The Nested AVA within Willamette Valley, Oregon was effective February 7, 2005
Carlton, Oregon (February 5, 2025) — The Yamhill-Carlton AVA, a winegrowing region within Willamette Valley, Oregon known for marine sedimentary soils and outstanding Pinot Noir, celebrates 20 years as a recognized American Viticultural Area in 2025.
Yamhill-Carlton was one of six AVAs that applied for TTB approval in the early 2000s, after the Willamette Valley AVA was established in 1983. These six AVAs included Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, and Ribbon Ridge. Nestled against the Coast Range, Yamhill-Carlton is a horseshoe-shaped wine region north of McMinnville that encompasses the towns of Yamhill and Carlton.
While many of the nested AVAs in the Willamette Valley have sedimentary soils from the Missoula floods, Yamhill-Carlton is dominated by marine sedimentary soils, as the region is on an ancient seabed. These soils are well draining, promoting earlier cessation of vegetative growth and more complete ripening and tannin development at lower levels of acidity. The 45 million-year-old parent material is the oldest in the Willamette Valley. In addition, the Coast Range provides protection from the coldest winds from the Pacific, which makes Yamhill-Carlton a warmer region than much of the Willamette Valley, known for producing deep, rich Pinot Noir.
The first vines in the region were planted in 1974 by Elk Cove Vineyards, and other winegrowing pioneers followed, although at the time the region wasn’t known for quality. When the AVA was established in 2005, there were 26 vineyards and 650 acres of grapevines planted. Today, the 60,000-acre region has 127 vineyards with 2,850 acres under vine, all planted between 200 and 1,000 feet above sea level. Sixty wineries make wine in Yamhill-Carlton, with many more who produce Yamhill-Carlton wines from purchased fruit. In 2024, a Yamhill-Carlton wine was awarded “Best U.S. Wine” in Decanter Magazine.
The main varieties grown in Yamhill-Carlton are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the region grows small amounts of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Dolcetto, Tempranillo, and more. Dry, sweet, and sparkling wines are produced.
The Yamhill-Carlton AVA Winegrowers Association hosts an annual Spring Tasting each year to celebrate the region, and works together to promote the region, hosting educational events for member wineries. At this year’s Spring Tasting on May 3 at Abbey Road Farm, a commemorative timeline will educate guests about the region, and many wineries will be sharing wines from 2005 and 2015 to mark the decades as an AVA. These special pours include Et Fille’s 2005 Kalita Vineyard Pinot Noir, and the 2005 Roosevelt Pinot Noir from Elk Cove Vineyards.
The AVA Association was instrumental in creating the first high school viticulture program in the country at Yamhill-Carlton District High School, complete with a commercial vineyard and college-accredited coursework for students.
Main image is of Jay McDonald of EIEIO Wines on his tractor, 2000
