The Eola-Amity Hills American Viticultural Area (“AVA”) is one of six sub-appellations of the Willamette Valley AVA and became officially recognized as an AVA in 2006. The region consistently produces some of our favorite Willamette Valley wines.
Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, the Eola-Amity Hills wine region is a little off the beaten path, with picturesque countryside and stunning views of the Coast Range to the west and the Cascades to the east. It is about an hour drive south of the Portland Metropolitan Area and is just northwest of Salem, Oregon's capitol. The town of Amity lies to the north.
What makes the Eola-Amity Hills special are the afternoon ocean breezes which deliver cool air through the Van Duzer Corridor, a gap in the Coast Range due west of the region. No joke — even when temps are hot during the day, you’ll be reaching for a hoodie, a blanket, or both once the afternoon breezes kick in. Those marine breezes cool the fruit quickly from the day's heat resulting in the preservation of the grapes’ natural acidity. So, while many Eola-Amity Hills Pinot noirs have a darker fruit profile, they are bright and fresh.
The region’s first wine grapes were planted in 1971. Now, the Eola-Amity Hills is home to more than 23 wineries and over 80 vineyards.
The soils of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA are generally shallower than those of other AVAs in Willamette Valley. Volcanic soils are found at higher elevations while sedimentary soils are common in lower elevations. It’s not unusual for a single vineyard to have multiple soil types, depending on its altitude.
