CHEHALEM MOUNTAINS

The view from Beckham Estate Vineyard

Chehalem Mountains AVA

chehalem-mountains-ava

ABOUT

The Chehalem Mountains AVA is a single uplifted landmass southwest of Portland in the northern Willamette Valley, extending 20 miles in length and 5 miles in breadth, stretching from southeast to northwest. It includes several discrete spurs, mountains and ridges, such as Ribbon Ridge and Parrett Mountain.

The highest point within the Willamette Valley is the Chehalem Mountains’ Bald Peak (at 1,633 feet) affecting weather for the AVA and for adjoining grape growing hillsides. It is the geography and climate that differentiate this AVA from others.

All three important hillside soil types are represented: basaltic, ocean sedimentary and loess (blown lake bed sediment), the predominant soil on the northern face of the Chehalem Mountains. Within the almost 70,000 acres of this AVA are over 2,600 acres of grapes, grown in over 179 vineyards, and 53 wineries.

 

Chehalem Mountains AVA Map

QUICK FACTS

Established: November 27, 2006 
Wineries: 53
Tasting Rooms: 34
Vineyards: 179
Total Area: 62,500 acres
Planted Area: 2,660 acres
Most common grape varieties: Pinot noir (69.89%), Pinot gris (3.79%), Chardonnay (3.75%)

ANNUAL EVENTS

Magic in the Mountains

LINKS

Chehalem Mountains AVA
Oregon Wine Resource Studio (maps and additional information)