Introducing The Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure

Beer fans, raise a glass because, on October 1, there’s a fun new way to connect with breweries in McMinnville, Newberg, and nearby. Visit McMinnville has launched a beer passport program called the Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure. Think of it as a DIY beer crawl and a great way to explore the area and try out new-to-you breweries.

The Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure is similar in structure to the Bend Ale Trail and the McMenamins passport program, but it’s totally free to participate! It’s an interactive way to encourage visitors and locals alike to dig deeper into our thriving local craft beverage scene. Each page highlights a local brewery, cidery, or brewpub. By visiting these spots, trying their brews, and enjoying their unique offerings, you can collect stamps to redeem for prizes.

Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, stouts, sours, or ciders, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. When you participate, you’re not just enjoying great beer; you’re also supporting the local breweries that make the craft beverage scene in the Willamette Valley so special. Here’s everything you need to know to start collecting stamps. 

How do I get a passport?

You can pick up a passport booklet during business hours at any participating Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure brewery. Visit yvbeeradventure.com to discover participating locations and learn more about the program, including rules and exciting prizes.

What breweries are in the Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure?

There are 11 breweries, cideries, and brewpubs participating in the first edition of the Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure. In McMinnville the participants are Heater Allen, Foreland, Evasion, Bierly, Grain Station, and Golden Valley.   

In Newberg, check out Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery, and new Dayton cider-makers RAW Cider.

How long does it take to complete the Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure?

There are a lot of great breweries on the Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure, so it’s important to pace yourself. Don’t try to visit all the breweries in one day! Safety first! If you’re planning on doing a lot of tasting, make sure you have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service to get around. Ambitious passport-holders might be able to collect stamps from every spot in a couple weeks of happy hours, but most people will likely need several months to visit all the spots on the list. 

What are the rewards for completing the Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure prizes?

Once you’ve collected all the stamps, you’ll receive a stylish Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure hat! Each year, all completed passports are entered into a drawing for an all-expenses-paid trip to McMinnville. The annual grand prize includes a two-night stay, dinner at one of McMinnville’s distinguished restaurants, and a collection of local beers to take home.

Do you have to buy alcohol to participate in the Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure?

No! There’s a special set of stamps in the passport for designated drivers, and DDs or other alcohol-abstaining folks will be eligible for a special alcohol-free set of prizes. 

Is the Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure family-friendly?

Only those of legal drinking age are allowed to collect stamps in a passport, but many of the participating locations are very family friendly. Your YVBA passport includes some information on the amenities at each place, but all of the participating brewpubs have high-chairs and kids are welcome. 

Emily Teel (she/her) writes about cooking and dining and develops recipes on behalf of national brands. Mom to a toddler, she’s also an avid gardener and loves to forage for mushrooms and berries in the Pacific Northwest.

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