Here's a curated list of where to eat, go wine tasting, shop and more in Oregon's wine country: our personal travel guide to the places we love most in Willamette Valley (including Newberg, Dundee, Carlton, McMinnville and Amity) and Portland metro areas.
There are over 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley, and which ones are the "best" is a highly personal thing. To help you narrow it down a bit, here are the places we frequent and why they made our list. (We've also added a few other types of spots with stellar wine options.)
Dundee
If you’re looking for something different, this is it! Artist Block is a modern gallery-meets-tasting room: fun, upscale, visually interesting, a little sexy and quite delicious. They have a very broad selection of wines and you can choose your own adventure; all of them feel a little outside the box and forward-thinking…. [read more]
Amity
What’s more exciting than a sparkling-only producer in the Willamette Valley? Corollary has top of the world views, the most gorgeous drive through Eola-Amity Hills AVA, lovely & knowledgeable hosting, and of course the wines – all stunning. From the brand new, modern tasting room you’ll get a full view of the 57 acres… [read more]
Carlton
The barrel room tasting experience here feels a bit like a dream… if, like me, your dreams are filled with wine caves, candlelight, caviar and elegantly complex Pinot Noir. During your visit, you’ll be greeted with champagne, given a tour of the gorgeous winery, and seated in their serenely beautiful barrel room… [read more]
Amity
In my opinion, no one in the Willamette Valley understands immersive hospitality better than Antica Terra. A visit here is an investment, but it’s transportive. We’ve tried all the experiences at their old winery in Dundee, and just recently enjoyed the Table in the Trees tasting at their stunning new property in Amity…. [read more]
Dundee
One of the newer estates in the area, and such a gem: a full-time chef, stunning tasting room, vineyard views from every position, and knowledgeable hospitality. Their Wine Pairing Experience provides a full lunch and is fabulous quality for the price – it’s honestly one of the best paired tastings in the valley. … [read more]
McMinnville
Our favorite pizza in McMinnville, but so much more than that. Insanely good arancini, seasonal veggie dishes from local farms, a lovely wine list and a beautiful and comfortable dining room with… [read more]
McMinnville
Holly is knowledgeable, kind, flexible and fun to be around, and her luxe new Expedition very comfortably seats six guests. You can check availability online (“Book Now” button, pick a tour option) and reach out to book; she can surprise you with an itinerary, or make appointments based upon your input – I’m happy to help with suggestions!
Dundee
While as impressive and upscale as his other projects, this newest venture from winemaker Jared Etzel feels much more personal. It’s a family collaboration with his wife Erica and brother-in-law Eugene Labunsky, and the tasting room reads more like a cozy modern home rather a commercial space…. [read more]
