Next week we are heading to Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley. We will be gone a total of six days (driving). We have reservations for three nights at the beautiful Atticus hotel in downtown McMinnville. We are looking forward to scenic vineyards, delicious wines, charming boutiques, and the wonderful Atticus Hotel. In this blog post, I am sharing 4 chic packing hacks for a 5 day winter Oregon wine country retreat.
If we were flying we would fly into Portland and see the sites there, and perhaps visit Eugene. That is for another trip. The Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast is known for it’s Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the burgundy style. The 100-mile-long region between the Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range is prime Pinot Noir country. The area is also known for it’s charming inns, (if you like to hike) great trails, local farm to table fare featuring local ingredients, and the red hills market (have you been),
It is cellar season in the Wilamette Valley and the weather can be unpredictable, so I will be packing layers. There is a 50% chance of rain everyday. According to Margaret Waterbury from Travel Oregon, “Winter is one of the best times to visit Oregon’s wine country. After the final grape clusters are plucked from the vines, the whole tempo slows down. The days may be short and the rain may drizzle, but the gray months between the emptying of the last harvest bin and the first bud break offer a chance to experience another, more intimate side of the Willamette Valley”. It’s a great time to experience any wine region because the wineries & winemakers take this time of year to focus on more intimate and in depth experiences.
We do a lot of wine tasting in different wine areas. Every area (including Napa Valley) is casual. If you overdress you will look like a tourist. People escape to the wine country because they enjoy the laid back vibes of the tasting rooms and the culture of the area.
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I find if I keep a consistent color scheme I can get more bang for my buck when traveling. You can refer to my post Ten Chic Ways to Style Olive and Black, for my color palette. I will be packing several items from that post. I don’t have to be overly careful packing since we will have our car. However I am used to packing wisely so I will follow my usual formula (perhaps with a few tweeks since we are driving).
Everything I am bringing is in the olive black colorway. I can create multiple outfits with fewer items. I will be taking a couple pairs of pants and jeans, a couple maxi skirts, boots, sweaters, scarves and a few other accessories. I am not packing any shoes due to the prospect of rain. Here are my options on my rolling rack.
My 4 Chic Packing Hacks for a 5 day Winter Oregon Wine Country Retreat
Stick to a Common Color Palette
My color palette will be olive and black. I will have multiple options for multiple days.
Keep it Comfortable
It will be drizzling and the area is casual. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave the heels at home.
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Pack Layers
Oregon’s weather can be very unpredictable in the winter. Bring umbrellas, a rain coat, plenty of sweaters and jackets. The poncho below is sold out but you can find a few on Poshmark here, and on eBay here.
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Keep it Casual
We live in a very casual wine area. The easiest way to spot a tourist is someone overdressed for the area. I will be packing mostly jeans, pants, and a couple maxi skirts. I can dress them up with scarves and accessories.
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Here is my packing list. This could easily be adapted for a ten day stay as long as you keep a capsule with a congruent colorway.
We plan to visit Domaine Drouhin, Dundee Hills, Newberg and more. I will share all of the details including a review on the beautiful Atticus Hotel and all of our meanderings when I return.
Thank you for reading 4 Chic Packing Hacks for a 5 day Winter Oregon Wine Country Retreat. If you pack thoughtfully for a 5-day adventure in Oregon Wine Country, you’ll be well-prepared to savor the beauty of the region, indulge in exquisite wines, and create lasting memories. Cheers to a glass of wine by the fireplace at the Atticus and an unforgettable trip!
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EDITORS NOTE: Here is the link to my rolling rack
Cindy,
We stayed at the Atticus in October and it was wonderful. What fun you’ll have!
Hi Kate
We are headed there now, will arrive by noon. Looking forward to it!!
P.S Watch my post next week for a discount code!!
Cindy, enjoy your adventure! You age going to look fabulous, as always in this beautiful color scheme.
Hi Eliz
Thank you !!
Stop at Red Hills in Dundee for a great picnic lunch or a pizza by their outdoor fireplace, Wolves and People for a beer, and the restaurant at the Allison Inn and Spa just up the road in Newberg is also worth a visit.
