Tag: wine

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.

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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.

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Discover Oregon’s Best Bubbles at the Inaugural Method Oregon Grand Tasting

Oregon’s sparkling wine moment has arrived. On July 26, the inaugural Method Oregon Grand Tasting at Domaine Willamette will bring together the state’s top producers and industry trailblazers for a day of world-class bubbles, expert insights, and unforgettable tasting experiences in the heart of the Dundee Hills. Don’t miss your chance to sip, learn, and celebrate the rise of Oregon sparkling wine.

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7 Don’t-Miss Fall Events in McMinnville

Stroll Sunset Magazine’s “Best Main Street in the West” On the 3rd Friday of every month, take a trip down charming 3rd Street!  Locally owned shops and galleries stay open late and feature local wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries in-house. Live music and fun activities make it a great evening experience for a group of…

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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,…

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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…

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McMinnville Tiny Travels

For a Galentine’s Day retreat in Oregon wine country, these places shine The first rule of Galentine’s Day is you have to talk about Galentine’s Day. As in, what the heck is it, why should I participate in this made-up holiday, and what’s the real reason it’s worth conflating your best friends with what could…

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