Cellar Season In Mt. Hood Territory: Winter Wine Tasting Experiences

After the hustle and bustle of fall harvest and winter holidays, cellar season is a welcome respite for winemakers throughout Mt. Hood Territory. Tasting rooms are less crowded, and this slower pace provides winemakers more time to chat with visitors. Which is why winter is the perfect time to visit our wineries. The rainy winter days provide excellent opportunities to pair Oregon wine with this special season. But don't just take our word for it, here's what Jason Hanson, owner and winemaker at Hanson Vineyards has to say about the season.

Cellar season isn’t just about sipping incredible wines. It’s about the experience. In Mt. Hood Territory, winter wine tasting means:

• Smaller crowds, giving you more one-on-one time with winemakers.
• A chance to taste new releases and limited batches available only during the season.
• Warm, welcoming tasting rooms where you can escape the chill and discover bold reds and crisp whites.
• Pairing opportunities with local seasonal cuisine, from artisan cheeses to wood-fired pizzas.

If you’ve been searching for an authentic Oregon wine country adventure, winter wine tasting in Mt. Hood Territory is a perfect blend of relaxation, flavor and discovery.

During the winter cellar season, you’ll want to keep a few tips in mind:

• Book your tasting room reservation in advance. Visit the winery’s website for more information on policies and procedures.
• Call ahead to confirm hours. During winter, many wineries close for breaks or keep reduced tasting room hours. If you don’t make a reservation, call to confirm the hours.
• Take a taste of Oregon Wine Country home with you. Flying in from out of town? Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members may check up to one case of wine for free on any Alaska Airlines domestic flight from Oregon, Washington, Idaho or California.
• Make a weekend of it! Consider staying and enjoying the charm of Oregon Wine Country lodging.

Many visitors plan their winter wine tasting trip around long weekends, pairing the vineyard experience with local dining, boutique shopping and even snowy adventures on nearby Mt. Hood. Whether you’re an avid wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey, winter tastings create a slower-paced, more personal connection to Oregon’s wine country.

In Mt. Hood Territory, 15 of our wineries are open during cellar season (some of the best wineries in Oregon, if you ask us). View the Oregon wine map below and make sure to contact the winery ahead of visiting for current open hours.

When planning your winter wine tasting itinerary, you’ll find everything from small boutique operations to larger estate vineyards, all offering their own unique charm during the quieter months.

For your Winter Cellar Season getaway, find a cozy home base that balances historic charm with convenient access to the region's wineries. The Mountainview Suite at Whiskey Hill Store near Canby offers a unique, country-chic stay above a charming market and café, complete with picturesque views of the Cascade peaks. Traveling with a group? Consider Our Sweet Retreat in Wilsonville, a spacious, beautifully restored 1910 farmhouse and vacation rental ideal for hosting a larger party. Alternatively, the Prairie House Inn in Molalla provides a rustic, intimate inn experience with individually themed rooms and the added convenience of an on-site coffee shop, making it a perfectly situated and relaxing option for any traveler.