Stephanie Pearl Kimmel has been inspired by the bounty of the Willamette Valley for more than 40 years. Considered by many to be the godmother of Northwest cuisine, Stephanie is a pioneer in the local, seasonal food movement, and has been an active restaurateur in the Willamette Valley since the 1970s. Stephanie put together this two-day adventure to give you a taste of the fabulous food, wines and landscapes that you’ll find up and down this enchanting valley.
After you’ve had lunch at King Estate Winery, which overlooks the Lorane Valley south of Eugene, it’ll be impossible to keep your camera in your pocket. The winery, the gardens, the food and the view make fabulous photo ops. The winery has an active partnership with the Cascade Raptor Center, so keep an eye out for birds of prey swooping through the vineyards and nesting on perches along the drive.
In the north end of the valley, drop in on talented winemaker Remy Drabkin of Remy Wines in McMinnville. She has a tasting room where you can chat with her about the unique varietals she grows: sangiovese, lagrein and barbera. McMinnville also has some really fine restaurants and shops.
Whether you stay and linger with your lunch or pack a picnic, the Red Hills Market is not to be missed. It combines the tradition of a rural market with everything that’s fresh and fun about the Oregon food scene. Grab a glass of wine and hit the bocce ball court — you could very well be competing against an Oregon vintner.
After you're done exploring the nooks and crannies of the serene and thought-provoking sculpture garden and gorgeous grounds of The Allison Inn & Spa, head back to your room to relax on your private balcony (overlooking the vineyard or the valley), soak up some rays at the sun patio and beautiful pool area, or visit the spa for a luxurious treatment. The only thing that could convince you to leave this slice of Oregonian paradise? The prospect of wine tasting at the region's vineyards!
JORY is located at The Allison, and chef Sunny Jin does wonderful things with the products grown on and around the property. The gorgeous views and Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine add to the experience. Whether you're there for brunch, drinks and dessert, or a sumptuous dinner, you're bound to be blown away by your meal. Dishes like farm egg pappardelle and milk-braised pork cheek, perfectly paired with local wines, make for an unforgettable dinner.
Just southeast of the sweet community of Amity, a winding country road abruptly stops on the banks of the Willamette River. You’ve arrived at the Wheatland Ferry, a functioning link between the Amity area and metro Salem. It’s a quick trip that will set you back just a few bucks.
At the south end of the Valley, the new Inn at the 5th in Eugene has wonderful spacious spa rooms and is right next to the 5th Street Public Market. Chic rooms feature comfy beds, balconies, and tons of extra amenities (order something from room service so you can get to use the special food-delivery dumbwaiter!) mean your stay here will be stress-free.
The Lane County Farmers' Market is a hive of delicious activity every Saturday morning in the heart of Eugene. Pick up a pastry from Hideaway Bakery, a pint of berries from Groundwork Organics and a cup of great coffee from the Noble Coffee shop on the corner.
There's so much more to a weekend in Oregon's enchanting Wine Country than just drinking wine-- the casual-chic vibes from the one-of-a-kind vineyards in the area seep into everything here, making it a very special place to spend a few days exploring.
Travel Oregon
Travel Oregon is the official guide to Oregon travel information and we’re in love with Oregon. Why Oregon? Because Oregonians are wild, adventurous and inquisitive. Oregon is a place where people often find themselves roaming endlessly with no other goal than the next great meal, powdery slope, lighthouse view or salmon run. We encourage you to approach Oregon the way Oregonians do, with a sense of humor and adventure.