Last month, we kicked off our summer road trip series, Hit the Road, with an outdoor adventure along the Oregon Coast. If you checked it out, we’d love to hear about it.
This month, we’re continuing the series with a 40-mile trip into wine country (Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Laurelwood + Yamhill-Carlton AVAs) for a quick getaway. From Hillsboro to Lafayette, the bucolic countryside offers a little bit of everything — making it the perfect end-of-summer vacay.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area and our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~1 hour from downtown
Suggested route: The scenic one
Avg. high in July: 83°
Lafayette Schoolhouse Antique Mall built in 1912. | Photo via @jksmalls84
Things to do
Shopping and scenery are on the agenda.
Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint, 24730 SW Bald Peak Rd., Hillsboro
A stand of lofty Douglas firs shades a spot with picnic tables and a clear view of the surrounding vineyards. Though it’s always beautiful here, fog in the morning and vibrant sunset hues provide particularly dazzling vistas.
Trappist Abbey, 9200 NE Abbey Rd., Carlton
Monks with the community of Our Lady of Guadalupe live on the property and also maintain a network of hiking trails that are open to the public. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife.
Airplane Home, 15270 SW Holly Hill Rd., Hillsboro
You’ve probably seen bird’s-eye-view photos of this Boeing 727 nestled in the woods, but did you know you can visit it? It’s a good idea to review owner Bruce Campbell’s guidelines ahead of time.
Lafayette Schoolhouse Antique Mall, 748 Third St., Lafayette
The three-story, 1912 building (complete with a slide) now houses Oregon’s largest permanent antique display, with wares from 100+ dealers. An adjacent gymnasium displays vintage oak, pine, and mahogany furniture.
Equestrian Wine Tours, 6325 NE Abbey Rd.
Giddyup and grenache, anyone?
Cooper Mountain Vineyards is a worthy early checkpoint. | Photo via @travelingfoodgirls
Places to sip
There are as many vineyards + wineries as there are grapes on a vine, so don’t be afraid to branch out.
Colene Clemens Vineyards, 22501 NE Dopp Rd., Newberg
Make an appointment to stop and taste the pinot noir that’s produced sustainably + with dry-farming practices.
Crowing Hen, 10282 NE Abbey Rd., Carlton
A farmhouse brewery in the heart of wine country? That’s almost as rare as, well, a crowing hen. Nevertheless, it’s hard to beat drinking your way through the pecking order beside the lake.
Brick House Vineyards, 18200 NE Lewis Rogers Ln., Newberg
For $60 per person, guests can schedule an immersive farm tour to learn about biodynamic winegrowing and how to distinguish a chardonnay from a pinot leaf.
MonksGate Vineyard, 9500 NE Oak Springs Farm Rd., Carlton
We’re not saying this wine is blessed, but we’re also not not saying that.
Domaine Serene Winery, 6555 NE Hilltop Ln., Dayton
Venture up the hill to visit “the world’s most-awarded winery.”
You’ll want to visit a-grain and a-grain. | Photo via @jonilorainephotography
Overnight accommodations
If you decide to turn this quick day trip into an overnighter, here are some spots to stay.
Abbey Road Farm, 10280 NE Oak Springs Farm Rd., Carlton
Five suites are available inside this bed and breakfast’s renovated grain silos. The working farm also has a tasting room, manicured gardens, a horse riding arena, and meeting spaces.
The Setting Inn Willamette Valley, 20300 OR-240, Newberg
Live the life of luxury at this modern hotel located just outside of Newberg. Amenities include a Peloton in the on-site fitness center, a bocce ball court, and a boutique vineyard.
The Brookside Guest Home, 8243 NE Abbey Rd., Carlton
Book this Vrbo set on 21 pastoral acres complete with a fire-pit, forested walking paths, and a stocked fishing pond.
The Dundee Hotel, 1410 N. Highway 99W, Dundee
Stylish vibes and touches of luxury, like in-room yoga mats + cozy robes, make this a charming spot to relax within walking distance of several tasting rooms.
Atticus Hotel, 375 NE Ford St., McMinnville
Spend a night (or several) in one of 36 unique rooms, each of which comes with a champagne welcome toast, locally-grown hazelnuts, coffee, bikes to take for a spin around town, and endless Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Wood-fired pizza and wine country. | Photo via @carterhiyama
Grub to eat
Culinary creativity out here rivals the esteem of the vino.
Red Hills Market, 155 SW Seventh St., Dundee
Stacked sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas are sure to hit the spot after an afternoon of wine tasting.
ōkta, 618 NE Third St., McMinnville
Venture a little bit farther to this fine dining destination from Castagna alum Matthew Lightner.
The Horse Radish, 119 W. Main St, Carlton.
Cheese plates and live music on Saturday night is a win-win.
Martha’s Tacos & More, 440 Third St., Lafayette
Satisfy your cravings for Mexican food with authentic flavors straight from Michoacan.
Wooden Heart, 8415 NE Worden Hill Rd., Dundee (Furioso Vineyards)
Quite possibly the cutest little vintage-camp-trailer-turned-food-truck you’ve ever seen, serving brick oven pizza, cheese, charcuterie, salads + flatbread.
