If you haven’t been to the Oregon wine country, I highly recommend it. Nestled in the heart of Oregon, stretching for 150 miles along the banks of the Willamette River, the Valley is a hidden gem. It is a wine and food lovers haven for those seeking a mix of farm to table cuisine, world-class pinot noir and chardonnay, and charming accommodations. In this post let’s Unearth the Best Places to Sip, Savor and Stay in the Willamette Valley.
This was our first visit, and we only had three days to explore the valley. We had to pick and choose. We loved the wines and definitely will return for another getaway.
The Best Places to Sip, Savor and Stay in the Willamette Valley
Where We Stayed
We were extremely grateful to have been hosted by the charming boutique hotel, the Atticus Hotel in downtown McMinnville. It was named by Trip Advisor as the #6 Hotel in America for 2023, and as USA Today’s Ten Best Winery Hotels in the nation. I can’t imagine staying anywhere else. The staff and service are impeccable with all the amenities you can imagine (they will fix you an expresso anytime day or night), and they treat their guests like royalty. If you book a stay at the Atticus between now and February 7 you can use the code CINDY20 for 20% off your stay!
The hotel is in an ideal location within walking distance of all of the restaurants, tasting lounges, and shopping that McMinnville has to offer. The hotel is not old but built to fit in with the older existing buildings in town. The lobby is beautifully decorated.
The staff and service are impeccable with all the amenities you can imagine (they will fix you an expresso anytime day or night).
Our beautiful suite “the Helen Hunt”.
One of my favorite features the eco friendly coffee bar. They offer high end local coffee that you can heat up instantly in the pot and prepare in a french press. They also offer complimentary water in these cool bootles that can be reused.
Our room had a charming balcony where you could enjoy a glass of wine (it was raining unfortunately). If you would like to bike around town they have you covered. It was raining while we were there so we will enjoy them on our next trip.
The Best Places to Sip, Savor and Stay in the Willamette Valley
Where We Tasted
Steve and I normally share a tasting and only do one tasting a day. Since our time was short we did two tastings (our max) per day.
DAY 1
We began our wine tasting adventure at the Carlton Winemakers Studio (as suggested by our kids and several others). I think the next time we return we would do the exact same thing. The studio is a winery collective where numerous winemakers craft premium Oregon wines in one shared space. Our host Nick George was extremely knowledgeable. This was my husband’s absolute favorite stop and we did join the wine club.
Our next stop was the super chic Flaneur Winery also in Carlton. The tasting room is a converted grain elevator which the owners have taken great pains to honor the original structure. It is a really fun place to visit with nice wines. By the way the little town of Carlton is quite charming.
DAY TWO
We started out day two at Domaine Drouhin. It is located on a beautiful hilltop with lovely views (it was raining the day we were there), pretty gardens, and the wines are wonderful. Their Dundee Hill Laurene was also in the Wine Spectator top 100 wines #16.
Our next stop was the gorgeous Resonance Winery. (owned by the famed Jadot family from France). I loved the design of this winery. It was built in harmony with the surrounding landscape and the views are absolutely incredible. Their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir was ranked 9th in Wine Spectator’s top 100 wines. This one is a must-visit if you love great design and wonderful Burgundian pinots.
DAY THREE
Our next stop was White Rose Vineyard . Steve is interested in the whole cluster fermentation process because the wines tend to be fresher and more aromatic. The winery is located on a beautiful hill with views and the architecture of the winery is quite interesting. There are no interior windows. It also houses an incredible espresso machine. You are served an espresso at the end of your tasting if you would like one. Our host was incredibly knowledgeable and informative.
Our final stop was at Soter Vineyards (another favorite). The winery was designed by esteemed architect Howard Backen of then Backen Gilliam Architects. This winery also is in harmony with the land. It mirrors the look of some of the barns in the area in a modern way. Our was extremely knowledgeable, and the wines were wonderful. You are met at the entrance with a glass of their sparkling wine.
The Best Places to Sip, Savor and Stay in the Willamette Valley
Where We Ate
LUNCHES
Cocina Pura Vida (highly recommend) delicious fresh latin american food in an unpretentious location. Apparently they were closed for a year and had just reopened the day we arrived. It was bustling with people as if it had never closed. If we had more time we would have eaten here again, It was that good.
