- Willamette Valley Travel Guide -
Driving through the countryside, it’s evident why the Willamette Valley is truly special. Evergreen forests give way to rolling hills dappled with quaint vineyards and craggy old oak trees. Charming towns are threaded throughout the winding roads, each bringing its own personality and energy to the region. The people are warm and friendly.
Life slows down out here.
The region is ever changing, just like the varietals that come out of the soil…and there is something new to be discovered almost daily. Don’t get us wrong, Oregon wine country is not Napa or Sonoma Valley and it’s not trying to be. There is a clear feeling that is authentically Oregon out here…unassuming yet approachable, rooted in the land, yet done with the highest of quality and intent in mind. Every time we stay at the Country House, we find it incredibly hard to leave and we feel others will feel the same way upon visiting.
Throughout the past several years we have compiled quite the list of our favorite things to experience, eat, drink and see while in the valley. Please refer to this ever changing guide as a highly curated sourcebook that values overall experience, good food/drink, design and unique treasures as you explore the Willamette Valley. Enjoy.
-Wineries-
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Résonance
CARLTON, OR
- Sense of Place. Views. Casual -
Located outside of Carlton on top of a hill surrounded by an ancient oak grove, this hidden gem is a must visit in our opinion and one of our favorites out of the wineries we have visited thus far. The wines are lovely and the charcuterie board is a perfect pairing. For the best experience, we recommend visiting when the weather is nice to fully enjoy the views on the expansive outdoor patio.
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Abbott Claim
CARLTON, OR
- Experiential. Elegant. Intimate -
Book this place if you want a special tasting experience you’ll remember forever. After lovely tour of the building, the tasting will finish in the artfully lit cellar, complete with elegant bites to accompany the wine.
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Winery Lane Collective
BEAVERTON, OR
- Charm. Sense of Place. Casual -
Heading down the long drive to the Collective, it’s obvious why this place is so special. It’s quintessential Oregon all wrapped in one. This laid back, yet elevated spot produces unique but lovely wines all within a stunning vineyard farm setting. The outdoor patio can’t be beat and the indoor lounge is equally as inviting. A top spot in our opinion.
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Antica Terra
AMITY, OR
- Architecture, Experiential, Sense of Place-
Those looking for a world class experience with wine, food, design, art and storytelling, Antica Terra is THE SPOT. Each tasting option is carefully curated and we recommend to look no further for those wanting a next level experience. Book it.
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Woodshed
DUNDEE, OR
- Architecture. Intimate. Boutique -
Located within a stones throw of the Country House, Woodshed is a must visit for anyone staying. Take a stroll up the road and experience some of the best wines from some of the oldest vines in the valley. The stunning vineyard views and striking architecture are an added bonus with this intimate tasting.
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Lenné
YAMHILL, OR
- Architecture. Views. Boutique. Casual -
This recently redesigned and re-opened boutique estate is a new favorite in our book. There is much to love about Lenné, including the stunning architecture, use of materials throughout, epic views, and beautiful wines.
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Four Graces
DUNDEE, OR
- Design. Elevated. Views -
Yep, it's right up the hill from Country House. This brand new tasting room adjacent to the Black Walnut Inn is next level. Beautiful design, lovely wines and the best views in town. TIP: Make a long afternoon of it and start at the Cellar at Black Walnut for drinks and snacks. End your adventure with a tasting and bites at Four Graces OR take it up a notch and book the elevated coursed dinner and wine pairing at Anthology.
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L'Angolo
NEWBERG, OR
- Architecture. Boutique. Casual -
Chill, laid back vibe, beautiful architecture and some of the best wines in the valley.
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Sequitur
NEWBERG, OR
- Architecture. Intimate. Unique -
For design enthusiasts! We recommend this special, intimate experience for those who love architecture, old buildings and unique wines. Make a request to tour the estate when booking, you won’t regret it.
