It used to be that kids were welcomed just about anywhere in the valley, except bars that don't serve food; unfortunately, Covid-era policies have changed that a bit. Restaurants are still fam-friendly for the most part but check with wineries before heading out with the kiddos. Here are places that are particularly welcoming and appropriate places to bring the fam!
Amity
Cyler and Taralyn will make you feel right at home at their homestead winery and tasting room in the Eola Amity Hills AVA. They produce lovely small production wines and specialize in Riesling and sparkling varieties – we stock up on their 375ml bubbles that are perfect for easy summertime deck sippin’. One of our favorite hidden gem tasting rooms in the valley! Varnum is just up the hill from Brooks, making them a great combo when planning a day in the Amity area.
McMinnville
Elevated but still casual, the Red Hills team’s McMinnville outpost has become our favorite happy hour and brunch spot (the salmon bene is amazing). Their streetside patio is warm weather perfection. At the Atticus Hotel; open for dinner.
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
This gem of a gift shop in downtown Newberg carries a great selection of cards, local pottery, art, jewelry, and other gifts in a sweet little house at College + 2nd Street, just a couple blocks down from our Cottage and Bungalow.
Sherwood
About 15 minutes north of our homes in Newberg, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a close-by, calm oasis filled with birds and other wildlife. It’s a nice little spot to go for a nature walk and get some exercise and fresh air without the long drive. The walks are flat and easy to manage, with the entire perimeter trail open from May – October for the best viewing opportunities. No running, no dogs.
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 of $5 is suggested. No dogs or drones.
Dundee
This is the place you will wish you had one of back home. Casual, delicious breakfast and lunches with the wine country farm feel that we love most about this area. Also a great spot to grab provisions for a winery lunch: local cheeses, charcuterie, breads, desserts, wine, cider and beer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
McMinnville
Our favorite breakfast spot with a great location right on Third Street. Try the hash (and say yes when they ask if you’d like a mimosa).