Hi Edel
Oh boy you are reading my mind. I have both the Allison in and Red Hills on my list. Looks like I better add Wolves and People! Keep those ideas coming!!
I am a big fan of olive & black, so I loved your choices! Are you taking a raincoat? Living in the PNW, my search for the perfect casual, not too athletic, not too big cityish, raincoat is eternal 🙂 You always make the best fashion choices so I’d love to see what you come up with. Have a fantastic trip! It’s the perfect time of year for a getaway.
Hi Christine
Interesting question. I had a long lightweight travel raincoat that got lost in one of the moves. I guess I should replace it. I am taking a shorter, more casual one with a hood. I am also taking a puffer that is waterproof!! Since we have our car I am less limited. I don’t want to take a bunch of stuff I won’t need however.
Domaine Drouhin is one of my favorites! You’ll also want to visit Archery Summit in Dundee Hills and Tony Soter in Carlton. Both are fabulous!
Hi Janet
We are definitely going to Domaine Drouhin. Archery Summit and Tony Soter are also on our list. We usually only do one a day. We may have to change our plans on this trip. Do you think we need reservations this time of year? My husband wants to leave it open. I am more of a planner…
Hi Cindy,
I love Oregon and you will have so much fun, drizzle or not. I really like the outfits you’ve pulled together.
Have a relaxing and fun getaway.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
We are excited as we haven’t been in probably 20 years!!
Cindy,
Sounds like a lovely trip. We’ve always enjoyed that drive. Having lived in the PNW/Seattle area for 9 years my best advice is to take hooded jackets and vests. I swear we got off the plane in Seattle when we first moved from the Central Coast and a stranger told me “Never use an umbrella if you want to look like a local”. We never did! Hoods, scarfs, booties and you’re set. I know you’ll look fabulous no matter what you choose to wear. Have a wonderful adventure. Isn’t retirement awesome!
Hi Katie
That is so funny!! Another reader said exactly the same thing!!
Do u have the link to the silver pun that u used for your scarf. The link on this site didn’t go anywhere.
Hi Dana
I purchased it on eBay a few years ago. Here is a similar one https://rstyle.me/+zMPx6DuZdbxsq5YjBWjqeQ
Black and olive not my thing, same clothes in Navy and camel or grey and taupe would work for me though. And for 5 days – gloves definitely, a waterproof jacket/puffer and I’d only pack one pair of booties and one pair of waterproof loafers. (Maybe some duck boots stashed in the boot of the car for wet and slushy days.)
Hi Prue
All of my boots are waterproofed. Unfortunately I do not have any waterproof loafers. Hopefully, I will survive! I do have a waterproof puffer and gloves! Thanks for the tips!!
Cindy, it sounds like a fun trip. I will look forward to your travel post about McMinnville as it is an area we want to visit. From the looks of the packing list, it seems like a lot of clothes for 5 days. Please let us know what you end up wearing. Have fun!
Hi Karen
My packing list is larger because we are driving. If I were packing a carry on it would be much different!
Hi Cindy, We are booked at the Atticus for 4 nights in May… after reading your blog and so many comments we are even more excited about our trip!! I look forward to hearing more about yours!
Hi Tamara
I will report back week after next with all the deets. I will also link to information that I have received via the Spectator etc.
In the Pacific Northwest, nothing says tourist more than an umbrella! As much as it rains here, locals never use them. Tina’s is a wonderful, cozy restaurant in Dundee for lunch or dinner. Enjoy your trip! The scenery is beautiful and the wine delicious
Hi K
We will check out Tinas.
Since you’ll be in wine country Dundee, I would take a few minutes to visit Durant Olive Mill. Fun diversion.
Hi K
We may not make it this time but I will add it to the list. We are making our own olive oil this year so will not be in need of any for quite some time!
