Visiting Bethel Heights during Oregon Pinot Camp 2025 was an extraordinary experience—one that not only highlighted the exceptional wines being produced in the Eola-Amity Hills but also immersed us in the deep history and spirit that defines the estate.

Bethel Heights was founded in 1977 by twin brothers Ted and Terry Casteel, their wives Pat Dudley and Marilyn Webb, and Pat’s sister Barbara Dudley. At a time when very few were betting on Oregon to become a world-class wine region, the Bethel Heights founders saw the potential of the region’s soils and cool climate, planting their first vineyards on a ragged, volcanic hillside in the Eola Hills west of Salem. From these humble beginnings, Bethel Heights has played a crucial role in shaping Oregon’s modern wine identity, pioneering sustainable farming practices and producing site-expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that remain Oregon benchmarks.

The Casteel family’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship is legendary. Bethel Heights was one of the first vineyards in Oregon certified both Salmon Safe and LIVE, embracing organic and regenerative farming long before it was fashionable. This sense of responsibility echoes through the generations: Ben Casteel, current winemaker and son of founder Terry Casteel, crafts the estate’s wines with an uncompromising focus on balance, elegance, and transparent expression of site—qualities you can taste in every glass.

During Pinot Camp 2025, Bethel Heights presented a stellar select lineup of recent vintages, all poured alongside panoramic views of their original vineyard. Over the course of Oregon Pinot Camp, we got to sample many of Bethel Heights’ current vintages, all of which scored over 90 Points in Wine Spectator; 2022 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Justice Vineyard (92 points, $75), a wine of vivid red fruit and layered spice; the 2023 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Estate (91 points, $38), celebrated for its balance and drinkability; and the 2023 Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills (92 points, $36), which showed racy acidity and a core of mineral depth. Also featured was the 2022 Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills Casteel (92 points, $75), the flagship white, offering concentration and finesse. The 2022 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Lewman Vineyard (92 points, $75) and the 2021 Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills (91 points, $32) further demonstrated the estate’s consistent excellence.

Fans reveled in the rich character of the 2021 Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills Casteel (94 points, $75), as well as the 2022 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Casteel (93 points, $80). Single-vineyard wines like the 2021 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Justice Vineyard (92 points, $56) and 2022 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Aeolian (92 points, $50) reflected the diversity of the Eola-Amity Hills terroir. The estate’s flagship red, 2021 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Casteel (94 points, $75), was a standout, praised for its structure and longevity, echoing the acclaim it received in VinePair’s “Mount Rushmore of Oregon Pinot Noir” for being one of the defining wines of the region.

For a complete list of wines available, visit the Bethel Heights Store.

VinePair’s article celebrated Bethel Heights and especially its Casteel Pinot Noir, highlighting how the wine “brings together the musculature and vivacity of Eola-Amity fruit in a way that’s both powerful and elegant.” This recognition solidifies Bethel Heights’ role as a pillar of Oregon Pinot Noir. The Instagram community echoed the excitement, especially with posts capturing the serene beauty of Bethel Heights’ stone patios and endless vineyard vistas, perfectly matched by a glass of their class-leading Pinot Noir.

Bethel Heights remains a living testament to the vision of Oregon’s early wine pioneers. Visiting the estate during Oregon Pinot Camp 2025 was not just about tasting highly rated wines, but about stepping into a lineage of careful stewardship, thoughtful winemaking, and agricultural integrity—a true Oregon classic, both in the glass and in spirit.

Visiting Bethel Heights Winery

Tasting Room Hours

• Open daily: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Reservations: Recommended, but walk-ins are welcome
• Typical visit length: Tasting experiences last about 90 minutes

Location & Setting

• Address: 6060 Bethel Heights Road NW, Salem, Oregon 97304
• Nestled in the Eola-Amity Hills, about an hour from Portland, the winery offers scenic views, a modern tasting room, and outdoor patio seating overlooking 85 acres of estate vineyards.

Contact Information

• Phone number: 503-581-2262
• Email: wine@bethelheights.com

Additional Visitor Details

• Tasting fee: $25 per person (fee waived with bottle purchase)
• Children: Welcomed; include them in the reservation count
• Pets: Well-behaved pets are permitted
• Outside food: Allowed on the premises
• Groups: Parties larger than six should call or email to arrange reservations.

Atmosphere & Experience

• Relaxed hospitality with sweeping views of rolling hills and, on clear days, snow-capped mountains
• Family-friendly and accessible environment

For the best experience and to secure your desired time, it’s advisable to make a reservation, especially for groups. The tasting room staff are known for being knowledgeable and welcoming, ensuring a memorable visit to the heart of Oregon wine country.

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