membership). Reservations are required.

Wine Tasting Hours: Friday – Tuesday: 10am – 4pm

Wine Tasting Room: 6580 NE Mineral Springs Rd, Carlton, OR 97111. Phone: 503-864-2991

For more information and to make reservations, visit the Anne Amie website.

Et Fille Wines: A Legacy of Pinot Noir Excellence

For two decades, Et Fille winemakers have been crafting some of the region’s most exceptional Pinot Noirs and sparkling wines. Their commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every bottle.

Et Fille (French for “and daughter”) pays homage to the winery’s father-daughter co-founders, Howard and Jessica Mozeico. Following her father’s passing, Jessica took over operations and currently serves as the lead winemaker, carrying on the family legacy.

Pinot Noir reigns supreme at Et Fille, and their wines are widely regarded as some of the finest in the area. Elegant, complex, yet approachable, their Pinot Noirs are a true reflection of the Yamhill-Carlton terroir. Their Newberg tasting room, conveniently located downtown, is well worth a visit!

Wines: Pinot Noir, Rosé, Voignier, Sparkling

Wine Tasting Experience: Wine flight: $20 per person (waived for Club Members or with minimum purchase). Time limit: 60 minutes. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Wine Tasting Hours: Friday – Tuesday: 12pm – 6pm

Wine Tasting Room: 718 E. First Street, Newberg, OR 97132. Phone: 503-538-2900

For more information and to make your reservation, visit the Et Fille website.

Gran Moraine Winery: Quaint, Quirky, and Delicious

Gran Moraine is a delightful blend of quaint charm and quirky personality. This winery produces exceptional wines and doesn’t take itself too seriously, challenging the perception that wine tasting must be stuffy. A large neon sign proclaiming the tasting room as a “flavorscape” greets you upon arrival, setting the tone for a fun and engaging experience.

Gran Moraine focuses on crafting Oregon Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sparkling wines. Whether you opt for a standard wine tasting flight or enhance your visit with their Culinary Creations (three expertly paired platings), the warm, friendly, and knowledgeable staff will ensure you feel welcome. We highly recommend the Culinary Creations – it’s a truly memorable experience!

The 2018 Dropstone Pinot Noir ($80), with its ripe fruit flavors and smooth, elegant finish, was a standout favorite. The 2017 Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay ($80), aged for 15 months in a combination of French oak and stainless steel tanks, is zippy and fresh. We also recommend the 2017 Σ (The Sum) Pinot Noir ($75) from sister winery Zena Crown Vineyard. It’s focused and refined, with rich red and black fruit flavors.

The Culinary Creations tasting menu included a juicy fried chicken sandwich perfectly paired with their 2014 Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, along with Pacific NW salmon served with the 2018 Dropstone Pinot Noir. For dessert, a decadent take on s’mores was paired with the 2017 Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay. This tasting menu is a fantastic way to elevate your wine tasting experience.

Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling Wines

Wine Tasting Experiences: Tasting flight: $35 per person, maximum of 6 guests (fee waived with a wine purchase of $60 or more or with wine club membership). Culinary Creations Tasting Flight: $35 (wine) + $50 (three plated pairings prepared by chef Dustin Joseph of Biscuit + Pickles) per person. Reservations are required for all tasting experiences.

Wine Tasting Hours: Daily: 11:00am – 5:00pm

Wine Tasting Room: 17900 NE Woodland Loop Rd, Yamhill, OR 97148. Phone: 503-662-5454

For more information and to make your reservation, visit the Gran Moraine website.

Read our review of Gran Moraine and the Culinary Creations Tasting Menu.

Lenné Estate: Concentrated Flavors on a Steep Slope

Nestled on a steep, south-facing slope, Lenné Estate’s 21-acre vineyard benefits from ideal grape-growing conditions. Planted in 2001, owner Steve Lutz recognized the site’s well-draining, nutrient-poor soil, perfect for producing grapes with concentrated flavors and complex characteristics.

While Lenné Estate excels at producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé wines, finding their bottles at your local grocery store might be challenging. They primarily operate as a direct-to-consumer producer, relying heavily on wine club memberships to drive growth. As a result, they offer immersive wine tasting experiences designed to attract prospective members.

The standard tasting flight includes a Chardonnay and four Pinot Noirs. The 2018 Lenné Chardonnay is a bright and crisp wine with notes of pear and green apple, while the 2016 South Slope Pinot Noir ($55) is velvety smooth and beautifully balanced with a long finish.

As with many wineries in the Willamette Valley, Lenné Estate focuses on Pinot Noir. Their Pinot Noirs tend to be fuller-bodied, with richer tannins and complex aroma and flavor profiles.

Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé

Wine Tasting Experience: Wine flight: $20 per person (fee waived with purchase of 2 bottles of wine or with wine club membership). Reservations are required. Guided vineyard tours and private tastings are also available.

