Venture off the beaten path to the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s renowned grape-growing region, for beautiful countryside, a firsthand look at harvest, and some serious sipping.
Where to Stay
Old World Order: A-Tuscan Estate Bed and Breakfast. Housed on the historical Williams Estate, this beautiful white clapboard Colonial is filled with antiques and European art. Proprietors Jacques and Liz are happy to make suggestions for where to wine and dine. Don’t feel like going out? For a little extra, Chef Jacques will fix a private meal just for you! A recent menu included grilled romaine hearts with balsamic reduction, rack of lamb served with asparagus and broiled tomato Provençale, and opera cake for dessert. When you’re full (which you will be), retire to your luxe room or escape to the porch with an after-dinner glass of wine. Perfection! Rooms from $125 per night. 809 NE Evans Street, McMinnville; 800.441.2214; www.a-tuscanestate.com
Artful Decor: McMenamins Hotel. Built in 1905, the hotel was refurbished by the McMenamin brothers, known for turning old buildings into trendy hot spots, who added three bars, 45 charming guest rooms, and lots of humorous (and sometimes trippy) murals. Don’t miss drinks on the rooftop bar, with its 360-degree view of the lovely Willamette Valley. Rooms from $50 per night. 310 NE Evans Street, McMinnville; 888.472.8427; www.mcmenamins.com
Where to Eat
Garden Delight: Dundee Bistro. Local winemakers and wine drinkers congregate nightly on the patio of this boîte overlooking the Dundee Hills. Look for the tiny garden plot where Chef Jason Stoller-Smith grows fresh veggies and herbs. The menu is seasonal and super-fresh, and it changes daily, while the wine list literally comes from the Bistro’s backyard. 100-A SW Seventh Street, Dundee; 503.554.1650; www.dundeebistro.com
Family Style: Nick’s Italian Cafe.
Entering this restaurant, which was established in 1977 by Nick Peirano, is a bit like stepping back in time to a classy, understated Italian joint. The food will rock your world—Nick’s five-course fixed-price menu features his killer minestrone soup, fresh greens, delicate pastas, and meat from nearby Carlton Farms. The wine library is extensive and reflects Nick and his family’s long-standing friendship with Oregon’s best winemakers. 521 NE Third Street, McMinnville; 503.434.4471; www.nicksitaliancafe.com
Hangover Helper: The Crescent Café. For lunch or a toothsome breakfast to help cure that wine-induced headache, you can’t beat the Crescent. Their menu is solid and tasty—egg sandwiches, omelets, buttermilk pancakes, and homemade coffee cakes for breakfast (mimosas and never-ending cups of joe, too); sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch. The bonus? The food is local and organic, fresh from the farm. 526 NE Third Street, McMinnville; 503.435.2655
Where to Chill Out
Visitors come to the Willamette Valley for one thing: wine. And with good reason—the region is known for its hot days and cool nights, the perfect climate for pinot noir, an elegant, rich, and nuanced red wine. The Willamette Valley Wineries Association (www.willamettewines.com) has listings for over 200 wineries, a printable map, and information on tours, but here are a few worth stopping at.
Bethel Heights Vineyard: Started in 1977, this family-owned winery was one of the first to experiment with growing pinot noir grapes. The drive to the winery is magical and bucolic, but the views are even better. Sit on the deck, sip something lovely, and watch hummingbirds dart back and forth between abundant plants and flowers. 6060 Bethel Heights Road NW, Salem; 503.581.2262; www.bethelheights.com
Stoller Vineyards: Known for its remarkable views and lovely modern architecture, Stoller is a LEED-certified winery (that’s technical talk for being low-impact on the environment). Stoller accepts visitors by appointment only, ensuring that you’ll have personalized attention and a truly memorable experience. 15151 NE Stoller Road, Dayton; 503.612.2052; www.stollervineyards.com
R. Stuart & Co.: Located in downtown McMinnville, you won’t find vineyard views, but you will find unpretentious, food-friendly wines that are reasonably priced, too! 845 NE Fifth Street, McMinnville; 503.472.6990; www.rstuartandco.com
