Travel Squad Podcast · Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Kim describes the Willamette Valley in Oregon as a premier wine region with approximately 800 wineries. She highlights that the valley is an AVA with 11 sub-AVAs, each with unique geographic features, climate, and soil that influence grape flavors, making wines from different sub-regions taste distinct. Kim also notes that the region is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but is increasingly experimenting with other grape varietals.
“I learned there are about 800 wineries in the Willamette Valley.”
“I think I found there's not a good database or resource that really explains the Willamette Valley.”
“So the Willamette Valley is pretty big. It stretches 150 miles from just south of Portland, which makes it a very great airport to fly into.”
“But within the Willamette Valley, there are 11 different AVAs.”
“So even though you're getting wine from the Willamette Valley, wine from one AVA to another can taste different.”
“A Pinot Noir from one AVA to the next can taste completely different.”