Red Hills Market Dundee-charming market with delicious food and local goods
DINNERS
The first night we arrived we had a delicious dinner at Cypress in our hotel. Great design and the food was fresh and wonderful.
Steve was hungry the next day for breakfast so he enjoyed this fabulous parfait while I was working. We felt very lucky to have such great food right in our hotel.
The second night we had a delicious farm to table meal at Humble Spirit in downtown McMinnville (just a short walk from the Atticus Hotel. Every single item we ordered was superb. This may have been our favorite meal. I would highly recommend.
The last night we ate at Earth and Sea (a newish restaurant) recommended by several people in the quaint town of Carlton. I had one of the best bowls of cioppino I have ever enjoyed.
Best Places to Sip, Savor and Stay in the Willamette Valley
WHERE TO SHOP
I have to be honest. I did not do much shopping. Maria from the Atticus Hotel gave great suggestions. I popped in the boutiques below:
Mes Amies-I could have gotten into a lot of trouble here. They do have an online store.
Left by West-I would have loved to have spent more time here as well. Northwest style clothing and local goods.
La Bella Casa-this is a fun store filled with home items, a large selection of Ilse Jacobson and more
What To Wear
I overpacked because I was unsure of the weather. This is a very casual laid back area. Almost anything goes. It was very cold the week before our visit. The weather was actually in the low 50’s but it rained every day but one. We actually had a day and a half of travel going and coming. For the travel days I wore my comfortable Athleta headlands hybrid tight (on sale) and my Sanctuary tunic sweater with my trusty Gentle Souls emma booties. On the return trip I wore my Quinn cashmere hoodie and cashmere leggings (similar here). You can find my favorite CP Shades Lily Skirt here. You can check out my full list of options (in case you are planning a longer stay) in my post Four Chic Packing Hacks for a Five Day Oregon Wine Country Retreat.
It rained every day we were there but one. I wore a baseball cap or my black fedora most days.
SHOP MY LOOKS
Best Places to Sip, Savor and Stay in the Willamette Valley
There are many more charming boutiques, galleries, tasting rooms and unique shops that we did not have time to explore. We hope to do that on our next trip.
WINERIES THAT ARE ON OUR LIST FOR OUR NEXT VISIT
We hope to explore more of the dundee hills ava, and the eola-amity hills ava. We have Argyle Winery, Archery Summit, Domaine Serene, Bergstrom, Ken Wright Cellars, and more on our list for our return trip we hope to make in the fall.
Renowned for its picturesque vineyards, this region has become a mecca for food and wine enthusiasts. We loved the area, and can’t wait to get back. Thank you for reading Unearth the Best Places to Sip, Savor and Stay in the Willamette Valley. Please add your suggestions for our next visit in the comments.
REMEMBER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK A STAY AT THE ATTICUS HOTEL USE CODE CINDY20 FOR 20% OFF. I can’t imagine staying anywhere with better service or amenities and more convenient. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.
MORE READING:
Food and Wine Best Oregon Wineries to Visit
Wine Enthusiast Exploring the Willamette Valley through McMinnville
Wine Enthusiast 8 Must Visit Willamette Valley Wineries
Wine Spectator Willamette Valley Day 1
Wine Spectator Willamette Valley Day 2
Sunset Magazine’s Insider’s Guide to the Willamette Valley
Great post. My husband joined Drouhin several years ago,. They told him about their winery in France and he said we had planned a Burgandy river cruise and that we would spend a few days in Beaune. They arranged a tour in Beaune for us and we got to taste and tour their facilities. They have an extensive cave and tunnel system under the town that are centuries year old. During WWII they had to build false walls to hide the wine. The history was fascinating and the town is charming.
I’m thrilled you went to McMinnville. We had a vacation home there for a couple of years and it’s one of our very favorite places. So nice to see that you went to many of our favorite places and that you enjoyed them as we have. If you should go again, I would recommend Anne Aimee Vineyards. Thank you for taking us all along on your trip!
My husband grew up in the Willamette Valley, so I have visited often. Yes, it rains. A lot. The old joke is “Last year summer was beautiful. It was on a Tuesday.”
