In a recent New York Times article, they noted eight new travel trends. 

After flying (nonstop via Alaska Air) from Austin to Portland, I discovered that the rural areas of Newberg and Hood River (the Columbia River Gorge area) hit six of these: land snorkeling, mystery tour, detour destination, townsizing, phenomenon chasing, JOMO travel! Welcome to Part One of a two-part special series exploring how these Oregon cities are redefining modern travel.

Tucked in the heart of Oregon’s famed wine country, Newberg offers the perfect blend of rural charm and vineyard sophistication. With over 100 wineries within a 10-mile radius, this quiet farming town is a dream destination for anyone looking to sip and unwind. It’s peaceful, scenic, and, most importantly, deliciously curated.

 

Gorgeous front porch views from Cellar’s Choice. Video Marika Flatt.

 

Our home base for the trip was Cellar’s Choice, a stunning three-bedroom, three-bath farmhouse hosted by Lifestyle Properties. Nestled up a quiet dirt road with no neighbors in sight, it felt like our own private slice of Oregon wine country. We started each morning with coffee on the front porch, deer sightings included, and ended every day with a glass of wine in hand as the sun dipped below the hills. The home had a full kitchen, washer and dryer, dreamy bed linens, and plenty of room to spread out — everything you’d want for a weekend of wine and rest.

No Whining, Only Wine-ing

If you’re planning to visit multiple wineries (which, you should), hiring a local wine shuttle is a must. We used Pinot Car, and our driver was both knowledgeable and entertaining. She even shared that her parents’ home in Newberg was used as the filming location for Strange Darlings, a thriller from Miramax.

One standout stop was Privé Vineyard, a boutique winery owned by Piper and her husband since 2020. They specialize in Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay, farming organically and using sulfur to prevent mold, plus aggressive grape sorting to ensure only the best make it into their bottles. 

Tastings are available by reservation during the week and more freely on weekends. A few highlights from their flight include the 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, which is crisp and balanced from aging in 50% stainless steel and 50% neutral oak, and the 2022 Chehalem Mountain Pinot Noir, aged in 100% neutral oak for a brighter fruit-forward profile. Their Reserve Syrah, sourced from Walla Walla, brings a softer edge to a typically bold grape. But the star of the show? Le Sud, a luscious blend of their North and South Pinot Noir. It’s a crowd favorite, retailing at $80 and worth every penny.

Chehalem Winery has recently revealed a gorgeous new tasting room featuring a view of Mount Hood and what they call “wine rocks” from 18,000 years ago, sprinkled throughout the grounds. The winery was established in 1990 and boasts “old school winemaking Oregon style”. The tasting room is intended to be “like home”, open and comfortable. Locals in the wine club love it because it’s a lovely hang out and they can sit by a fire when it’s cool or in the lounge chairs upstairs with their friends. 

Chehalem makes 15 wines and gathers their grapes from several locations, including the Stoller Family Estate. Enjoy the Vista flight for $25 featuring five wines, including the Coral Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir. The single vineyard flight for $40 includes their Dry Coral Creek Vineyard Riesling and the Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir. Their full-time chef cooks up delicious pairable items seven days a week, including a house-made focaccia with delicious olive oil straight from Italy. You can also enjoy burrata or Dungeness crab salad.

Balsall Winery is a family-owned winery that sits on 20 acres and produces 6 varietals, including one we had never heard of called Aligote. They feature Sauvignon Blanc (a very drinkable peachy taste), Pinot Meunier and a fruit forward Gamay Noir. They planted their vines in 2016 and exercise organic farming.

 

New Eats in Newberg

Rosmarino Osteria Italiana

The owner from Italy picks his own personal collection of wines for retail, such as the wonderful obscure red blend from Italy that retails for $50 that we enjoyed. Order your meal and then he will help you select a bottle of wine to accompany it. Hearty gnocchi dishes (such as Bolognese), wood fired pizzas, Caprese salad, and great customer service are all on the menu.

 

JORY

Found at The Allison Inn, this upscale restaurant is based on a course offering only. Choose from four to seven courses for your dining experience. These are upscale, gourmet plates and are therefore small servings. However, if you’re not really hungry, the four course experience will suffice! Pair with a wonderful Oregon wine from their bountiful wine list. 

 

Lemon & Olive

Lemon & Olive is a very cute, tucked away Mediterranean restaurant, ideal for lunch. Order a Mezze platter so you can taste hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabouli with fresh vegetables and pita. They also feature kebabs, salads, and other fresh choices that go perfect with a glass of crisp Chardonnay.

 

The Newbergundian Bistro

This bistro brings a taste of France to the Willamette Valley, offering upscale cuisine in a casual atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for brunch or lunch, featuring dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Menu highlights include the indulgent Croque Monsieur with smoked ham, Gruyère, and stone-ground mustard vinaigrette; the Belgian waffle topped with fresh berries and whipped cream; and a classic Eggs Benedict served with poached egg, ham, tomato, and hollandaise over an English muffin. 

 

Forage Cafe

Wood-fired pizzas are the star at this cozy Newberg spot, with a menu that balances creativity and comfort. Signature pies include the Calabrian Chili & Sausage with a touch of Oregon honey and arugula topping, the classic Margherita with fresh mozzarella and basil, and the decadent Deep Dish Layered Pizza, a double-stacked pie loaded with meats, olives, and melty cheese. Don’t miss the semolina pound cake or lemon zeppole for dessert. And if you’re craving a slice long after your visit, grab their DIY Pizza Kit, which includes fresh dough and optional house sauce so you can bring the Forage experience home.

 

Feel like new in Newberg

The Allison Spa is the perfect way to spend a lazy day. Treat yourself to a therapeutic full body massage and make time to enjoy the relaxing lounge, steam room, sauna and showers (to get ready for the rest of the day/evening). I found this environment to be extremely soothing and the ideal pairing to a day in wine country.

 

Swinging through the Wine Country

Chehalem Glenn Golf Course is Newberg’s unexpected gem for those craving a round of golf before the wine tastings begin. The 18-hole course is set against rolling hills with views of Mount Hood, offering just the right mix of challenge and beautiful scenery. Make sure and work on your game off the tee, many of the holes require a tee shot over ravines that run through the course. It’s affordable and a local favorite for both casual and serious golfers.

 

Additional Trip Tips…

NEWBERG & THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON

– Alaska Airlines Offers Daily Non-Stop Flights to Portland International Airport

– Enjoy Scenic Cycling Routes through Vineyards & Farmland

– Outdoor Activities include: Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Jet Boating

– Hot Air Balloon Rides Cater to Tourists

– Newberg is Surrounded by 100 Wineries within 10-Mile Radius including Acclaimed Producers of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

– Enjoy a Fragrant Journey through Lavender Farms that Bloom In the Summer Months

 

Watch more about this region in our recent summer travel TV segments:  Great Day Houston and Daytime! 

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Cover photo Photo Katy Frank.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas and she spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard. She loved soaking up the cooler Oregon temps in the summer! Follow her on Instagram.