Wine History on the Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route
Oregon's 
Washington County boasts a history of wine grape and wine production. Some of the oldest vines are found in the rich Washington County soil. Now, with nearly 30 wineries in this premier wine region, you could easily find yourself experiencing firsthand the tasting rooms and welcoming vintners of the region.
Swiss and German immigrants settled the rolling hills of Helvetia in the late 1800s. Prior to Prohibition, the area was known as “Grape Hill” due to its cottage wine industry. Most grape vines that existed at the time were desroyed during Prohibition. Part of current-day Helvetia Vineyards is located in the 100-year-old former house of Jacob Yungen, an early Washington County winemaker.
Just north of Forest Grove is the site of one of Oregon’s first wineries, established by German immigrant Adolph Reuter on what was known as “wine hill.” His wines are said to have won a gold medal at the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904.
The area had eight wineries before Prohibition, and today nearly 30 wineries make their home in Washington County. Of these, six are located on or near the Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route:
No matter which of the Washington County wineries you drink in the views at, or taste organically grown pinot or carefully barrel-aged cabernet, all are a short drive from Portland: list of wineries.