Written by Monique Studak
Every year the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition Rodeo Uncorked! ® International Wine Competition spotlights a unique growing region to share with thousands of committeemen and millions of Show visitors. The 2026 Rodeo will focus on the wine industry in Oregon. Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s wine industry has been steadily building recognition, developing a reputation for quality, innovation and sustainability.
The story of Oregon wine is one of vision, perseverance and a little bit of rebellion. Their history dates to the 1840’s when settlers braved the Oregon Trail and the first recorded winery was Valley View Vineyards in the 1850’s located in the Rogue Valley. Oregon’s modern wine industry really began to take shape in the 1960s. A small group of pioneering winemakers, many trained in California, recognized the potential of cooler climates. They were drawn to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where the latitude and soils bore resemblance to France’s Pinot Noir homeland of Burgundy. Names like David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards, Dick Erath and David Adelsheim became synonymous with this movement, taking risks that ultimately put Oregon on the global wine map. In 1979 an Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir placed among the top 10 best Pinot Noirs in the Wine Olympics , a blind tasting sponsored by the French magazine Gault Millau. The achievement caught the attention of Burgundy producer Robert Drouhin, who later invested in Oregon. What followed was steady growth through the 1980s and 1990s, as more vineyards were planted, quality improved and the Willamette Valley became a household name for wine lovers.
Today, Oregon boasts over 1,100 wineries and 23 recognized AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Pinot Noir remains the state’s flagship grape, but Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and other varietals also thrive.
Like our own Texas industry, Oregon’s wine industry is as diverse as its landscapes, shaped by mountains, rivers and coastlines that create distinct growing conditions. Although roughly one third the size of Texas, Oregon has three times as many acres planted with vines. From north to south and east to west, the state offers an impressive mosaic of terroirs that produce wines of character and variety.
Starting on the western edge of the state lies the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s most famous wine region, stretching from Portland toward Eugene. Flanked by the Coast Range to the
west and the Cascade Mountains to the east, the valley enjoys a cool, maritime-influenced climate. This makes it ideal for Pinot Noir, which thrives in the long, mild growing season.
Further south, the climate is warmer and more varied in the Umpqua and Rogue Valleys. A mix of elevations and microclimates allows winemakers to experiment with a wide range of varietals—from aromatic whites like Viognier to bold reds such as Syrah, Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc. Southern Oregon is often described as a bridge between the cooler north and the warmer climates of California.
In the far north, Oregon shares part of the Columbia Valley with Washington state. Vineyards here sit in the rain shadow of the Cascades, meaning summers are hot and dry, while irrigation from the Columbia River helps sustain the vines. This region is well-suited to powerful reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as expressive white varietals like Riesling.
Often overlooked on Oregon’s eastern edge, along the border with Idaho, lies the Snake River Valley AVA. With high elevation vineyards and dramatic diurnal temperature shift, hot days are followed by cool nights. The result is wines with both richness and balance, often showcasing varietals such as Syrah, Riesling and Chardonnay.
From the cool coast-influenced valleys to the sun-drenched eastern highlands, Oregon’s geography ensures there is no single “Oregon wine,” but rather a spectrum of styles. For wine lovers, this diversity offers endless opportunities to explore and discover new favorites.
The pioneering spirit remains strong in the wine-growing community and their ongoing willingness to collaborate, experiment and show respect for the land continues to set them apart from the pack.