Growing up in Oregon, specifically Willamette Valley wine country, I cannot help but feel extra blessed to have been born and raised in such a special place, it is truly magical. At nearly 150 miles long, the Willamette Valley is flanked by the beautiful Oregon Coast Range to the west and Cascades to the east. Stunning views abound from nearly every vantage point and it’s easily one of my favorite getaway destinations. Not only is Willamette Valley wine country Oregon’s oldest wine growing regions, the area boasts over 750 of the best Oregon wineries, world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a growing restaurant scene, and unforgettable views. Needless to say, you will want to make the most of your visit so I encourage you to use the below guide I’ve crafted for you. Whether it be a girls trip, relaxing weekend getaway, or couples escape, I’ve included everything from the best hotels and restaurants, to the areas top picks for wineries, all to help you plan your visit to Oregon wine country. This is the best guide to exploring Oregon wine country to create a memorable trip and experience. Cheers!

Local’s Guide to Exploring Oregon Wine Country

Right about now you might be asking yourself that with over 750 wineries gracing the hills of Oregon, how the heck will you be able to cover all that terrain and decide what wineries to visit? To begin, and simplify things, first decide what area of Willamette Valley wine country you want to focus your travels (I’ve divided them below!) then use my guide to explore my favorite wineries, restaurants and places to stay in each spot.

“Lower Willamette Valley” – This area includes the Southern Willamette Valley and is closest to the town of Eugene, Oregon. For a complete list of Southern Willamette Valley wineries, check out this website!

“Mid Willamette Valley” – This area includes the Eola Amity Hills and Van Duzer Corridor and is centrally located around Salem, Oregon.

“Upper Willamette Valley” – This area includes the towns of Dundee, Newberg, McMinnville and easily has the highest concentration of wineries and is the most visited area of Oregon wine country.

SIP

Lower Willamette Valley

Hayworth – One of the newest wineries to grace the lower Willamette Valley, Hayworth Estate Wines recently opened a tasting room in the town of Coburg which features a covered patio and fire pits. It’s cozy and enjoyable!

J. Scott Cellars – One of the best winemakers in Oregon, Jonathan Oberlander makes a wide variety of wines. Their Tasting Room on 5th is open almost daily, make sure to check their website for current open operating hours!

King Estate – This picturesque organic vineyard with a relaxed atmosphere is one of my favorite places to spend the afternoon. Specializing in world-class Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs, their wine list also includes some Bordeaux varietals and even Sparkling wine (my personal favorite!). Enjoy your tasting flight or wine by the glass while being educated by one of their wine professionals for a truly intimate and personalized experience.

Sarver – Specializing in small lot productions wines, Sarver has a view which cannot be beat. Feel free to bring your own picnic, buy a bottle and stay a while.

Silvan Ridge  – Known for their distinctive Willamette Valley Pinot noir and Pinot Gris, Silvan Ridge was originally established in 1979. From the moment you step in the door, you’ll be treated like family.

Mid Willamette Valley

Brooks Known for their Rieslings, Brooks also makes some amazing Pinots. Stop in here to have a wonderful lunch, while enjoying the view and some delicious wines.

Bjornson If you’ve never been to France, but want to have the closest experience to enjoying the vision of a French Chateau set along the countryside.. then Bjornson should be on your list of stops. Not to mention they have some of the most amazing Pinot noir. Totally drool worthy.

Grochau Cellars The Grochau Cellars tasting room is perched at the top of one of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA’s iconic hills and offers beautiful views cherry orchards and the peaks of the Coastal Mountain range, the wines are delicious and extremely food friendly.

Bryn Mawr One of my favorite wineries in the valley, they make some of the best Chardonnay I’ve had in Oregon. It’s a hands on family affair, which is noticed in every detail, including the quality of their wines.

Cristom With a winemaking philosophy geared towards respect for the land (they are LIVE certified), the four estate Pinot Noir vineyards (Eileen, Jessie, Louise and Marjorie, name for the owner’s family matriarchs) each possess natural variances in soil, elevation and exposition.

Varnum Vintners  Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, this boutique winery makes delicious, small production wines with a focus on quality and vintage. It’s a wonderful stop along the Eola-Amity route if you’re looking for sparkling or old vine Rieslings.

Bethel Heights tucked away in a peaceful, rolling landscape of rich farmland and open vistas, Bethel Heights offers delicious wines that express the unique character of our 40-year- old family estate vineyard.

