Oregon, USA

Oregon: where to stay, shop, eat and relax

The epicentre of Oregon’s wine industry is Yamhill County, in the northern Willamette Valley. The main highway runs through Newberg, McMinnville and Dundee, all with accessible tasting rooms, restaurants and hotels. But the most beautiful countryside is in the hills around Dundee, Carlton and Yamhill. Yamhill County also boasts seasonal berries, mushrooms, organic meats and dairy, and a wealth of chefs devoted to making the most of local products.

Oregon’s summer weather, particularly in July and August, can be very hot (35°C–40°C is not uncommon), and then cool down dramatically in the evenings. Dress like the locals, in casual, layered clothing, and use sun block if you are venturing outdoors. It is easy to get lost on country roads, so get good directions before setting out to explore the back country.

Image © Allison Inn & Spa

HOTELS

Allison Inn & Spa

This new resort and spa has meeting rooms, a pool and lovely grounds. The prestigious on-site restaurant, Jory, features locally sourced foods and a fine wine list, including 50 wines by the glass. For a special treat, request a seat at the chef’s table.
www.theallison.com

Inn at Red Hills

This cosy Dundee establishment is home to the Farm to Fork restaurant, offering all-day service with locally sourced comfort food. There is also a well-stocked deli, and a wine bar featuring hard-to-find boutique bottles for tasting or take out.
innatredhills.com

Other accommodation

The Black Walnut Inn is surrounded by vineyards and views. www.blackwalnut-inn.com

Brookside Inn is set on nine hectares in Carlton, with nine suites, gardens, hiking trails, and guest chef wine dinners. www.brooksideinn-oregon.com

Abbey Road Farm is a charming B&B with rooms in renovated grain silos. www.abbeyroadfarm.com

Red Ridge Farms is a nursery and garden shop with a single guest suite. redridgefarms.com

Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn has superb mountaintop views, an organic vineyard, four suites and four guest rooms. www.youngberghill.com

3rd Street Flats: In the historic centre of McMinnville these European-style, nightly apartment rentals each have a full kitchen with dining area. thirdstreetflats.com

Image © Abbey Road Farm

RESTAURANTS

Nick’s Italian Café

Nick Peirano’s McMinnville eatery has been a winemaker favourite for almost 35 years. Recently remodelled and expanded, it now offers a backroom bar with wines by the glass and lighter fare.
nicksitaliancafe.com

Thistle

This tiny hideaway in McMinnville serves dinner only; you order from a chalkboard menu, with selections such as black trumpet gnocchi; duck breast with cabbage, bacon and black truffles; and a beetroot, rocket, blood orange and chèvre salad.
thistlerestaurant.com

Cuvée

French country dining in downtown Carlton. The restaurant’s small, well-selected wine list features both Oregon and French bottle choices.
www.cuveedining.com

The Painted Lady

Quite a fashionable establishment serving dinner only in a Victorian setting. Reservations are essential. The restaurant has one of the region’s finest selections of both Oregon and French wines.
thepaintedladyrestaurant.com

SHOPS

Red Hills Market

This market is set right on the highway in Dundee, with high-style takeaway deli and picnic foods, farm-sourced seasonal produce, locally roasted coffee, a pétanque court and picnic area.
redhillsmarket.com

For more lodging, dining and wine touring options, visit the Willamette Valley Wineries website at willamettewines.com, or the Oregon Wine Board at oregonwine.org. For tailored Oregon wine trips, americaasyoulikeit.com is a useful resource.

Translated by Sylvia Wu / 吴嘉溦