Hi Cindy,
It looks like you both had an enjoyable time.
You both make such a cute couple. I really like that you had time out together. Hopefully now that you have some help in your business it will give you more freedom.
The Willamette Valley is a very beautiful and fun place to visit, Loved seeing where you went for tasting and eating. The hotel looks quite charming. And loved all your outfits!
On your next trip to the PNW, you might try Walla Walla or Red Mountain for some wine tasting. Both have some beautiful wineries to experience . In Walla Walla, check out Abeja to stay at, It’s just the cutest! And they make good wine. https://www.abeja.net
Also, there is a great book series about Red Mountain by Boo Walker that you might enjoy. https://www.boowalker.com/book/red-mountain/.
Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. I’m glad you and Steve were finally able to make the trip. I’ve been in that area many years ago but know the names of many of the wineries, probably because I’m such a pinotphile. Your all-black outfit with animal print looks fantastic on you and is my fav of the clothing you took. Now I’m anxious for a roadtrip to get back to Willamette!
Being from an island state in Australia (Tasmania) that is highly regarded for its excellent wine trail, I was surprised to see tasting centres in town in your story. Here, all tastings (and food) are done in beautifully presented buildings within the winery land itself. It makes for the complete experience.
I see that you and Steve visited wineries as well though, and the architecture looked superb. Love your clothes too.
I’m no longer able to drink alcohol owing to a case of sepsis after a gallbladder op, some years ago and my husband stopped as well. One of the things we miss is touring the wine trails of our state – we thought we might try an alcohol-free tour one day and see what its like, as the food and views of every one of the vineyards is spectacular.
Cheers.
Hi Prue
We actually did not go to a single tasting room in town. We understand there are a couple of good ones though. The collective is a group of small winemakers that do not have wineries. We have a lot of downtown tasting rooms here in Paso as well but we really don’t frequent them much. I love the way many of the wineries mimic the landscape in that area. I am a big fan of structures that suit their environment. I know you have some wonderful wines in Australia. It is definitely on our bucket list!
What fun! You look adorable in your biking outfit! You sold us on the Willamette Valley.
Hi Susan
I think you will enjoy it! I don’t know why we waited so long to visit! We have more time now that Steve is retired and I am flexible with my work.
This brought back memories from my college days, but it has changed so much with the wine industry. The natural beauty always impresses me all over again after I have been away for awhile. Thanks for all the great travel information. Thanks for sharing your fun trip. Loved reading it!
Hi Pat
I had forgotten about your Oregon connection! I think you guys would enjoy the area!
Being from the PNW (Seattle), but now basking in the Arizona sun, I must say Washington & Oregon have some wonderful wineries. On your next trip North, try visiting the Tri-cities & Walla Walla areas of Washington. Go Spring, Summer or Fall and you will have much better weather.
Hi Judy
We knew the weather wasn’t going to be good, but we didn’t mind at all. It never rained hard enough to put a damper on things. We will definitely try out the Washington area one of these times!
Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the deets – many changes since we hung out there twenty years ago!
Hi Marci
I am sure!!
I love you ate in Dundee. One of my kids lives there. It’s a funny little town. Love the whole area which is about 25 minutes from us. McMinnville has an UFO festival each year lol.
Hi Jan
Dundee is funky isn’t it? Red Hills Market reminds me of a larger version of the Oakville Grocery in Napa. It is a fun area!
You were in my old neck of the woods! I lived in Dundee for 10 years. Absolutely loved it! I wasn’t very far from the area Hills Market – great place to eat and shop!
Hi Marcella
Big fan of the Red Hills Market is a gem!
OMG…I want to plan a trip today! I read all the menus of the restaurants and they all look amazing (Humble Spirit? YUMMMM)! Fun Fun Fun! What an inspiring wine vacation – no doubt your car has quite a few new additions to your cellar.
Any idea if the area is pet friendly?
Thanks for sharing your adventure
Did you spend the first travel evening in Shasta or Ashland?
Hi Dianne
Yes the Atticus is pet friendly. We didn’t see a lot of pets but we didn’t see a lot of people either due to the weather. I think they kept their pets home due to the weather!