| The fast-growing Willamette Valley region now boasts more than 500 wineries and is billed as the worlds 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 atSokol Blosser Winery(reserve in advance).
In McMinnville, visitThe Eyrie Vineyards, where Willamette Pinot Noir was born.Where to stay (2 nights): the century-oldHotel Oregonin downtown McMinnville, offering top-notch views from its Rooftop Bar.
Prepare your palate with a pulled pork breakfast burrito sandwich at one ofCommunity Plates 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 asYamhill Valley Vineyards, or visitEvergreen Aviation & Space Museumto take a gander at Howard Hughes wooden Spruce Goose.
Dinner options includeNicks Italian Cafe, a James Beard Award-winner with moderate prices and maybe the best minestrone soup youve ever tasted, then grab a treat at Serendipity Ice Cream.
Dont leave town without a cup of fresh-roasted java at Flag & Wire Coffee Co., then bring your car on theWheatland Ferry($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 atArcane Cellarsat Wheatland Winery and award-winning Gouda and Havarti atWillamette Valley Cheese Companybefore heading north to the farm-dotted, rolling hills of Newberg.Where to stay:For a splurge, check out the luxuryAllison Inn & Spa, where rooms overlook vineyards and have gas fireplaces.
This area of the Willamette is particularly lovely: Sit on the porch of the tasting room atRaptor Ridge Wineryand give a shot to spy a soaring hawk or two.
Twenty minutes away, atTrisaetum Tasting Room & Art Galley, admire or acquire abstract paintings by the winery co-founder as you sip.
Before returning to Portland, about 45 minutes to the northeast, refuel atRuddick/Wood, a casual restaurant/tavern housed in a converted garage in downtown Newberg.
