Yamhill-Carlton AVA
An American Viticultural Area in Oregon's northern Willamette Valley, home to over 50 wineries producing highly sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The story
Located in Oregon’s northern Willamette Valley, the Yamhill-Carlton AVA is home to wine industry pioneers, winegrowing veterans, and over 50 wineries. Established in 2004 with roots dating back to 1969, the region is renowned for producing some of Oregon's most sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, characterized by distinct spice, floral, and dark fruit profiles.
Tastings & experiences
Estate Tasting at Elk Cove Vineyards
Taste through estate wines including Chardonnay, Sparkling, Rosé of Pinot Noir, and vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs at Elk Cove Vineyards, home to the earliest plantings in Yamhill-Carlton (founded in 1974).
Wine Tasting at Ken Wright Cellars
Enjoy pristine expressions of site, focusing on Yamhill-Carlton vineyards, inside or outside Carlton's historic train station built in 1903 and renovated into today's tasting room.
Estate Wine Tasting at Carlton Hill Vineyard
Visit the historic barn on David Polite's beautiful estate vineyard (planted in 1999) to taste vintage expressions of Pinot Noir meant to be cellared and enjoyed.
Private Tasting at Shea Wine Cellars
A private tasting experience by appointment only, offering a chance to taste wines made from Shea Vineyards, one of the most renowned and historic vineyards in Oregon.
Tasting at J.L. Kiff Vineyard
Taste small-production Chardonnay and Pinot Noir poured by Joel Kiff himself in a renovated barn with pastoral views.
Tasting at Stag Hollow Wines
Taste uncommon Willamette Valley varieties like Tempranillo, Dolcetto, and sparkling Dolcetto Rosato with owners Mark Huff and Jill Zarnowitz.
Private Tasting at Atticus Wines
Enjoy a private, appointment-only tasting focused on fine Pinot Noirs at the top of the vineyard, hosted by winemaker Ximena Orrego.
Private Tour and Tasting at Belle Pente
Experience a private and informal vineyard tour and tasting hosted by Jill or Brian O'Donnell at their organic, dry-farmed hillside vineyard.
Good to know
- What wines are the Yamhill-Carlton AVA best known for?
- The Yamhill-Carlton AVA is highly regarded for its truly memorable Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other cool-climate wines.
- How do I get to Yamhill-Carlton from Portland?
- Take Interstate 5 (I-5) south to exit 294 for Highway 99W. Continue southwest on Highway 99W for 15 miles to Newberg. In Newberg, turn right on Main Street, which is Highway 240 (signed for Chehalem Valley, Yamhill). Highway 240 and Highway 47 provide access to most local wineries, vineyards, and the towns of Carlton and Yamhill.
- How do I get to Yamhill-Carlton from Salem?
- Take Highway 22 west about 10 miles to Highway 99W. Follow Highway 99W north about 22 miles through McMinnville to Highway 47. Follow Highway 47 north about 5 miles to the town of Carlton.
- How do I get to Yamhill-Carlton from the Northern Oregon Coast?
- From Cannon Beach, take Highway 101 to Highway 26 east, and then take Highway 47 south past Gaston.
- How do I get to Yamhill-Carlton from the Southern Oregon Coast?
- From Lincoln City, take Highway 101 north to Highway 18 east and take the first McMinnville exit (Hwy 99W). Follow Highway 99W through McMinnville and then take Highway 47 north to the town of Carlton.
- When was the Yamhill-Carlton AVA created?
- AVA status was granted in 2004, though first allowed on a label for the 2003 vintage.
- Where is the AVA located?
- The AVA is approximately 35 miles, or about a 45-minute drive, southwest of Portland, Oregon. It lies west of Newberg and north of McMinnville.
- Why was the Yamhill-Carlton AVA created?
- To distinguish fruit grown in the oldest marine sedimentary based soils from the greater Willamette Valley. This contributes to a wine profile that is distinct from neighboring AVAs in a number of important ways.
- What are the most influential factors for producing wine from that AVA?
- The most influential factors that produce distinctive wines from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA are its marine sedimentary soils and underlying siltstone-sandstone parent material. The soils are well drained with moderate water-holding capacity, which enhances ripening at higher levels of tannins and well-balanced acids. The 40-45 million year old parent material, the oldest in the valley, contribute spice and floral overtones to fruit flavors in the wine.
- What characteristics do the wines of the AVA share? How are they different from surrounding AVAs?
- These are plummy, black-fruited Pinot Noirs with notes of blackberry and black cherries, framed by minerality reminiscent of pipe tobacco, espresso, clove and dark chocolate, and accented by scents of rose, violet, lavender and forest floor. A Yamhill-Carlton Pinot is typically lower in acidity, deeper in color, and breadth of mouth feel than that of neighboring regions. The wines have some of the darkest color of all Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs.
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Photos
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In the press
- Reader’s Digest Highlights Three Yamhill-Carlton Wineries as Best in OregonThe Yamhill-Carlton AVA
- 12 Best Oregon WineriesReader's Digest
- Where to Stay in the Yamhill-Carlton AVAThe Yamhill-Carlton AVA
- Dog-Friendly Wineries; Where to Take Your Four-Legged Friends in The Willamette ValleyThe Yamhill-Carlton AVA
- Wine Tour Itinerary: Tasting with a viewThe Yamhill-Carlton AVA
- Wine Tasting Itinerary: Yamhill-Carlton HistoryThe Yamhill-Carlton AVA