The Willamette Valley continues to reopen, so we've launched the Responsible Reopening commitment to help local businesses do so as safely as possible-and to make your next visit warm, inviting, and relaxing.
And if you're visiting Yamhill County-the heart of the Willamette Valley wine scene-you'll want to enjoy the safest possible experience when trying robust vintages and chatting with dedicated winemakers. Fortunately, several wineries and tour companies have stepped up to create a safe environment for sharing the region's world-famous Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals.
So here's a guide to tasting your way through Yamhill's vineyards and tasting rooms. We've made sure to spotlight businesses that have signed onto our Responsible Reopening commitment so you can raise your glass in comfort and safety.
Start your trip with a few tastes at R. Stuart & Co. Winery in McMinnville; the celebrated winery pours several varietals crafted from grapes grown on Willamette Valley vineyards-most coming from within 30 miles of its tasting room.
In the Dundee Hills, Lange Estate specializes in pinot and chardonnay grapes-all with an eye toward sustainability.
Stoller Family Estate, meanwhile, wows with its all-new Stoller Experience Center; the 8,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art tasting room uses augmented reality artwork, interactive tasting tables, curated videos, and drone footage of the surrounding vineyards for a high-tech look at the winery's storied history.
Wherever you wind up, check before leaving to see whether your preferred wineries are requiring reservations; many of our Responsible Reopening partners are asking guests to make reservations to limit foot traffic and promote social distancing.
With so many wineries and such little time, why not let someone else do the driving?
Backcountry Wine Tours promises customized tours that usually include 3-4 wineries, cover distinct growing regions, and offer education on the region's rich history.
Pinot Car, meanwhile, offers personalized and all-inclusive tours, all curated by local experts who know the scene. (As part of Pinot Car's commitment to safety, all vehicles are sanitized before and after tours.)
If you're making a weekend out of it, Abbey Road Farm offers the chance to spend the night on a working farm with its Silo Suites Bed & Breakfast. (Yes, it's housed in a converted grain silo.) Stays include a tour of the farm, the chance to meet its animals, and a multi-course breakfast.
And in the heart of the bucolic Dundee Hills, La Bastide Bed and Breakfast serves filling, scratch-made breakfast each morning before exploring nearby wineries; in all, more than 25 wineries sit within a two-mile radius of the scenic farmhouse.
Learn more about our businesses' commitment on the official Responsible Reopening website, which includes an interactive map where you can find local businesses-lodgings, restaurants, wineries, and more-that have taken the pledge.