Upper Willamette Valley

Alloro – A small, but gorgeous winery in the Chehalem AVA with beautiful elegant in-style Pinot noirs. Recently, they added a new Tasting House which offers epic views of the surrounding mountain range.

Antica Terra – Female winemaker, Maggie Harrison specializes in small-lot Chardonnay and Pinot noir. One of my very favorite places to visit, the wine is always a stunning reflection of the vintage.

Archery Summit – One of my favorite places to take a tour, as they have wine caves which lead back into the hillside…the wine is delicious as well!

Argyle Winery – Known for their exceptional sparkling wines, this is the best place to begin your day wine tasting, you’ll definitely want to call and reserve your spot ahead of time!

Anne Amie – Known for making delicious Pinot noirs, as well as hosting their yearly event Bubblesfest in February.

Bergstrom – Delicious Pinot noir and Chardonnay make this small tasting room stand out from the rest along the Ribbon Ridge area.

Beaux Frère – Amazing Pinot noir, several choices from their various vineyard sites create variance among the selections.

Dobbes Family Estate – Next to Arygle along the Dundee highway, Joe Dobbes makes incredible wines ranging from Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Chardonnay to heavier whites and reds including Viognier, Syrah and Malbec.

Domaine Drouhin – The Drouhin Family has been producing exceptional wines in Burgundy, France since 1880, and in the Dundee Hills of Oregon since 1987. This French Chateau-like tasting room is unbelievably beautiful, as is the wines.

Domaine Serene – Specializing in Pinot noir, this elegant, Mediterranean-style winery and tasting room offers scenic vineyard views and cellar tours. Make sure to call ahead and book your reservations!

Erath Winery – Erath is one of the pioneers of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country and the region’s leading producer of Pinot Noir. This is a great stop to learn the history of Oregon wine country

Eminent Domaine – A family run vineyard & tasting room in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Exceptional quality pinot noir and chardonnay, with beautiful views.

Evening Land – Their tasting room is downtown Dundee and walking distance from Argyle and Dobbes Family. Their wines are quite exceptional and it’s worth a quick stop!

Four Graces – The Four Graces is located in a small historic farmhouse in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Their sustainably farmed, well-tended vineyards produce elegant and delicious wines.

Furioso Vineyard – Explore the intersection of art, wine, and family. Specializing in single vineyard estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, Furioso Vineyards is comprised of two Willamette Valley sites representing two famed Oregon AVAs: the Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton. The wine is delicious – – as is the food cart Wooden Heart which is onsite and superb!

Stoller Family Estate – Stoller Family Estate is one of the most highly regarded vineyards and wineries in Oregon, and for good reason! Their wines are superb and every time you visit, you feel welcome.

Sokol Blosser – One of the oldest vineyards in Oregon – Sokol Blosser Winery has played a key role in developing and shaping the now prominent Oregon wine industry.

Soter – Open by advance appointment only, make sure you try the “Soter Pop”, the best sparkling rose of Pinot noir in the valley.

Patricia Green – With a focus on producing Pinot noirs that show the distinct characteristics of the sites and vintage within the context of the wines, you will leave this places with cases upon cases of wine. Guaranteed.

EAT

Upper Willamette Valley

The Painted Lady  – If you’re looking for a coursed dining experience, you must book an evening at The Painted Lady in Newberg, Oregon. This delightful restaurant boasts food and a experience worthy of a Michelin Star. Make sure to book your spot well in advance. Reservations open up 90 days in advance and are quickly sold out.

Red Hills Market – A great spot for breakfast or lunch, you can even call ahead and pick up picnics to go. Make sure you stop here at least once during your travels through the upper Willamette Valley wine country.

Wooden Heart – Want to experience one of the best meals in wine country? Then head to Furioso Vineyards and eat at Wooden Heart. This food cart cranks out the freshest, most delicious salads and wood-fired pizza, using locally sourced, quality ingredients. It’s truly one of a kind experience and seriously delicious.

Jory – A fine dining restaurant located inside the Allison Inn & Spa. It’s a delicious spot to stop for brunch, lunch or dinner and boasts gorgeous views.

The Newbergundian Restaurant – We kept trying to eat here – but the line was miles long and the wait forever. Finally, we had our chance one evening that we planned ahead and made reservations. It was delicious and lived up to all the hype!

Nick’s Italian – Located in McMinnville, this is one of my very favorite dinner spots in wine country. It’s rustic Italian and is absolutely delicious. Just wait, you’ll try this place once and be hooked.

