Food lovers rejoice! Oregon’s Willamette Valley allows foodies countless opportunities to fully immerse themselves in the rich culinary and wine offerings of the region for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Exploration
Morning: Arrival in Willamette Valley
Begin your gastronomic adventure in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. Arrive in Willamette Valley and check into any of the valley’s cozy and chic accommodations, such as The Atticus, conveniently located in McMinnville’s quaint downtown, or Bella Collina Bed & Breakfast, nestled in the heart of wine country. After settling in, get ready to start your culinary journey.
Afternoon:
Head to Red Hills Market in Dundee for a delightful lunch. This local favorite offers a farm-to-table menu featuring artisanal pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, and fresh salads made with locally sourced ingredients. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine to get a taste of what’s to come.
Evening:
Spend your evening at The Painted Lady in Newberg, a fine dining restaurant renowned for its innovative take on Northwest cuisine. Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu that showcases seasonal and local produce, expertly paired with some of the best wines from the region.
Day 2: Wine & Dine Adventures
Morning:
Start your day with a tasting at Brooks Wine in Amity. Known for its Biodynamic farming practices, Brooks specializes in exceptional Pinot Noir, Riesling, and aromatic white wines offered in flights, by the glass, or by the bottle. Also available are their private educational tours followed by a curated flight. The bountiful (and Intagrammable!) garden at Brooks is highlighted in the winery’s monthly food pairing menu with items available a la carte with all tasting experiences. Regardless of the experience you choose, enjoy the scenic views of the vineyard, learn about sustainable winemaking practice, and experience their award-winning hospitality.
Afternoon:
After your vineyard visit, make your way to Dundee Bistro for lunch. This bistro is celebrated for its gourmet pizzas, fresh pasta, and an extensive wine list featuring local vintages. Try their signature truffle pizza or a hearty bowl of pasta primavera, paired with a crisp Oregon Chardonnay.
Evening:
End your day with dinner at Hayward in McMinnville. This James Beard Awards finalist celebrates the Pacific Northwest with brilliance and elegance while simultaneously incorporating inspiringly fresh perspectives into each dish. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Day 3: Market Visits & Local Delicacies
Morning:
Kick off your day with breakfast at Crescent Café in McMinnville. This charming café is a local favorite and serves hearty and delicious breakfasts made from scratch. Indulge in their famous buttermilk pancakes or the savory biscuits and gravy, paired with locally roasted coffee.
Mid-Morning:
Offered Thursdays from May to October, visit the McMinnville Farmers Market to experience the local food culture. Browse through stalls filled with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, homemade jams, and baked goods. This is a great opportunity to meet local farmers and producers, and perhaps pick up some goodies to take home.
Afternoon:
Head to The Blue Goat in Amity for a rustic lunch. This farm-to-table restaurant and market focuses on wood-fired cooking and uses ingredients sourced from local farms. Try their wood-fired pizzas, hearty sandwiches, or the seasonal soup of the day, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
Evening:
Join an unforgettable fine dining experience at Joel Palmer House Restaurant in Dayton. Four generations of family have guided this highly acclaimed culinary fixture. Celebrating local, seasonal inspiration and freshly foraged ingredients, the culinary experts at Joel Palmer House blend tradition with innovation in their prix-fixe menu paired with exquisite, local wines.
Day 4: Brunch & Olive Oil Tasting
Morning:
Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Ruddick/Wood in downtown Newberg. This beloved tavern offers a menu of classic brunch dishes with a Pacific Northwest twist. Savor their biscuits & gravy made with local Oregon hazelnuts or theri lemon curd and ricotta french toast.
Afternoon:
Let’s start by saying the wine crafted at Durant Vineyards is incredible. To compliment the food-pairing ability of their beautiful wines, the team at Durant also manages an olive grove and offers guided olive oil tastings. The highlight is without doubt The Estate Educational Experience, which includes an educational tour of the olive grove and pressing facility alongside a flight of olive oils paired with the winery’s wines and assorted culinary pairings.
Evening:
The team at Loam Kitchen refuses to compromise on quality or hospitality. As a self-proclaimed “forest-to-table” restaurant, Loam offers creative and incredibly delicious dishes crafted with seasonal, local ingredients. The historic brick arches framing the bar set a rustic and cozy atmosphere for your final meal of the journey. Sit back. Sip on a beverage. Taste your way through a lovingly prepared meal. And reminisce on the highlights of your trip.
After a fulfilling culinary journey, it’s time to bid farewell to Willamette Valley. Pack your bags, filled with local goodies and wine, and take with you the unforgettable flavors and experiences of Oregon’s wine country.