Willamette Valley Uncorked: A Taste of Oregon's Finest

We’re thrilled to share the start of our mini-guide series featuring different wine regions around the world. For our first installment, we are exploring the enchanting Willamette Valley, a true gem in the heart of Oregon, renowned for its stunning landscapes, exceptional wine, and delicious culinary experiences. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer, the valley offers something for everyone. And how do you pronounce it you ask? Just remember Willamette rhymes with dammit. Willamette dammit. Ha!

Let’s start things off with tasting Experiences.

The Willamette Valley is famous for its world-class Pinot Noir, and the region boasts a diverse array of wineries. Here are 3 of our favorites:

J. Christopher Wines: Over the last decade, J. Christopher has earned international acclaim and has been named a Wine & Spirits World Top 100 Winery in multiple years. Today, under the experienced hand of winemaker Timothy Malone, their Pinot Noirs, Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, Rosés and Rieslings continue to showcase the Old-World style that first attracted owner Erni to J. Christopher – a style that he has always maintained in his German wines. It’s a patient approach to winemaking that gives each wine the opportunity to fully express where it comes from, whether it’s the Old World or the New. When we visited, we enjoyed our experience on their beautiful garden patio with views for days. Fun fact, during COVID, we had the opportunity to partner with their team on a private label Pinot Noir that we poured at our first wine bar, ko-ze wine, by the glass.

Brooks Wine: This winery focuses on organic and sustainable practices, providing a unique tasting experience that highlights the depth and complexity of their wines, all while enjoying stunning vineyard views. Whether you’re here for your first visit or your fiftieth, the experience is top notch.

From curated flights to private tastings, intimate dinners to pop-up events with local makers, there’s always something meaningful happening at Brooks. Something to note that is very special at Brooks, more than 75% of the managerial team identifies as women. Their leadership reflects their ongoing commitment to equity, sustainability, and showing what’s possible when purpose meets intention.

JL Kiff: A smaller, family-owned winery, JL Kiff offers personalized tastings that allow guests to connect with the winemakers/owners and discover their passion for quality wines. They have a total of 10 acres of vines that farms exceptionally expressive Pinor Noir. Their vineyard, winery, and tasting room are all on the property, just minutes from McMinnville and Carlton. They originally built the pole barn as a cattle feeding barn, but in 2012 they cleaned it up for their daughter’s wedding, which was helpful because in 2017 they converted the barn into the tasting room. The experience at JL Kiff is charming, approachable and by the time we left, felt like family. Pro-tip…if Joel is on-site for your tasting, ask him for a serenade while sipping a Pinot!

Coffee Shops & Restaurants to Savor:

Before you kick off a day of wine tastings or as your day wraps up, indulge at some of our picks for the valley’s delicious restaurants:

Flag & Wire Coffee: Located in the heart of McMinnville’s Granary District, Flag & Wire Coffee is a premier specialty roaster and café dedicated to ethical, high-quality sourcing, offering a thoughtfully crafted espresso menu and fresh pastries in a welcoming, community-focused space.

Crescent Cafe for Breakfast: a local, woman-owned restaurant, originally opened in 2007. Their menu revolves around seasonal ingredients and a cozy and friendly atmosphere

Rosmarino Osteria Italiana: Located in Newberg, Oregon, Rosmarino Osteria Italiana is an acclaimed, romantic restaurant run by Chef Dario and Sheena Pisoni, offering authentic Northern Italian cuisine and 5-course wine pairing dinners inspired by family recipes

The Painted Lady: Located in a charmingly restored Victorian home in Newberg, Oregon, offers an upscale tasting menu experience focused on locally sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients

Pura Vida Cocina in McMinnville offers a vibrant, community-focused dining experience specializing in authentic, flavor-forward dishes inspired by Latin America, with a particular emphasis on Costa Rican cuisine and culture.

Hiking Adventures:

We love to hike, so for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, the Willamette Valley (and further west you have even more to choose from) has countless hiking trails that showcase its beauty. We recommend using Alltrails for current conditions and updates for two of our favorites listed below and the surrounding area.

Falls Creek Falls Trail: Known for its breathtaking waterfalls, this park features a stunning loop trail that takes you behind several waterfalls—an unforgettable experience.

Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail: The loop trail connects the two waterfalls and the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, and offers up close views of the wild McKenzie River.

With its perfect blend of incredible wines, unique dining options, and breathtaking hikes, the Willamette Valley promises unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this region is sure to leave a lasting impression as it has with us. We can’t wait to go back for a visit.