If there’s one place I can visit over and over again, it’s Oregon’s Willamette Valley Vineyards. It has it all: world-class wines, fragrant lavender fields, comfortable places to stay, and the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Plus, it’s just an hour from Portland International Airport (PDX), which means you can taste Pinot Noir as soon as you step off the plane.
Before you ask, it’s pronounced Will-AM-it, as in “It’s Willamette, dammit!” (As I learned from one of their hilarious travel ads a few years ago). When you confidently say this to a local and get a smile, you’ll thank me for it. Now let me take you on a tour of all the places we explored, tasted and tasted during our visit.
Where to stay
Let me start by saying that I love cozy bed and breakfasts and Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast Didn’t disappoint. This place is perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of Willamette Valley vineyards that will make you want to pinch yourself. With sweeping views of rolling vineyards, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
The room was charming and comfortable, but what about the breakfast? OMG, breakfast. Think locally sourced, seasonal ingredients paired with a touch of hospitality. It’s the perfect way to start each day exploring. I loved it so much I wanted to take home one of their coffee mugs as a souvenir.
Willamette Valley Vineyards + Winery Tours
One of the best parts of visiting a Willamette Valley vineyard is, of course, the wine. There are over 700 wineries in the Willamette Valley, so it’s definitely a place worth visiting multiple times. To help you get started, here are some of my favorite sites:
Lange Winery
Lange Winery A must-visit for Pinot Noir lovers. Their tasting room offers stunning views of the vineyards and, depending on the weather, sometimes even Mount Hood.
I recommend trying their Three Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and engaging in some wine chat with the knowledgeable staff. (Many thanks to my friend Christina go to foodieintroduced us to Lange and Argyle! )
Argyle Winery
Another site to add to your list is Argyle Winery Tasting Room. Argyle is famous for its sparkling wine and who doesn’t love sparkling wine? Their Brut Rosé is my favorite – it’s light, refreshing, and perfect for celebrating anything but being in wine country. If you want to try something unique, they also have sparkling Pinot Noir!
Archery Summit
Archery Summit is another winery whose pinot noir is as smooth as their gorgeous tasting room. Their charcuterie plates are a *chef’s kiss. *This is a great place to relax, take your time, have some good food and enjoy the scenery.
Eagle View Winery
eagle landscape It’s a bit of a detour, but wow, is it worth it? Their patio overlooks the vineyards and offers stunning views of Mount Hood. Their rich red wine is the kind you’ll want to linger on while watching the sun sink below the mountains.
Alolo Vineyards
exist Alolo VineyardsI felt like I had been transported from the vineyards of the Willamette Valley to Tuscany. The small-batch wines are excellent, and the Tuscan-style architecture of the tasting room makes it a destination in itself.
lavender farm
If you visit in the summer, you’re in for a treat—Willamette Valley Lavender Farm is in full bloom. Yes, they are just as amazing as they sound. Here are some to add to your must-see list:
Wayward Wind Lavender Farm
Wayward Wind is pure magic. Picture rows of fragrant lavender stretching across the fields to a small barn filled with homemade lavender goodies. You can take a little piece of the valley home with you by walking the fields, taking photos, and buying handmade lavender products.
Thistle Lavender Farm
For a more intimate experience, head to Thistle and Bloom. It’s quiet, charming and the hosts are very welcoming. They often host workshops, so keep an eye out for classes or yoga on site.
carriage house lavender
Carriage House Lavender, tucked away in Sherwood, is another gem. The owners are passionate about all things lavender, and you can even book a private experience to learn more about this fragrant plant.
Things to do besides wine
There’s more to the Willamette Valley than wine (and I wouldn’t blame you if that’s all you do). Here’s what else we managed to squeeze in:
Durant Vineyards and Olive Oil Farm
Durant at Red Ridge Farm More than just a vineyard, it’s an experience. In addition to their fantastic wines, they also have an on-site olive oil farm where you can taste their award-winning olive oil. Don’t miss the gorgeous gift shop. It’s filled with unique finds, from locally made salt to handmade pottery and everything to do with olive oil. Their lip balm is currently my favorite.
Silver Falls State Park Day Trip
We took a break from all the wine and food and took a day trip to Silver Falls State Park to enjoy some nature. The Ten Falls Trail is a must-do – it’s a gentle hike that takes you behind waterfalls (yes, behind them! ).
Overall, it took us four hours to hike to seven of the ten waterfalls. On the way back we stopped at Mount Angel for some authentic German food. Their sausage and pretzels are the perfect post-hiking treat.
coffee station
If you’re a coffee lover, you’re in luck. Drop by caravan coffee Try the hand-crafted coffee at Newberg (they even have lavender-themed lattes in the summer!), or stop by Chapter books and coffee Find a cozy place to sample and browse. Another great local spot we loved was Lyrics Cafe Enjoy a refreshing afternoon drink in cozy surroundings. These cafes are the perfect place for us to get our caffeine fix.
blue trout gallery
While walking through the town of Newburgh after a coffee, we stumbled upon Blue Trout Gallery. What a delightful discovery! This charming gallery showcases the colorful Pacific Northwest art created by Gary Buhler. Here you can lose track of time, chat with artists and immerse yourself in creativity. Whether you’re an art collector or art lover, Blue Trout Gallery is a must-visit.
Restaurants worth trying
You know we have to eat our way through the valley too, right? Here are some of my favorite spots:
Hongshan Market
Located in Dundee, Hongshan Market A great place to enjoy casual but delicious food. Their wood-fired pizza and sandwiches are great, and their relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to refuel between bites. Additionally, they offer a great selection of local produce, making it the perfect place to pick up picnic food when you visit the winery.
Good Company Cheese Bar and Bistro
In Newberg, Good Company Cheese Bar and Bistro It’s a paradise for cheese lovers. They offer an impressive cheese and charcuterie selection. Like Red Hills, it’s perfect for creating your own picnic site. (We had charcuterie at our lavender farm picnic.) Their menu also includes delicious cheese-based dishes, with a great wine list to pair them with. This is a comfortable place to relax and enjoy.
lemons and olives
This Mediterranean gem stole my heart. The Mediterranean Chinese Platter comes with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush and freshly baked pita bread, fresh and delicious. Their lavender mint lemonade is so refreshing. And chocolate hazelnut baklava? Don’t get me started…chef’s kiss!
cosina coffee shop
As we strolled through downtown Newburgh, we were drawn to the delicious food and inviting, modern decor. cosina coffee shop. The family-run restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine, such as delicious tamales and delicious grilled meats. The flavor is big and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal after a day of wine tasting or exploring the local shops.
final thoughts
The Willamette Valley truly has it all – beautiful scenery, incredible wine, fragrant lavender fields, and small-town charm that will make you want to stay forever. Whether you’re hiking behind waterfalls, sipping a glass of Pinot Noir, or strolling through a lavender farm, there’s something for you here. I can’t wait to go back! Interested in traveling with us next time? Please tell us in our survey here: Wine Retreat Survey.
