Sip, dine, repeat. McMinnville, Oregon, is what most people think a town in the “heart of wine country” is like — and they’re correct. With roughly 33,000 residents and just an hour south of Portland, historic McMinnville is a focus of flavor in the Willamette Valley. McMinnville touts over 220 wineries, but is so much more than what you find inside the stemware. Here’s a guide to take you from Point A (coffee) to Point B (bed) in one day.
But first, coffee. Once you’ve rolled into town, regardless of distance, you’re going to need to pull over and refuel. Do that at Summon Coffee, a newer addition to the Granary District that is aptly under the same roof as breakfast sando savior Bad Dog Bakery. Previously focused solely on roasting, Summon opened this brick-and-mortar late last year to showcase their “fruity, light-roasted” brews that sit nicely next to a smoked salmon bagel sandwich or Instagrammable cinnamon roll from Bad Dog.
Walk it off with a tour around town. On the hunt for your next romantasy page-turner or still needing to read Ina Garten’s memoir? The quaint Third Street Books will have all you need plus insightful staff to make a recommendation or lead you straight to your literary destination. From there, keep walking — or drive to — around Discovery Meadows Park, a well-kept city park with paved walking pathways and trails that will clock you about a mile in steps throughout the 22-acre, tree-lined site. Or take off to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home of the Spruce Goose, the WWII-era purely wooden aircraft that was six times the size of any plane at that time, and take in some history.
Time to grab a seat. You’re probably getting a bit peckish, so find a stool at the Blue Moon Lounge, the town’s longest running full-service restaurant and bar that is proudly cash only. Tufted red leather booths and backless diner-style counter seats continue that 1920s atmosphere now in its 103rd year of operation, and the menu follows in suit with all day breakfast (get the Chicken Fried Steak) and specialty burgers comprised of ⅓-pound of beef and served with tots (or fries, if you’re boring).
Feeling thirsty? It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: adult-beverage tasting time! While the vineyard-wineries are found on the rolling hills of the namesake wine region, Downtown Mac has plenty of walkable tasting rooms. Start with bubbles at Lundeen, which touts a large, contemporary community tasting table built from riddling racks and an impressive collection of propagated plants thriving on the walls. Sip on the elegant WIllamette Valley Brut Sparkling wine or (if available) the Poverty Bend Pink, a floral and fresh rosé of Pinot Noir, Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Muscat. From there, head back to the Granary District to Brittan Vineyard’s no-frills joint with roll-up garage doors, casual seating, warm hospitality and award-winning wines. While site-specific Pinot Noirs are their jam, sip on the lush and peppery 2019 Estate Syrah if it’s available. By now, you might need a beer. Grab one (or more) at Heater Allen & Gold Dot (same location and owners Lisa Allen and Kevin Davey). Both breweries are dialed in on small-batch award-winning lagers. Try the 10° Pils from Heater Allen and the Cold IPA from Gold Dot.
Take a break. You’ve been busy and chances are, you could use a rest. Fortunately, McMinnville offers a variety of lodging options, and one of the quaintest and most curated is Compass. This modern spin on a traditional bed and breakfast is conveniently situated a few blocks from everything, offering five luxury suites that feature spa-inspired bathrooms, workspaces, smart TVs, luxury linens and more — including a very thoughtful floor plan that ensures no toilet is flushing against another guests’ wall. Female-owned and-operated (obviously), Compass also provides guests with complimentary female-made wine and snacks in every suite, Saturday and Sunday breakfast from Alea Bakery, community spaces both indoors and out (including a fire pit and hammocks), and a wine library honor bar filled with local bevvies.
Back on that horse! Although it will be hard to leave Compass once you check in and take a quick recovery snooze, you’ll want to walk the block down to the Fractal Bar (formerly Conservatory Bar) where you can tell the bartenders really enjoy what they do. Libations are lively and creative, like the Stranger Danger, Dimplomatico, gin, Chareau Aloe, Banana, lime juice and simple syrupl
Dinner is served. After wetting your whistle, head over to Grounded Table (formerly named Humble Spirit), home of James Beard Best Chef: Northwest semifinalist Chef Sarah Schafer. Located in the middle of Third Street, Grounded Table’s ethos is to showcase “purposefully sourced ingredients,” much of it local, which is seen on the menu from drinks to desserts. The seasonal menu rotates dishes out often, and the spring offerings like the Asparagus & Egg (citrus marinated then shaved asparagus in a tarragon vinaigrette, topped with gribiche cured farm egg) and Roasted Half Chicken (oyster mushrooms, herby-gnocchi, pan sauce, charred scallions) are not to be missed. If a burger happens to reappear on the menu, don’t sleep on ordering that.
Speaking of sleeping, it’s been a DAY. Head back to Compass to relax on the outdoor patio or snuggle up into those luxury beds. You deserve it!
