WINE COUNTRY
Located in Yamhill County, the most popular Wine Country cities include Newberg, Dundee and McMinnville. These cities offer a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities, making them desirable places to live and visit. In the heart of Oregon's wine country, these towns are known for their proximity to vineyards and wineries, attracting wine enthusiasts from across the globe. Conveniently located near Highway 99W, living in wine country allows for easy access to the metropolitan areas of Portland and Salem as well as other area attractions.
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Situated at the northern gateway to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Newberg is a fast-growing community that is home to roughly 23,000 people and George Fox University. Although it has grown, the community maintains a relaxed pace that complements the friendly people who live there. The Chehalem Mountains surrounding the community and the broad Willamette River create a natural bowl, providing a special sense of place that is cherished by the citizens of Newberg. For the foodies, Newberg secured its place in the top 10, 3 years running in the “USA Today 10 Best Competition” for “Best Small Town Food Scene” in 2023.
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Known locally as the Gateway to Wine Country, Dundee is home to approximately 3,000 people. Blessed with the beautiful Dundee Hills vineyards and award winning wineries, highly rated restaurants, unparalleled vistas and an excellent quality of life, this small town has one of the most beautiful locations in the Willamette Valley.
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McMinnville is a warmhearted city of about 33,000 residents and is home to Linfield University. The town is a hub for those who appreciate the laid back style of a small town with great taste. In 2016, it was featured as a runner-up of the best “medium-sized” towns in the West to live in by Sunset Magazine.
Market Insights
$780K
Median Listing Home Price
$334
Median Price Per Square Foot
$494K
Median Sold Home Price
Top Neighborhoods: The Greens (Newberg), Northwest McMinnville, Springbrook (Newberg)
Exploring Wine Country
A LOCAL'S GUIDE
Top Places to Explore in Wine Country
Get a bird's eye view of Wine Country
Catch the sunrise and float over the vines in a hot air balloon; the best way to see and taste what the Willamette Valley has to offer! Vista Balloon Adventures is the Pacific Northwest’s largest and oldest hot air balloon company, with 25 years of satisfied customers. During your one-hour flight, you’ll see the wine making hills of the Willamette Valley, the twisting Willamette River, 10 mountain peaks on a clear day and several other balloons flying around you. Your balloon adventure is followed by a champagne brunch, which makes it a great way to see (and taste) what makes the Willamette Valley so unique! Balloon season is April to October.
Address: 1050 Commerce Parkway, Newberg, OR 97132
99W Drive In
For those looking to catch a first-run or classic movie, the 99W Drive-In is the perfect place for movie fans of all ages. The old-school drive-in theater features a snack bar and digital projector showing double features. As the only drive-in theater in the Portland metro area, the cinema attracts both regulars and out-of-towners alike. The drive-in is open from late April or early May through late October. Days of operation are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Address: 3110 Portland Rd, Newberg, OR 97132
Explore the world of flight
The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is best known as the home of the world’s largest wooden flying boat, the Hughes H-4 Hercules “Spruce Goose,” the SR-71 “Blackbird,” and the Titan II SLV Missile. In addition, there are more than 200 historic aircraft, spacecraft and exhibits on display, along with Oregon’s biggest large-format 3D theater. While at EASM, be sure to check out the Wings & Waves Waterpark, an indoor, all-season waterpark that includes ten waterslides, ranging from slides for little ones to slides for daredevils, and a fun wave pool. For a unique experience, climb to the roof and slide out of a real Boeing 747 aircraft!
Address: 500 NE Capt. Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128
Drink your way through Oregon's Premier Wine Region
Wine is not simply a taste — it’s an art form, a lifestyle, a movement. The 2016 Wine Region of the Year recognition by Wine Enthusiast magazine solidified Oregon Wine Country as a world-class destination. You can experience the Willamette Valley’s wine through tasting rooms, on tours and across trails dedicated to these delicate and decadent drinks. The Willamette Valley boats more than 700 wineries and over 800 vineyards and is recognized as one of the premier Pinot noir–producing areas in the world. The area harvests almost 22,500 acres of grapes, with nearly all of the grapes grown being Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, and includes seven of the eleven nested AVAs: Chehalem Mountains; Dundee Hills; Eola-Amity Hills; Laurelwood District; McMinnville; Ribbon Ridge; and Yamhill-Carlton. Some of my favorite wineries include Abbey Road Farm, Furioso Vineyards, Deponte Cellars and Domaine Divio, but here's a wine map to plan your own adventure!
Relax and Unwind with a Spa Day
Surrounded by the abundance of the Oregon Willamette Valley, The Allison Spa offers a unique & relaxing wellness and health experience, designed to nurture your entire being. Spend a luxurious day and enjoy spa therapies blended from the bounty and ecological elements of the valley including fruit, herbs, flowers, water for hydrotherapy and, of course, its renowned pinot noir grapes. The award-winning Allison Spa offers an indulgent full-service spa menu for men and women in a luxurious 15,000 sq. ft. facility dedicated to your health and wellness.