A Romantic Weekend Getaway in Willamette Valley Road Trips

A Journey Through Oregon Wine Country

Spend 4 days sipping and savoring in the Willamette Valley

Intersection Photos / Alamy Stock Photo Drink in beautiful sights — and delicious Pinot Noir — on this scenic loop through the Pacific Northwest.

Day 1 Portland to McMinnville 40 miles

The fast-growing Willamette Valley region now boasts more than 500 wineries and is billed as the world’s Pinot Noir capital, but it retains an appealing down-to-earth feel. Toast your trip with award-winning sparkling wine from Argyle Winery in Dundee, or join a “Farm & Forage” lunch with wine pairings and locally produced ingredients at (reserve in advance). In McMinnville, visit , where Willamette Pinot Noir was born.

Where to stay (2 nights): the century-old in downtown McMinnville, offering top-notch views from its Rooftop Bar.
George Rose / Getty Images See everything from military helicopters to the Spruce Goose at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.

Day 2 McMinnville

Prepare your palate with a pulled pork breakfast burrito sandwich at one of ’s communal tables before visiting one of the more than a dozen tasting rooms within walking distance of the restored downtown. You could also use the day to explore more nearby wineries, such as , or visit to take a gander at Howard Hughes’ wooden Spruce Goose. Dinner options include , a James Beard Award-winner with moderate prices and maybe the best minestrone soup you’ve ever tasted, then grab a treat at Serendipity Ice Cream.
George Ostertag / Alamy Stock Photo It's worth taking the Wheatland Ferry across the Willamette River for top notch Chardonnay and cheese.

Day 3 McMinnville to Newberg 57 miles

Don’t leave town without a cup of fresh-roasted java at Flag & Wire Coffee Co., then bring your car on the ($2 for cars, free for pedestrians) and it's just a few minutes' cruise across the Willamette River toward Salem. There, seek out crisp Chardonnays at at Wheatland Winery and award-winning Gouda and Havarti at before heading north to the farm-dotted, rolling hills of Newberg.

Where to stay: For a splurge, check out the luxury , where rooms overlook vineyards and have gas fireplaces.
Getty Images Pinot Noir grapes at one of the 500 vineyards that make this area heaven for wine lovers.

Day 4 Newberg to Portland 26 miles

This area of the Willamette is particularly lovely: Sit on the porch of the tasting room at and try to spy a soaring hawk or two. Twenty minutes away, at , admire or acquire abstract paintings by the winery co-founder as you sip. Before returning to Portland, about 45 minutes to the northeast, refuel at , a casual restaurant/tavern housed in a converted garage in downtown Newberg.

Plan Your Road Trip

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