Wine History on the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route

Washington County boasts a long history of wine grape and wine production. Legend has it; growers planted the first Pinot Noir grape in Oregon in the rich Washington County soil. Now, with so many small wineries in this premier wine region, you could easily find yourself sipping wine with the grower.

Swiss and German immigrants settled the rolling hills of Helvetia in the late 1800s. Prior to prohibition, that area was known as “Grape Hill” because of its cottage wine industry.  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 thought to have won a gold medal at the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904.

The area had eight wineries before prohibition, and continues to attract winemakers and wine lovers today. One of the first entries into Oregon’s modern winemaking arena occurred in 1965 when a new winery – Reuters Hill – was opened on the present site of the David Hill Vineyards and Winery. Reuters Hill’s owner at the time (Chuck Coury) was among the first to recognize the similarity of growing conditions in Burgundy and the Willamette Valley. As such, Coury planted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling grapes, and many consider “Wine Hill” to be the Oregon birthplace of Pinot Noir wines.

• Helvetia Vineyards - Just 10 min. from high-tech Hillsboro
• Tualatin Estate Vineyards - Est. 1973, 145-acres
• Shafer Vineyard Cellars - Many different varieties of wine, picnic area
• David Hill Vineyard & Winery - historic farmhouse tasting room, picnic area
• Montinore Estate - Certified Biodynamic, six varieties, gift shop
• Ponzi Vineyards - LIVE Certifiied, wine bar, restaurant

The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) and the North Willamette Vintners  have teamed together to offer a discount promoting the wineries in the area.  Please see details and the full list of participating wineries for a discount off the purchase of wine.

Heritage | Wine History | Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour