Wineries
The Willamette Valley of Oregon is a world-renowned grape growing and wine producing region, best known for the red-wine variety Pinot Noir. This grape requires a cool climate to thrive and has found a perfect home here. The valley is designated as an American Viticulture Area (AVA), and since 2002 has been further divided into six more specific AVAs. In each of these, the climate, soil and location contribute to the distinct taste of the grapes and the wine produced from the harvests. Carlton is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Note, however, that a winery may be located in one AVA but source grapes from another. The total number of wineries in the Willamette Valley is more than 500.
FROM TIMBER TO TERROIR
Once a rough-and-tumble logging town, Carlton has been transformed and today is known as ‘Oregon’s Wine Country Capital.’ Indulge your love for wine at two dozen tasting rooms, featuring the finest Pinot Noir, plus other varieties. When it’s time for dinner, choose from fine dining; go casual with award-winning hamburgers; or enjoy tacos and beer at a popular tavern. Fresh made jams and savory condiments, cheeses and chocolates all can be found on Carlton’s Main Street. And you can walk to all of Carlton’s attractions from our convenient location in just minutes!
IN-TOWN CARLTON
Carlton is home to nearly two dozen tasting rooms, and many more wineries and tasting rooms are found in the surrounding countryside. All the tasting rooms listed below are located on or a block or two off of Main Street, except where noted. Scroll through the listings below to learn more.
A – L
Barking Frog Winery
Produces small lots of premium Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley; and Syrah, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington.
Big Table Farm
The farm and winery is named to show “a gracious and welcoming table for ourselves and friends.” The atelier, located in an historic feed store in downtown Carlton, is a place where the family works and shares their wine and is a working art studio as well.
Bull Run Distillery
A Portland-based distillery and new in Carlton, Bull Run crafts fine Oregon whiskey and other spirits.
Cana’s Feast
A small winery producing Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Vermouth and Bordeaux-style blends. Grapes are sourced from the Willamette Valley and from Washington. Two bocce ball courts are on the property, located just north of town and with a view of the coast range.
Carlo & Julian
An estate winery with a vineyard planted in 1991. Known for their “long- lived” Pinot Noir, the winery also produces Tempranillo, Albariño, Grenache Rosé, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Carlton Winemakers Studio
A cooperative winery where a number of winemakers craft premium Oregon wines in a shared space. The tasting room offers a revolving selection of wines crafted by studio winemakers. Located just north of town.
Cathedral Ridge Winery
The winery serves a selection of big, bold reds, signature blends and whites. Grapes are sourced from the Columbia Gorge and reflect the famed grape-growing regions of France, including Bordeaux and Burgundy.
Celestial Hill Vineyard & Winery
Pinot noir and chardonnay grapes are
hand-cultivated in the Coastal Range foothills of the Willamette Valley, producing estate wines in the
Burgundian style.
Craft Wine Co.
Home to Omero Cellars, Minimus Wines and Origin Wine Co., proud to “keep it real. Raw. Simple. Crafted. Fresh.”
Flâneur Wines
Sourced from estate vineyards in nearby Ribbon Ridge and Chehalem Mountain AVAs, Flâneur wines are produced in their downtown Carlton winery. Offering Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rosé. The tasting room is located in the historic grain elevator.
K & M Wines
A small-production winery specializing in wines which pair well with foods; wine flight includes a food pairing. Offering Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other Willamette Valley varietals.
Ken Wright Cellars
Produces vineyard-designate Pinot Noir, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Winemaker Ken Wright is one of Oregon’s most respected winemakers and helped establish the Willamette Valley and Carlton as premier locations for Pinot Noir production. The tasting room is located in the restored old train depot.
Lavinea
Livinea, which is Latin for ‘of the vine, or of the
vineyard,’ produces single vineyard wines which “express the unique voice” of
site.
M – Z
Marshall Davis Wines
A small, family-owned and operated vineyard and winery in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Founded in 2011 by three brothers. Specializing in small batch vineyard- designate wines.
Pike Road Wines
The Pike label focuses on quality Pinot Noir for under $20, and was created by Elk Cove Vineyards for that purpose. The wine is made from estate-grown grapes and a small amount of purchased fruit. The tasting room is located in an historic brick building that housed the town’s original bank.
Rocky Point Cellars
Specializing in single vineyard designated wines, Rocky Point produces Pinot Noir as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache.
Stone Griffon Vineyard
Produces bold estate Pinots and spicy Tempranillos, plus Syrahs and Merlots sourced from the Walla Walla Valley of Washington.
Tendril Wine Cellars
Known for its “five-course meal” Pinot Noir tastings, the label honors the grapevine of the plant. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon also produced. Located on Monroe Street, close to Main.
NORTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Below are a few wineries in the surrounding countryside or towns near Carlton.