Willamette Valley Itinerary: Discover Oregon's Wine Country
Ponzi Winery
Willamette Valley's Charm
Ah, Willamette Valley! Always dreamt of visiting there!
With our friends, my hubby and I set off on a 4-hour road trip from Seattle to Portland over Labor Day weekend. Portland was our base for this impromptu adventure.
Finding a place to stay in the valley was a bit tricky, but luckily, most of the wineries we wanted to visit were only a quick 45-minute drive from our hotel in Portland.
Note to self: snag a closer spot next time, especially during busy seasons!
Parrett Mountain Cellars
Tucked away in Oregon, the Willamette Valley is famous for its beautiful scenery, outstanding wineries, and incredible food scene.
Picture gorgeous hills covered in vineyards, producing exceptional Pinot Noir and other amazing wines. With more than 500 wineries and tasting spots, each with its charm, it's an oasis for those who love wine and good food.
Whether you're a wine lover, nature enthusiast, or just need a peaceful getaway, this place has something magical for everyone!
During our 4-day trip, we discovered the magic of Oregon's wine country. We visited amazing wineries and tried out some fantastic restaurants, giving us a real feel for the beauty of this place.
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Table of Contents:
Feel free to click on any section title to jump directly to that part of the post.
Day 1 - Friday: Exploring Portland
The Duniway Portland: Hotel Review
Day 2 - Saturday: Willamette Valley Winery Tour
White Rose Estate: Winery Visit
Ponzi Vineyards: Tasting Experience
LeChon: Evening Dinner in Portland
Day 3 - Sunday: More Wineries and Dining
Mother’s Bistro & Bar: Sunday Brunch
Stoller: Winery and Tasting Review
Argyle: Tasting in Downtown Dundee
Parratt Mountain Cellars: Cozy Winery Experience
Day 4 - Monday: Last Stops and Farewell
Blue Star Donuts: Breakfast Treat
Multnomah Falls and Vista House Experience
Explore Our Journey: Interactive Map of Featured Destinations
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Our 4-Day Itinerary
Our trip kicked off with a scrumptious lunch at Sugarpine Drive-In—that grilled cheese with heirloom tomato is an absolute must! This spot, right by the sandy river in Troutdale, is only 20 minutes from downtown Portland. They've got salads, sandwiches, and yummy soft-serve ice cream. Swing by from Thursday to Monday, 11 am to 5 pm!
We decided on The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel right in the heart of Portland, for our stay. The rooms were spacious and the beds were super comfy! They've got a lounge bar, restaurant, gym with a heated pool, and this adorable rooftop terrace that became our go-to spot for breakfast.
The Duniway Hotel view from our room, overlooking the terrace
The best part of the evening? We had an amazing dinner at Andina, a Peruvian restaurant. The food was just bursting with incredible flavors, and the live music made the whole atmosphere so lively! And if you're into cocktails, the Mojito de Piña is a definite must-try!
After our quick hotel breakfast, we kicked off our Willamette Valley itinerary with our first winery stop at White Rose Estate.
This vineyard sits high on a hill, offering an amazing view of the valley, it felt like entering a fairytale winery.
Although seating outside was limited—we managed to snag a spot, but it came with a price since the bees were particularly active during that season. It was worth it for the view though!
The outside of the building resembles an old farmhouse, but once you enter, it feels like you’ve been transported into a dim and relaxing cave.
Juan, our host, made our $45 tasting experience fantastic, especially their Convivial Feast Pinot Noir from 2021, which was an absolute delight! They even surprised us with complimentary espresso, which kept us going throughout the day.
It was an unforgettable experience, making us excited for our next visit to savor more of their amazing Pinot Noir.
Our next stop was Ponzi, a picturesque spot with incredible panoramic views. Their tasting rooms were modern and inviting, with cozy fireside spots, a covered terrace, and even bocce ball courts.
We tried their $40 tasting, which showcased some delicious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their Pinot Noir was so good that we couldn't resist taking a bottle home.
To top it off, we also indulged in their Harvest Board paired with a warm baguette.
Our visit got an extra dose of charm when we witnessed an adorable couple getting engaged right outside our tasting room.
Later that evening, we made our way to LeChon, a fantastic spot for South American cuisine in downtown Portland.
While the highly recommended tasting menu impressed us, the expected waterfront view from the outdoor seating didn't turn out as we'd hoped. However, the lively atmosphere indoors stole the spotlight anyway.
We decided to swing by Mother’s Bistro & Bar for Sunday Brunch. It had this charming, airy feel, almost like a cozy French café, and the servings were definitely American (aka, massive), leaving us completely satisfied and ready for the day.
As we continued our exploration through Willamette Valley, we excitedly made our way to Stoller for our first tasting of the day.
The place was gorgeous, featuring cozy hilltop vineyard views and comfy chairs looking out onto the hills—a perfect spot for a relaxing sip of wine with a picnic.
The winery also offers a limited menu of snacks and sandwiches.
Settling into the laid-back patio, we treated ourselves to their $25 Classic Flight and $45 Legacy Flight, which truly amped up our wine-tasting game. We also noticed how accommodating the winery was for kids and furry friends.
Argyle was a spontaneous stop for us, and we were thrilled to be seated right away. This lovely spot in Downtown Dundee specializes in both still and sparkling wines. Their tasting room has a modern feel and boasts a charming outdoor patio where a friendly house cat roams around.
Tastings here fall within a price range of $45 to $95 per person. We decided to savor a glass of their delightful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, accompanied by a cute little charcuterie box—a perfect addition that satisfied our cravings.
Our visit to Parratt Mountain Cellars felt like wandering into a cozy cabin tucked amidst the woods, with stunning views of Mt. St. Helens peeking through the trees.
What's fantastic is they happily accommodate small groups without requiring reservations, providing seating indoors, on the outdoor patio, and even out on the lawn.
Even though the tasting fee was a reasonable $25 per person, we chose to relax and enjoy our wine by the glass on the lawn. It was a tranquil setting, and their friendly service made our visit even more enjoyable.
We ended our night with dinner at Tusk—a Mediterranean spot with an awesome vibe and some seriously irresistible baked cheese!
We just had to try the famous Blue Star Donuts before leaving Portland. They were absolutely heavenly for breakfast, and let me tell you, their coffee was hands down the best we had throughout the entire trip.
The best assortment from Blue Star Donuts
We had our hearts set on visiting Multnomah Falls, but it just didn't work out as planned. Our initial try on Friday was a no-go due to upcoming dinner reservations. Then, on Labor Day Monday, it was super crowded with zero parking available. We ended up just catching a quick glimpse and a wave at the falls as we drove by.
Tip: Try visiting midweek or arriving early for a more peaceful experience. Also, don't miss the Vista House—it offers jaw-dropping views worth checking out!
Parting Thoughts:
As our journey in the Willamette Valley comes to an end, I hope this itinerary sparked excitement for your future adventures here.
With its vineyards and awesome restaurants, this place offers a little something for everyone.
Our four-day itinerary only scratched the surface of what this incredible destination has in store. So here's to your next epic trip and all the fantastic stories waiting to unfold!
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Join the conversation:
What's your favorite winery or restaurant in the Willamette Valley? Any hidden gems we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!