For those days when you haven't planned ahead, we've picked our favorite wineries and breweries that don't require an appointment for tasting. Check for exceptions/specific days in the notes.
Newberg
Delicious French-inspired options at approachable prices with warm, efficient hospitality. The wine by the glass list has lots of fun options at equally fun prices, so you can try a few new things. Our go-tos: the Fish & Chips, Crab Louie and whatever fresh fish Sean has on the menu that day. Lots of outdoor dining; open every day for lunch and dinner with brunch on the weekends.
Newberg
Artisan New York style pizza and salad bowls in a speakeasy-esque space tucked behind the shops on College Street. Takeout and delivery also available.
Newberg
Located near the northern end of Ribbon Ridge, this perfectly situated winery is producing elegant and beautiful Chardonnay and estate Pinot Noir. They have one of the best views in the valley, and a large picnic area where you can bring a meal, buy a bottle, relax and soak it all up.
Dundee
Tucked away up in the Dundee Hills, this is our favorite home goods, nursery and high-end gifting shop in the valley. Try the olive oil, and try your best to not buy every tea towel and beautiful handmade wood bowl in the shop.
Dundee
Pretty much every winery along the Dundee Hills’ Worden Hill Road is worth a visit – the views are stunning and the pinot pitch-perfect. Winderlea is one of our favorites, for the cozy and beautiful tasting room, upbeat crew, and fun food & wine events. Open during the week, appointments needed on the weekend, open until 6pm on Fridays in the summer. Estate vineyard wines are bio & organic starting in 2016.
Dundee
We consider Stoller a must-do when visiting the valley, for their deep local roots, the gorgeous wines, stunner of a tasting room and sweeping vineyard views. This is our favorite “wine country happy hour” spot, with a bottle of rosé and a nice lounge in the adirondacks while taking in the view.
Carlton
A newer winery making waves in Carlton with high-quality, low intervention Pinot and Chardonnay. We’re really excited about the grain elevator restoration project they have going on – it’s going to be amazing! In the meantime, they’re open on the weekends for tastings next door, or by appointment during the week.
Amity
If riesling is your thing, Brooks can’t be missed, but they have a full lineup of pinot noir and other whites, too. They also have a really fun tasting room team, a great food menu, a stunner of a view, and a constant calendar of events. It’s always a really fun time there, making it our go-to spot with guests. Dog-friendly outside. Estate wines are biodynamic.
Salem
Stunning views, friendly people, beautifully designed tasting room and of course, lovely wines. Their estate chardonnay is one of our favorites – whole cluster, mostly neutral oak, unfined. LIVE certified sustainable.
McMinnville
Winery in downtown McMinnville producing pinot gris, pinot noir, and a delicious rosé. It’s an especially good spot for enjoying the weather spring through fall on their beautiful patio. Open until 7pm on Friday and Saturday.
Newberg
If you’re a craft beer lover, this place can’t be missed. Wood-aged, wild yeast, farmhouse style beers made in an old wooden barn on a working family farm in Newberg. Tasting room open Friday through Sunday.