Author: James Howe

5 women with pink t-shirts that say rose all day smile and pose. The woman in the middle has a glass of pink wine in front of her and wears a jean jacket over her pink tee. The rest of the women hold bottles of pink Troon rose.

Troon Vineyard: Crafting Vinous Alchemy

Troon Vineyard stands out as Oregon’s only Demeter Biodynamic and Regenerative Organic Certified® winery and farm. Remarkably, it is one of only four farms worldwide to achieve Regenerative Organic Gold Certification®, and the recognition Troon has received, such as a nomination from Wine Enthusiast magazine as an American Winery of the Year, is a testament to their dedication.

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A man drives a forklift that is carrying a large container full of grapes. Behind him is a vineyard bathed in golden light as the sun rises.

Harvest is On!

This year’s grape harvest in Oregon’s Willamette Valley has been a breath of fresh air for winemakers like Anna Matzinger, who resides in McMinnville. In a recent interview, Anna shared her thoughts on the unique conditions of this year’s vintage and the positive impact cooler temperatures have had on the process.

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A graphic with gold background, a pint of beer, hops and wheat. It says Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure.

Introducing The Yamhill Valley Beer Adventure

Beer fans, raise a glass, because come 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.

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Multiples pizzas are on a table along with wine and other appetizers. Several hands are in the photo, grabbing slices or wine glasses.

Not Your Nonna’s Neapolitan

Pizza Capo, the quickly beloved 3rd Street institution, opened in 2019, but the pizzaiolos tested their recipes and skills as a food cart first, often popping up at what is now Foreland Brewing.

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A mural of a classic car in a field of California poppies. A vibrant sunset is in the back ground along with a neon sign that says Art Alley.

McMinnville Art Alley

McMinnville Art Alley, between Davis and Evans Streets in downtown McMinnville, is now open and boasts seven new vibrant murals.

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A man and a woman hold full beer steins in one hand and a can of Heater Allen beer in another. Behind them is a warehouse that says Heater Allen.

Introducing Gold Dot Beer, a new brand from the brewer couple behind Heater Allen

You may have already noticed, but there’s a new name showing up on taps around town and new cans in the fridges each emblazoned with a shiny gold medallion. Is it a gold medal? Perhaps it’s the moon? A modernist twist on a gold star? The interpretation of the name is up to the drinker, but Gold Dot is a home-grown brand and McMinnville’s newest voice in craft beer. 

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Several outdoor tables filled with people dining. They sit out in the street with the seating area roped off.

La Rambla Celebrates 20 Years and Steps Outside During MacFresco!

With MacFresco!—where Third Street transforms into a pedestrian-friendly space for outdoor shopping, entertainment, dining, and drinks every weekend throughout the summer—in full swing, there is no better place to soak up the sun while sampling small plates, sipping award-winning wines, and listening to live music than La Rambla Restaurant & Social Room.

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Two women in period costume lean over a table, looking at a piece of fabric, with concerned looks on their faces.

Gallery Theater keeps it cool this summer

If you’re visiting McMinnville the next couple weekends, Gallery Theater has assembled some of the region’s finest stage actors to breathe life into two riveting, but little-known one-act plays. It’s a perfect way to cap a day of checking out our wineries, shops and restaurants.

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