What sets the Willamette Valley apart from the many
other wine-producing regions of the world?
other wine-producing regions of the world?
Less than an hour's drive from the unique metropolis of Portland, evergreen forests give way to pastoral, scenic countryside and green rolling hills dotted with picturesque vineyards. Here a small-town charm prevails and "Farm to Table" is not a trendy fad but a way of life. Our pioneering Oregon winemakers set the bar high when they threw caution to the wind and planted vines of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and other wonderful varietals here in the early 1970s (against the advice of the experts!). Come discover the more than 250 wineries, all within 20 miles of each other, and understand why they chose to settle and grow here - you just might find yourself being called to do the same!
- Ready to start planning your Willamette Valley getaway? Whether you've booked your accommodations with us or are still deciding on the right home, the Lifestyle Properties' team of local experts are here to assist with personalized recommendations and advice for creating your perfect itinerary. Below are some of our favorite activities to experience in Oregon Wine Country.
- Let’s face it, most people come here to sip, swirl and savor the incredible wines our little valley has to offer. With the ever-increasing number of wineries spread throughout our beautiful countryside, figuring out which ones to go to and how to get from your vacation rental to each one can be a daunting task. Thankfully, Lifestyle Properties has the solution, our sister company - Pinot Car Wine Tours! Not only can their friendly and knowledgeable drivers guide you along the winding wine country roads, but their knowledgeable concierge team will also help you plan your experiences, make all the necessary reservations, and curate your best day amongst the vines. pinotcar.com
- Want a safe and dependable way to get to and from your dinner reservations? Since we are in a rural area, Uber, Lyft, or other taxi services are not reliable means of transportation here in Wine Country. However, Pinot Car also provides dinner shuttles from your vacation rental to restaurants within the Yamhill County area (Newberg, Dundee, Lafayette, Dayton, Carlton, Yamhill, and McMinnville) Thursday through Sunday, 5 pm - 10 pm. Contact our Lifestyle Properties or Pinot Car reservations team for details and to reserve a ride.
- Everyone knows that food and wine go hand-in-hand. With that being said, it should come as no surprise that Oregon Wine Country is home to countless restaurants that rival the most elusive hot spots of a big city. Nationally recognized, award-winning spots are around every corner and there's an eatery to match every occasion and outing. From casual markets to multi-course establishments, the options continually grow for quality food crafted from locally-produced ingredients. Wine Country Eateries
- Spend a day experiencing Historic Downtown McMinnville. The recently awarded "Best Mainstreet in Western America" by Sunset magazine is incredibly charming and has so much to offer - a dozen tasting rooms, six craft breweries, six fine dining options, numerous cafes and coffee shops, two chocolatiers, an organic grocery, and a bevy of fabulous boutiques and galleries. Seasonal events like the Thursday Farmers Market or the Saturday Art & Wine Walk make it easy to experience life as a local. visitmcminnville.com
- Ever wanted to take a horseback riding tour through a vineyard? Well, you are in luck! Locally-operated Equestrian Wine Tours takes you on a two-hour tour through the vineyards of the renowned Dundee Hills. Taste wine, enjoy a picnic lunch, and experience sustainable agriculture up close and firsthand. Leave your car behind and venture on an equine adventure!
- Oregon produces olive oil? The Oregon Olive Mill, located at the beautiful Red Ridge Farms and Durant Vineyards, is the only Olioteca in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can sample a variety of award-winning olive oils (Gold Medals at the New York International Olive Oil Competition) and vinegar while shopping in their fabulous gift shop brimming with culinary delights, body care products, and other gift wares. After checking out the lovely nursery, take a stroll along the one-mile nature trail past vineyards, the sheep pasture, an old-growth forest, lavender fields, and olive groves. And don’t forget to make a reservation for a tasting of their delicious wines as you gaze out on one of the most spectacular views in the valley.
- Nothing could be more special than floating above wine country in a hot air balloon. Vista Balloon Adventures has years of experience giving guests a bird’s eye view of the bountiful Willamette and Yamhill Valleys, the mighty Willamette River, and the majestic Cascade Mountain Range. Offering sunrise balloon rides, participants can relax and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Stand beneath the wings of the world’s largest wooden airplane. The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a world-class museum located in McMinnville. Home to Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose, this museum not only has an aircraft collection second only to the Smithsonian but a growing aerospace collection (complete with a Titan II rocket!), an IMAX Theater, AND an indoor waterpark! Visitors young and old are sure to be impressed by this expansive museum.
- When you're all “wined-out” and ready for some variety, go beer or whiskey tasting! Oregon is home to many great craft breweries and distilleries and we have some fantastic examples in our own backyard. Be it in a country barn, a downtown taproom, or a brewer’s garage, beer and whiskey are making their mark in wine country. Ask us for a list of these places or book a tour with Pinot Car and let us plan your day and drive you to these unique locations.
- With such scenic landscapes as inspiration, the Willamette Valley is home to a thriving art scene. Many talented painters, sculptors, and photographers have their creations displayed at one of the several art galleries here in the area. Art Elements in Newberg and Currents Gallery in McMinnville offer two impressive collections. You can even combine wine tasting and art at Trisaetum Winery - the only tasting room in the valley offering a beautiful collection of art made by their owner/winemaker, James Frey.
- Venture to the breathtaking Oregon Coast. A trip to Oregon is not complete without seeing the Pacific Ocean firsthand! The entire coastline of Oregon is publicly owned which preserves the natural beauty of its beaches, soaring cliffsides, ancient solidified lava flows, dark magical forests, and intriguing tidal pools. All Oregon beaches are dog-friendly, so bring your four-legged friend and spend the day exploring with the whole family. A little over an hour’s drive from wine country, come see for yourself ... there is no place in the world like the Oregon Coast. visittheoregoncoast.com
- Charming small towns to explore, hundreds of vineyards to admire, scenic drives to embark on, and an incredible bounty to experience. Come see for yourself why the locals beam with pride when declaring they're from the Willamette Valley.