Dundee may be best known for its world-class wine, but this little slice of the Willamette Valley is surrounded by charming towns, scenic trails, and one-of-a-kind adventures—many just a short drive away. If you’re planning a trip to Knudsen Vineyards this summer, consider turning it into a full day (or weekend) escape. Whether you’re a hiker, history buff, foodie, or just here for the wine (no judgment), there’s something nearby that’s sure to round out your summer escape.
1) Hike Through Waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park
📍15 minutes outside of Silverton
Nicknamed the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls delivers classic Pacific Northwest scenery at its finest. The main attraction is the Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.4-mile loop that winds through dense forest, basalt cliffs, and fern-lined paths, leading you behind and beneath ten stunning waterfalls. While the full trail is a workout, several shorter loops offer more relaxed options. Bring good shoes, a camera, and maybe a light rain jacket—this is Oregon, after all.
2) Wander Historic Downtown McMinnville
📍McMinnville
Just a short drive from Dundee, McMinnville’s downtown area offers a delightful mix of small-town charm and cultural flair. Third Street is a vibrant stretch of local boutiques, tasting rooms, art galleries, and some of the best coffee in the valley (Flag & Wire is a favorite). If you’re hungry, restaurants like Thistle, La Rambla, and Pizza Capo serve up inventive cuisine with local ingredients. And for a dose of nostalgia and awe, visit the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. It’s home to the Spruce Goose—one of the largest planes ever built—as well as space exhibits and a waterpark built inside an actual hangar. It’s a perfect stop for curious minds of all ages.
3) Take in the Views on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
📍Newberg
Few experiences match the peaceful beauty of floating above the Willamette Valley in a hot air balloon. With Vista Balloon Adventures, you’ll lift off from nearby Newberg at sunrise and drift over vineyards, hazelnut orchards, and winding rivers as the sun paints the hills with golden light. It’s serene, surreal, and surprisingly quiet up there—just the occasional blast from the burner and a gentle breeze guiding your way. After landing, celebrate the experience with a visit to our tasting room for a glass of sparkling wine. It’s the perfect way to toast an unforgettable Oregon morning.
4) Go Wine Tasting Across the Dundee Hills AVA
📍Dundee and surrounding area
This is wine country at its most concentrated and expressive. Within a few miles of Knudsen Vineyards, you’ll find dozens of esteemed producers offering intimate tasting experiences—many with sweeping valley views and beautifully designed tasting rooms. Plan ahead and make a day of it: start with a seated tasting at Knudsen, then visit neighbors like Archery Summit, The Four Graces, and Torii Mor. Each stop reveals a different expression of the Dundee Hills’ volcanic soil and cool-climate elegance. Book a shuttle or a local wine tour for a relaxed, worry-free day—and don’t forget to hydrate between pours.
5) Zipline or Climb Through the Trees
📍Tree to Tree Adventure Park
Looking for something active to balance all the wine and relaxation? Head to Tree to Tree Adventure Park in Gaston for a high-flying forest adventure. You can test your courage on ziplines, aerial bridges, swinging obstacles, and platforms suspended high in the trees. It’s great for families, couples, and anyone wanting a different kind of thrill—especially in Oregon’s stunning forest canopy. The park also offers kid-friendly options and ground-level activities, making it an all-ages destination. Bonus: there’s a winery next door if you want to turn it into a “sip and zip” kind of day.
6) Paddle or Float the Willamette River
📍Newberg or Portland
On warm afternoons, there’s nothing more relaxing than drifting along the Willamette River. You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or tube from outfitters like eNRG Kayaking in Oregon City or Oregon River Rentals. Choose a short paddle through calm waters, or let the current guide you as you float beneath tree-lined banks and watch for birds, fish, and the occasional deer. It’s a quiet and restorative way to enjoy the outdoors—and it pairs perfectly with a low-key picnic and a chilled bottle of Pinot Gris once you’re back on dry land.
7) Dine Like a Local in Dundee
📍Walking distance from Knudsen
You don’t need to leave town to eat well. Just down the hill from our vineyard, you’ll find two of Dundee’s culinary gems. Red Hills Market is perfect for a casual bite or a curated picnic basket filled with local cheese, charcuterie, and fresh baked goods. Their wood-fired pizzas and deli sandwiches are favorites with visitors and locals alike. For something more refined, head to The Dundee Bistro—an elegant yet approachable spot where the seasonal menu is crafted to complement the region’s wines. It’s the perfect ending (or beginning) to a day of exploration.
8) Take a Scenic Drive Through Wine Country
📍Backroads through Carlton, Lafayette, Amity
Sometimes, the best discoveries happen when you take the road less traveled. Spend an hour or two exploring the quiet backroads surrounding Dundee. The rolling hills of Carlton, Amity, and Lafayette are dotted with wildflowers, hidden tasting rooms, charming barns, and fruit stands offering everything from heirloom tomatoes to fresh cherries. It’s a reminder of why people fall in love with this region—not just for the wine, but for the slower pace and soul-soothing beauty that make the Willamette Valley feel like home, even if just for the weekend.
Plan Your Summer Escape
Whether you’re here for the world-class wine, peaceful landscapes, or an adventurous detour through the trees, Knudsen Vineyards is your ideal starting point for a true Oregon wine country getaway. Book a tasting with us this summer and let your visit unfold into something even more unforgettable. We’ll have a glass waiting for you. 🍷