Aloha! I know that you will be the most stylish one in the tasting rooms. I was in that area many years ago and although I liked the Pinots, still favor good old CA, especially SLH. Go explore, sample and report what you and Steve (the big wine enthusiast) think. P.s. imagine packing for 4 months in all kind of weather. 🤪
Back in Hawaii eh? We really like the Oregon pinots will give you a full report!!
Great article, as usual but I could hardly wait to respond and ask you where your rolling rack was from and there the info was at the very end of the article. Thank you! Ordered and done! Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Susan
I always forget! Everytime I post that rolling rack people ask. It is a great one!
Hi Cindy!
I hope weather conditions are improved for your travel to Willamette Valley.
Your effort to stylishly layer will undoubtedly pay off.
Using what I already have, I am already planning for our trip to Whistler, BC in February.
You reaffirm and inspire as I lay my clothes out in my mind .
Have a safe and wonderful trip!
Salut!
Lynne
Your trip to Whistler sounds wonderful another area on our bucket list!!
Cindy, I hope you have a wonderful trip! My daughter went to college in McMinneville and we visited there at least a dozen times during that 4 year period. I highly recommend the Joel Palmer House for dinner. Although it has been a while, I expect the food, service and atmosphere are all still delicious, excellent and charming. https://www.joelpalmerhouse.com/ Our favorite wine, which we can also buy locally in the Bay Area in Northern California, is from Amity Vineyards in the Willamette Valley. You and your husband might enjoy the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinneville, which, among many other exhibits, houses Howard Hughes’ famous Spruce Goose, the largest wooden airplane ever built. https://www.evergreenmuseum.org/ Please note the museum’s website states it is currently closed due to extreme weather conditions. We did experience quite a lot of snow on one of our Winter trips there. I would be bringing warm sweaters, puffer coat, warm hat, mittens, scarf, and a pair of snow boots.
Love Oregon and the Wilamette Valley. We have been several times and it is always a pleasure. I live in Napa Valley and work in a winery. There is a definite outfit that many women wear when they come to “wine country,” especially in the summer: the flowing flowery dress, the giant hat, the towering espadrilles or heels. You are right. Anyone who overdresses is immediately labeled a tourist. If you show up at a winery with more casual clothing, you fit right in. Have fun and enjoy the wine!
I live in the Willamette Valley. You will have a wonderful time in McMinnville! I do hope you have reservations for a wine-paired dinner at Rosmarino Osterio in Newberg. Dario, the chef/owner/entertainer extraordinaire makes it quite a fun experience. Also, The Allison Inn (and their restaurant, Jory) in Newberg is exquisite. Our favorite winery in the area is Soter. They make terrific pinot noir, chardonnay, and bubbles. Have fun! I look forward to reading your post about the trip.
Hi Lori
Thank you so much for the suggestions. We are winging it a bit because we are not sure where we will be when. Steve and I cannot eat three big meals a day anymore (too much food!) I am hoping since it is midweek during a slow time we will work out. Do you have any suggestions for lunch?
We don’t often eat lunch there, but when we do it’s usually at The Allison Inn after visiting the spa. You can’t go wrong at Red Hills Market or, in McMinnville, Sage is a good soup and sandwich stop. We’ve also been known to nosh on a charcuterie tray offered at many of the wineries and call it lunch. 🙂
Your wardrobe as always is impeccable and so stylish! I wonder what you consider too dressy for the area, as you have dresses and skirts included? I see they are more on the casual side though. Would you elaborate a bit?
Hi Joanna
I would say you do not need to “dress up” for dinner meaning nothing too dressy with heels etc. Here women wear jeans, casual midi skirts with boots, casual dresses in the summer. I assume it is similar there. Whenever we are wine tasting and I see women dressed up in heels going out for the evening I know they are tourists!
My last trip to wine country was on a Harley, so I know I wasn’t overdressed. lol I’m due another trip but this time by car.
Dear Cindy,
What a lovely trip! My husband and I used to breed and show English Bulldogs, (Lakeview Bulldogs Santee, CA).We would travel to Oregon for dog shows and did many side trips to their lovely vineyards! (Wilamette Valley) I love their Pinots! We once did a vacation trip with our daughter to the Oregon Coast in June for the annual Kite Festival in Lincoln City. It was fabulous! Back when I was a travel agent my husband and I went to Portland for Valentine’s Day! Cold! Love all the clothes you picked for your trip. Enjoy your trip and be safe! Salute!
