Things to Do in Oregon Wine Country - Erin Hanson's Blog

Things to Do in Oregon Wine Country - Erin Hanson's Blog

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Things to Do in Oregon Wine Country

McMinnville Local Area Visitors Guide

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

About McMinnville, OR
The Erin Hanson Gallery is nestled in the heart of Willamette Valley Wine Country and surrounded by over 220 top-of-the-line wineries. The area is a hot destination renowned for its Pinot Noir, stunning vistas, delectable culinary adventures, and luxurious resorts and spas.


Scroll down for our local area and travel recommendations.
Updated: January 2025

W H A T  t o  E A T

Earth & Sea (Carlton) | Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and a comfortable yet elevated atmosphere. 

Thistle | Chic American bistro & cocktail bar with à la carte menu or chef's tasting (wine pairing optional). Reservations recommended.

Pinch | Pinch offers playful cuisine in an informal, cozy atmosphere. The menu intentionally focuses on the seasons. Reservations are recommended.

Hayward & Honey Pie Pizza at Mac Market | Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and an ever-changing menu. Stop by the store section and stock up on dips and fresh-made bread to nibble while out wine tasting. Reservations are recommended for dinner at Hayward

La Rambla | Spanish restaurant & bar offering tapas, paella & an extensive wine list in an 1884 brick building (try the fried artichoke hearts).

Grain Station Brew Works | Elevated bar food with an extensive bar menu. Kid and family-friendly. 

Pura Vida Cucina | Latin-inspired dining and drinks (ask for extra pepita sauce, you won't be sorry)

Golden Valley Brewery | Ranch-to-Table. Be sure to add the cobbler to your order. 

Vadnay Chocolate Shop | Located right next to one of our favorite tasting rooms (Chris James) on 3rd Street, Vadnay Chocolate Shop is a must-visit. Simple, pure chocolate -- "bean to bar" as they put it, will have you dreaming of chocolate. 

Special Date Night Recommendation! 
The Painted Lady in Newberg | Lavish French-influenced fare and an immaculate wine selection. 



Nearby & Recommended:

the Common Cup (in Amity) | Breakfast & Brunch (try the cinnamon roll waffle!)

Jory at The Allison (in Newberg) | Refreshing and elegant. Be sure to walk the grounds before or after your dining experience.

Brick Hall 1886 (Dayton)| Handcrafted shared plates complimented by a thoughtfully curated wine list. We proudly work with a passionate network of local farmers, ranchers, fishers, foragers, winemakers, and food artisans. We believe in sourcing the best ingredients and preparing them simply and with care. 

Brick Hall(pictured), Dayton, Oregon


Ruddick/WoodRuddick/Wood (pictured above) is well-known for its ever-changing, locally sourced meals and drinks. (Newberg)



W H E R E  t o  S T A Y

Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn

Douglas on Third 

Atticus Hotel (use the code "gallery" for a special 20% off)

Boutique Retreat (McMinnville) 

The Allison (Newberg)

The Silo Suites Bed & Breakfast @ Abbey Road Farm

Eve West Vineyard Estate (an Airbnb option that is perfect for large parties)

Atticus Hotel

Winery

Wine tasting


W H A T  t o  D O

Visit the Gallery/Studio of the Nation's Top Contemporary Impressionist at The Erin Hanson Gallery 

Wine Tasting

Food + Wine Pairings at Brooks Winery | Brooks Winery Events

Hiking & Nature

Take a Jaunt to the Coast (Cannon Beach, Neskowin & Arch Cape recommended)

Historic Downtown McMinnville 

Carriage Ride through Town (Frankie the horsey is out and about most Saturdays and Sundays throughout the warmer months)

Evergreen Space Museum (home of the Spruce Goose)

Cheese Tasting in Tillamook

Evergreen Space Museum

Wine tasting

Sunburst through the trees

Tillamook factory



Travel & Transport 
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S 

Local Airports
Portland International Airport (1 hour away)
Salem Municipal Airport (45 minutes away)
McMinnville Municipal Airport (10 minutes away)




 

Erin Hanson ArtistERIN HANSON has been painting in oils since she was 8 years old. As a young artist, she worked at a mural studio creating 40-foot-tall paintings on canvas, while selling art commissions on the side. After getting a degree in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley, Erin became a rock climber at Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. Inspired by the colorful scenery she was climbing, she decided to paint one painting every week for the rest of her life. She has stuck to that decision ever since, becoming one of the most prolific artists in history. Erin Hanson's style is known as "Open Impressionism" and is now taught in art schools worldwide. With thousands of collectors eagerly anticipating her work and millions of followers online, Hanson has become an iconic, driving force in the rebirth of contemporary impressionism.
 

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