‘Gaux-To Oregon

‘Gaux-To Oregon Wine Country: Our Travel Highlights on Newberg & Dundee, OR

Although California has long reigned king as the West Coast’s claim to viticulture fame, over the past few decades, its northerly neighbor has been giving it a serious run for its money. Home to charming towns, vast vineyard scapes, and serious amounts of world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it’s no surprise that Oregon has captured the hearts of consumers and industry folk alike—Burgundian winemakers included! As much as we love our home state, we’re excited to take you on a journey through one of the country’s most exciting viticultural scenes, with a specific emphasis on the areas of Newberg and Dundee.

The Bigger Picture:

In terms of volume, Oregon is the fourth largest wine-producing state in the USA, only surpassed by California, Washington, and New York. Viticulture in Oregon dates back to the mid-19th century, though commercial production didn’t kick off until about the 1960s. The state is home to two major AVAs, the Willamette Valley AVA and Southern Oregon AVA, which together, contain 15 nested AVAs within them. Additionally, Oregon shares three other main AVAs with other states : the Columbia Gorge AVA, Walla Walla AVA, and Snake River Valley AVA. However, the majority of the state’s wine-focused tourism lies in and around the Yamhill Valley, which is where Newberg and Dundee are located.

Over the past few decades, Oregon has become synonymous with Pinot Noir, which is by far the most planted variety in the state. The state’s Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are also making names for themselves, as are the state’s refreshing and unique expressions of Riesling. A plethora of other varieties are also cultivated, and a variety of wine styles are made across the state’s 780+ wineries.

How to Get There / Get Around:

Newberg, OR is approximately 30 miles and 45 mins from PDX. Uber is readily available at the airport, but not always in wine country. We recommend utilizing our suggested car services, renting a car or reaching out to your hotel for airport transfer. Here are a few of our go-to car services : Mark Car Service, PDX Elite Town Car, and Odyssey Airport Shuttle.

Where to Stay:

• The Allison Inn & Spa – Luxurious resort and spa focused on wellness and outdoor activities
• The Dundee Hotel – Accessible and relaxing accommodation with four on-site tasting rooms
• The Black Walnut Inn – Bed and breakfast located in a Federal-style brick house dating back to 1820
• Dundee AirBnBs – Authentic, affordable, and easiest way to tailor an accommodation to your specific preferences

Local Wineries & Tasting Rooms to Visit:

• Norris – Artisanal winery focused on Pinot Noir and Riesling form the Norris McKinley Vineyard (planted in 2007)
• Flâneur Wines – An Argaux favorite! Terroir-driven wines perfect for enjoying year round
• Argyle – For our bubbly fans out there!
• Hundred Suns – Wine for the people! New-ish to the scene, incredibly tasty juice
• Penner Ash – Lively wines from 25-year-old estate in the Valley’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA
• Evening Land – Benchmark winery spearheaded by Raj Parr and Sashi Moorman
• Domaine Serene – Iconic producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay founded by Ken and Grace Evenstad back in 1989; an early pioneer of the region
• Antica Terra – Ethereal, sought-after wines—perhaps the most coveted coming out of Oregon today
• Bethel Heights – Longstanding estate highlighting numerous varieties and old vines in the Eola-Amity Hills
• Ken Wright Cellars – Industry veteran specializing in single-vineyard Pinot Noir
• Eminent Domaine – Family-run estate focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Ribbon Ridge AVA
• Soter Vineyards – Biodynamic farm focused on lively, acid-forward wines
• Sokol Blosser – Environmental advocates highlighting biodynamic farming through an extensive lineup of world-class wines
• Carlton Winemakers Studio – Sixteen vintners under one roof. Winery collective where numerous winemakers craft premium Oregon wines in one shared space.
• Domaine Drouhin – Owned by Drouhin family of Burgundy; one of the first Burgundian winemakers to pioneer French winemakers’ attraction to Oregon
• Pre-organized Wine Tours – Black Tie Tours, Mark Car Service, A Great Oregon Wine Tour

Our Favorite Restaurants:

Breakfast, Coffee, Cafés:

You know how we feel about coffee! Check out a few of our favorite places to caffeinate up before heading out for a day of tasting:
• Carlton Bakery – Pastries, sandwiches, quiches, and of course, tasty coffee; open for breakfast and lunch
• Chapters Books & Coffee – Charming independent bookstore and coffee shop with a cozy feel
• Dutch Bros Coffee – Drive-through coffee chain, perfect for on-the-go sipping!
• Cowboy Coffee at the Coffee Barn – Iconic, locally owned drive-through coffee shop

Lunch and Dinner

• Earth & Sea Carlton – Locally-sourced, sustainable food with an excellent wine list
  dedicated to small-production, well-made wines. Ask for Andy to get the perfect wine pairing!
• Tina’s Dundee – Fine dining establishment focused on seasonal ingredients in a cozy converted home
• Red Hills Market – Wood-fired, seasonal, and local food, made with love. Open for breakfast, lunch or grab-and-go
• Okta – Fine dining spearheaded by **Michelin star chef Matthew Lightner (formerly of Atera in New York) – 26-seat, tasting menu destination in McMinnville’s Tributary Hotel focused on local fare (Be prepared: Dinner is designed to last approx. 3 hours so as to immerse each guest in a multi-course experience inspired by the Pacific Northwest.)
• Honey Pie Pizza – The only spot in Newberg serving New York-style pizza. The menu changes regularly to showcase seasonal ingredients on wide, cracker-y crusts made with Oregon-grown flour.
• The Newburgundian Bistro – Down-to-earth little bistro just off 99 in Newberg. The menu balances French favorites with more casual dishes like an Oregon bay shrimp Louie and a great burger, served without pretense in a homey space with an open kitchen and patio dining.
• The Painted Lady – Lavish restaurant serving French-influenced New American tasting menus and Oregon wines. You’re in for a remarkable evening the minute you step inside the picket fence at this wine-country jewel set in a romantic Newberg Victorian!

Additional Activities:

• Swing some clubs at Chehalem Glenn Golf Course
• Explore charming Downtown McMinnville
• See the sites from above via a hot air balloon ride
• Scope out some art at The Gallery at Ten Oaks
• Geek out at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
• Peruse the McMinnville Farmers Market
• Taste through locally produced goods at Red Hills Market
• Catch a movie at the 99W Drive-in Theatre