Home / About / Articles / Flavors of the Foothills: McMinnville’s Ultimate Food & Wine Adventure February 3rd, 2025 Flavors of the Foothills: McMinnville’s Ultimate Food & Wine Adventure Are you looking for a new way to explore the best of McMinnville? Check out Flavors of the Foothills, an unprecedented collaboration that brings together seven McMinnville restaurants and ten McMinnville AVA wineries for a one-of-a-kind passport program that blends exceptional dining and world-class wine tasting. Unlike traditional programs that focus solely on breweries or wineries, Flavors of the Foothills invites participants to explore both, making for a more immersive, memorable experience. Participate for your chance to win a weekend getaway for two to McMinnville, including: Two nights at a premium McMinnville hotel Dinner at a participating restaurant An elevated wine-tasting experience A case of wine from McMinnville AVA wineries Entry to the Flavors of the Foothills Spring Food & Wine Experience Even if you don’t win the grand prize, fantastic runner-up rewards are up for grabs, and everyone who completes the passport wins a prize! A Fresh Take on the McMinnville AVA’s Passport Program Previously, the McMinnville AVA hosted a wine passport program from February through April, aimed at encouraging visitors and locals to explore wineries during Cellar Season, wine country’s most laid back and cozy time of year. “Cellar Season provides the opportunity for a more intimate experience in the McMinnville AVA. Quieter tasting rooms mean the knowledgeable hosts can provide you with a more personalized tasting and have thoughtful conversations about the wine crafted in our unique region. It’s the best time of year to discover your new favorite hidden gem in the Willamette Valley.” – Miriam Peterson, Hospitality and Sales Manager at Brittan Vineyards. The McMinnville Winegrower’s Association (MWA) Committee chair, Dominic Allen speaks to the addition of restaurants to the program: “This year the [MWA] decided to evolve our annual passport into Flavors of the Foothills to show off the bounty that McMinnville has to offer. Wine and food go hand in hand, and what better way to showcase the bounty of McMinnville than by featuring a collection of wineries and restaurants that call McMinnville home, through our passport!” How to Play: Pick up a Flavors of the Foothills Passport at any participating winery or restaurant on or after February 1, 2025. Earn stamps by tasting at or purchasing from participating wineries. Earn stamps by spending $25 or more at participating restaurants. Collect at least 5 winery stamps and 3 restaurant stamps. Stamps must be collected by April 30. Drop off completed passports at a participating location or email scanned copies to info@mcminnvilleava.org by May 5, 2025. Winners will be announced May 9, 2025. Flavors of the Foothills Spring Food & Wine Experience Mark your calendars for an incredible kickoff to Memorial Day weekend! On Saturday, May 24, 2025, join us at The Bindery Event Space in Downtown McMinnville for a day dedicated to exceptional food, wine, and community spirit. What to Expect: Thoughtfully curated food and wine pairings showcasing the talents of McMinnville’s finest chefs and winemakers. The opportunity to taste wines from all 10 McMinnville AVA wineries and small bites from the 7 participating restaurants—each pairing uniquely crafted to highlight the best flavors of the region. A Food & Wine Pairing Seminar from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, offering insider insights into the art of pairing. Don’t Miss Out! Whether you’re playing the passport game or not, the Flavors of the Foothills Spring Tasting Event is a must-attend celebration for food and wine lovers. Gather your friends, sip on world-class wines, savor delicious bites, and immerse yourself in the warm, welcoming charm of McMinnville’s wine country. About the Author: James Howe (she/her), Visit McMinnville staff writer, has lived in McMinnville since 2009. Some of her favorite McMinnville memories include playing the flute in Second Winds Community Band, acting on stage at Gallery Theater, and co-founding and annually producing Make Music McMinnville. Share this Article Share via email Share on Twitter Share on Facebook