McMinnville

Climate

Protected by the Coast Range to the west, McMinnville receives significantly less rainfall than northern Willamette Valley appellations and experiences warmer daytime temperatures with good diurnal cooling. The rain shadow effect creates one of the driest microclimates in the Willamette Valley, extending the growing season and allowing for fuller ripening.

Terroir

The McMinnville AVA sits on ancient marine sedimentary bedrock from the Miocene epoch, composed primarily of sandstone and siltstone formations that create well-draining soils with excellent water retention at depth. These sedimentary layers allow vine roots to penetrate deeply while the porous structure provides good drainage during Oregon's wet winters, with the marine origin contributing mineral complexity through fossilized shell fragments.

Typical Aromas