The Willamette Valley is celebrated for its more than 700 wineries, yet Oregon Wine Country is home to so much more. The area is bursting with quirky eateries, craft breweries, along with an eclectic mix of food trucks, bakeries and more – all featuring ingredients that come straight from local farms. No matter what you’re exploring in Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley, be certain to include an experience of the local viticulture.

Salem is located in the heart of one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the world. The vineyards that blanket the valley throughout the fertile Van Duzer corridor and Eola-Amity Hills wine-growing areas produce award-winning wines, ready to sip and savor. Here are our top picks in the heart of the valley that pair spectacular scenic vistas along with diverse and nuanced wines.

Boutique winery Bryn Mawr Vineyards sits on the wind-swept western crest of the Eola-Amity Hills in Salem, Oregon, one of the steepest and rockiest spots in the valley. Take in the valley spread out before you, then head inside for a sampling of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Bryn Mawr’s intriguing Old World-style wines, like Dolcetto or Tempranillo. Leashed pets and picnic lunches are welcome.

A 40-year-old family estate, Bethel Heights Vineyard also capitalizes on rocky hillside soils and Aeolian winds to create its Pinots and Chardonnays. Set on an incline, the main tasting room will give you a birds-eye view of Bethel Heights’ 49 vineyard acres.

Also in the Eola-Amity Hills, Cherry Hill Winery produces approximately 2,000 cases of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Dijon Cuvée Pinot Noir and Blanc de Pinot Noir each year. The cozy tasting room on the 90-acre estate is set on a rise to capture the hills and ponds.

At Salem’s southern edge, Mexican-American family-owned and operated winery Cória Estates offers 360-degree views that stretch for miles and include the 100-acre vineyard and the valley below. Live music is held regularly, and kids and leashed pets are always welcome.

Micro-winery Trinity Vineyards, located in Salem, sources grapes from its seven acres of Pinot Noir vines as well as Washington’s Columbia Valley and Horse Heaven Hills. The tasting room’s hilltop setting features vines, slopes and mountains. Stay an evening for the live music series in the summer.

One of the biggest wineries in the area, Willamette Valley Vineyards’ 50-acre estate tasting room is located nine miles southeast of Salem. Choose from more than 30 wines as well as daily and reserve tasting flights. When weather permits, soak in the valley views along with the sun outside on the large patio or courtyard.

Durant Vineyards at Red Ridge Farms, in Dayton, Oregon, has produced high quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris grapes since 1973. Make time to explore the grounds, which include vineyards, olive trees, an olive mill, a lavender field and several gardens. Bring the kids and dog along and round out your visit with a picnic on the lawn while enjoying the wide-angle views.

Located just 20 minutes outside of Salem, Andante Vineyard is a sanctuary for lovers of wine, music, nature, and the company of friends. With sustainable farming, Andante’s vines have moderate vigor thanks to the shallow soils and the cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean. Take in the scenic vista, and the sights and sounds of birds and other wildlife who roost above the two-acre pond.

Perched atop a knoll fifteen miles outside of Salem, Van Duzer Vineyards’ flagship estate offers a spacious tasting room and outdoor patios to sip and savor Van Duzer’s refined, consistent wines.

While you’re visiting Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country, discover The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Contemporary in design and personality, The Holman unites craft, comfort & connection in the heart of downtown Salem. Enjoy incredible savings and complimentary wine tastings at Andante Vineyard and Van Duzer Vineyards with our Visit Wine Country package. Book today and start packing your bags. Don’t forget to leave enough room for a few bottles to take home.