The Passion for Pinot McMinnville sits in the heart of Oregon wine country, where Pinot Noir reigns supreme. First cultivated in France over 2,000 years ago, this notoriously finicky grape thrives in the Willamette Valley’s cool climate and soils. In the 1960s, local pioneers saw the similarities to Burgundy and proved the world wrong—by 1979, Oregon Pinot was competing with France’s best. Today, Pinot Noir makes up 60% of Oregon vineyards. Loved for its elegance, red berry and earthy notes, and unmatched food-pairing versatility, it has become the region’s calling card. In McMinnville, tasting Pinot is more than drinking wine—it’s experiencing the spirit of this place. Read Article
Where to Beat the Heat in McMinnville McMinnville may be known for its wine, but savvy summer travelers know it’s also full of low-key ways to beat the heat. From shady riverbanks to frosty scoops and naturally chilled tasting rooms, the key is slowing down and following the breeze. Locals head for Joe Dancer Park or the Nestucca River when the mercury climbs, while visitors often find sweet relief inside the Evergreen waterpark—or with a cold glass of Pinot at Maysara. The real secret? McMinnville makes staying cool feel like part of the adventure. Read Article
McMinnville is Buzzing with New Flavors and Experiences From freshly planted flower beds to a fresh crop of small businesses, McMinnville is bursting with new life. Our beloved town is welcoming a wave of exciting new spots to eat, sip, and stay—each one adding something special to the mix. On historic Third Street, gluten-free goodness, smoked veggies, world-class wine, and artisan chocolate await. Venture beyond downtown, and you’ll find charcuterie boards, reimagined burger joints, and food cart pods with vintage flair. With new restaurants, tasting rooms, and boutique hotels on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to explore McMinnville’s ever-evolving charm. Read Article
McMinnville: Best Small Towns in Oregon to Visit Enjoy the summertime pull of Oregon’s small towns – McMinnville made the list! Thanks, Thrillist, for the mention. “McMinnville’s well-preserved brick structures built between 1885 and 1912 add an element of small-town charm not found elsewhere. And the Historic District will be your go-to for all of your said charm finding needs…” Read the full… Read Article
The McMinnville AVA: A detective mystery It just so happens I’m in the travel detective business. It’s bad business to have an American Viticulture Area (AVA) right in your backyard that you don’t know. It’s like a clue hiding in plain sight. From what I’m hearing on the streets it’s the stuff dreams are made of: Sloping hills ripe for trodding,… Read Article
Planning a Dreamy Wine Country Wedding in McMinnville Oregon If you’re looking for a romantic setting for a wedding, then one in wine country makes perfect sense. I’m planning my wedding abroad in the fall but being so far away from where all your wedding vendors are can sometimes lead to missing out on learning about the little details. I spent the day with… Read Article
McMinnville featured in Sunset Magazine “Even serious enophiles describe Oregon wines with one word: Willamette. And one grape: Pinot Noir. It’s understandable. The Pinots produced in places like McMinnville and Dundee are among the very best in the world. The beauty of the Willamette Valley is that you can get lost on the backcountry roads but always find a good… Read Article
Family Winemakers Tasting Loop: Tasting for a Cause Special tasting experiences where the fees are donated 100% to a local charity Willamette Valley, Oregon: Who are we and what is this tasting loop? We are a small group of wineries where the family are both the owners and the winemakers, who have joined together to offer special ‘in the loop’ tasting experiences to benefit… Read Article
McMinnville Wineries Featured in Forbes.com Local faves R. Stuart & Co. Winery and Wine Bar, Goodfellow Family Cellars, and more are highlighted in Forbes by Brian Freedman, who writes that he visited Oregon recently “to explore the wines of the Willamette Valley, and in particular those being produced in McMinnville. I came away from the experience surprised. Not by the… Read Article
McMinnville Tiny Travels The best place to go in McMinnville after the election This is my gift to you: a story about a place where you can spend time with an artist’s view of our world. In what feels like a season of division and torment, I am thankful for that place that exists in my hometown: The… Read Article