Falling For Oregon Wine Country

When you think of wines from the United States, your mind probably goes to California, maybe to Washington. But Oregon deserves a place on your radar, and on your wine rack. Home to over 700 wineries, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a picturesque region producing some of the country’s best bottles. Next time you’re booking a wine-forward trip—whether it’s for a romantic couple’s weekend or a girls’ getaway—put Oregon at the top of your list. Here’s how to spend a few days in this idyllic place. —Sara Harowitz

Where to Stay

There is only one answer to this question, and it’s The Allison Inn & Spa. Located in the quiet town of Newberg on 35 acres—much of it comprising beautiful green fields, gardens, and vineyards—The Allison is a true oasis in the valley. Only about an hour’s drive from Portland, the resort has over 500 pieces of original art both throughout the hotel as well as dotting the grounds, and has an overall rustic yet elevated aesthetic that works well with its surroundings. The Allison recently won a Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Star Award, and it’s truly not hard to see why: this place is subdued luxury without sacrificing comfort.

The guest rooms are equipped with a welcome basket of local snacks (including some divine dark-chocolate-covered hazelnuts; Oregon is the second-largest hazelnut producer in the world), as well as locally-made soap with lavender harvested from the onsite garden. Each room also has a gas fireplace, which makes things delightfully cozy at night. Tip: put the fire on for 30 minutes as you crawl into (the impeccably plush) bed and enjoy the soothing flickering and crackling as you drift off.

Where to Indulge

You don’t have to wander far to find the region’s best food and wine. The Allison’s restaurant, Jory, is a spectacular way to discover the story of this area through its produce. Named for a local volcanic grape-growing soil, Jory is led by the vision of executive chef Jack Strong. There’s a wood-fired grill in the kitchen, which means meats like house-made sausage and juicy cuts of Wagyu are perfectly charred. Speaking of steak, the steak salad with blue cheese and hazelnuts is a must-order; as is the salmon crudo, the steak tartare, and the fresh-as-can-be halibut filet.

Jory recently put its drink list on tablets, making it extremely easy to search for different wines, read about each one, and even build a wish list to chat with the sommelier about. For something truly exceptional, book the chef’s table private dining room for an exclusive, fresh, and bespoke tasting menu. Chef Strong uses inspiration from his Indigenous background to play with flavor, freshness, and a touch of whimsy.

The hotel does its part for the environment, too, with solar panels on the roof and kitchen food scraps being given to a nearby pig farm. And of course, there’s the onsite chef’s garden comprising 1.5 areas of delightfully fresh produce. Helmed by Master Gardener and Master Beekeeper Anna Ashby, this is a magical place that allows Ashby to work directly with the kitchen to grow produce for their dishes. Everything from edible flowers, to lavender for the spa, to carrots, to peas—even honey is created here thanks to Ashby’s beekeeping prowess.

When it comes to wine, the abundance of choice is staggering. The Willamette Valley is known for its pinot noir grapes, which seem to thrive especially well in the Pacific Northwest climate. The Allison grows pinot noir and pinot gris right on property, much of it turning into the hotel’s own brand of wine, called Austin Knoll (made in collaboration with a local winery). Or consider something from Rain Dance Vineyards, a mere two-minute walk from The Allison; or try a biodynamic bottle from the fabulous Soter Vineyards; or simply ask Jory’s sommelier to recommend something. You really can’t go wrong.

About a 15-minute drive down the road from The Allison sits Ponzi Vineyards. It’s one of the state’s first wineries, meaning it’s brimming with rich history—but the tasting room recently underwent renovations that have given it a stunning modern look. Enjoy a lunch of tuna tartare and coco salmon with early-summer succotash, paired with the 2021 Laurelwood Chardonnay. Chardonnay tends to be polarizing for people, but this one will turn the naysayers into believers.

Tip: in classic Pacific Northwest fashion, Oregon’s weather can be a bit unpredictable—and a lot rainy. For something to keep you dry if it starts to drizzle while you’re on a vineyard tour, turn to the Sinclair Color Blocked Wind Jacket from Canada Goose. Its pink upper half gives it a distinct fashion moment, and the lightweight material won’t weigh you down, while the hood will keep your hair dry until the rain passes and it turns sunny again.

Where to Relax

The Allison’s onsite spa is unparalleled. Pick from an array of treatments—everything from Moroccanoil massages to salt room experiences to HydraFacials—and notice the subtle but excellent touch of a heated rack to make your robe deliciously warm when you’re done. Be sure also to include time to use the facilities before or after; aside from a beautiful lounge that has private outdoor space, the spa also features a lovely steam room and sauna, plus a pool and hot tub that spill onto a quiet deck (where you can order lunch and a glass of wine to enjoy in the sun).

Whether you’re celebrating something (an engagement, perhaps? A promotion?) or just want a nice weekend away, this place has something special to offer. But be warned: a few days here will have you saying, “Napa who?”

theallison.com