Press Play Salem Tasting TeamGo for wine, stay for food and music because there is no shortage of it being offered at a number of West Salem wineries including…
Bethel Heights Vineyard
A family business in the truest sense, Bethel Heights has been growing grapes and crafting great wine in Salem since the earliest days of Willamette Valley wine. It was one of the first wineries I visited when I moved to Salem, and I recall how much I loved that chardonnay and view. Tastings are by appointment, and arrangements can be made for private, seated tastings as well. 6060 Bethel Heights Rd NW —Anne Lepour
Björnson Vineyard
With seasonal events and an easy-going tasting room atmosphere, Björnson is a beautiful place to spend a summer afternoon. Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re leashed, and you can bring in your own food to nibble during the tasting. With an exterior that looks more like a stately home than a tasting room, I’ve certainly enjoyed a lazy afternoon on the Björnson lawn. 3635 Bethel Heights Rd NW —Anne Lepour
Bryn Mawr Vineyards
Bryn Mawr’s new(ish) tasting room (completed in 2019), offers a gorgeous vantage point for admiring their stunning view while enjoying their wines. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the dependable mainstays, alongside less expected options like Tempranillo and Riesling. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended, and make sure to snag tickets for one of their popular Taco Tuesdays this summer. 5935 Bethel Heights Rd NW —Anne Lepour
Chemeketa Cellars
Supporting Chemeketa Community College’s Wine Studies program, sip and sample the award-winning student-grown, student-made wines with a beautiful view of its vineyard and the Valley. The tasting room is open 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, and a small selection of charcuterie boards are available for purchase. Plus, they host a variety of live music and other events — so worth the trek! 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW — Carlee Wright
Cristom Vineyards
A winery with solid Eola-Hills history, Cristom is a favorite of many Salem residents. Reservations are recommended, with different tasting options to choose from. Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor spaces, and guests can bring their own food as well. Using organic and biodynamic farming techniques, you can rest assured that Cristom takes its commitment to the earth as seriously as the beautiful wine they create. 6905 Spring Valley Rd NW —Anne Lepour
Cubanisimo Vineyards
Yoga & Wine, comedy shows, live music, paint and sip, Cubanisimo does events all year ‘round and not just on weekends. The tasting room is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but if you are looking for that night out experience, Saturdays are the highlight with live music and rotating food truck offerings. 1754 Best Road NW — Carlee Wright
Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard
The wine. The view. The music. Legacy Estate’s Summer Uncorked concert series has it all. Set amongst their hillside vines next to Legacy Lake, it is an idyllic, picturesque setting with truly breathtaking views. Bring your own chairs or blanket and grab yourself a spot on the lawn or make a VIP Pergola reservation to amp up your experience. The six-concert series begins June 30. Check out the lineup on their website. PS: Legacy Estate also features Wiking Trails – combining wine & hiking. Hello, Oregon! 1600 Oak Grove Road — Carlee Wright
Evesham Wood/Haden Fig
Winemaker Erin Nuccio heads up two labels: Evesham Wood and Haden Fig. Two wines with distinct histories, distinguished by the style in which they are made…Read our feature story here. 3795 Wallace Road NW — Anne Lepour
Hudak House
Hudak House hosts a Summervine concert series that has you nestled vine-side, under the trees. Leave the kids at home when visiting this 21 and older venue. Picnic table seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis so we recommend bringing your own lawn chair and/or blanket. And plan to grab a bite from the rotating food vendor as outside food is not permitted. We’re watching for the 2023 announcement, but you can anticipate concerts June through August. 5737 Orchard Heights Road NW — Carlee Wright
Redhawk Vineyard & Winery
If full-bodied reds and a lively atmosphere are your sweet spot, Redhawk is for you. You’ll be welcomed with a large selection of wine, including some varietals you may have never tried before, like Carmenere. Their summer concerts and events draw a loyal crowd, showcasing their convivial vibe and diverse range of wines. Stop by over Memorial Day weekend to kick off your summer. 2995 Michigan City Ln NW —Anne Lepour
West Hills Vineyards
This new tasting room features a small menu that compliments their array of wine offerings perfectly, plus you can take in live music on weekends. It’s open 12 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 4785 Salem Dallas Highway — Carlee Wright
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 16 (Spring/Summer 2023)
