The McMinnville AVA is truly a gem of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Home to some of the region’s most beautiful rolling hills, the area is known for its rich fruit-, spice-, and earth-toned reds, as well as its bright fruit-forward whites. It’s a must-see for wine lovers.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to see and experience Oregon’s rich and lively wine country, keep reading to learn all about McMinnville’s wineries, eateries, lodging, and activities.
McMinnville Wineries
Embedded in the McMinnville AVA’s rolling hills are some of the world’s most beautiful, serene, and elegant wineries. It’s the perfect place to unwind, taste heavenly wines, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
Here are some of our favorite wineries in the McMinnville AVA:
Coeur de Terre Vineyard
Nestled in the foothills of McMinnville at the base of the Coast Range, Coeur de Terre Vineyard is a family-owned and -operated estate vineyard known for its handcrafted, organically farmed Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Riesling.
The inviting, lodge-style tasting room offers stunning views of the vineyard and a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.
Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard
Maysara Winery & Momtazi Vineyard is one of the Willamette Valley’s most unique vineyards. Owned and operated by the Momtazi family, the 532-acre vineyard is holistically farmed and entirely self-sufficient. No chemicals or outside fertilizers are used. Instead, estate-made compost and herbal teas are used to nourish the vines and make the wines. The family’s commitment to biodynamic farming and sustainability makes Momtazi Vineyard truly one-of-a-kind.
The massive tasting room and production facilities, constructed of wood, stone, and other materials from the property, add to the uniqueness and intrigue of the wine tasting experience at Momtazi Vineyard.
Yamhill Valley Vineyards
Established in 1983, Yamhill Valley Vineyards is the oldest winery in the McMinnville AVA. Their award-winning wines (which include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling) are all made from grapes that are grown, processed, and bottled onsite at the 150-acre estate.
The relaxed, cozy tasting room, beautiful views, and helpful staff make wine tasting at Yamhill Valley Vineyards a great place to unwind.
J Wrigley Vineyards
J Wrigley Vineyards is an expansive 200-acre estate vineyard owned and operated by John and Jody Wrigley. Their selection of artisanal, handcrafted wines, knowledgeable and welcoming staff, and the rustic elegance of the tasting room make J Wrigley Vineyards a must-see for any wine lover visiting Yamhill County.
You can expect to taste a variety of Pinot Noirs, along with Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
Youngberg Hill
The picturesque setting, expansive views, and quaint, comfortable tasting room at Youngberg Hill create the perfect setting for an afternoon of wine tasting.
The vineyard, which produces Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, is committed to organic, holistic, and biodynamic farming, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly and sustainable wineries in the Yamhill Valley.
Lodging Options
There are a variety of great places to stay in and around McMinnville, whether you’re looking for an acclaimed hotel experience downtown or a charming, secluded rental. If you’re looking for a luxury lodging experience, the Atticus Hotel is where you’ll find it.
McMinnville also has lots of mid-range and budget hotel accommodations, in addition to a wide array of rentals, from cozy cottages to boutique condos, to budget-friendly tiny homes.
Here are just a few to consider:
- Wine Country King Suite
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- Wine Country Bed and Breakfast Suite
- Douglas on Third
- August Moon Carriage House
- 3rd Street Flats
Eateries and Activities
McMinnville is home to some of Oregon’s best-kept secrets, and that doesn’t just apply to wine. The city’s downtown area is filled with small boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, many of them centrally located on 3rd Street. The area also has some beautiful places to take a quiet stroll and other fun activities to enjoy.
Places to Eat in McMinnville
Stop and grab a bite at one of McMinnville’s many eateries during your stay. Coffee shops, restaurants, bistros, cafes, and bakeries are abundant throughout the Willamette Valley’s cities and towns, and McMinnville is no exception.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Harvest Fresh
- Red Hills Kitchen
- Community Plate
- Thistle Restaurant & Bar
- McMenamins Hotel Oregon
- Flag & Wire Coffee
Things to Do in McMinnville
When you’re not sipping a glass of Pinot Noir or Riesling, there are lots of fun activities and places to explore in the area. Take a relaxing walk on the campus of Linfield College or explore the nature preserve at Tice Woods.
McMinnville is also home to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, which houses a variety of civilian and military aircraft and spacecraft. Best known for the Hughes H-4 Hercules, nicknamed the “Spruce Goose,” the museum is a great place to learn about the history of flight.
If you’re looking for a low-key, relaxing retreat, head to Breathe Body and Spa before embarking on your tasting adventure or check out a concert at McMinnville Macstage.
Experience Oregon’s Wine Country From the Sky
Forget renting a car and having to choose a designated driver. Take flight and breathe in the gorgeous rolling hills of the Willamette Valley as you sip some of Oregon’s best wines by booking a helicopter wine tour with Tour Devine by Heli!
Book your tour today, contact us online, or call us at (503) 687-3816.