A spring visit to the Dundee Hills
There’s something magical about a trip to Oregon wine country. Maybe it’s the rolling vineyards, the scent of fresh air mixed with Pinot Noir in your glass, or the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Whatever it is, I find myself coming back again and again.
If you’re planning a visit to the Dundee Hills (and trust me, you should), there’s so much more to explore beyond the tasting room. From hot air balloon rides to world-class gardens, cozy coffee spots, and, of course, incredible food and wine, here’s my ultimate guide to making the most of your trip.
Rise and Shine – Start with Coffee and a View
Every good adventure starts with coffee. And for that, Chapters Books and Coffee in downtown Newberg is my go-to. This charming little spot is equal parts cozy bookstore and coffee shop, which means you can sip on a perfect latte while flipping through a new (or used) book. Whether you’re after a lighthearted novel or diving deep into winemaking philosophy, they’ve got you covered. Bonus points if you manage to leave without adding five more books to your collection—I never do.
Get Inspired by Nature
Before diving into wine tasting, why not take in some of Oregon’s most breathtaking gardens?
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival (Spring) – Every spring, visitors from around the world flock to this vibrant festival, where millions of tulips paint the fields in every color imaginable. What started as a small family farm in 1975 has become one of the most breathtaking seasonal attractions in Oregon. The fields typically reach peak bloom in mid-April, but since tulips follow their own schedule (based on growing-degree days), it’s best to keep your plans flexible by about a week. Wear comfy shoes, prepare for a little mud, and get ready to take some of the best photos of your life.
Portland Japanese Garden – In early spring, this already-stunning space becomes pure magic with the arrival of Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms. Their delicate pink and white petals transform the garden into a dreamlike scene, making it one of the best places in Oregon to celebrate the changing seasons. Bloom timing varies each year, but they typically begin at the end of March through early April—a perfect way to welcome spring with a sense of calm before jumping into a weekend of wine.
Lan Su Chinese Garden – If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to another world, this is your spot. Opened in 2000, Lan Su is one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China, a collaboration between Portland and its sister city of Suzhou. Designed in the style of 16th-century scholars’ gardens, it’s not just a visual masterpiece—it’s a place of inspiration, where poetry, history, and architecture come together in perfect harmony. Take a slow stroll, sip a cup of jasmine tea, and soak it all in.
Take Your Wine Tasting to New Heights
If you’re up for an unforgettable experience, start your morning with a Vista Balloon Adventure. Picture this: You’re floating over the vineyards at sunrise, watching the Dundee Hills bathed in golden light. It’s peaceful, surreal, and, let’s be honest, a little terrifying at first—but once you’re up there, it’s pure magic. Plus, the post-flight toast is a solid way to start a day of wine tasting.
Savor Every Sip – Winery Stops You Can’t Miss
Now, let’s get to the wine. Dundee Hills is home to some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and while I’m obviously partial to Knudsen Vineyards, I love hopping around to other standout wineries in the area:
Granville Wine Co. – A small, family-owned winery crafting stunning, expressive wines. If you’re looking for a relaxed, welcoming tasting experience, this is it.
ROCO Winery – Home to the legendary Rollin Soles (yes, that’s his real name), ROCO produces elegant and structured wines. Their sparkling wines? Chef’s kiss.
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars – If you want to treat yourself, their Legacy Tasting is next-level. Hosted in a serene garden pavilion, it’s a two-hour deep dive into their estate and library wines, complete with perfectly paired small bites. It’s intimate, luxurious, and worth every penny.
Where to Eat – Because You’ll Need It
Rosmarino – If I could eat here every night, I would. Chef Dario’s 5-course wine pairing dinner is legendary, and his storytelling makes the experience even better. Fridays feature Oregon wineries, and Saturdays are all about Italian wines. Either way, you’ll leave full, happy, and possibly with a new appreciation for homemade pasta.
Briar Rose Creamery – If you love cheese (and if you don’t, we need to talk), this is a must-visit. Their small-batch, handmade cheeses are ridiculously good. Their Butterbloom just won gold at the 2024 World Cheese Awards, and their Fata Morgana took home a gold medal from the American Cheese Society. Basically, they’re the Beyoncé of cheese.
Red Hills Market – This is your go-to for a casual yet delicious meal. Their wood-fired pizzas, seasonal salads, and stacked sandwiches make the perfect midday refuel. Plus, they have an excellent selection of local wine and beer to round out your meal.
Where to Stay – Rest, Recharge, Repeat
After a full day of wine tasting, you’ll want a cozy place to unwind. Luckily, Dundee Hills has some incredible lodging options:
The Dundee – A Trace Hotel
For a boutique stay that captures the artistic and adventurous spirit of wine country, The Dundee is the perfect choice. Each room is one-of-a-kind, designed with locally sourced art and furnishings, blending luxury with a laid-back Oregon vibe. Bonus: you don’t even have to leave the building to start your wine tasting—there are world-class tasting rooms right on-site.
La Bastide Bed & Breakfast
If a cozy, European-style getaway is more your speed, La Bastide Bed & Breakfast is the perfect retreat. Owners Mark and Elizabeth Moisan built this charming inn in 2014, inspired by their love of small, welcoming European hotels. Each of the eight guest rooms is named after a French wine region, and many feature fireplaces and ensuite baths.
Breakfast is a highlight, with freshly made options served in the dining room, outdoor courtyard, or your room. And if wine tasting isn’t the only thing on your agenda, you’re just a short drive from hiking trails, waterfalls, the Evergreen Air & Space Museum, and the Oregon coast. Oh, and did we mention the on-site EV chargers?
Abbey Road Farm
Stay in a converted silo at this unique and picturesque farm stay. The gourmet breakfast alone is worth booking a night here. Nestled within three beautifully refurbished grain silos. Two of these silos were originally part of the property’s working grain facilities, with a third added to finalize this remarkable project. Each of the five spacious suites is designed with your utmost comfort in mind, featuring cozy beds, indulgent claw-foot soaking tubs, and lavish amenities.
Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast
This lovely B&B is just the place for those of us who crave the warmth and scale of a quaint B&B without the dusty doilies-and-damasks decor scheme. Owners and hospitality industry vets Dan and Maureen DeFrancia went off on their own, purchasing the 1930’s farmhouse on six acres and building an addition with five modern, upscale suites. Only minutes away from some of the area’s best wineries and vineyards!
Final Sips & Good Vibes
Oregon’s wine country is more than just a place to taste amazing Pinot Noir (though there’s plenty of that). It’s a place to slow down, savor the moment, and soak in the beauty of the Willamette Valley. Whether you’re drifting over vineyards in a balloon, sipping Chardonnay at a garden pavilion, or indulging in a cheese-and-wine-fueled weekend, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Now, who’s ready for a trip? 🍷✨