Wine Tasting Hours: Thursday – Monday: 11am – 5pm

Wine Tasting Room: 18760 NE Laughlin Road, Yamhill, OR 97148. Phone: 503-956-2256

For more information and to make your reservation, visit the Lenné Estate website.

Read our review of Lenné Estate and its tasting room.

Pike Road Wines: Exceptional Value and Approachable Flavors

Specializing primarily in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, Pike Road sources all of its grapes from the northern Willamette Valley. They believe that great wine value doesn’t always have to come at a steep cost, and all of their wines are priced in the affordable $16-$50 range.

Pike Road is the sister winery of Elk Cove Vineyards, a renowned producer of highly rated Pinot Noirs. This winemaking expertise is evident in Pike Road’s family of wines. Wine Enthusiast awarded 90 points to their 2019 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, which retails for just $20 a bottle!

The tasting room is located in the heart of downtown Carlton and features a patio for outdoor seating. If you’re new to Carlton wineries and Oregon wines in general, Pike Road’s wines are excellent introductory options at accessible prices. If you’re already familiar with Oregon wines, you’ll fall in love all over again.

Wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé

Wine Tasting Experiences: Wine flight: $20 per person (fee waived with purchase of 2 bottles of wine or with wine club membership). Reservations are required.

Wine Tasting Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 12pm – 6pm

Wine Tasting Room: 105 W Main St., Carlton, OR 97111. Phone: 503-852-3185

For more information and to make your reservation, visit the Pike Road Wines website.

Read our review of Pike Road Wines and its Carlton tasting room.

Soter Vineyards: Biodynamic Farming and Exquisite Wines

Soter’s primary focus is on Pinot Noir, consistently producing robust, complex vintages that can be enjoyed now or aged for future enjoyment. However, if you prefer sparkling wine, Soter offers exceptional options. In fact, the first wine produced at Soter over two decades ago was a Brut Rosé, and that tradition continues today.

Soter Vineyards is located on Mineral Springs Ranch, a 240-acre Biodynamic farm and vineyard in the heart of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. As wine club members, we’ve visited their hilltop tasting room many times and can attest that their wine pick-up parties are among the best in the area, featuring delicious small bites expertly paired with their wines.

The private wine tasting experiences at Soter are second to none. The attentive staff and intimate setting create an exclusive atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

In addition to their estate-grown wines, Soter also produces wines under the Soter Origin Series, North Valley Vineyards, and Planet Oregon labels.

Wines: Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wines

Wine Tasting Experiences (for non-wine club members): Wine flight: $80 per person, maximum of 6 guests ($35 is waived with the purchase of a bottle of equal or greater value). Reservations are required.

Wine Tasting Hours: Daily

Wine Tasting Room: 10880 NE Mineral Springs Rd, Carlton, OR. Phone: 503-662-5600

For more information or to make your reservation, visit the Soter website.

Tendril Wine Cellars: A Winemaker’s Passion and Playful Wines

For over 20 years, winemaker Tony Rynders honed his skills at some of the region’s top wineries, including Argyle and Domaine Serene. In 2008, he launched Tendril Wine Cellars, named as a tribute to the grapevine itself.

As with many wineries in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Pinot Noir takes center stage at Tendril. The White Label Pinot Noir ($52 for the 2011 vintage) offers smooth tannins and bright fruit flavors. The Tightrope Pinot Noir ($70 for the 2016 vintage) is a bigger, jammy, whole-cluster Pinot Noir with excellent structure and delicious dark fruit flavors.

If you’re seeking something more playful, explore Tendril’s sister line, Child’s Play. With an energetic Pinot Chardonnay, flirty Rosé, playful Pinot Noir, and merry Zinfandel, Child’s Play offers a lighthearted approach to enjoying wine.

Wine varietals: Pinot Noir, White Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay

Wine Tasting Experiences: Maximum of 8 guests. Reservations are highly recommended.

Wine Tasting Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11am – 4pm

Wine Tasting Room: 130 W Monroe St., Carlton, OR 97111

For more information or to make your wine tasting reservation, visit the Tendril Wine Cellars website.

Read our review of Tendril Wine Cellars and the wine tasting experience.

Explore More of Yamhill-Carlton

For additional information on wineries, restaurants, and lodging options in the Yamhill-Carlton wine country, please visit YamhillCarlton.org.

More Oregon Wine Adventures

• Dundee Wineries Tasting Guide
• Best Oregon Pinot Noir to Drink Now
• Roseburg Wineries
• Where to Stay in Oregon Wine Country: The Vintages Trailers Resort

These are all wineries that we have personally visited and enjoyed, and believe you will enjoy, too! Our winery features are from a mix of personal visits and media visits. All photos and opinions are our own.