If you have spent any time in the Willamette Valley, you know the struggle. There are way too many beautiful wineries and not enough weekends in the year to visit them all.
I’ve spent maybe too much time hopping around the wineries in between Newberg and Dundee, and I have learned that it’s almost too hard to choose which winery to book. Whether you are looking for a fancy afternoon or a low key glass, here’s a list of my favorite wineries for a great day or weekend.
How to Get There & Get Around
Planning a trip to the Willamette Valley is easy, but because the region is spread out, a little planning goes a long way. Here is the lowdown on getting from Portland to Newberg and Dundee.
The Drive: From Portland, OR
Newberg and Dundee are the gateways to the Willamette Valley. Both are a relatively quick trip from Portland, making them perfect for a day excursion or a full weekend getaway.
- Distance & Time: Newberg is about 25 miles southwest of Portland (approximately 50-60 minutes) via OR-99W. Dundee is just another 3-5 miles further down the same highway (approximately 60 minutes total).
- The Route: You will primarily take OR-99W South.
- Note: Traffic can get heavy on summer weekends as people head toward the coast.
Getting Around:
Uber and Lyft can get you out to the valley, however, catching one on the way back from your tastings might be a challenge as they can be unreliable in the area.
- Designated Driver: If you plan on tasting at more than one or two spots, the best move is to designate a friend to drive, hire a private driver, or join a guided wine tour. They handle the navigation and keep you safe between estates.
- Rental Cars: If you prefer to explore at your own pace, a rental car is the most flexible option. Just ensure your group has a designated driver who sticks to small pours or water.
Know Before You Go
- Reservations are Essential: Most estates in the Dundee Hills now strongly prefer or require reservations on weekends to ensure they have staff ready for you. Some places won’t fill up until the week before, but I still highly recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance.
Where to Taste in the Willamette Valley:
Chehalem Winery
This newer tasting room gives you PNW vibes and a great tasting experience without breaking the bank. Their outdoor space is fantastic, but the real star is the view of Mt. Hood on a clear day. It is the perfect spot to start your day and get that quintessential ‘I’m in Oregon’ photo.
Alloro Vineyard
Alloro gives Italian vibes. With its Tuscan-style farmhouse and rolling hills, it’s one of the most aesthetic vineyards in the area. The focaccia is to die for (and big enough to feed a family), and if you’re down to hang out with goats after a tasting, this place is for you.
Domaine Willamette
Do you like bubbles? Because this is the sparkling wine division of Willamette Valley Vineyards, and they are doing it right. The outdoor space is stunning, and because they are part of the larger family, you can order practically any Willamette Valley wine you want. Plus, their food menu is amazing. I had a fondue dip there that genuinely changed my life!
Avidity Wines
If you want to experience the true spirit of the Willamette Valley without any pretension, head here for a laid-back vibe that feels like hanging out in a backyard with a view. My favorite time to visit Avidity is during their summer Friday events. They typically have a local musician and food trucks starting around 4 or 5pm. Make sure to bring your own lawn chairs for those Friday nights as they can get busy!
Winderlea Vineyard & Winery
If you are tired of the massive, crowded tasting rooms, head to Winderlea. It is intimate, and feels like you have been invited to a private estate. It’s the perfect stop where you can actually chat with your server and learn about the wine. I love their wine pairing with local, Miss Hannah’s popcorn!
Furioso Vineyards
Feeling fancy? It is modern, sleek, and has been named one of the most beautiful wineries in the world for a reason. Go here when you want to treat yourself, grab a wood fired pizza, and feel like you are living your best life.
Even More Wineries to Explore
Still have room in your glass? The Newberg and Dundee area is packed with world class spots. Here are a few more must visit additions to round out your perfect itinerary.
The Iconic Views List
- Sokol Blosser Winery (Dundee Hills): The tasting room is a stunning, modern space with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the Dundee Hills. It feels elevated and chic, but the terrace and summer pizza oven make it feel approachable.
- Archery Summit (Dundee Hills): If you want commanding views, this is it. They have an open air terrace that offers one of the best vantage points in the valley. It feels very exclusive and is definitely the place to go if you want to impress guests.
- Adelsheim Vineyard (Newberg/Chehalem Mountains): One of the founding families of Oregon wine. Their tasting room is set right next to the vines, and they offer cool experiences like vineyard hikes. It is sophisticated but very unpretentious.
The Hidden Gems and Locals Favorites
- Argyle Winery (Dundee): You might have seen their bottles everywhere, but their Tasting House in downtown Dundee is fantastic. It is a great spot to stay walkable in town rather than driving up into the hills.
- Natalie’s Estate Winery (Newberg): This is a family owned, intentionally small spot. It is a Montana style tasting room that feels super cozy. They do intimate barrel tastings and food pairings that make you feel like family rather than just another customer.
- Antica Terra (Dundee): If you want a sommelier secret experience, this is it. It is appointment only, very intimate, and produces some of the most respected wines in the region.
Where to Eat:
Do not taste wine on an empty stomach! Most of the wineries will have some bites and meals for you to snack on, but if you’d like an intermission from the vineyards, here are my recommendations:
- Red Hills Market: A total staple. It is a cute market with solid sandwiches and wood fired pizzas. It is the quintessential Willamette Valley lunch spot that I like a bit too much.
- Trellis: If you want a proper, yummy sit down meal, Trellis is reliable and delicious. The vibe is welcoming and perfect for refueling after a long day of tasting.
- The Newbergundian Bistro: Do not let the surprising spot fool you. The food here is super yummy. It is a local hidden gem that serves up seriously good bistro fare.
- Stoller Wine Bar (Downtown Newberg): If you cannot make it out to the main estate, their downtown bar is so cute. They have a food cart pod across the street, so you can grab a glass of Stoller’s finest and pair it with whatever food truck sounds good that day.
- JORY at The Allison Inn: The splurge option. It is bougie, but for a reason. I had the best scrambled eggs of my life here and still think about them years later. It is perfect for a celebratory dinner or brunch!
Best Tips for the Willamette Valley
Again, I highly recommend booking ahead! Have a great and safe time tasting 🙂
