Sipping Through the Gorge: The Best Wineries Near Hood River, Oregon, to Visit!

Discover the top wineries near Hood River, Oregon, offering exceptional wines, stunning views, and unique tasting experiences. From bold reds to crisp whites, explore the best of the Columbia Gorge wine region.

Introduction

Nestled in the stunning Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, Oregon, is a haven for wine lovers. This region boasts a unique climate and diverse terroir, making it an ideal location for producing a wide range of exceptional wines. From robust reds to crisp whites, the wineries near Hood River offer something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, exploring the vineyards and tasting rooms in this picturesque area is a delightful experience. Here are 16 of the best wineries near Hood River that are worth visiting.

1. Marchesi Vineyards

Marchesi Vineyards, nestled in the picturesque Hood River Valley, is renowned for its Italian-style wines. Founded by Franco Marchesi, the vineyard specializes in varietals like Barbera, Dolcetto, and Sangiovese, bringing a touch of Piedmont to Oregon. The tasting room, with its cozy, rustic charm, offers a delightful experience where guests can enjoy wine flights on the scenic patio. Visitors are often treated to live music, enhancing the vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere. The vineyard’s commitment to sustainable practices and authentic winemaking techniques ensures each bottle reflects the rich, local terroir. Franco Marchesi’s heritage and passion for traditional Italian winemaking create an exceptional blend of old-world charm and modern sustainability, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.

2. Cathedral Ridge Winery

Cathedral Ridge Winery offers a diverse portfolio of award-winning wines, crafted from grapes grown in the Columbia Gorge. The winery’s picturesque setting, with stunning views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams, makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely tasting. Known for its robust reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel, Cathedral Ridge also excels in producing elegant whites like Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. The winery’s welcoming staff and educational tours provide an enriching experience for both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts. Founded in 2003, Cathedral Ridge showcases the region’s diverse microclimates and soil types, offering an intimate and relaxed environment for wine lovers to explore and enjoy.

3. Hood Crest Winery

Hood Crest Winery, a family-owned gem, is celebrated for its handcrafted wines and warm hospitality. The winery’s expansive deck offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and Mount Hood, making it an idyllic spot for tasting sessions. Hood Crest’s diverse wine list features everything from bold reds to crisp whites, all produced from estate-grown grapes. The winery also offers delicious wood-fired pizzas and live music events, creating a lively, inviting atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Founded by Tess and Patrik Barr, Hood Crest Winery embodies their passion for winemaking and love for the Hood River Valley, making it a vibrant destination for wine lovers seeking a memorable experience.

4. Wy’East Vineyards

Wy’East Vineyards, named after the Native American word for Mount Hood, is dedicated to producing high-quality, small-batch wines. The vineyard’s tasting room is surrounded by lush gardens, providing a serene environment for wine tasting. Wy’East is known for its Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Syrah, each crafted with meticulous care. The winery’s focus on sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking techniques ensures that each wine truly reflects the unique characteristics of the Hood River Valley. Founded by Dick and Christie Reed, Wy’East Vineyards offers a tranquil setting and exceptional wines, making it a must-visit for those exploring the region.

5. Mt. Hood Winery

Mt. Hood Winery, situated in the heart of the Columbia Gorge, boasts stunning panoramic views and award-winning wines. The winery’s modern tasting room offers a welcoming space where guests can sample a variety of wines, including their celebrated Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Mt. Hood Winery’s commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every bottle, with grapes sourced from the family’s own vineyards. The winery’s friendly staff and beautiful setting make it a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Established by the Bickford family, Mt. Hood Winery exemplifies their deep-rooted passion for viticulture, providing an exceptional wine-tasting experience in a stunning environment.

6. Phelps Creek Vineyards

Phelps Creek Vineyards, located on the slopes of Mount Hood, is renowned for its elegant, cool-climate wines. The vineyard’s picturesque setting, complete with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, provides a tranquil backdrop for wine tasting. Phelps Creek’s focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay showcases the region’s potential for these classic varietals. The winery’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques ensures that each wine is a true expression of the local terroir. Founded by Bob Morus, Phelps Creek offers a serene environment and exceptional wines, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a true taste of the Columbia Gorge.

