The Willamette Valley’s 2024 wine grape harvest is yielding an exceptional vintage, according to the Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA). With mild temperatures, extended hang time, and balanced ripening, the vintage is set to produce vibrant, collectible wines—especially the region’s renowned Pinot Noir.
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“2024 has been an absolute dream for winemakers,” said Anna Matzinger, winemaker at Matzinger Davies Wine Company.
She described a season with daytime highs in the 70°F and sunny skies, allowing winemakers to make proactive decisions.
“This gift of time has allowed sugar accumulation and phenolic ripeness to proceed in tandem with cool temperatures, preserving bright acidity and helping to develop incredible flavors,” Matzinger said.
The cooler temperatures and slower sugar buildup extended hang time, crucial for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other popular Willamette Valley varietals. This results in perfectly ripe fruit, states a press release from WVWA, without the concern of high alcohol content or diminishing acidity.
Bryan Laing, winemaker at Newberg’s Hazelfern Cellars, noted that mid-September brought cooling to the region, with nighttime temperatures dipping into the 50s°F and daily highs reaching about 70°F.
“This balance has helped maintain acidity while allowing fruit flavors to mature beautifully,” Laing said.
While a brief spike in temperatures reached 100°F in early September, winemakers reported minimal impact, with the short heatwave giving grape sugars a slight lift without pushing the harvest prematurely. The return to cooler temperatures restored the vintage’s balanced character. By mid-October, most vineyards had finished harvest, with the focus now on guiding wines through fermentation.
James Cahill, winemaker at Dundee’s North Valley Vineyards and La Biblioteca, said the controlled harvest allowed winemakers to pick grapes gradually, ensuring optimal ripeness and acidity.
“This is a classic Willamette Valley vintage, one that collectors and wine lovers will want to secure for their cellars,” Cahill said.
The first wines from this vintage, including whites and Rosés, will be available in spring 2025, while the highly anticipated 2024 Pinot Noir will debut later in the year. As the new vintage ages, wine lovers can enjoy the recently released 2023 wines, which are already garnering praise for their fruit-forward character and accessibility.
For more on the 2024 harvest, wines, and local wineries, visit www.willamettewines.com
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