Wine Tasting Near Carlton, Oregon

Private, appointment-only tastings just 10 minutes west of downtown Carlton.

Looking for wine tasting near Carlton? Lonesome Rock Cellars offers private, owner-hosted tastings just outside Carlton in the northern Willamette Valley. Set in the Coast Range foothills, our estate provides a quieter, more personal alternative to traditional tasting rooms—while remaining just a short drive from downtown Carlton.

Just Beyond Carlton, A World Apart

Located 7 miles west of Carlton, Lonesome Rock is an easy 10-minute drive from the center of town. While close in distance, the setting feels entirely removed—surrounded by vineyard, forest, and open sky.

  • 10 minutes from downtown Carlton

  • Northern Willamette Valley location

  • Set at the edge of the Coast Range

  • Secluded, but easy to access

What to Expect During Your Tasting

A Private, Owner-Hosted Experience

Each tasting at Lonesome Rock is private and hosted by the owners at the vineyard, offering a level of attention and connection that is rarely found in traditional tasting rooms.

The Experience

Tastings are typically hosted on our veranda overlooking the Coast Range, where vineyard and forest stretch out beyond the glass. In colder or inclement weather, tastings may move indoors—though the views remain an integral part of the experience.

Each visit is seated and unhurried, allowing time to explore the wines, the vineyard, and the story behind them. The setting is quiet and personal, designed to feel immersive rather than transactional.

  • Private tasting reserved for your group

  • Five-wine curated flight

  • Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

  • Burgundy Aligoté tied to Danny’s first years in the wine industry

  • Relaxed, unhurried pacing

  • Vineyard views and Coast Range backdrop

  • By appointment only

The Wines

Estate Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

The tasting includes a curated flight of five wines—single-vineyard, estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—alongside an Aligoté we produce in Burgundy from the first vineyard we ever worked on, offering a meaningful connection between our origins and our estate today.

A Site That Shapes the Wine

With volcanic soils, coastal winds, and significant diurnal shifts, the high-elevation vineyard produces wines with structure, freshness, and a clear sense of place. The result is Pinot Noir with layered aromatics and Chardonnay with tension and mineral-driven length.

Why Choose Lonesome Rock

A Different Kind of Carlton Wine Tasting

Many wineries near Carlton offer walk-in tastings and can be busy, especially on weekends. Lonesome Rock offers a different approach—focused on privacy, pace, and a deeper connection to the wines.

Here, there are no crowds, no tasting bar lines, and no time pressure. Instead, each visit is intentionally limited, allowing for a more thoughtful and memorable experience.

Off the Beaten Path—In the Best Way

Just outside Carlton, our estate sits where the Willamette Valley begins to rise into the Coast Range. This unique location creates both a sense of seclusion and a distinct growing environment that shapes the wines.

Planning Your Visit

Reservations

All tastings are by appointment to ensure a private and personalized experience.

We welcome guests daily at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm.

Who It’s For

Lonesome Rock is best suited for:

  • Wine enthusiasts seeking site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with structure and precision, shaped by elevation, volcanic soils, and coastal influence

  • Guests seeking a quieter, more personal experience

  • Those looking for wine tasting near Carlton without the crowds

When to Visit

We host tastings throughout the year, with each season offering a different perspective on the vineyard and surrounding landscape.

The People & Place Behind Our Wine Tastings

Every tasting at Lonesome Rock Cellars is hosted by Danny and Susan Klieman, whose path to this vineyard was shaped by years of learning, including time spent working in the vineyards and cellars of Burgundy, France. They welcome guests with a thoughtful exploration of the their wines and land, sharing how this hillside became the place where their long search for just the right piece of vineyard land finally came to rest.

Guest Reflections on Our Wine Tasting Experience

Location & Arrival: Visiting Our Wine Tasting House In Carlton, OR

Approximate Driving Times to Lonesome Rock from Nearby Cities

Nearby Towns

Carlton - 10 minutes

Yamhill - 15 Minutes

McMinnville - 20 minutes

Newberg - 30 Minutes

Dundee - 30 Minutes

Regional Cities

Salem - 55 Minutes

Portland - 1 Hour 10 Minutes

Eugene - 2 Hours

Beyond the Valley

Cannon Beach - 1 Hour 50 Minutes

Bend - 3 Hours 25 Minutes

Seattle - 4 Hours 10 Minutes