Willamette Valley, the heart of Oregon wine country, is quickly growing in popularity. Take the advice of a local and follow this wine weekend itinerary focusing on which wineries to visit, top restaurants, and what order to do it all in!
The secret of Oregon wine country is out and quickly gaining popularity. Travelers that view Napa as snobby or are tired of paying high prices for crowded tastings flock to Oregon.
Willamette Valley wineries offer tastings that are very affordable. Typically $20-$50 for a flight. Tasting rooms are intimate and the scenery is lush and green with spectacular views (you might even see a snow-capped Mt. Hood or Mt. Jefferson on a clear day).
A trip to Oregon wine country is a must for lovers of food, wine, nature, and views. With over 500 wineries, world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a growing restaurant scene, unforgettable views, and a charming historic downtown district, you'll have a trip for the books!
Discover how to plan your time, which wineries to visit, and the top restaurants in my Willamette Valley wine weekend itinerary!
SKIP TO
This map shows everything listed in this Oregon wine country weekend itinerary. Click the top left button (in the blue bar) to see a list view of each pinned location or the top right button to enlarge the map.
- Blue - Day 1
- Red - Day 2
Day 1 in Oregon wine country
Start your day in McMinnville, the largest town in the Willamette Valley wine region and my hometown!
Coffee
Jump-start your morning with a latte from my favorite coffee shop in Willamette Valley, Flag & Wire Coffee Co. This place rocks and I make a point to go here every single day I'm in town. It’s located in the newly revamped Grainery District in McMinnville and has been open since 2015.
The coffee is perfectly prepared and the latte art is on point, even with alternative milks. Go simple with a cold brew or americano to taste the quality of their beans.
Brunch
There are several wonderful brunch spots on 3rd Street in downtown McMinnville. 3rd Street is the main street lined with trees, shops, and restaurants.
Community Plate is always filled with locals and prides itself on using local ingredients and serves pastries (including gluten-free) baked fresh each morning. The hazelnut granola is so good here I buy several bags to take home with me.
Bistro Maison is a great option if you want wonderfully prepared French cuisine in a quaint atmosphere. If the weather is nice sit on the patio and be sure to order the quiche. Some of the best quiche I've had outside of France! The owners and servers stand out with their attention to detail and friendly personalities. Bistro Maison is wonderful for dinner as well!
If you're in a hurry to arrive at your first winery, grab some baked goods to-go from Red Fox Bakery. Be sure to go early because they are very popular and sell out fast.
Willamette Valley Wineries to visit: day 1
WillaKenzie Estate: the rosé is one of my favorites! The spacious patio, beautiful views and grounds, and friendly service make this the perfect place to start your day of wine tastings.
- Hours: daily 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Cost: tastings are $40+
Soter Vineyards: my favorite tasting experiences and without a doubt one of the best wineries in Willamette Valley! Tastings are private/semi-private depending on your group size and reservations are required. Go all out and book the $125 Provisions Tasting which pairs a seasonal menu with your wine. The food portions are more than enough to replace lunch.
*reservations fill up quickly at Soter
- Hours: daily 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Cost: $45+ per guest, which includes a non-refundable $10 booking fee. The remaining $35 tasting fee is waived with the purchase of a bottle of equal or greater value.
White Rose Estate: I discovered White Rose Estate on my last visit to Oregon and it exceeded all expectations. The estate is truly unique...not only in views (some of the best panoramic views of the valley)...but also in the main tasting cabin.
The tasting building is a small wooden cabin that fits perfectly with the surrounding forest scenery. The interior is dark and intimate. Reminiscent of a wine cave or private wine cellar. The Pinot's are outstanding and the espresso to finish off your tasting is a nice touch.
- Hours: daily 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Cost: tastings are $30
If you want to add one or two more tastings, Domaine Drouhin and Domaine Serene are 14 minutes away.
Domaine Drouhin: the Drouhin family has over a century of history in the Burgundy region and opened their Oregon location in the 80’s. “French Soul, Oregon Soil” is their motto for their Oregon estate. Domaine Drouhin offers a large patio and newly remodeled tasting room.
- Hours: daily 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Cost: tastings are $30
Domaine Serene: this is a complete change of pace from most tastings in the Willamette Valley wine region. The estate is large, posh, and designed to look like a Tuscan Villa. Domaine Serene recently won #2 Chardonnay in the world by Wine Enthusiast.
- Hours: daily 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
- Cost: basic tastings are $40+
Dinner: head back to downtown McMinnville for several solid dinner options on 3rd Street. See my list of the best restaurants in Willamette Valley for more details and choices.
La Rambla: Spanish tapas and good cocktails with a lively atmosphere. Try the chili shrimp, roasted cauliflower gratin, piquillo peppers, and lamb nachos!
Thistle: farm-to-Table restaurant that was named Restaurant of the Year by the Oregonian. All ingredients are sourced from local farmers and ranchers within 20 miles of McMinnville. The atmosphere is dimly lit and cozy.