La Rambla – Blending the freshness of the PNW and the flavors of Spain, La Rambla is one of our favorite cozy spots for dinner in McMinnville. Order the Paella, you will not be sorry!

Thistle – If you love farm-to-table, oysters and seasonal menus, then you must go to Thistle. Just be prepared, this restaurant is tiny and it might be good to call ahead of time for reservations. We’ve been several times and my favorite experience (and meal to-date!) was the ‘Chef’s Whim’. By selecting this option, the Chef will take you on his own journey, removing all decision making. The only catch is that the entire table must participate, and be comfortable with sharing. But I promise it will be one of the best meals!

Lower Willamette Valley

Bar Purlieu – Easily my favorite restaurant in town, this contemporary farm-to-table French bistro makes incredible food and delicious craft cocktails.

King Estate – Recently, King Estate reopened their onsite restaurant and I was overjoyed! Their farm-to-table, organic, estate-grown food paired with their world-class Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs is a must-have experience.

Marche – One of my top choices for dining out in Eugene, Marche has a cozy bar, wonderful staff and tasty food.

Sabai – This is a beautiful restaurant that serves authentic and fresh Thai food…some of the best I’ve ever had. Try the Avocado Curry, it’s yummy!

Beppe and Giannis – This cozy refined Italian restaurant serves handmade pasta and homemade deserts you’ll swoon over.

STAY

Being from this area, I am constantly asked which are the best hotels in Oregon wine country. In today’s post you’ll find the four of the best places to stay in Oregon wine country, from intimate bed and breakfasts, to small, modern boutique inn’s to undoubtedly luxury hotels. I’ve included general tips regarding the various rooms, views and even highlighted the top features of each location so you can easily decide. Cheers!

The Best Hotels in Oregon Wine Country!

THE DUNDEE HOTEL

With a stylish vibe and touches of luxury, The Dundee is the perfect place to unwind and explore Oregon’s world-class wine region. With 22 rooms in various designs, and layouts ranging from compact and chic, to roomy and luxe, The Dundee’s rooms feature local engaging art, curated furnishings, and custom headboards crafted from reclaimed oak staves from bygone wineries. During your stay you can count on comfy beds, luxurious linens, and walking proximity to some of the areas best wineries, including Argyle and Dobbes Family. You will love your stay at this hotel, I promise.

THE SETTING INN

THE ALLISON INN AND SPA

One if the best Willamette Valley hotels for a luxury getaway, The Allison Inn & Spa is tucked into 35 hillside acres and offers stunning views from above Newberg, Oregon and is an ideal spot. The rooms are cozy with fireplaces, down bedding, patios to enjoy the surrounding views, including some complete with soaking tubs. However the spa is what really makes this boutique hotel shine. There are twelve treatment rooms and the facility is a spacious 15,000 square feet. Amenities include a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and fitness room which are all available to guests of the hotel.

For your weekend at The Allison Inn & Spa check out the tasting rooms of Soter, Bergstrom and Argyle. You’ll be just minutes away from the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton and Chehalem Mountain AVAs, all the tastiest vineyards sites in the area. If you’re planning a Girls Trip to wine country, use this travel guide to Oregon’s Willamette Valley!

THE ATTICUS HOTEL

The Atticus Hotel located in McMinnville, Oregon is perfectly situated in upper Willamette Valley wine country for a weekend filled with wine tasting, but it also makes the perfect launching off point for day trips whether that be to the Oregon Coast, or to nearby Portland. It’s location is also perfect for strolling to dinner each evening, as it’s surrounded by amazing nearby restaurants. The Atticus is a newer 36-room boutique hotel and is absolutely stunning. It has a comfortable, luxurious vibe, sparing no small detail with every hallway featuring local artists and rich designs. The beds are super comfortable, and the room’s amenities spot on. The rooms are truly luxurious with king-sized beds, a fireplace, blackout curtains, and small thoughtful touches like a French press with locally roasted Flag and Wire coffee. Choose from an assortment of rooms including a spacious penthouse, pet-friendly suites, or the adorable bunkhouse. Most rooms even feature a temperature controlled wine fridge and all rooms include a Pendleton bathrobe to use during your stay. It’s the perfect destination hotel. Read all about our stay here!

A trip to the Willamette Valley wine region is a must for lovers of food, wine, nature, and views, I hope this post helps you make the most of your visit! If you’re planning to explore wine country for a girls trip – check out my blog post Girls Weekend in Oregon Wine Country! Happy exploring!

XO,

M

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