Hi Elsa
Thank you so much for sharing! I am bringing my cashmere gloves!!
As black isn’t my colour I would try this navy blue which seems difficult to find.
Thanks
Just visited that area
Ate at red hill market .. always good
Loved the Durant Vineyards. It’s on top of hill with mt hood visible above the fog line, cozy warm and friendly
All you’ll need in suitcase is warm layers with puffer and hat
Sounds like an amazing road trip! Enjoy!
Do you have a coat with a hood? It’s often windy here in the Pacific NW and umbrellas don’t work very well. Around here we say that we can spot a tourist because they are using an umbrella.
Looks like a wonderful place to visit! Enjoy your pinots!
Hi Cindy,
This looks and sounds like the perfect road trip for you both. You will stand out in the crowd with your unique way of always looking fabulous and beautiful yet in such a laid back way that only you can pull off with your pretty healthy hair.
I so look forward to seeing more photos of your adventure. The vineyards are beautiful. Everything is so lush and green.
Cindy, I have been following you for a while and recently signed up for your blog. Thank you for the inspiration on how to look amazing as we age. You’re amazing. Enjoy Oregon wine country. I live about 45 min from McMinnville and have stayed in the bunk room at the Atticus on a little girl’s weekend. You’ll love it! It’s walking distance to lots of cute shops and restaurants in darling downtown MAC as the locals call it. Domaine Drouhin is fabulous – I just took a bottle with me to So Cal for a work trip last weekend! I belong to Furioso in the Dundee Hills – if you have time, stop by. The wine is delicious and the tasting room is lovely. They usually have a food truck, serving flatbread pizzas, too. Not sure if it will be available this time of the year. Enjoy your time up here and thanks for sharing your capsule. I love your style.
Cheers!
Katie in Wilsonville (Anna from AZ is not wrong about Archery Summit’s tasting cellar – it’s really cool and their pinot is top notch)!
Cindy, are any of your boots waterproof? I don’t usually wear boots but considering getting a pair of booties for a fall trip to Europe where it often rains too.
Hi Mary Ellen
I waterproof all of my suede boots. All it takes is about once a year. I have used several different brands and they all seem to work. This article might help
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-waterproof-sprays-protectors.html
Sounds like quite the adventure as right now it’s 18 where my sister lives in OR. Many roads are temporarily closed. Maybe a pair of gloves would be helpful. Hope the weather improves for you by then.
Hi Leslie
Yes of course I should have put gloves on my list! It is supposed to be in the upper 40’s and 50’s there next week. A little chillier than here but not too much! It definitely gets colder at night!
olive and black are my colors and your palette as always is divine. now i just need to plan a trip!
Hi Nancy
I love olive and black. Yes how about a trip to CA to visit your old blogging pal!!
Love your rolling rack with multiple combinations possibilities! Enjoy your road trip!
Ann
Hi Ann
The rack is from Amazon. I will look for the link! Here you go https://amzn.to/48yUVFP
OMG sounds heavenly! Oregonian Pinots are delicious as are Pinot Gris – some of my favorites! Looking forward to your posts of where you go and which wineries/wines you love! One day we will have to enjoy a bottle of wine together
Have the best trip, thanks for the Postmark tip and cheers!
Hi Diane
We have never been which is hard to believe! Now that Steve is retired we are more flexible! Yes we do!!
So exciting!! You will be best dressed.
ha ha!!
Dear Cindy – Love the Black and Olive theme. They look perfect together. You can mix and match, while not overpacking!!! My husband and I were married at Archery Summit Winery in Dundee. A beautiful vineyard with caves and underground tasting room. Hope you can check it out. Lange is on the top of a mountain with beautiful views. One of Oregon’s long time vintners!
Cheers – Enjoy! 🥂🍷 Anna in Arizona (Former Oregon Girl)