Southern Willamette Valley Wine Country Visit!
December 28, 2020A few weeks ago we decided to create our own little wine country weekend tour in the Southern Willamette Valley Wine Country to visit a few old favorites we had not been to in months, plus stop into a new winery we’d never been to! Having lived in the upper Willamette Valley for the past three years, I had honestly forgotten how much delicious wine was only a stone’s throw from Eugene. Pair that with the most perfect December weather, great company and it was the best weekend in wine country! Below you’ll find the perfect weekend wine tasting itinerary if you’re a local, visiting from out of town, or even planning a little staycation in the area. Wherever you’re coming from, just make sure to plan ahead, as currently wineries in Oregon ask that you make reservations ahead of time due to Covid restrictions and limited space.
ARRIVE
If you’re coming from out of town, and looking for a place to stay, try to choose a centrally located hotel in downtown Eugene. A favorite of mine is the Inn at the 5th, a 4-star luxury boutique hotel featuring stylish, modern rooms and suites, Aveda bath amenities, walk- showers and Italian linens. Upgraded rooms and suites add balconies and fireplaces where you can sit and relax after a busy day, while some suites even offer separate living areas and whirlpool tubs. One thing is for sure, the Inn at the 5th knows that the difference is in the details and these little touches in the hotel room that make it stand above the rest. It’s the perfect destination or even “staycation” hotel! Read all about our stay here.
TASTE
Antiquum Farm
Our first stop on our list was a little place we’d heard wonderful things about from friends and even wine-industry co-workers called Antiquum Farm. When we arrived I felt as though we had just found paradise. Seriously. For all my wine-loving followers, put this place on your list of “must-visit” wineries.
Located just outside of Eugene, Oregon roughly about 15 miles to the west of town, it is a gorgeous drive. And I promise you, the minute you step out of your car and take a look around, you’ll immediately agree you’ve just stepped out of reality and perhaps into an alternate heavenly universe. I’m getting total chills just remembering the beauty, the sense of place, the absolute tranquility that envelops you….and that’s just the beginning of it! The entire experience was one-of-a-kind. Not only was the property tour informative, but the wines were incredibly delicious and our host warm, compassionate and engaging. I’ve visited a lot of wineries over the last several years, and nothing can quite compare to our time spent at Antiquum Farm. I seriously cannot wait to go back!
Hayworth Estate
The following day, we decided to begin our day at Hayworth Wine Bar in the little town of Coburg, Oregon. Located about 15 minutes north of Eugene, this new little wine bar has the best patio for sipping wine and relaxing (yes! even during the winter months!). Each seating area has it’s own fire pit to keep you warm and cozy while you enjoy either a tasting, glass of wine or purchase a bottle to enjoy. Wine not your thing? No worries! They even have a selection of locally crafted brews.
We had made reservations ahead of time for our visit, and opted to pre-order a cheese plate and a charcuterie plate to enjoy. A solid choice as both were packed with quality provisions.
J. Scott Cellars
The perfect place to end to our little wine country weekend tour in the Southern Willamette Valley Wine Country was at J. Scott Cellars on 5th. Located in downtown Eugene, right across from the 5th Street Public Market and Inn at the 5th, this urban winery has some of the best wines in town! We ended up purchasing a few glasses (one glass of Petite Sirah and one glass of Mouvèdre) to enjoy while we sat outside in their adirondack chairs, people watching, as the sun went down. J. Scott Cellars on 5th also offers flights, wines by the bottle and small bites for you to enjoy during your visit. Out of every wine they offer, I still have not been able to pin down my favorite – I seriously love them all! After a few glasses of delicious wine, we bought a bottle of their Pinot Noir and headed across the street for dinner at Marché, which is right next to the Inn at the 5th.
To note: We were happy we made reservations, as we wanted to sit outside on the patio. Currently, Marché has a fully tented and heated patio making it a Covid-friendly way to enjoy a delicious meal.
I hope you enjoyed this post about our Southern Willamette Valley Wine Country Visit! If you’re looking for more wineries to visit, check out my post on covering all the BEST wineries in the Willamette Valley!
Happy Tasting!
XO,
M
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