Love France’s Wine Country? Try This Similar Spot in Oregon

Few places rival France's breathtaking wine country. For many travelers, it's the trip of a lifetime, promising languid afternoons strolling among grapevines, world-class dining, and the timeless allure of the French language — all set against a backdrop rich with history.

Still, a wine-tasting pilgrimage to a place like Burgundy is hardly a flight of fancy. By the time you factor in steep airfare, pricey accommodations, and the hours spent scouring the internet for deals, you might arrive needing a drink — just not the relaxing kind you imagined.

Luckily for Oregonians, the Willamette Valley offers a slice of that French charm without the hefty price tag. Make quaint Dundee your home base, and pour your energy into savoring the gorgeous vineyards right here in our own backyard. (There are more than 700 of them in the area!)

Okay, so Oregon can't quite compete with the Burgundy region's 2,000 years of winemaking. Still, the Willamette Valley has nurtured a proud viticultural tradition since the mid-1800s — impressive by the standards of America's youthful West Coast. And just as the area's first vintners did, today's summer travelers can't help but notice the striking resemblance between the two landscapes.

Beyond the acres of sun-kissed grapevines, both Burgundy and the Willamette Valley share a remarkably similar climate, with balanced patterns of sunshine and rain. This blend of fair and foul weather is key to producing the sweet-and-sour grapes necessary for fine bottles.

And here's a fact that will confound wine's elitists: Oregon's environment may even be better suited for wine-making than Burgundy! The Willamette Valley lies along the 45th parallel, widely considered the ideal latitude for winemaking. Burgundy? It's at the 47th.

Over the years, France's storied winemaking tradition has given rise to a sister industry of agritourism. With just a little online exploration, visitors can easily arrange tours of Burgundy's renowned wineries and witness firsthand the unique marriage of science and art behind some of the world's finest bottles.

Fortunately for those of us vacationing closer to home, the Willamette Valley is equally hospitable. Its wineries regularly welcome wine enthusiasts to step behind the curtain to explore the craft of winemaking up close. And for those eager to dive into the technical side of viticulture, there's a distinct advantage to learning in your native language. Though guided tours in English are almost always on offer, and I'd never minimize the vast knowledge of Burgundy's guides, some nuances inevitably get lost in translation.

Longing for the rolling vineyards of Burgundy but wary of the price tag? The Willamette Valley awaits. Book your charming home-away-from-home in the small town of Dundee and strike out for Oregon's sun-soaked vineyards. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich winemaking tradition and savor the indulgent flavors of some of the country's finest bottles — no passport or jet lag required. And if you're trying to figure out how to get started, visit our itinerary planner to map out the most incredible winery trip!