An Oregon wine tasting experience review of Evening Land Vineyards, exploring its Willamette Valley terroir, refined Pinot Noir, cozy Pacific Northwest tasting room experience, and what makes a visit here so memorable.
There’s a pure Pacific Northwest magic in Willamette Valley wine tasting, and a trip to Evening Land Vineyards is bound to make you a believer.
We recently visited Evening Land to check out its newly renovated tasting rooms and learn more about its newly-designed wine tasting experiences.
As we made our way into the rolling hillsides of the Eola-Amity Hills wine region, the misty late morning fog wrapped around us and the lush Oregon green of the surrounding forests seemed to glisten vividly in contrast to the cool grey skies.
We drove up a quiet gravel and dirt road and turned onto the entrance lined with towering old trees. The path eventually led us to two cabins and a main house, surrounded by gently sloping vines entering their winter slumber.
With each crunch of our boots toward the warmth of the cabins, it felt like we were walking up to meet old friends. And that’s what a tasting at Evening Land Vineyards feels like from beginning to end.
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About Evening Land Vineyards
Evening Land embodies the pioneering spirit and earthy energy of Oregon wines.
When the MacDonald family planted Seven Springs Vineyards in the Willamette Valley’s Eola-Amity Hills AVA in 1980, it was only one of a few dozen vineyards in the state. Since then, Oregon wines have gained world-class recognition, and the number of wineries has grown to more than 800.
All of the wines at Evening Land are estate-grown from the Seven Springs vineyards. The vines are hugged by forests brimming with wildlife, flora and fauna, and there’s even a lovely waterfall on the property. The symbiotic relationship between the vineyards and the surrounding natural landscape helps shape wines that are beautiful expressions of this special area of the Pacific Northwest.
Wine tasting experience
Evening Land accepts walk-ins who want to enjoy a glass or a bottle of wine in the outdoor picnic area. But for the full Estate Tasting experience, you’ll need to make a reservation.
Tastings by appointment-only are available Thursday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The cost is $40 per person, and includes six tastings. One tasting fee is waived for every four bottles purchased.
During our visit, Tasting Room Sales Associate Brandon Correa and Hospitality Manager Claire Rose Sexton took us through the Evening Land Estate Tasting in one of the two main tasting cabins.
Each cabin is small and cozy, with comfortable seating around a tasting table. The cabin we were in had a wood-burning stove that kept us warm. And of course, so did the wine.
Brandon greeted us with a glass of the 2018 Blanc de Noirs ($65). Such a lovely salmon color, playful effervescence, lively acidity and soft strawberry notes.
Evening Land Vineyards Red Wines
Then we moved on to the main tasting, which started with three red wines: a Gamay Noir and two Pinot Noir wines.
We started with the 2022 Seven Springs Gamay Noir ($45). Alain and I both love a good Gamay. The Evening Land Gamay Noir has the tell-tale luscious cherry and slightly tart cranberry flavors common to this varietal. But we both found it to be fuller than typical Gamay wines, with almost grippy tannins.
If you like more structured Gamays, chances are you’ll like this one. But if you are expecting the bright acidity and fruit-forwardness of a nouveau Beaujolais, for example, this wine may surprise you.
Then we moved on to the 2022 Seven Springs Pinot Noir ($45). This is your “drink now,” super approachable Pinot Noir of the bunch. With classic traits of the region’s terroir, it’s got big, juicy red fruit flavors and aromas. And the acidity in this wine is poppin’. Grab a bottle for your holiday celebrations or game night with friends.
We finished our tastings of the red wines with the 2023 La Source Pinot Noir ($80). The La Source wines are made from some of the vineyard’s highest-quality fruit. And Alain and I both fell in love with this wine.
It’s like an elegant ruby red ball gown that winks at you with a citrus-berry Jolly Rancher candy playfulness. I know that description sounds odd, but trust me: there are two dichotomies of aromas and flavors in this wine that somehow are woven together so that each sip is both sassy and sophisticated. This wine was my fave!
Evening Land Vineyards White Wines
After the reds, we moved onto three white wines: a Pinot Noir Blanc, and two Chardonnays.
We started with the 2024 La Forét Pinot Noir Blanc ($35). This is a lovely soft expression of Oregon white Pinot Noir. It’s full of zest and subtle almond and honey flavors.
Then we moved on to the Chardonnays, starting with the 2023 Seven Springs Chardonnay ($40). Citrus aromas and flavors are punctuated by the crisp acidity in this Chardonnay. It drinks beautifully right now.
Finally, the 2023 La Source Chardonnay ($80) was a fave of our white wine tastings. It’s crisp and smooth, with notes of lemon and white blossom. It drinks beautifully now, but also has fantastic structure, so it can be cellared for several years.
Marlynn’s Tip
What is white Pinot Noir?
If you’ve never had a white Pinot Noir before, it’s when red Pinot Noir grapes are pressed immediately after picking to release the juice. The lack of skin contact time results in a Pinot Noir that is white instead of the traditional red.
Other Evening Land wines to try
If you get the chance, I also highly recommend Evening Land’s Chenin Blanc. Evening Land is one of the few wineries to make a Chenin Blanc in the Willamette Valley, and theirs is my favorite. It’s full of luscious tropical fruit, has zippy acidity, and features a lovely long finish. You can buy the 2023 Seven Springs Chenin Blanc online for $35/bottle.
Their Clair de Lune wine is a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Chenin Blanc. Made in a style that echoes the blends of the Loire Valley, this one is a lovely mix of bright and fresh, smooth and finessed. You can find the 2024 Clair de Lune online for $55/bottle.
Wine tasting FAQs
Yes! Evening Land allows leashed dogs. Please give them a heads up when making your appointment if you plan to bring your dog, so they can properly prepare and make the experience enjoyable for both humans and pups.
Yes! Evening Land offers hot cocoa, and they do not charge for minors. When making your reservation, please let them know if minors will be a part of your party, so they can make sure they have proper spaces and seating available for everyone’s comfort. The picnic tables overlooking the vineyard are a great place for kids to play during the spring and summer months!
No matter what time of year you go, you’ll most likely want to wear comfortable shoes that can handle uneven terrain. During colder months, wear layers and bring a jacket, as you might get chilly. We found the cabin with the fireplace at Evening Land quite warm and cozy, but layers are always a good idea in the Pacific Northwest.
Yes, you are always welcome to bring a picnic with you to Evening Land. They have everything else on-site to make your lunch enjoyable, including plates, napkins, and silverware.
The tasting cabins each accommodate up to 6 people. For groups of more than 6, they have the outdoor areas and the Deck at La Foret available. Contact their hospitality team in advance to inquire about availability.
Visit Evening Land Vineyards
Alain and I both highly recommend booking a reservation for a tasting at Evening Land Vineyards. They are also planning for a potential waterfall hike experience at Seven Springs Vineyard in the future for the warmer summer months. Stay tuned!
4180 Lone Star Road
NW Salem, OR 97304
503-305-3310
For more information or to book a wine tasting, visit the Evening Land Vineyards website.
If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
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