Visit-Worthy Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

An iconic American wine region only recently starting to find its footing in terms of hospitality, the Willamette Valley is a must-do trip for any wine lover.

It’s not hard to find a compelling reason to make your way to the Willamette Valley. There’s the bucolic setting that feels especially refreshing for jaded city-dwellers like myself, the convenient and scenic drive from the Portland airport, as well as restaurants that take full advantage of the bounty of Pacific Northwest produce. Oh, and wine — really good wine, especially if you’re fond of Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as plenty of crisp Pinot Gris. Read on for our recommendations on where to stay, eat, and visit while you’re in town.

Where to drink wine

Eyrie Vineyards

There wouldn’t really be a wine scene in Oregon if it weren’t for Eyrie, but second-generation winemaker and owner Jason Lett is too humble to say so. The winery’s tasting room in downtown McMinnville is a wonderful place to start your journey through Willamette — expect to enjoy a lot of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris (which Jason’s father, David Lett, is credited with pioneering growth of in the region) as well as Pinot Meunier, Trousseau, and Chardonnay.

Antica Terra

With a sleek, enchanting new tasting room in Amity (following the winery’s acquisition of Keeler Estate earlier this year), Antica Terra is a must-stop on your next visit to the Willamette Valley. Visitors can taste through offerings from both Antica Terra and its California sister winery Lillian; unlike most tasting rooms, you’ll also find bottles intended to spark conversation and curiosity from Champagne, Sardinia, and beyond, all selected by winemaker Maggie Harrison. Stay for the candlelit, multi-course lunch from chef Timothy Wastell, which might include smoked sablefish rillettes, rabbit liver paté, and decadent, ribbon-like wisps of cheese served via girolle, a classic cheese curler.

Big Table Farm

Big Table Farm’s cozy atelier-cum-tasting room is located in the heart of downtown Carlton and feels about as far removed from a stuffy, formal wine tasting experience as you can get. Owners Brian Marcy and Clare Carver are incredibly passionate about regenerative farming and being thoughtful stewards of their land, of which they own 70 acres in Gaston, Oregon; when you visit the atelier, you’ll have the chance to taste through the couple’s stellar Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, rosé, and more, as well as marvel at Carver’s beautiful, hand-drawn labels inspired by farm life.

Bergstrom

The Bergstrom family’s former residence in the Dundee Hills is now a charming, sun-filled tasting room that’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in trying some of Oregon’s best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Come for the panoramic views of the valley, and stay for a thoughtfully curated plate of small bites to enjoy alongside every sip, from burrata to gougers.

Where to eat

Hayward

Inside the Mac Market, a “collaborative and community-driven eating, drinking, and shopping place” in McMinnville, Hayward puts an Oregonian spin on farm-to-table in the best way possible. Unsurprisingly, the menu rotates on a seasonal basis, and chef Kari Kihara and her team know how to make every ingredient shine. On a recent visit, I was floored by the focaccia with koji butter, juicy chicken roulade with sweet peppers and tomato relish, and the miso-glazed black cod.

Okta

Easily the most decadent dining experience in Oregon wine country, Okta (inside the Tributary hotel) features a 10-course tasting menu from chef Matthew Lightner, formerly of New York City’s Atera. The menu shifts to highlight seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced from Okta Farm, a 70-acre property also owned by Tributary co-proprietors Katie Jackson and Shaun Kajiwara. Expect to find pickles and misos made by larder Larry Nguyen on your plate, as well as venison, sea urchin, and local fungi. There’s also a thoughtfully crafted, optional wine pairing curated by sommelier Ron Acierto, which features bottles from near and far.

Carlton Bakery

If you’re looking for a well-made sandwich and cup of coffee (perhaps before stopping into the Big Table Farm tasting room, located just around the corner), Carlton Bakery is a fantastic option. We highly recommend posting up on the backyard patio with a Yamhill mushroom sandwich and taking a breather from all the drinking you’ve probably been doing.

Taqueria Tulancingo

This McMinnville food truck is beloved by locals, and it’s easy to see why — there are plenty of shaded tables at which to enjoy a plateful of al pastor tacos, and the burrito portions are generous to the point of being almost daunting. If you need fuel for a long day of winery visits, Taqueria Tulancingo won’t disappoint.

Where to stay

Tributary

Despite being a Relais & Châteaux property, this unassuming, boutique hotel tucked away in downtown McMinnville is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. With just eight guest suites (all of which are named after different rivers across Oregon), Tributary feels like an ultra-luxe private guest house or even like staying at a good friend’s vacation home. The in-room breakfast is likely to be the most incredible hotel breakfast you’ve ever tried (trust us), and every detail is selected with care, from the ceramics you’ll use for your morning coffee to the paintings hanging above the fireplace. Stop by the hotel’s cellar bar for an immaculately made Martini before dinner, whether you’re splurging at Okta or not.

Allison Inn & Spa

You won’t find nearly as many resorts in Willamette as you would in Napa or Sonoma County, but the Allison Inn proves that sometimes just one great spot is sufficient. Book a massage on the property’s outdoor zen garden (available from June through September), or relax in private with up to six friends by booking the Sky Suite, which features an outdoor terrace and complimentary bubbly. Located in Newburg, the Allison Inn is a quick drive to multiple wineries, including Bergstrom and Big Table Farm.

Silo Suites Bed & Breakfast at Abbey Road Farm

Five suites in converted grain silos have views of grazing sheep and cows. The owners of this 82-acre working farm/B&B/tasting room scored big during the pandemic: They snatched up chef Will Preisch from Portland’s legendary (and now closed) Holdfast. Every day at Abbey Road Farm, Preisch prepares an unforgettable multi-course seasonal breakfast that starts with a pastry and ends with an entrée like chicken and waffles or pork belly hash. The on-site tasting room features wines from the farm’s own wine collective, including James Rahn Wine, Statera Cellars, and Fruit Day.

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