Eola-Amity Hills AVA

The agricultural history of the Eola-Amity Hills dates to the mid-1850s, but modern viticulture began in 1971 when Jerry and Anne Preston planted vinifera grapes at what would become Amity Vineyards. By 1976, Myron Redford and Janis Checchia established the region's first bonded winery there. The late 1970s brought the Casteel and Dudley-Webb families to Bethel Heights, whose 1977 planting of own-rooted Pinot Noir remains among the oldest in the Willamette Valley. In 1985, led by Tom Dumm, the Eola Hills Winegrowing Region was formally established as an informal precursor to the official AVA. That designation came in 2006, when a collaborative petition submitted in 2002 was approved by the TTB, giving the region legal recognition alongside five other northern Willamette Valley sub-AVAs.

• First vinifera planting in the AVA: 1971 by Jerry and Anne Preston at Amity Vineyards; first bonded winery established in 1976 by Myron Redford
• Bethel Heights Vineyard, founded in 1977 by the Casteel and Dudley-Webb families, produced its first estate wines in 1984 and remains family-owned today
• The informal Eola Hills Winegrowing Region was formally organized in 1985, preceding the official 2006 AVA designation by over two decades
• Cristom Vineyards, established in 1992 by Paul and Eileen Gerrie, helped set the modern quality benchmark with site-specific Pinot Noirs and Burgundian winemaking techniques

The Eola-Amity Hills AVA occupies Polk and Yamhill Counties, running approximately 15 miles from north to south and 6 miles from east to west, entirely within the larger Willamette Valley AVA. The main ridge of the Eola Hills runs north-south, with numerous lateral ridges extending east-west on both sides. Most vineyards sit between 250 and 700 feet in elevation, with some sites reaching up to 900 feet. The defining climatic force is the Van Duzer Corridor, a gap in the Oregon Coast Range that allows cool Pacific air to travel more than 30 miles inland each afternoon, sharply reducing temperatures during the critical late-summer ripening window and helping grapes retain natural acidity. Most annual rainfall arrives between October and April, leaving the peak growing season comparatively dry.

• The Van Duzer Corridor delivers cool Pacific breezes more than 30 miles inland each afternoon, dropping temperatures sharply and preserving grape acidity during ripening
• Elevations across the AVA range from approximately 250 to 900 feet, creating meaningful microclimate variation across short distances
• Rainfall is concentrated from October through April; the growing season is relatively dry, though late September and October harvests can face rain risk
• The region straddles the 45th parallel, placing it at a latitude similar to the great wine regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux

The Eola-Amity Hills sit atop a geologically layered foundation. The dominant soils are derived from Columbia River Basalt flows more than 14 million years old, producing shallow, well-drained volcanic soils including the Nekia series over ancient basalt beds. At lower elevations, marine sedimentary rocks and alluvial deposits appear, reflecting the region's ancient oceanic history. Jory soils, the deep iron-rich volcanic soils common across much of the Willamette Valley, are also present. This shallow, rocky, free-draining profile stresses vines, reducing vigor and concentrating flavors in small, thick-skinned grape clusters. The unique volcanic and sedimentary mix distinguishes Eola-Amity soils from other Willamette Valley sub-regions.

• Dominant soils are volcanic basalt derived from Columbia River Basalt flows over 14 million years old, including Nekia and Jory series
• Marine sedimentary rocks and alluvial deposits appear at lower elevations, reflecting an ancient seabed history
• Shallow, rocky, free-draining soils stress vines and concentrate flavors, producing small clusters with thick skins
• Temperance Hill Vineyard, planted in 1981, sits on soil believed to be the remnant of an ancient volcanic caldera at elevations of 660 to 860 feet

Pinot Noir dominates the AVA at nearly 80% of all plantings, producing wines noted for their tension, mineral precision, bright red fruit, and restrained alcohol rather than extracted power. Chardonnay is the leading white variety at roughly 8% of plantings, prized for its crisp acidity, citrus, and mineral depth. Pinot Gris accounts for a smaller share at about 3%, and the AVA also hosts plantings of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, Gamay Noir, and Auxerrois, among others. The cool afternoon winds from the Van Duzer Corridor are key to the style: grapes ripen slowly, retaining natural acids, while the diurnal temperature swings of 35 degrees or more between day and night amplify aromatic expression and structural elegance.

• Pinot Noir represents approximately 79.83% of all plantings; Chardonnay follows at roughly 8.29% and Pinot Gris at about 3.32%
• Diurnal temperature swings of 35 degrees or more between daytime highs and nighttime lows help preserve natural acidity and encourage slow, even ripening
• The region also grows Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Gewurztraminer, Gamay Noir, and Auxerrois in smaller quantities
• Wines from the AVA tend to be concentrated and tense with a mineral, stony edge and restrained fruit character, according to critics

Cristom Vineyards, founded in 1992 by Paul and Eileen Gerrie, is among the most celebrated estates in the AVA. Now led by second-generation owner Tom Gerrie with winemaker Steve Doerner, Cristom farms 240 acres with five estate vineyards named after Gerrie family matriarchs: Eileen, Jessie, Louise, Marjorie, and Paul Gerrie. Its Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir blends fruit from across these sites. Bethel Heights Vineyard, founded in 1977, is one of the AVA's pioneering estates, with original own-rooted Pinot Noir vines still producing today. Temperance Hill Vineyard, planted in 1981 and organically farmed since 1999, supplies fruit to over 15 producers including Adelsheim, Bergstrom, Evesham Wood, and Walter Scott Wines. Witness Tree Vineyard, a 105-acre southeast-facing site, is another important source vineyard for Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

• Cristom Vineyards (founded 1992) farms five estate vineyards named after family matriarchs; winemaker Steve Doerner has led production since the inaugural 1992 vintage
• Bethel Heights (founded 1977) is now in its second generation under winemaker Ben Casteel and viticulturist Mimi Casteel, with original own-rooted vines from 1977 to 1979 still in production
• Temperance Hill Vineyard (planted 1981, organically farmed since 1999) at 660 to 860 feet elevation supplies grapes to more than 15 producers across the Willamette Valley
• Walter Scott Wines, Antica Terra, Evesham Wood, and Brooks are among the notable wineries sourcing from celebrated Eola-Amity Hills vineyard sites

The Eola-Amity Hills AVA sits approximately one hour southwest of Portland and just northwest of Salem, making it an accessible destination within Oregon's wine country. The region hosts over 30 commercial wineries with tasting rooms spread along the Eola Hills ridge roads, offering a more intimate experience than some busier northern Willamette Valley destinations. Many estates emphasize sustainable and organic viticulture, and educational vineyard experiences are common. The AVA's 20th anniversary in 2026 has been marked by a series of special events and limited tastings across member wineries. Peak visiting season runs from late summer through harvest in September and October, while spring visits offer quieter tasting room access with views of the blooming valley.

• Located approximately one hour southwest of Portland and northwest of Salem; the AVA spans Polk and Yamhill Counties
• Over 30 commercial wineries operate in the AVA, many with tasting rooms open to the public along the Eola Hills ridge
• Sustainable and organic farming is a strong regional ethos; Bethel Heights was among the first Oregon vineyards certified Salmon-Safe in 1997
• The AVA's 20th anniversary in 2026 is being celebrated with special tastings and limited offerings across member wineries