Willamette Valley, Oregon, the heart of Oregon wine country, is quickly gaining 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 Willamette Valley, Oregon is out! Travelers who view Napa as snobby, too "touristy", or are tired of paying high prices for crowded tastings, flock to Oregon. 

Willamette Valley wineries offer affordable tastings, typically priced at $25 to $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!

I'm no mere visitor to this area. I grew up in McMinnville (the heart of Willamette Valley) and my family still lives there, which means I visit regularly and stay in the know.

Start your day in McMinnville, the largest town in the Willamette Valley wine region and my hometown!

Coffee in McMinnville

Jump-start your morning with a latte from my favorite coffee shop in McMinnville, Flag & Wire Coffee Co. This has been my go-to coffee shop since it opened in 2015. Located in the newly revamped Grainery District, you'll find a relaxed atmosphere with a nice amount of outdoor seating (if it isn't raining).

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 (I always buy a bag or two to bring home).

Brunch in downtown McMinnville

There are several wonderful brunch spots in downtown McMinnville (or downtown Mac as the locals call it). Third Street is the main street lined with trees, shops, and restaurants. 

WildWood Cafe is always filled with locals. It's a no-frills, 1950s-style diner decked out in retro decor. The granola-crusted French toast has been my favorite since middle school. It's a must. They also make great scrambles and pancakes. If you're looking for hearty portions, good pricing, and an ultra-casual atmosphere...this will be your jam.

Bistro Maison is a great option for 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 start your day of wine tastings, grab some baked goods to-go from Alchemist's Jam & Bakery. Visit early for the best selection of pastries. They sell out fast on weekends.

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: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
• 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 $150 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 Winery: this 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 Pinots are outstanding, and the espresso or affogato to cap off your tasting is a nice touch.

• Hours: daily 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 
• Cost: tastings are $60

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 of France. “French Soul, Oregon Soil” is the motto for their Oregon estate, which opened in the 80s. Domaine Drouhin offers a large patio and a newly remodeled tasting room. 

• Hours: daily 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 
• Cost: tastings start at $40

Start your morning with a relaxing spa treatment at The Allison Inn & Spa, Willamette Valley's first 5-star hotel. With twelve treatment rooms, a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool, this is the spot for a bit of pampering.

Brunch at Jory Restaurant: if you want to keep the spa vibe going, stay at The Allison Inn & Spa and dine at their onsite restaurant. The terrace is lovely when the weather is nice. Try the cast-iron pancake or the pinot burger!

For something more casual, opt for Red Hills Market instead. 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.

Red Hills Market is very close to the wineries we will visit today, so if you would prefer to fit this between tastings, that works too.

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

Sokol also offers Farm and Forage, a food and wine pairing experience. While it's not cheap ($169 + 20% service charge per person), it has been included in the top 10 winery restaurants in the country by USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for 7 years.

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 $25 (waived with a three-bottle purchase). Food pairings and private tastings are also available, as are wines by the glass and snacks.

• Hours: daily 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Thursday - Monday
• Cost: basic tasting is $30