An abundance of wineries…
When David Lett planted his first vineyard in the hills of Dundee in 1970, people in the wine world thought he was crazy. But 40 years later his vision has born fruit, and “Papa Pinot” is now hailed as a visionary who saw possibility where others saw only cold gray skies and rain.
The Willamette Valley is now home to hundreds of vineyards, and a plethora of wineries, most creating high quality craft wines in small lots. The heart and soul of Oregon’s wine country remains the Yamhill Valley though, where Papa Pinot first shattered long held opinions about wine making.
Historic Downtown McMinnville is home to eighteen wineries, tasting rooms and wine shops—more than enough to fill a weekend with tasting, without ever having to get into your car. But if you’d like to travel farther afield and get out into the vines for yourself, grab a map, and get going.
Seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) now exist in the Willamette Valley, each producing a variety of outstanding wines. It would take months to visit each and every winery, but if you’ve got the time, here are a few of our favorite places to start . . .
McMinnville AVA
Yamhill Carlton AVA
Eola Amity Hills
Dundee Hills
Chehalem Mountains (including Ribbon Ridge)
Guests in our full-service flats in the Odd Fellows Lodge have access to itinerary planning services through our 24-hour concierge team, who are always happy to make personal recommendations on where to where to taste and dine for our guests.
So take a day, or even a week, and go out and explore. We’ve got our favorites—you go find yours!
