Over the past 40 years, Oregon’s wine scene has evolved from a humble agricultural experiment into one of the world’s most respected wine regions. While Oregon is best known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, the state also produces remarkable Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Tempranillo, Merlot, and Syrah. Explore what a varietal is, discover what makes Oregon so distinctive, and get to know each of these celebrated wines a little better.
A varietal is simply a wine made mostly from one type of grape — like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. But in Oregon, varietals are more than labels; they’re reflections of soil, climate, and craftsmanship.
The same grape can taste wildly different depending on where it’s grown — crisp and bright from the coast, lush and silky from the valleys. That’s the magic of Oregon wine: every varietal tells a story of place, patience, and personality.
These are the varietals that put Oregon on the global wine map and keep winemakers (and drinkers) coming back for more. Each one links to its own page where you can dig deeper into flavor notes, best regions, and standout producers.
