Fall is arguably the best time to pay Oregon’s Willamette Valley a visit. Toasty summer temperatures have cooled down, grapes are busy being harvested, farm stands are stocked with fresh bounties, seasonal menus feature fall bounties, and new wine vintages are being released for tasting. Here’s how to make the most of a harvest season wine road trip in the Pacific Northwest. 

Historic McMinnville blends small-town charm with world-class wineries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

From stays on regenerative farms to plush spots in McMinnville, Willamette Valley is home to an increasing range of accommodation paving the way in design, local storytelling, and environmental awareness. 

“Harvest season in the Pacific Northwest is buzzing with energy,” says Nori de Vega (@nomnomnori), a Portland-based creator for Oregon wine country. “As a visitor, it’s an exciting time to visit tasting rooms. It’s an opportunity to see the people, fruit, and machines do what they do to get the product into the bottles. Restaurants are featuring seasonal dishes that showcase the bounty of the region. It’s an excellent time to enjoy the generally gentle weather and to see the colors start to turn warm.”

Book a room in the heart of downtown McMinnville in a 100-year-old building at the luxurious Tributary Hotel. Each of the Tributary’s eight suites have been named after a river in Oregon. Start your morning with an in-room breakfast of an impressive spread of small plates sourced from the hotel’s farm.

An impressive spread of small plates featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients at Tributary Hotel

Photo by Alicia Erickson

Newly opened on the property of Four Graces, the Grange Estate is a house that has an Oregon meets Scandinavia aesthetic. This Pacific Northwest interpretation of farmhouse chic blends muted earth tones with pastel tiles and bohemian patterns. The space is designed to feel like you’re at home with plush blankets, books, games, a kitchen, and fireplaces in each individually designed room and common area, inviting you to cozy up after a day of adventures. The cherry on top is a chef-prepared breakfast of fresh baked goods, veggie hashes, and buttermilk pancakes, among other things.  

A cozy retreat with fireplaces, plush blankets, and chef-prepared breakfasts in Oregon-Scandinavian style at Four Graces.

Photo by Alicia Erickson

Narrow Your Strategy

The 10 AVAs within the greater Willamette Valley each have unique soil and climate, giving lots to choose from. To get a sense for the variation among AVAs without adding too much travel during your trip, visit a few wineries in two-to-three different AVAs. One spot to put on your radar is Ambar Estate, Willamette’s first organic regenerative certified winery that opened its doors in Newberg in June. The team is leading the sustainability in the vineyards and in the cellars, producing a focused and refined collection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The minimalistic design of the pine tree-enveloped tasting room reflects both Pacific Northwestern and Japanese elements and optimizes vineyard views with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Ambar Estate is the first regenerative organic certified vineyard in the Willamette Valley

Photo courtesy of Ambar Estate

Fully embracing biodynamic practices, family-owned Soter Vineyards in Carlton produces elegant and terroir-driven wines. Take in the spectacular views over the vineyards as you drive up the winding road and then sample an impressive range of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling vintages outside or in the modern, open farmhouse where the family once lived. You can also stay for lunch, enjoying a range of seasonal plates inspired by the local bounties.

If you’re after some bubbles and a peaceful location perched on a hill, head to Corollary. The striking red-orange tasting room sits atop a hill in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and just opened in May. Sample your way through Corollary’s range of sparkling wines, including blanc de blancs and carbonic roses, which are intentionally crafted to echo the ecosystem of the Willamette Valley. 

Sustainable and Seasonal

The Willamette Valley has moved towards a holistic ecosystem in recent years. Evolution hasn’t just been happening in the vineyards, but in the fields as well, giving rise to a movement of eateries on and off wineries dedicated to sustainable, seasonal fare.

For a delicious bite in town, stop by Humble Spirit. This welcoming restaurant in McMinnville is an extension of the regenerative Tabula Rasa Farms, which is a direct source for as much as the menu as possible. Dig into dishes like albacore confit, roasted beets over yoghurt, and trout topped with a fresh herb salad. 

If you’re interested in a more immersive dining experience, book a table at Anthology, a new multi-course dining experience on the property of Four Graces Winery in Dundee Hills. Sit around a communal dining with views of the chefs at work in front of you and the surrounding vineyards behind you. Each course is paired with a story and a drawing — and wine if you wish. Corn, crab, and cod cheek are among the ingredients featured in Anthology’s fall iteration. 

Vineyards at Four Graves

Photo by Alicia Erickson)

Anthology

Photo by Alicia Erickson

Although Willamette Valley wineries and towns are buzzing throughout harvest season, you may want to coordinate your visit with a special event. Join Amaterra Winery on Saturday, Oct. 19th for a harvest dinner. In addition to enjoying a delicious wine and food pairing inspired by seasonally sourced goods from local farmers, partake in the spirit of harvest. Punch down fermenting wine and sample freshly pressed wines and active ferments. 

Amaterra Winery

Soter is hosting its fall release the weekend of Oct. 11-13. Throughout November, another harvest is being celebrated: olives. Durant is hosting its 15th Olio Nuovo Festival, which includes Italian-inspired traditions, feasts, and olive oil tastings. 

If you want to take a break between wine and food, hop on one of the hiking or biking trails winding through the many farms and hills of the Willamette Valley, reflecting the change of season in the warm autumnal hues.