Food & wine travel, Oregon wine country lodging
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.
McMinnville
Just outside the front door of our Park House vacation home, McMinnville’s City Park is a real gem. There’s a giant wood play structure for the kiddos, the library right next door, an aquatic center, and a hidden lower park area with a creek, picnic tables, BBQ grills and trails. Continue up the other side of the hill for pickleball and tennis courts.
McMinnville
See the Spruce Goose and take a water slide out of a 747, all in one afternoon. The aviation museum is impressive even if you’re not a plane person, and the adjacent Wings & Waves Water Park is a hit with kids of all ages. Just a 5-minute drive from downtown McMinnville.
McMinnville
Focused on German and Czech-style lagers, with a straightforward taproom in McMinnville’s Granary District that’s easy to pair with dinner plans. One of Oregon’s only all-lager breweries, small and no-frills but the beer is excellent. A favorite among craft beer lovers who appreciate traditional styles done right.
McMinnville
Family-owned spot on Third Street serving recipes passed down through generations in the Fernandez family. The mole enchiladas and quesabirria are standouts, and the space itself is warm and personal, right down to the details on the walls. Prices are great, portions are generous and the margaritas are huge.
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
Having a beautiful nature walk within 15 minutes of downtown McMinnville is a gift, and Miller Woods is a total local treasure: 130 acres of woodlands, with a 3.7 loop hike (easy with small hills, and runnable), two ponds, picnic areas and wildlife viewing opportunities. Day use donation… [read more]
McMinnville
The perfect little independent bookstore with lots of local reads, especially food/drink related, and a mix of used/vintage finds within the stacks. Great for gifts and for the littles.
McMinnville
Open May – Oct on Thursdays, with local produce, meat, cheese, flowers and dry goods.