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Furioso
DUNDEE, OR
- Architecture. Views. Casual -
Located right down the road from the house, this spot has some of the best views in town. We love that they offer pizza! This is a good choice all times of the year, but in our opinion Furioso has one of the best outdoor spots in the summer.
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Granville Wine Co.
DUNDEE, OR
- Quaint. Views. Sense of Place -
Perched on top of the Dundee Hills in a quaint little farmhouse, Granville is about as Oregon as it gets. The tasting here is casually laid back and intimate as the wine and the views take center stage here. This is the perfect place to spend a low key afternoon and we suggest coming when the weather is mild to sit on the outdoor patios and soak in the views!
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Rodeo Hills
DUNDEE, OR
- Architecture. Intimate. Boutique -
Another spot for you architecture lovers. Literally a minute up the road! This is an intimate boutique tasting room and the experience is a must in our opinion with it’s stunning design, unique wines and lush vineyard setting. TIP: Book “The Long Lunch” you won't regret it!
-Restaurants-
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Wooden Heart
DUNDEE, OR
- Wood-fired. Rustic. Casual -
When this place became a brick and mortar, we were elated. We have been longtime fans of their pizzas but the restaurant offers an expanded menu with seasonal items as well as their signature wood-fired dishes. The food is good here, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. TIP: The calamari is an absolute favorite!
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Grounded Table
MCMINNVILLE, OR
- Farm to Table. Boutique. Hyperlocal -
One of the best meals we have had in the area so far! Formally Humblespirit, but has gone through only a name change with the same team and menu behind this beautiful quaint restaurant. Everything we ate and drank here was stellar. TIP: If they are offering the Fried Chicken Dinner, get it!
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Pizza Capo
McMinnville, OR
- Casual. Bustling. Italian -
We keep coming back to this popular spot because it is so good! Wood-fired pizzas and Italian bites make for a tasty menu enjoyed by everyone. The cocktails here are also solid. TIP: This is a family friendly spot…also come early as it can get quite busy!
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Hayward
CARLTON, OR
- Seasonal. Boutique. Warm. -
James Beard nominated and for good reason! We tried Hayward back when it was in the Mac Market (also a must) but are excited to try out its new location in Carlton just up the road from the Country House! The ever changing seasonal menu leaves you curious for more and wanting to come back!
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Trellis
DUNDEE, OR
- Low Key. Casual. Quality -
This spot is one of our regular go-to’s for lunch. The food is consistently wonderful here and the drinks always match. Bonus, they also have a curated shoppable wine selection inside for convenience! TIP: Keep an eye out for their mobile pop-ups usually partnering with wineries throughout the valley. A perfect occasion to sip wine and try some of their special items!
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Loam
DAYTON, OR
- Forest to Table. Hearty. Casual -
The food coming out of this restaurant is top notch. Every meal we have had at LOAM has left us surprised, in the best way that such a gem can exist in the smallest of towns. Their brunch is outstanding here and 100% recommended!
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Red Hills Market
DUNDEE, OR
- Lively. Local. Casual -
Red Hills Market is an institution in the Willamette Valley and a must stop when staying at the Country House. The market, filled with local and artisan goods is perfect for grab-n-go fare, while the restaurant and newly built patios are perfect for any casual meal since Red Hills is open all day long! TIP: This place can get quite busy during the weekends and the summer so plan accordingly.
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The Cellar Bar
DUNDEE, OR
- Views. Snacks. Drinks -
A favorite (insider) spot when we are visiting. Just up the hill from the Country House is the most picture perfect spot for H/H or casual bites. The cocktails are lovely and the generous charcuterie board can’t be beat. TIP: Make a night of it and book an epic meal at Anthology next door at the Four Graces/Grange.
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Cypress
MCMINNVILLE, OR
- Boutique. Refreshing. Mediterranean -
Located in the ground floor of the Atticus Hotel, this shared plates Mediterranean spot is a frequent favorite of ours. The cocktails are light and refreshing and the food hits the spot. We love this spot for lunch.