Oregon’s Willamette Valley features green, rolling hills covered with moss-draped trees, and a patchwork of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards. The region is home to 11 designated U.S. grape-growing regions, known as American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Stretching from Portland to Eugene, the valley is sometimes compared to Burgundy, France. 

Lately, parallels are drawn with another famous French wine region, Champagne. Bordered by the Pacific Coastal Range to the west, the Willamette Valley’s cool nights and warm summer days create the right conditions for wine with bright acidity, a key component of top-notch sparkling wines. All Champagne’s noble varieties are represented and thriving in the valley, including Pinot Meunier and Pinot Blanc, in addition to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Oregon's Willamette Valley Sparkling Wine Region

Sparkling wine production in Oregon has increased by 25 to 30 percent in the last four years, and more than 100 wineries produce sparkling wine in the state, according to Method Oregon. The non-profit organization founded by Oregon sparkling winemakers will host the second Method Oregon Grand Tasting Weekend in the Willamette Valley in July—an annual celebration of Oregon’s traditional method sparkling wine.