The Willamette Valley wine region has amazing places to eat. It is becoming quite the culinary destination for foodies and wine lovers alike...  Wine + Food = YES PLEASE!

Whether you are looking for a casual place or fine dining, you will not have to look too hard to find what you are in the mood for. Here are just a few we love.

Newberg:  Jory, Newbergundian, Recipe, Rosmarino Osteria

Dundee: Dundee Bistro, Red Hills Market, Tina’s, Trellis

Carlton: Cuveé, Park & Main, The Horseradish

McMinnville: Bistro Maison, Community Plate, Grain Station, Pura Vida

Yeah, sometimes you need a break from the wine.  May we suggest a couple of watering holes?

Wolves and People Farmhouse Brewery. (Newberg)
Super cool dudes and great beer, Sitting outside enjoying a cold one doesn't get any better than this. Website ->

Crowing Hen. Carlton
Great spot to kick back and enjoy some great craft beer. Hops grown on site and they only source from Oregon. Ryan and Michelle are doing it right. Hoppy Day Pils hits the spot!
Brewpub | Crowing Hen - Farmhouse Brewery | United States

Carlton & Coast Tavern  (Carlton)
Cool spot with Digital Pour. Great variety of Oregon and regional beers on tap. Food and Pool as well. Website ->

Bit By A Fox Traveling Speakeasy (catch them in McMinnville on weekends) We LOVE THIS! Craft and unique throwback cocktails sitting under the stars. Great spirits list. Lynette does it right! Check out their facebook or website to see where they are at. Website ->

How Many Wineries to visit in a day?

Three to four is plenty. You want to have time to kick back and enjoy and not be in such a rush. Plus, any more and your tongue will need to be shaved. Also, be sure to map out the wineries you plan to visit so you are maximizing your time. Know that Highway 99 does get backed up on weekends going in and out of wine county. If you are staying in Portland plan on an hour drive in decent traffic. Leave early even though tasting rooms don't open until 11:00 AM. You can stop at plenty of places to grab a bite.

Are there other wines besides Pinot Noir to taste in the Willamette Valley?

Is wine made from grapes? YES! Pinot Noir may be the most abundant: however, there are a wide variety of wines from this region which are excellent. There are approximately 52 different varietals of grapes grown in the Willamette Valley. Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Riesling, and Pinot Gris, are just to name a few. Also, make sure you try Rose' and Sparkling from the region-You won't be disappointed!

Big vs Small Wineries?

That is like asking which kid is our favorite! But if we must choose, we first love small wineries. They are what made us fall in love with this region. Being able to sit in a winemaker's kitchen or barn to taste their wine is an awesome experience! Of course there are some incredible large wineries to visit throughout the valley that shouldn't be missed. Explore, find your own path and discoveries...then come on back and do it again!