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The Eola-Amity Hills AVA is a distinguished wine growing region located in Oregon's Willamore Valley. This American Viticultural Area (AVA) spans 37,900 acres and is renowned for its unique terroir that is particularly suited for growing Pinot noir grapes.
The region is bordered by the Amity Hills to the north and the Eola Hills to the south, thus giving it the name 'Eola-Amity Hills'. This AVA is influenced by a range of geographical factors that contribute to the character of its wines. The region is influenced by the cool winds that come from the Pacific Ocean through the Van Duzer Corridor, a gap in the coastal range, which brings cool afternoon breezes that help to moderate the vineyard temperatures during the warm summer months.
Slave soils derived from volcanic basalt from ancient lava flows dominate the hills and are supplemented with marine sedimentary rocks and alluvial deposits on the lower slopes. These well-drained, shallow and rocky soils force the vine roots to run deep in search of water and nutrients, enhancing the quality of the fruit.
The wine-making history of Eola-Amity Hills dates back to the early 19th century, when pioneers started planting grapes in the area. The region gained the official AVA status in 2006. Today, the Eola-Amity Hills is home to several acclaimed wineries that produce premium wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, and Riesling wines that often exhibit spicy, floral, and mineral-driven nuances. Its wines are often characterized for their firm structure, complex fruit flavors, and excellent ageability.