January 28th, 2025

McMinnville: A Culinary Gem in Oregon Wine Country

Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country, McMinnville has long been celebrated for its vibrant vineyards and world-class wines. But in recent years, this charming town has also emerged as a culinary powerhouse in the Pacific Northwest. With an ever-growing roster of innovative chefs and exceptional restaurants, McMinnville is as much a destination for food lovers as it is for wine enthusiasts.

What makes McMinnville such a unique culinary hub? It’s a perfect storm of local bounty, talented chefs, and a supportive community. Surrounded by lush farmland, the town has access to some of the freshest ingredients in the Pacific Northwest. Chefs here take full advantage of seasonal produce, farm-raised meats, and artisan products to create dishes that are both rooted in tradition and boldly inventive.

A spread of food with several plates, including bread and butter, A bean hummus, a sliced piece of medium rare meat, charred carrots and more.  There is a glass of read wine, water and a candle in the middle.
The menu is always rotating at Hayward Restaurant. Photo credit: Ilana Freddye.

A James Beard-Worthy Town

The James Beard Awards are often referred to as the “Oscars of the culinary world,” and McMinnville has proven it can hold its own among the best. In 2024, the town made headlines with two James Beard Award nominations, showcasing the talent and creativity of its culinary community. Hayward Restaurant was a finalist for Best New Restaurant, and Chef Matthew Lightner of ōkta was nominated for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific.

This momentum has only grown in 2025, with Hayward Restaurant’s Chef Kari Shaughnessy and Humble Spirit’s Culinary Director Chef Sarah Schafer both receiving nominations for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific. These accolades solidify McMinnville’s reputation as a destination for extraordinary dining experiences.

A woman with blonde hair and black glasses smiles.  She is outside in front of a large tree and is wearing a black The North Face coat.
Photo courtesy of The Ground.

Chef Sarah Schafer

Chef Sarah Schafer, is a distinguished culinary professional with over three decades of experience, with an extensive career that spans both coasts of the United States, including significant tenures in Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Portland.  She notably became the youngest and first female sous chef at Gramercy Tavern in New York City and played a pivotal role in opening Eleven Madison Park as the executive sous chef.

In Portland, Schafer made a significant impact as the executive chef at Irving Street Kitchen, where she emphasized the use of fresh, local produce and diverse menu offerings. During the pandemic, she co-founded Cooperativa, an Italian marketplace that supported local producers and provided a unique culinary experience to the community.

In 2023, Schafer joined Humble Spirit, attracted by its commitment to regenerative agriculture and proximity to local food sources. 

Chef Schafer’s journey reflects a deep passion for food and a commitment to sustainable, community-focused dining. Her work at Humble Spirit continues to enrich McMinnville’s culinary landscape, offering guests thoughtfully prepared dishes that celebrate local provisions and regenerative farming practices.

A woman with a jean button up shirt and a gray apron smiles.  She is holding a large wedge of red rinded cheese and pats something on the counter in front of her.
Photo credit: Ilana Freddye

Chef Kari Shaugnessy

Chef Kari Shaughnessy relocated to McMinnville in 2020 from San Francisco, where she worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, including Sons & Daughters. Her culinary journey also includes positions at esteemed Bay Area establishments such as Frances and Marla Bakery.  She opened Hayward Restaurant in 2023.

At Hayward, Shaughnessy emphasizes hyper-seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, crafting innovative dishes that offer unexpected yet nostalgic flavors. Her approach to zero-waste and sustainable cooking has garnered significant attention. In 2024, when her restaurant was named a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant, she was recognized for her contributions to the culinary scene.

Chef Shaughnessy’s dedication to farm-to-table dining and her innovative use of local seasonal produce continue to enrich McMinnville’s culinary landscape, offering guests a unique and memorable dining experience.

A shallow bowl with some kind of tomato and bean stew.  There is a poached egg on top along with parsley, blue flowers and yellow flower petals.  There is a slice of focaccia bread balanced on the edge of the bowl.
Humble Spirit’s seasonal menu always satisfies. Photo courtesy of Humble Spirit.

Looking Ahead

The short list of award finalists will be announced on Wednesday, April 2. Winners will be celebrated at the Beard awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

With four James Beard nominations in just two years and a growing number of accolades, McMinnville’s star continues to rise. Its blend of culinary excellence, small-town charm, and wine country allure make it a must-visit destination in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a longtime foodie or simply curious about what this thriving town has to offer, McMinnville promises an unforgettable experience.

But don’t take our word for it: Book your reservations now at Hayward and Humble Spirit while you still can.

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.