Story and photos by June Russell-Chamberlin (unless otherwise indicated)
Adventures in Newberg, the heart of Oregon Wine Country
Just an hour from Portland, Oregon, lies Newberg, a small town that’s big on wine. Vineyards blanket rolling hills and wineries dot the landscape; more than 100 wineries and vineyards are within 10-miles of town. Most are boutique wineries, producing less than 5,000 cases a year — and many are too small to sell their wine in stores. If you want a sip, you’ll have to visit the winery. Newberg’s tasting rooms overflow with small-batch pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris, and other varietals.
But there’s more to this wine country town than just bucolic views and tasting rooms. Spend a day at the spa, take a hike through the vineyard, or float above the vines in a hot air balloon. Once a sleepy farm town, today Newberg is a wine country destination.
Getting There and Getting Around
Located 25 miles southwest of Portland on Highway 99 West, Newberg is at the edge of the Willamette Valley, in the foothills of the Coast Range. The town is best reached by private car or on a tour providing transportation. Though a TriMet public bus runs from Portland to Newberg, you’ll still need a car or rideshare to visit the area’s wineries. Many companies offer wine tasting tours with transportation from Portland, Salem, or Newberg. Portland International Airport (PDX) is the closest airport.
From “Dry” Town to Wine Town
It may seem hard to believe, but Newberg was a “dry” or alcohol-free town until 1966, primarily due to its Quaker heritage. In 1869, the first postmaster, Sebastian Brutscher, named the settlement along the Willamette River Newberg after his hometown in Germany. Quaker William Hobson arrived in 1873 and declared it the perfect place for his fellow members of the Society of Friends to settle in the West.
By 1910, farms, orchards, and brick manufacturing flourished in the surrounding area, and Newberg became the commercial hub for the region. The 1960s brought interest in growing wine grapes to the Willamette Valley. Oregon claimed 34 wineries and 1,100 acres of vineyards in 1980; today more than 900 wineries and 37,000 acres of vineyards call the state home.
Luxurious Stays in Wine Country
Consider the Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg a showcase for Northwest-style luxury. Soothing earth tones, natural materials, impeccable service, and thoughtful details make for a luxurious stay. The 85 spacious rooms boast balconies, fireplaces, and windowseats — all perfect spots for enjoying a glass of wine and a good book. Wineries are a short drive away, but you may not want to leave. Guests can relax with a massage at the spa or stroll the walking paths through the outdoor sculpture park.
Just steps from the boutiques, tasting rooms, and restaurants in Newberg’s historic downtown, the short-term luxury apartments at Yamhill Flats provide a comfortable place to call home while touring wine country. Each apartment is unique, but they all feature flat-screen TVs, fully stocked kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, and queen or king beds. Concierge service comes with the apartment and can stock the pantry and refrigerator, supply wine or flowers, or help with other requests.
Things To Do in Newberg, Oregon
Go Wine Tasting
With more than 100 wineries and vineyards within 10 miles of downtown Newberg, it’s easy to find great wine to taste. Pick up guides to local wineries at the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce (112 N Garfield St, #103) or visit Taste Newberg and Willamette Valley Wine websites. It’s easy to drive yourself, but dozens of wine tours are also available if you’d like someone else to do the driving. Just remember to call ahead; some tasting rooms require reservations.
Visit Wineries by Bicycle
Wine De Roads combines wine tasting with a leisurely ride through the vineyards, orchards, and farms of Oregon Wine Country. The six-hour excursion visits three wineries (tasting fees not included) and includes everything you need, including lunch. Pedal along quiet country roads, stop and admire the scenery and learn about the vineyards.
Hike the Vineyard
Do you have questions about grape growing or winemaking? Take a hike with an expert in Rex Hill’s vineyard and get answers to those questions. You’ll learn about the winery’s biodynamic methods and sample five wines. Tours are seasonal. Make reservations online at Tock or by phone at (503) 538-0666.
More Things To Do in Newberg
Float in a hot air balloon. For nearly 30 years, Vista Balloon Adventures has been floating over Willamette Valley wine country in 100-foot-tall balloons. The unforgettable experience begins at dawn with inflation and ends about three hours later.
Paddle the Willamette Water Trail. Explore the wide, green Willamette River by kayak, canoe, or SUP on the 187-mile-long Willamette Water Trail. Dozens of parks, including Rogers Landing in Newberg, line the river. Bring your own watercraft or rent one from Alder Creek.
Take a spa day. Pamper yourself with a manicure, wine facial, massage, or other rejuvenating treatment at the award-winning Allison Spa. Make reservations 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
Shop historic downtown Newberg. Discover local art, unique gifts, books, and vintage and trending clothing in Newberg’s walkable downtown. Mixed in among the boutiques are tasting rooms and restaurants
Walk through a sculpture park. Stroll through an outdoor art gallery at the Allison Inn & Spa, where winding paths lead through open meadows and to hidden corners. Much of the art is for sale, and new pieces are added regularly.
Where to Eat and Drink in Newberg
From casual restaurants and bookstore coffee shops to gourmet farm-to-table dining, Newberg dishes up a smorgasbord of options for fueling your wine-tasting adventures.
See See Motor Coffee Company
See See Motor Coffee Company may look like an auto body shop from the outside, but inside you’ll find espresso drinks, pastries, and breakfast burritos that are worth the visit. Bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, green chiles, and aji sauce fill the bacon burrito, or go vegetarian and substitute a vegan sausage for the bacon. Hot dogs, chips, and a beer or a Mexican coke are served from noon until closing. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Good Company Cheese Shop and Bistro
Good Company Cheese Shop and Bistro is the place to go for cheese, wine, and picnic supplies for wine tasting. The front half of the shop in downtown Newberg is devoted to an array of cheeses, charcuterie, wines, and picnic supplies from the Pacific Northwest and Europe. The back half of the shop features a full bar and is the perfect place to sip wine cocktails.
Foodies won’t want to miss dinner at JORY, SubTerra Kitchen and Cellar, or The Painted Lady Restaurant. These farm-to-table restaurants draw their menus from the bounty of the Northwest, with a focus on whatever is in season. At all these restaurants, be sure to ask about wine pairings and leave room for truly indulgent desserts.
Located at the Allison Inn & Spa, JORY takes fresh and local food a step further with a 1.5-acre chef’s garden and greenhouse. Like the menu, the view through the expansive glass windows showcases the changing seasons. Entrees often include such flavorful options as seafood, wagyu steak, and roasted vegetables.
SubTerra and The Painted Lady
The plain walls and bold art at SubTerra reflects the restaurant’s approach to food. You’ll find simple food and intense flavors in belly-pleasing steak, salmon, pork, and other flavors from the Northwest. The restaurant also offers cocktails and an extensive selection of wines from Oregon and Washington.
Set in a Victorian-style house with a white picket fence, The Painted Lady tempts guests with a world-class seven-course tasting menu and impeccable service. Rent the adjacent two-bedroom cottage and (for an additional fee) the chefs will make you artisan Neapolitan-style pizza in their wood-burning oven. Reservations are required.
Plan Your Weekend Getaway to Newberg, Oregon
Newberg is a wine tasting destination that combines tasting award-winning pinot noir with outdoor fun. Bicycle, paddle, or float in a hot air balloon — or if you prefer, drive — on your adventure in Oregon Wine Country.
