Oregon has six officially recognized appellations, or growing regions. As defined by federal law, each appellation is host to a unique set of growing conditions, which include soil quality and mineral content, and precipitation levels.

The largest appellation is the Willamette valley, a fertile river valley located on the northwest end of the state, and which is also home to two-thirds of Oregon's population. Wet and mild, with warm summer temperatures, varietals grown here include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling.

To the south is the Umpqua valley. With natural drainage and a warm climate, this appellation produces Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

Even further south is the Rogue valley. With a dry, warm climate, and plenty of elevation, Rogue varietals include Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer wines.

Within the Rogue valley is Oregon's newest appellation: the Applegate valley. Dry and warm, it is well suited for Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Along Oregon's northern border, to the east of the Willamette valley, are two appellations shared with neighboring Washington state: the Columbia and Walla Walla valleys. As these regions are very dry, they are well suited for growing heartier varietals such as Merlot, Semillon, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.