The harvest was a bit crazier than I expected, so I’m just now recapping my favorite discoveries from the past couple of months. Throughout October and November, I spent my days off exploring wineries and coffee shops around the northern Willamette Valley. Below are four amazing wineries followed by four lovely coffee shops that I highly recommend if you ever find yourself in Oregon wine country.
Lady hill winery
Talk about one of the chillest wineries ever. I had such a lovely time visiting Lady Hill with a couple friends. We did the tasting menu, and the stand-outs for me were their heavier reds. One of my favorites was a blend made with Sangiovese grapes from Washington, which felt unique compared to a lot of what you usually see in the Valley.
I was hoping for a stronger small-bites or charcuterie selection, and that part didn’t totally wow me, but the ambiance made up for it. unfortunately I wasn’t very impressed with their selection in this field. The space feels rustic and calming, and I spent most of the afternoon enjoying the scenery–and playing with their dogs, obviously.
soter vineyards
Soter truly impressed me (so much so that I forgot to take pictures because I was enjoying myself too much). My harvest team and I met with their head winemaker, Chris, who gave us a tour of the cellar and pulled samples from tanks that were actively fermenting for us to taste.
Soter follows a low-intervention approach, and I loved how rich yet playful the wines felt. Their white wines especially stood out to me—the Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc were some of my favorite whites I tasted in the entire Valley.
bethel heights
Bethel Heights was another stop we made as a harvest team, and as one of the oldest wineries in the Willamette Valley, it definitely did not disappoint. Ben and his team were incredibly generous—we tasted what felt like endless estate-grown wines, many pulled straight from barrel, while learning about the winery’s history and vineyards.
The wines are traditional, complex, and beautifully balanced. Add in the peaceful scenery and sweeping views, and the whole experience felt very classic Willamette Valley. Bethel Heights is a true representation of high-quality Oregon Pinot Noir and beyond.
white rose estate
I visited White Rose with some fellow interns at the very end of harvest for their industry party, and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences. The cellar itself is beautifully designed, and the winemaking philosophy is especially creative: they take fruit from the same vineyard and produce several different styles by changing up fermentation techniques.
The hilltop view looks out over the Valley and is absolutely stunning, but what really stood out to me was the hospitality. The staff were unbelievably welcoming, taking extra time to chat with us and walk through each wine. They even handed out complimentary chocolate and espressos at the end of the night, which honestly sealed the deal for me. White Rose is a must-stop in the Dundee Hills.
chapters books & coffee
Chapters is both a bookstore and coffee shop, which automatically makes it dangerous for my wallet and perfect for my soul. It’s a popular study spot in Newberg and an easy place to settle in for a few hours with a laptop, journal, or good book. It can get busy, but there’s plenty of seating. I went with a few interns to hang out and ended up journaling with a cappuccino for far longer than planned!
Lyrics cafe
Lyrics is just up the street from Chapters and has a lively, welcoming vibe that works for just about anything—solo work sessions, Zoom calls, or catching up with friends. There’s lots of indoor seating plus a big outdoor patio, which I loved on nicer days.
On my days off during harvest, I treated myself to an oat milk latte and a cinnamon roll (which is dangerously good). Their coffee comes from Caravan Coffee Roasters, and they also serve full breakfast and lunch—omelets, breakfast burritos, and more. An all-around fantastic spot.
flag & Wire
Located inside a co-op in downtown McMinnville, Flag & Wire has a calmer, relaxed feel compared to some busier cafes. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to recharge.
I became very loyal to their large iced oat milk lattes—perfect fuel before heading into long winery days. I also tried their cheese and chive biscuit once and still think about it. Simple, cozy, and consistently good.
red hills market
I love Red Hills Market. It’s part café, part market, and part local treasure chest. You’ll find meats, cheeses, wines, and provisions that make building a charcuterie board dangerously easy. Their wine selection is fantastic, with a strong focus on nearby Willamette Valley producers.
I stopped in for coffee a few times, but the real star here is the roast beef sandwich with blue cheese and caramelized onions. I’m serious when I say you need to try it. Red Hills is the perfect first stop for coffee or lunch before a full day of tasting around Dundee.
If you’re planning a trip to the Willamette Valley, add a few of these spots to your list—you won’t regret it. Between the wine, coffee, and scenery, it’s very easy to fall in love with this place. 🍷☕
Thanks for reading 🙂
Caffeine & Chianti 
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