The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s largest and oldest wine destination, spanning four different regions with more than 700 wineries. McMinnville sits at the northern tip of the valley, just one hour from Portland and three hours from Seattle.
While McMinnville is a relatively small town, what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in charm. Downtown, you’ll find a vibrant hub of tree-lined streets with small, locally owned businesses nestled in historic buildings that date from the late 1800s to early 1900s. That alone makes this Oregon destination worth the trip.
Though rich with history, McMinnville has also been seeing unique growth as restaurateurs are bringing the dining scene to a whole new level, matching local farm-to-table eats with the distinctive wines of the area. Yes, we’re looking at you, Pinot Noir, but we’re also talking about crisp, refreshing rosés and dreamy Chardonnays.
It’s easy to spend several days exploring this area with McMinnville as your home base. This itinerary serves as a helpful guide, especially for those looking for a mix of wine tasting opportunities paired with incredible food and dining experiences.
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Fuel up for the day with coffee at Union Block Coffee House. This corner spot is family owned with a chill vibe. Grab your favorite latte to go or sit inside and try a house-favorite latte such as toasted coconut or razzmatazz. Once it’s time for breakfast, choose from Alchemist’s Jam or Crescent Café, both of which are downtown. Crescent Café dishes up breakfast and lunch with a concentration on locally sourced ingredients. Don’t skip out on the caramelized banana pancakes or creamed chicken and biscuits. Around the corner from the café, Alchemist’s Jam pairs buttermilk biscuits with handmade jam. Jams are made from locally sourced fruit, with a focus on organic ingredients when possible. You can also find sweets such as cinnamon rolls and galettes; make sure to grab a jar of jam to take home with you.
10:30 a.m.
After breakfast, head 15 minutes out of downtown to Youngberg Hill Winery to take in magnificent valley views while you sip on estate-grown wines. Sit on the patio or in the tasting room and be introduced to a variety of Pinot Noirs, along with Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. You can also book a vineyard tour for a more in-depth introduction to natural winemaking.
12:30 p.m.
Following your tasting, head back into town for lunch. Ready to snack on barbacoa tacos or flavorful empanadas? Head to the ever-vibrant Pura Vida Cocina with chef Ricardo Antúnez at the helm. Grab a beer with lunch from Antúnez’s Salem-based brewery, Xicha Brewing.
1:30 – 4 p.m.
Time for another tasting appointment just down the street from your lunch spot! Choose Troon Biodynamic Wine Bar, which pours wines from its Southern Oregon estate winery including a delicious Mourvèdre. Go through a tasting flight at the long table, or grab a glass and sit at the bar or in one of the space’s cozy chairs near the window. For more wines from wineries focused on biodynamic and organic farming, head to the Grove Tasting Room which houses both Montinore Estate and Landline Estates. Enter a stunning space with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, live-edge tables and velvet chairs.
4 – 6 p.m.
Happy hour before dinner? Absolutely! Bierly Brewing is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but if you’re visiting during that time, snag a seat. This brewery is dedicated to pouring gluten-free beers only. The clean, flavorful Felix Pilsner brewed with brown rice and sorghum is a can’t-miss. The spot also has an entirely gluten-free menu of snacks, including fresh doughnuts. For a long tap list of options, head to Two Dogs Taphouse. You’ll find over 40 beers and ciders to choose from, almost all of which are created in Oregon.
6 – 8 p.m.
While wine tasting may be the main event in McMinnville, dinner is the grand finale, and there are so many extraordinary options from which to choose. Ōkta offers an immersive multicourse experience with Michelin-starred executive chef Matthew Lightner. Humble Spirit is a vibrant, approachable restaurant featuring colorful, artful dishes embracing locally sourced seasonal ingredients. For a whimsical-meets-modern vibe, grab a seat at a candlelit table at Thistle.
8 – 10 p.m.
If you’re looking for an evening sip and a great atmosphere to end the day, head to HiFi Wine Bar. HiFi is known as the place where wine-industry professionals go to drink and relax. Cozy up in the corner booth or sit at the bar and order from an extensive by-the-glass list of international wines. The bar also offers a selection of dessert and wine pairings. Prefer a cocktail? Find alcoholic and non-alcoholic options at The Conservatory Bar, a colorful space housed in an old cabinet factory.
