Savor Summer in the Tualatin Valley: Four “Hidden Gem” Wineries

Did you know that Tualatin Valley is the closest wine country to Portland? With more than 40 estate wineries and tasting rooms, there is no need to travel long distances to sip Willamette Valley wine. Here are some of the hidden gems of Tualatin Valley’s wine country.

1. Lolati Wines: Located in Sherwood, Lolati Wines features a collection of expressive and bold wines made by winemaker, Leigh Brown. Her wine brand is named after her great grandfather’s farm in South Africa. Here you will find wine varieties not often found in the Willamette Valley. Open by appointment Friday-Sunday.
2. Proteus Wines: Proteus Wines is a tiny but purposeful estate winery that creates boutique, lovingly-crafted vintages from grapes grown in the Chehalem Mountain range. The name inspired by the Greek god of change, Proteus makes small-batch Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The tasting room is open daily.
3. Benza Vineyards: Benza Vineyards is a pet-friendly winery in Hillsboro that crafts Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rose, and Sparkling wines from their estate vineyard. The 12-acre vineyard is located in the new Laurelwood District AVA. Benza is open Thursday-Sunday and walk-ins are welcome.
4. Nemarniki Vineyard and Winery: Nemraniki Vineyard (named after a village in Croatia) crafts its wines exclusively with sustainably-farmed grapes. While several wineries have used grapes from Nemarniki’s vineyards to produce their own wines, the Nemarniki produces its own Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah Rose, Port and Dry Muscat. The tasting room is open Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended.

Discovering these hidden gem wineries in Tualatin Valley offers a taste of wine country at its most intimate and authentic—where every sip tells a story waiting to be shared.

Learn more at tualatinvalley.org.