7. Viento Wines

Viento Wines, a small, family-owned winery, prides itself on producing artisanal wines with a personal touch. The winery’s tasting room, housed in a charming, rustic building, offers a cozy atmosphere for sampling their diverse wine selection. Viento’s portfolio includes a variety of red and white wines, with a special emphasis on Riesling and Syrah. The winery’s dedication to sustainable practices and handcrafted winemaking techniques results in wines that are both unique and memorable. Founded by Rich Cushman, Viento Wines reflects his passion for winemaking and connection to the Hood River Valley, providing a delightful tasting experience in a welcoming setting.

8. Stave & Stone Winery

Stave & Stone Winery, located in the scenic Hood River Valley, offers a delightful wine tasting experience with breathtaking views of Mount Hood. The winery’s elegant tasting room and outdoor patio provide a perfect setting to enjoy their extensive wine list, which features varietals such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Stave & Stone’s focus on quality and craftsmanship is evident in each bottle, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts. The winery also hosts various events, including live music and food pairings, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Founded by Bruce and Mary Pence, Stave & Stone embodies their dedication to producing high-quality wines, making it a must-visit destination.

9. The Gorge White House

The Gorge White House, a historic landmark in the Hood River Valley, offers a unique wine tasting experience. The estate’s tasting room is housed in a charming, century-old farmhouse, surrounded by picturesque orchards and gardens. The Gorge White House specializes in a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes and fruits, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and pear wine. The estate also offers hard ciders and a farm-fresh menu, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting and dining. This historic venue provides a unique blend of wine, cider, and farm-fresh experiences, making it a delightful stop for visitors.

10. Naked Winery

Naked Winery, known for its fun and unpretentious approach to winemaking, offers a lively and welcoming tasting experience. The winery’s extensive portfolio includes a wide range of reds, whites, and rosés, each with playful names and labels. Naked Winery’s tasting room in Hood River is a vibrant space where guests can enjoy wine flights and shareable plates. The winery’s focus on producing high-quality wines in a relaxed, enjoyable setting makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Known for its playful branding and quality wines, Naked Winery offers a unique and entertaining wine-tasting experience in the heart of Hood River.

11. AniChe Cellars

AniChe Cellars, a women-owned and operated winery, is celebrated for its innovative and artisanal wines. The winery’s tasting room, perched on a hillside with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. AniChe Cellars specializes in blends, with a focus on unique and lesser-known varietals. The winery’s commitment to sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking techniques results in wines that are both distinctive and expressive. AniChe Cellars provides a unique and welcoming experience, making it a standout destination for wine lovers.

12. Hiyu Wine Farm

Hiyu Wine Farm, located in the Hood River Valley, offers a holistic and biodynamic approach to winemaking. The farm’s tasting room, surrounded by lush vineyards and gardens, provides a serene setting for enjoying their natural wines. Hiyu’s portfolio includes a variety of red, white, and rosé wines, each crafted with minimal intervention and a focus on expressing the unique characteristics of the terroir. The winery’s commitment to sustainability and biodynamic farming practices sets it apart, making it a must-visit for those interested in natural and organic wines.

13. Syncline Winery

Syncline Winery, located on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge, offers a diverse range of wines in a picturesque setting. The winery’s tasting room, with its rustic charm and scenic views, provides a welcoming environment for wine tasting. Syncline is known for its Rhône varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, as well as their exceptional sparkling wines. The winery’s dedication to sustainable farming and traditional winemaking techniques ensures that each wine is of the highest quality. Syncline Winery’s commitment to excellence and its stunning location make it a top destination for wine enthusiasts.

14. COR Cellars

COR Cellars, situated in the Columbia Gorge, is known for its innovative and approachable wines. The winery’s modern tasting room offers a stylish and comfortable space for sampling their diverse portfolio, which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. COR Cellars’ focus on quality and creativity is evident in each bottle, making it a favorite among wine lovers. The winery’s welcoming atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards enhance the overall tasting experience. Founded by Luke Bradford, COR Cellars combines a passion for winemaking with a commitment to producing high-quality, enjoyable wines.

Conclusion