Capo Pizza: many would argue this beats the pizza they had in Italy. Arrive early, they open at 4:00 pm, or be prepared for a wait.
Bistro Maison: if you didn't visit this French bistro for brunch earlier, then I highly recommend you visit for dinner. The salmon and mussels are my favorite.
Serendipity Ice Cream: visit this supposedly haunted shop for Oregon-made ice cream. Mix the espresso and salted caramel flavors to make a milkshake or try a scoop of the marionberry!
Day 2 in Oregon Wine Country
Start your morning with a relaxing spa treatment at The Allison Inn & Spa. This luxury resort is the first of its kind in the Willamette Valley wine region and has really made a positive impact on tourism. Located on 35 hillside acres, The Allison Inn should definitely be visited during the day to fully enjoy the property.
Coffee or Brunch: If you want to keep your chill spa vibe, stay at The Allison Inn & Spa and visit Jory Restaurant for brunch. Otherwise, stop by Coffee Cottage for a quick coffee and pastry and head to your first winery.
Willamette Valley wineries to visit - Day 2
Sokol Blosser: beautiful cedar-lined tasting room with floor to ceiling windows and a patio with lovely views. Check out their Summer Vineyard Hikes!
- Hours: Wednesday - Monday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Cost: $40 for the seated tasting, wine tour is $59, food pairing is $115.
Stoller Family Estate: a must for when the weather is nice! Stoller has a large patio and sprawling lawns complete with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.
- Hours: daily 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Cost: tastings start at $20 (waived with two bottle purchase). Food pairings and private tastings are also available as are wines by the glass and snacks.
- Hours: daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Cost: basic tasting is $20
Lunch: between your tastings stop at Red Hills Market for lunch. This marketplace is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves hearty sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, soups, and salads. They also sell charcuterie items if you want to make a DIY picnic.
Dinner: Recipe is the only option I'm listing for day 2 because it's a MUST. This neighborhood kitchen is consistently one of my best meals when in Oregon. The restored Victorian home makes for a charming setting and the food is thoughtfully prepared wine country cuisine.
The menu changes frequently, but you'll find items like fresh made pasta, duck confit with wine braised cabbage, whole roasted game hen with porcini mushrooms and golden nugget squash, and escargot with hazelnut butter.
In summary
I hope you enjoy your time in Oregon wine country. Once you experience the intimate and affordable tastings, spectacular views, and wine country cuisine, you'll be wondering why you didn't visit sooner!
RECOMMENDED Oregon wine country HOTELS and Bed and Breakfasts
Read the detailed guide on where to stay in Willamette Valley.
McMinnville (the town I recommend basing yourself):
Newberg
Dundee
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A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO OREGON WINE COUNTRY | WEEKEND ITINERARY
Wow how beautiful are those views. Need to add it to my list. xxx
The views definitely do not disappoint! Try to go in the summer months to get gorgeous weather and little to no rain 🙂
Ok, now that we moved to this side of the US, I plan on taking a weekend trip to Oregon – perhaps I’ll use these places as a starting point!
I hope you do! Let me know when you book 🙂
We’re planning a weekend trip for this summer and love all of your suggestions. Thinking we’ll pretty much follow this itinerary, focusing on wine and food. Any recommendations on places to stay? Thanks!
The most popular hotel is the Allison Inn. Beautiful and centrally located. If you want more quaint/small/boutique… the Atticus is new and in the heart of downtown McMinnville on the super adorable 3rd street.
A few recent wineries I have discovered not listed are:
– White Rose (very intimate tasting, espresso after, almost cave like experience as it’s in a windowless cabin type building)
– Domaine Divino – they are actually my parents neighbors and are from France.
– Ghost Hill
– Lingua franca (a new wine maker in eola)
– Cristom (a new favorite)
– Bethel hills
We just did Day 2 of your winery tour and it was amazing! We even joined one club and upgraded another! Thanks!
I am so glad you enjoyed it! Which wine club did you join?
Where would you recommend staying other than Atticus (booked when we are looking at coming) and Allison (a smidge pricey for some of our group)? We are looking at coming for my 40th and I love your itenerary! I would love any advice! Thanks!
Honestly, those are your two best bets. Willamette Valley is new to the “tourist” scene…so hotels are still lacking. The only other option outside of booking an AirBnB would be 3rd Street Flats. Let me know what you decide!
Do you recommend driving or hiring a driver to tour these wineries?
If you have a DD, it’s really easy to do the wineries on your own.
Just found this on Pinterest. I love this itinerary! Do you have any suggestions to add on hiking and road trip to the coast highway?
Hi Bernie,
Hike: Oregon Niagara Falls
Coast (these are all pretty close so you could stop at more than one. Pacific City (less busy), Lincoln city and Newport (bigger and busier), Neskowin. Cape Look Out is a nice hike in those areas.
I LOVE the Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa.