The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Willamette Valley, Oregon

I’m so excited to finally have a Travel Guide to the Willamette Valley to share here on my blog! The Willamette Valley is a region that offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, world-class wineries, and exceptional dining. Just 45 minutes southwest of Portland lies the charming town of Newberg, the epicenter of some of Oregon wine country’s best wine and food experiences. This travel guide to the Willamette Valley is for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, or anyone seeking a relaxing getaway. Keep reading for information on where we went wine tasting, restaurants to try, and other activities to do.

How to Get to the Willamette Valley

I was pleasantly surprised by our ease of travel to Newberg, even with the long distance coming from the east coast! We flew into Portland International Airport (PDX) and got a rental car. From the airport, Newberg is about an hour drive south. We flew in and were able to still enjoy half a day exploring wineries and went out to a nice dinner! Ubers and other transportation companies are available, but in this travel guide to the Willamette Valley, I would highly recommend getting a rental car for flexibility. Once you are in Newberg, there are several wineries within 10 minutes.

Where to Stay in the Willamette valley

The Allison Inn & Spa is the ultimate place to stay for a luxury experience in the Willamette Valley near Newberg. The Allison, located amidst vineyards, offers spacious rooms, an indulgent spa, and world-class dining. We loved our stay here and truly didn’t want to leave! Most importantly, the hotel is close to tons of wineries you can visit. This is a must-stay for your travel guide to the Willamette Valley.

Wineries to Visit near Newberg, OR in the Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is famous for its Pinot Noir, but the region’s diverse climate also makes it home to exceptional Chardonnay, sparkling wines, and more. Here are some must-visit wineries in the area:

Balsall Creek Winery

Balsall Creek is a family-owned vineyard located in the Chehalem AVA. They specialize in sustainable farming practices and crafting exquisite Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a handful of other unique wines. Balsall Creek currently has 20 acres planted with a beautiful new tasting room situated on a hillside overlooking their vines. They are also one of the few wineries that has a small food menu, so it is a great place to get a tasting and lunch or small bites! The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are must-tries, but we also really enjoyed their sparkling brut, aligoté, and pinot meunier.

Adelsheim Vineyard

Adelsheim Vineyard was the first winery established in the sub-region of Chehalem Mountains AVA. They have been producing world-class wines since 1971 with a focus is on cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. If you are able to see the cellars, they are beautiful! Located just below the tasting room, they are filled with french oak barrels and feature hand-made terracotta sconces. I highly recommend tasting side by side as many estate Pinot Noirs as you can! I also really enjoyed their late disgorged sparkling.

Lachini Vineyards

Known for producing small-batch wines, Lachini Vineyards focuses on making wines that reflect the terroir of the Willamette Valley. They have a brand-new tasting villa with views of the valley and their vineyards in the Chehalem AVA. They use biodynamic and sustainable farming practices and specialize in Pinot Noir.

Sealionne Winery

If you’re looking for a more modern, innovative approach to winemaking, Sealionne Winery is a must-try. In the summer they do their tastings out of an airstream, and in the winter you can expect a cozy vibe in the cellar. Their production is small, and the wines are delicious. My favorite wine was the Cabernet Franc made with some semi-carbonic fruit! You can book a tasting online through their website.

Ambar Estate Vineyard

Located in the heart of the Dundee Hills, Ambar Estate offers spectacular views alongside their exceptional wines. The estate is a beautiful sanctuary, inspired by Japanese architecture and minimalism. They are the Willamette Valley’s first regenerative organic certified vineyard specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their vineyards in the Dundee Hills. They have many different experiences you can choose from, including wine pairing experiences featuring food from their winery chef.

Rex Hill Winery

Rex Hill has been producing wines for over 30 years and is certified B corp. Their tasting room offers a relaxed atmosphere with views of the valley, and their wines, particularly the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, have earned international acclaim. They offer tastings, tours, and a Somm’s table experience for lunch, mentioned more below.

ROCO Winery

ROCO Winery is renowned for its complex and delicious Oregon sparkling wines. The winery’s focus on Pinot Noir and sparkling wines offers a unique tasting experience that showcases the diversity of the Willamette Valley’s offerings. Their 2013 RMS Brut 10-year delayed disgorgement won the #1 Wine of 2024 from Wine Enthusiast! If you are a sparkling wine lover, these wines are a must try.

Domaine Serene

One of the most well-known wineries in Oregon, Domaine Serene is celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their tasting room offers panoramic views and an elegant setting for experiencing their high-end wines. While I did not visit Domaine Serene on this trip, I’ve had the pleasure of trying their wines before and they are a must-try winery if you are in the area.

These are all of the wineries I had time to visit on my trip, and I only just scratched the surface! There are many more amazing places I did not touch on, but you could easily visit on your trip to the Willamette Valley region. Find a full list of wineries in the Newberg area here on their website.

Dining Experiences near Newberg

Newberg’s dining scene reflects the region’s commitment to quality ingredients and craftsmanship. Here are some standout dining options in this Travel Guide to the Willamette Valley:

Chef’s Counter at Jory Restaurant

For an unforgettable dining experience, book a seat at the Chef’s Table at Jory Restaurant. This intimate setting allows you to interact with the chef while enjoying a multi-course meal. The menu focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and the wine pairings feature some of the best selections from the Willamette Valley and internationally.

Ambar Estate Vine & Table Dinner

For a truly unique experience, we joined Ambar Estate for their Vine & Table Dinner series. Held in their stunning vineyard setting, this exclusive dinner features exquisite wine pairings and locally sourced ingredients, creating a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. This is a special dining experience, so check out Ambar Estate for their latest calendar and event offerings.

Rex Hill Somm’s Table

If you’re a wine connoisseur, Rex Hill’s Somm’s Table offers an elevated, educational dining experience. You’ll enjoy a carefully curated dinner or lunch paired with Rex Hill wines, guided by the winery’s expert sommeliers. It’s the perfect way to explore the nuances of Oregon wine while savoring a delicious meal. We tried some incredible back vintage Pinot Noirs with delicious local dishes!

Alpha Bravo

For a more casual dining experience in downtown Newberg, Alpha Bravo offers a speak-easy vibe with delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails. The menu is inventive, with a focus on ramen and local ingredients.

Rosmarino Osteria Italiana

This restaurant is a reason why I need to go back to Newberg and visit again! I did not have a chance to go, but I have heard amazing things about Rosmarino Osteria Italiana. They offer an a la cart lunch menu and a 5-course dinner menu. Reservations required.

Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots

Start your day with some of the best coffee and breakfast in the region! We tried out all of these local spots:

• Kayt’s Kitchen Food Truck. We loved the breakfast bagel sandwhiches and left with a truffle chocolate chip cookie! Check online for days / times / location.
• Lyrics Café. Lyrics offers delicious coffee and breakfast such as avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and more in a cozy space!
• Coffee Cat. Around the corner from Kayt’s, we grabbed a coffee here and it was delicious! Another charming and cozy spot right in the heart of Newberg.

The Oregon Chardonnay Celebration

If you’re in the Willamette Valley during the Oregon Chardonnay Celebration, you’re in for a real treat. Held annually, this event brings together some of the best wineries from around the state to showcase the diversity and quality of Oregon Chardonnay. It’s a fantastic opportunity to taste a wide variety of Chardonnay styles and meet the winemakers behind them. We loved trying all of the unique styles of Chardonnay from around the region while enjoying local food. This past year, 2025, was held at the Allison Inn and Spa and it was super convenient for us staying there.

Other Activities to do in the Willamette Valley

Wine tasting isn’t the only activity in the Willamette Valley! Here are a few other experiences you can enjoy near Newberg:

• Spa Day at the Allison Inn & spa
• Truffle Hunting
• Year-round farmers markets
• Hot Air Balloon
• Lavender Farm
• Scenic Biking
• Wine Country Whiskey Trail
• Helicopter Tours

What to Pack for the Willamette Valley

Our trip took place in February so it was the rainy, cool season in Oregon. We thankfully didn’t have too much rain, but if you are going in the winter be sure to have an umbrella in case. I was super comfortable in jeans, light sweaters, and flats or boots. I did not pack any heels and I’m glad I didn’t! For the winter especially, it wasn’t necessary and flats were dressy enough for most places. If I went back in the summer I would pack one pair to wear out to a nice restaurant, but at wineries and vineyards, the ground is muddy and grassy, so just wear comfortable shoes!

I hope you enjoyed this Travel Guide to the Willamette Valley! Whether you’re exploring the vineyards of the Willamette Valley, dining at exceptional restaurants, or enjoying a cozy cup of coffee in Newberg, this region offers something for everyone. The combination of world-class wines, outstanding dining, and unique local experiences makes the Willamette Valley and Newberg an unforgettable destination. With easy access from Portland, it’s the perfect getaway for anyone looking to experience the best of Oregon’s wine country.