Open: Year-round
Oak Knoll Winery is built on the site of a dairy farm and incorporates some of the historic structures dating back to 1917. This former dairy is located in the pastoral farmlands of Washington County, eighteen miles west of Portland, Oregon, in an agriculturally zoned and protected area. The name Oak Knoll was previously used by one of the dairies on this site and refers to a hillside of oak trees located directly across from the winery's main entrance. Three brick grain silos still stand on the property, and the main wine cellar was once a milking parlor.
The Winery, Oak Knoll, is the oldest winery in Washington County, and first achieved notoriety for Pinot Noir when the 1980 Vintage-Select bottling won Best of Show and the Governor's Trophy at the 1983 Oregon State Fair wine competition. One of the judges at that event was famed California winemaker and consultant Andre Tschelistcheff. When he learned who made the Best of Show wine, he phoned Ron Vuylsteke and told him: "I have spent the past fifty years of my life searching for the world's finest Pinot Noirs, and yours is among the greatest I have ever tasted."
Pinot Noir is the major focus of red wine production at Oak Knoll. Having experienced some success with our Cabernet Sauvignon, we are now continuing with that, and exploring the diverse varietals of the Northwest region with a Barbera and Syrah, all from the Columbia Valley. This wine growing region is perfect for these warm weather varietals, with broad seasonal temperature changes and a scarcity of rain. This wine will only be available in the Tasting Room and at Festivals. Pinot Gris is now Oak Knoll's most popular dry white wine; its charming combination of attractive fruit character and crisp, refreshingly dry aftertaste is irresistible. Our Pinot Gris is a perfect companion to all types of seafood and Northwest cuisine.
Oak Knoll also produces a delightful, UnOaked Chardonnay; a slightly sweet, Spatlese-styled Riesling; and a native-American varietal, Niagara.Staying true to our origins, we make two very special dessert wines. Frambrosia, Oregon Raspberry Wine was first made in Oak Knoll Winery's early vintages. Today it continues to set the standard for super premium, non-grape wines in this country. The second generation also experiments with berry wines from the past, due to the request of many of our guests and the dedication of a second generation to honor the beginnings of Oak Knoll Winery.
