A Long Weekend in Oregon’s Willamette Valley
When nine friends pile into a Sprinter van for a long weekend in Oregon, you know it’s going to be an adventure. Our Booked by Chance crew recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Portland and the Willamette Valley, and we’re here to share the highlights (and a few travel tips we learned along the way).
Thursday: Portland Eats Before Wine Country
We kicked things off with a night in Portland. Thursday morning we joined a Secret Food Tour, which was the perfect way to sample the city’s flavors and get our bearings. By afternoon, we hit the road toward Willamette in our van—highly recommend this option for groups, since rideshares in wine country are scarce.
That evening, dinner at Humble Spirit in McMinnville set the tone for the weekend. The food was fantastic (just don’t ask Alana to share her halibut—it’s now legendary in our group). Afterward, we wandered to the restaurant’s sister bar around the corner for expertly crafted cocktails and a cool, local vibe.
Travel tip: Plan your own transportation in McMinnville—Ubers and Lyfts are few and far between.
Friday: Four Tastings, Countless Memories
Friday was our big wine-tasting day, and we didn’t hold back:
Walter Scott Wines – Elegant, Burgundian-style Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Winemaker Ken calls his Chardonnay “lightning in a bottle”—and he’s not wrong.
Violin Wines – A beautiful continuation of the Walter Scott connection (its winemaker once worked with Ken). More brilliant Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
Montinore Tasting Room – A downtown McMinnville stop that pleased both the natural wine lovers and the traditionalists among us.
Soter Vineyards – A stunning hilltop estate where sparkling wines and rosé paired perfectly with snacks and panoramic views. Cue: a flood of group photos.
We capped off the night at HiFi, a lively bar in McMinnville that kept the energy going with late-night bites.
Saturday: Sparkling Day
Saturday was all about bubbles.
Argyle – A sleek yet welcoming tasting room with knockout sparkling wines. Many of us had bottles shipped home.
Lytle-Barnett – Across the street, this was a group favorite. The husband-and-wife team specializes in still and sparkling, and their “Ménage” is a must-try.
Lunch at Red Hills Market – Picnic table vibes, top-notch food.
Resonance – Another hilltop winery, another round of jaw-dropping views.
Dinner that night at Pinch was nothing short of magical. Chef Paul personally curated and delivered courses that made it one of the best meals of the trip.
Sunday & Monday: Wrapping It Up
We eased into Sunday with brunch at Crescent Café (don’t miss the crepes and pancakes), then capped the trip with dinner back in Portland at L’Echelle—a French bistro with mussels, pâté, and plenty of wine.
By Monday morning, we were full of good food, incredible wine, and even better memories.
Final Thoughts
The Willamette Valley is a gem for wine lovers, but it’s also a destination for connection—whether that’s with local winemakers or your own travel companions. Our advice? Bring friends, plan your tastings ahead, and always order the halibut.
