Unlike the coast, Northern Oregon has a much more dry and arid climate that lends itself to all kinds of outdoor activities, and also happens to have prime conditions for wine production. In this list of the best Hood River wineries, we’ll let you know what to expect and how you can book a visit.
Unlike coastal Oregon, the Hood River Valley is actually rather arid and sunny. Situated where the Cascade Mountains meet the mighty Columbia River Gorge, the climate and topography here are unique. Aside from lending itself to every type of outdoor recreation imaginable, Hood River also boasts spectacular natural scenery and a world-class wine region.
Spend your days hiking, kayaking, windsurfing (Hood River is considered the world capital for this sport!), or visiting natural hot springs. Then head to one of the best Hood River wineries to toast the day’s adventures and take in the incredible views.
1. Stave & Stone
With incredible views of Mount Hood and the surrounding valley, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic location to sip on vino on a beautiful day. With artisan cheese boards and light bites, this winery makes a perfect midday stop while visiting Hood River.
- Location: Hood River Fruit Loop
- Type of wines produced: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Quiver, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay
- Offerings: Stave & Stone offers tasting flights starting at $10 as well as cheese boards and light bites
- How to book a tasting: Stop in any day of the week from 12 – 6:00 p.m.; open year round
Insider Tip: Located just beside Stave & Stone is Hood River Lavender Farms which is worth checking out as well!
2. Hood Crest Winery & Distillers
Located in the Fruit Loop area of Hood River wineries, Hood Crest is best known for its small-batch Cabernet Sauvignon and specialty blends, as well as wood-fired pizzas and fruit-distilled spirits. The winery is child- and dog-friendly, often has live music, and offers guests complimentary bowls of grapes.
- Location: Hood River Fruit Loop
- Type of wines produced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, blends
- Offerings: Hood Crest offers tasting flights in a casual setting
- How to book a tasting: Stop in Thursday-Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
3. Stoltz Winery
Of all the Hood River wineries, Stoltz arguably has the richest history. Its home is the oldest building in Hood River, a remarkably well-maintained mansion that was built in 1896 and once served as a morgue. Local legend says that there’s a friendly house ghost, so be sure to ask about that during your visit! Take your wine out to the deck and enjoy beautiful views of the Gorge.
- Location: Downtown Hood River
- Type of wines produced: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, red and white Pinot Noir, and more
- Offerings: Casual tastings
- How to book a tasting: Walk in from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through November
4. Mount Hood Winery
Sample award-winning wines with vineyard views at this location not far from downtown. Have a seat on the patio or cozy up inside next to the stone fireplace as you explore their pretty extensive selection of wines.
- Location: Just off highway 35, a short drive south of downtown
- Type of wines produced: Red and white Pinot Noirs, Syrah, Chardonnay, and more
- Offerings: Casual tastings
- How to book a tasting: Open daily 11a.m. – 5:00 p.m. March – November
5. Cathedral Ridge Winery
Cathedral Ridge Winery stands out among Hood River wineries. The grounds are impeccable, making it hard to believe you’re just outside downtown. It’s also one of Hood River’s most award-winning wineries, as demonstrated by its extensive wine list.
- Location: Hood River proper, minutes from downtown
- Type of wines produced: Riesling, Bordeaux, white blends
- Offerings: Wine tastings; choose from Standard, Reserve, or Barrel Tasting Immersion
- How to book a tasting: Book online or call (541) 386-2882
6. Cerulean
Cerulean takes the term “family-owned” to another level, with the owners personally picking and pruning the vines. The award-winning winery focuses on simple, “pure” growing methods to allow the grapes to shine. Stop into the tasting room just off the main strip downtown, and bring the kiddos and dogs, too.
- Location: Downtown Hood River
- Type of wines produced: Chardonnay, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir
- Offerings: Casual tastings and wine flights
- How to book a tasting: First-come, first-served; parties of five or more can make a reservation by calling (503) 308-9137
7. Savage Grace
Technically, Savage Grace is on the Washington side of the Columbia River. But it’s so close to Hood River — and so unique — that it deserves a spot on any list of Hood River wineries. Aside from producing some incredible French-inspired wines, the winery has stunning views overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
- Location: Just across the bridge in Underwood, Washington
- Type of wines produced: Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Riesling
- Offerings: By-appointment-only weekend tastings in the tasting room
- How to book a tasting: Call or text to make an appointment: (206) 920-4206 or info@savagegracewines.com
8. Evoke Winery
Formerly called Naked Winery, Evoke has several locations including a lovely tasting room in downtown Hood River. The dog-friendly patio has a large courtyard and stunning Columbia River Gorge views, as well as several seating arrangements including lounge chairs and sofas.
- Location: Downtown
- Type of wines produced: Chardonnay, Tempranillo, red blends
- Offerings: Single tastings or 8-wine flights, plus snacks and desserts
- How to book a tasting: First-come, first-serve, but reservations are accepted; email lindsey@evokewinery.com
9. Syncline
Another winery technically on the Washington side of the Gorge, Syncline is well worth the trip across the border. It frequently tops “best of” Hood River wineries lists, and for good reason. Aside from outstanding French-style wines, the winery itself is gorgeous. There are indoor and outdoor spaces, with hammocks, cornhole, and picnic tables.
- Location: 20 minutes from Hood River in Lyla, WA
- Type of wines produced: Syrah, Grenache blanc, Mourvedre
- Offerings: Seated outdoor wine tastings, including fire pit or garden seating
- How to book a tasting: Reservations required; book online
10. The Gorge White House
This fourth-generation family-owned winery and cidery is situated in a historic Dutch Colonial Revival home built in 1910 and surrounded by acres of fruit orchards. The U-pick option allows visitors to bring home whatever’s in season, and the food cart serves what locals swear is the area’s best burger.
- Location: In the Fruit Loop on Mount Hood Scenic Byway
- Type of wines produced: Fruit-forward varietals including chardonnay, rosé, and the signature Heritage Pear wine
- Offerings: Wine tastings, lunch from the food cart, u-pick fruit and flowers
- How to book a tasting: Hours change seasonally; stop in or call ahead
11. Hiyu Wine Farm
Hiyu Wine Farm is doing things differently than other Hood River wineries. Inspired by the farm-to-table gastronomy in Italy, Hiyu’s biodynamic farm focuses on a lot more than wine. Food is at its core, too, so all wine tastings are expertly paired with snacks. The vibe is rustic-chic, with stunning views and long communal tables.
- Location: South of town near the airfield
- Type of wines produced: Pinot noir and specialty blends
- Offerings: Experiences at Hiyu include the Tavern Tasting, Wine Farmer’s Lunch, and Feast
- How to book a tasting: Make reservations on Tock at least 48 hours in advance
12. Vietno
Viento Wines embodies the term “tiny but mighty.” The winery is indeed tiny, but the wines pack a tremendous punch and the staff has a well-earned reputation for being exceedingly knowledgeable and hospitable. That should come as no surprise, as Viento is owned by Hood River native and highly-respected winemaker Rich Cushman.
- Location: Hood River Fruit Loop
- Type of wines produced: Riesling, Pinot noir, and sparkling
- Offerings: Tastings and picnics (bring your own supplies) in a relaxed setting
- How to book a tasting: Reservations recommended; call (541) 386-3026
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We want to hear from you!
Have you been to any of the wineries on this list? Which is your favorite? Comment below and let us know!
Hood River is such a beautiful part of the country. I’ve actually tried to book a last minute trip there this month, but everything is pretty much booked up. When I do get a chance to get up there, I will make it a point to visit some of these wineries. I wasn’t aware that there were this many in the region. Thanks for the tips!