Willamette Valley, Oregon: A Journey Through Pinot Noir

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Advisor - Valerie Durham
Curated By

Valerie Durham

  • Food & Wine

  • Couples Travel

  • Oregon

  • Wineries

Green hills with rows of vines, a solitary tree, and white chairs on a lawn under a clear blue sky.
Curator’s statement

When my husband and I purchased our first bottle of wine at a restaurant, it was a simple and smooth pinot noir. That bottle sparked our love for pinots and led us to explore the rich flavors of Willamette Valley. Years later, when we planned our wine trip, it was easy to choose Willamette Valley due to the wonderful memories we've made tasting its wines. Willamette Valley boasts fresh, farm-to-table restaurants, a quaint town and local wine tastings either downtown or just a 10-minute drive away. Fly into Eugene and enjoy the scenic drive through charming farm towns. Reach out to me for booking and more trip details!

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Day 1: Willamette Valley wine adventure

A tunnel-like wine cave lined with barrels.

Fly into Eugene. Book a Turo rental car for a unique and exciting ride. There are so many cool cars to choose from!

Morning

Arrive in Eugene and pick up your rental car. If you're not too hungry, hit the road to McMinnville. It's a scenic two-hour drive, so sit back and enjoy the beautiful farm town landscapes.

Afternoon

Arrive in McMinnville. Head straight to lunch at Two Dogs Taphouse, where the beef is locally sourced and grass-fed.

Check into your hotel and then head straight to your first winery!

Archery Summit cave tour: Dive into the rich history and exquisite flavors of Willamette Valley wines.

Stoller Family Estate: Experience stunning views and exceptional wines at this renowned vineyard.

Evening

Dinner reservation at Humble Spirit: Enjoy a delightful meal at this local favorite, known for its fresh, farm-to-table dishes.

End your day at HiFi Wine Bar: Relax with a glass of wine and soak in the cozy, vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Exploring the Oregon Coast

A selfie of two people with trees in the background, overlooking water below.

Breakfast

Start your day with a healthy and delicious breakfast at Local Flow Health Bar. Enjoy fresh, nutritious options to fuel your adventures.

Morning

Begin your trip up the iconic 101. Enjoy the scenic drive from McMinnville to Tillamook.

Arrive at Cape Lookout State Park for a breathtaking hike. Choose a trail that suits your energy level and enjoy the stunning coastal views.

Afternoon

Head to Tillamook and decide between a cheese or ice cream tour. Both options offer a taste of local dairy delights.

Savor fresh oysters at Bay City Fish Peddler, a seafood lover's treat.

Evening

Return to McMinnville and relax before dinner.

Finish the day with a delightful dinner at La Rambla, a Spanish-inspired restaurant known for its tapas and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Wine tasting extravaganza

Two people sitting on Adirondack chairs holding wine glasses with a scenic landscape in the background.

Breakfast

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local café to prepare for a full day of wine tasting.

Morning / afternoon

Head to Domaine Drouhin: Enjoy a tour and tasting session at this beautiful estate, known for its exquisite pinot noir and chardonnay.

Right across the street is Domaine Serene. Explore their stunning vineyards and sample a selection of their award-winning wines. We also had a few snacks here to keep the pace!

You can always take a break for a leisurely lunch at a nearby café or bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the vineyards.

Continue your wine adventure at Domaine Roy & Fils. Experience their rich and complex wines, crafted with a focus on traditional techniques and sustainable practices. The views here are one of a kind.

Evening

Return to your accommodation to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Enjoy a fantastic dinner at Earth & Sea. Indulge in a menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients and pairs beautifully with the region's wines.

Need to know

Reach out to me for booking and more trip details!

Advisor - Valerie Durham

Travel Advisor

Valerie Durham

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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Oregon. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Girlfriends Getaway to Fredericksburg