Says who? Vogue Magazine, which just posted this article about the Willamette Valley as a hidden gem wine region! No surprise to us Oregonians who have been touting the merits of our wine valley for years. In addition to world-class wines, our scenery is over-the-top with views of nearby Mount Hood (visible from downtown Portland too!), hiking trails, waterfalls galore and wine tasting rooms to rival those in Europe and Napa. Our coastline is just an hour away and full of state parks, shops and restaurants serving seafood fresh off the boat.
Gateway to Willamette Valley
If you haven’t visited Portland in the last 9 months you haven’t enjoyed our newly remodeled terminal at PDX airport. As a hub for Alaska Airlines, travelers can bring home a case of wine as a checked bag at no charge when flying with this airline. TSA lines are short at PDX and conveniences are many, such as outposts of local restaurants like the Pearl District’s Screen Door and Loyal Legion beer hall.
Just a short taxi or MAX line ride from the airport puts you in any one of many beautiful, vibrant Portland neighborhoods. Or, you can rent a car and arrive in one of the Willamette Valley’s winery towns: Newberg, Dundee, McMinnville are within an hour or so of the Portland area. From there you can enjoy visits to literally hundreds of tasting rooms, dozens of amazing restaurants as well as plenty of hotels, B&B’s or vacation rentals. Check out our staff recommendations for Portland and Valley destinations.
The Wine Story
If you don’t read Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast Magazines you may have missed their 2024 rankings of the best 100 wines of the world. Local winners included 9 sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley highlighted by Wine Enthusiast’s #1 wine of 2024: ROCO Winery’s 2013 RMS 10 year Delayed Disgorgement Brut sparkling wine.
Additional ranked wineries include: Cho Wines, Corollary Wine, Domaine Serene, Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Bethel Heights, Lavinea, Bergstrom, Domaine Roy & Fils.
Check out my last blog post on sparkling wines and award winners to learn more about the fabulous wine in the area. Some of my favorite wineries not on the top 100 lists include Rex Hill, Compris, Dominio IV, Lonesome Rock and Monksgate.
Visit some of these now-famous wineries, or let us curate a tour to our favorite hidden gems where you can meet owners and winemakers and learn firsthand how wine is made. Our relationships with our winery partners extend to exceptional treatment for our guests including impromtu vineyard walks, barrel tastings and special bonus pours not available to the casual visitor. The Valley’s hospitality is legendary and visitors touring with Triangle Wine Country Tours become instant friends with winery staff and owners. Check out the list of our top visited wineries to begin picking your future favorites!
Foodies Paradise
Portland is the birthplace of James Beard, whose awards are coveted by restaurants and chefs around the world. Portland is home to many winners and finalists including Kann, Langbaan, Le Pigeon, Ken’s Artisan Pizza, Ava Gene’s, Higgins, Han Oak, Kachka, and Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty.
Be on the lookout for the upcoming James Beard Public Market opening downtown later in 2025. Plans include restaurants, farmers market, a test kitchen, coffee shop, butcher, artisan cheeses and more
In the Valley itself, James Beard semi finalist in the Valley, Okta, McMinnville recently closed but Hayward has filled the gap in the haute cuisine category. There are many other notable restaurants in the Valley such as The Jory at the Allison Inn, Rosmarino, Humble Spirit, Trellis, Thistle, Loam, Joel Palmer House. Enjoy food and wine pairings at Soter, Anacreon, Antica Terra, Rex Hill and Bergstrom. Anacreon’s epicure experience was named #2 in USA Today’s Top 10 New Wine Experience in 2023, and a personal favorite!
The Takeaway
Looking for a unique vacation destination that doesn’t break the bank? Stay stateside and support small businesses here in the US! Visit Portland and enjoy all our state has to offer from scenery to sports to food to wine. Take a Triangle Wine Country Tour from your Portland or Willamette Valley lodging and leave the driving and touring to us. Options for a private or shareable tour and dog lovers can ask our Bernese Mountain Dog Cassie to join your tour.
Mention this blog post and receive 5% off your next tour! Cheers!
Photo Credit: Appassionata Estate, Newberg, OR
