If there’s one place I could visit over and over again, it’s Oregon’s Willamette Valley vineyards. It has everything: world-class wine, fragrant lavender fields, cozy spots to stay, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Plus, it’s just an hour from Portland International Airport (PDX), which means you can hop off the plane and be sipping Pinot Noir in no time.
And before you ask—it’s pronounced Will-AM-it, as in “It’s Willamette, Dammit!” (As I learned through one of their comical travel ads years ago). You’ll thank me for this when you confidently say it to a local and get a smile in return. Now let me take you through all the places we explored, sipped, and savored during our visit.
Where To Stay
Let me start by saying I’m a sucker for a cozy B&B, and Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast did not disappoint. Perched on a hilltop, this place has the kind of sweeping views of Willamette Valley vineyards that make you want to pinch yourself. Rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see, and the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
The rooms were charming and comfortable, but the breakfasts? Oh my, the breakfasts. Think seasonal, locally sourced ingredients served with a side of warm hospitality. It was the perfect way to start each day of exploring. I loved it so much I head to take home one of their coffee mugs as a memento.
Willamette Valley Vineyards + Wineries to Visit
One of the best parts of visiting Willamette Valley vineyards is, of course, the wine. There are over 700 wineries in Willamette Valley, so it’s definitely a place worth visiting more than once. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite stops:
Lange Winery
Lange Winery is a must-visit for Pinot Noir lovers. Their tasting room has jaw-dropping views of the vineyards and you can sometimes even see Mount Hood depending on weather.
I recommend trying their Three Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, paired with a little wine chat from their knowledgeable staff. (Huge thank you to my friend, Christina of GoEpicurista, for introducing us to Lange and Argyle!)
Argyle Winery
Another stop to add to your list is the Argyle Winery tasting room. Argyle is known for their sparkling wines, and who doesn’t love bubbles? Their Brut Rosé was my favorite—it’s light, refreshing, and perfect for celebrating absolutely nothing except being in wine country. They also have a sparkling Pinot Noir if you’d like to try something unique!
Archery Summit
Archery Summit is another winery where the Pinot Noir was as smooth as their gorgeous tasting room. And their charcuterie plate is *chef’s kiss.* It’s a great place to relax, unrushed, and sip and take in the view.
Hawks View Winery
Hawks View was a bit of a detour, but wow, is it worth it. Their patio overlooks the vineyard with amazing views of Mt. Hood. And their bold red wines are the kind you want to linger over while watching the sun dip below the hills.
Alloro Vineyard
At Alloro Vineyard, I felt like I’d been transported from Willamette Valley vineyards to Tuscany. The small-batch wines are fantastic, and the Tuscan-inspired architecture of the tasting room makes it a destination in itself.
Lavender Farms
If you visit in summer, you’re in for a treat—Willamette Valley’s lavender farms are in full bloom. And, yes, they’re as magical as they sound. Here’s a few to add to your must-see list:
Wayward Winds Lavender Farm
Wayward Winds is pure magic. Picture rows of fragrant lavender stretching out across a field to a little barn full of homemade lavender goodies. You can wander the fields, snap photos, and shop for handmade lavender products to take a little piece of the valley home with you.
Thistle and Bloom Lavender Farm
For a more intimate experience, check out Thistle and Bloom. It’s peaceful, charming, and the owner is so welcoming. They often host workshops, so keep an eye out for classes or yoga in the fields.
Carriage House Lavender
Tucked away in Sherwood, Carriage House Lavender is another gem. The owners are passionate about all things lavender, and you can even book private experiences to learn more about this fragrant plant.
Things To Do Beyond Wine
There’s so much more to Willamette Valley than wine (though I wouldn’t blame you if that’s all you did). Here’s what else we managed to squeeze in:
Durant Vineyards and Olive Oil Farm
Durant at Red Ridge Farms is more than just a vineyard—it’s an experience. In addition to their fantastic wines, they have an on-site olive oil farm where you can sample their award-winning olive oils. And don’t miss the gorgeous gift shop. It’s packed with unique finds, from locally made salts to handcrafted pottery, and everything olive oil related. Their lip balm is currently my favorite.
Day Trip to Silver Falls State Park
We took a break from all the wine and food and headed out to Silver Falls State Park for a day trip to get a little nature fix. The Trail of Ten Falls is a must-do—it’s a moderate hike that takes you behind waterfalls (yes, behind them!).
Overall it took us four hours to hike to seven of the ten falls. On the way back, we stopped in Mt. Angel for some authentic German food. Their sausages and pretzels were the perfect post-hike treat.
Coffee Stops
If you’re a coffee lover, you’re in luck. Stop by Caravan Coffee in Newberg for an expertly crafted pour-over (they even have lavender themed lattes in summer!) or swing by Chapters Books and Coffee for a cozy spot to sip and browse. Another great local spot we loved was Lyrics Cafe for grabbing an afternoon pick-me-up in a cozy setting. These cafés were the perfect spot to get our caffeine fix.
Blue Trout Gallery
While walking through the town of Newberg after grabbing a coffee, we stumbled upon Blue Trout Gallery. It was such a delightful find! This charming gallery showcases colorful Pacific Northwestern art by Gary Buhler. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, chatting with an artist and soaking in the creativity. Whether you’re an art collector or just an enthusiast, Blue Trout Gallery is a must-visit.
Restaurants to Try
You know we had to eat our way through the valley too, right? Here are some of my favorite spots:
Red Hills Market
Located in Dundee, Red Hills Market is a go-to spot for a casual but delicious meal. Their wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches are amazing, and the relaxed vibe makes it a great place to refuel between tastings. Plus, they offer a fantastic selection of local products, making it an ideal spot to pick up picnic provisions for your winery visits.
Good Company Cheese Bar & Bistro
In Newberg, Good Company Cheese Bar & Bistro is a haven for cheese lovers. They offer an impressive selection of cheeses and charcuterie. And like Red Hills, it’s the perfect for creating your own picnic spread. (We got charcuterie to-go for our picnic on a lavender farm.) Their menu also features delicious cheese-centric dishes, and they have a great wine list to match. It’s a cozy spot to relax and indulge.
Lemon & Olive
This Mediterranean gem stole my heart. The Mediterranean mezzo platter with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, and fresh baked pita was fresh and delicious. And their lavender mint lemonade is so refreshing. And the chocolate hazelnut baklava? Don’t even get me started … chef’s kiss!
Kopitos Cocina
While walking in downtown Newberg, we were tempted by the delicious smelling food and inviting modern decor of Kopitos Cocina. The family-owned restaurant has authentic Mexican fare like savory tamales and delicious barbacoa. The flavors are big and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It’s the perfect place to grab a satisfying meal after a day of wine tasting or exploring the local shops.
Final Thoughts
Willamette Valley truly has it all—gorgeous scenery, incredible wine, fragrant lavender fields, and the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to stay forever. Whether you’re hiking behind waterfalls, savoring a glass of Pinot Noir, or wandering through a lavender farm, there’s something here for everyone. I already can’t wait to go back! Interested in traveling with us next time? Let us know in our survey here: Wine Retreat Survey.
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