Spring is a time of renewal, awakening, and fresh starts, and as the vines begin to bud, winemakers are already looking forward to the next harvest season. This is also one of the best times to visit the Willamette Valley for a McMinnville wine tasting, especially if you prefer quieter times with fewer crowds and mild weather. Downtown McMinnville is a fantastic destination. Located just about ten minutes from the city center, Youngberg Hill Winery is a great place to start or finish your McMinnville wine tastings in the Willamette Valley. You’ll enjoy the choice of tasting our two labels, Y ..read more

The Willamette Valley tends to attract creative talent to its rolling, lush vineyard-covered hills, and one of those incredibly gifted individuals is Matthew Lightner, chef, farmer, and owner of one of the best farm-to-table restaurants: Okta in McMinnville. Hailing from two-star Michelin Atera in New York City, Lightner is a culinary master creating works of art on the plate, pairing delicate and intense flavors with hyper-local ingredients and beautiful wines that thrive in the temperate climate of the Willamette Valley.  A meal at Okta in McMinnville will be a highlight of your visit ..read more

If you’re beginning the search for the best winery wedding venues in Willamette Valley, first of all, congratulations are in order! This is a unique and memorable time in one’s life as we step from one chapter to the next with our partner. While it’s a magical time that you’ll want to experience every moment to the fullest, planning a wedding can also add a lot of stress, and that’s where Youngberg Hill comes in.  Our goal is to make your special day absolutely perfect in every way. We understand that each wedding is unique, and we are excited to help bring the wedding of your dreams to ..read more

For three years running, this charming town located less than an hour from downtown Portland, has been named for having one of the “best small town food scenes” by US Today. Dining here isn’t the only draw; there are so many fun things to do in Newberg, Oregon, on a day trip. You can wine, dine, and explore the bounty of the Willamette Valley!  As the article points out, “Newberg is home to vintners who craft complex pinots and creative chefs who use the region’s bounty to develop innovative menus,” which all come together to create a place for gastronauts and wine connoisseurs to indul ..read more

Nestled in the verdant hills of Oregon Wine Country, the Willamette Valley American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) stand as a testament to the region’s reputation as a premier destination for Pinot Noir enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike. With its diverse terroir, cool climate, and passionate winemaking community, the Willamette Valley boasts a tapestry of AVAs, each contributing its own unique character and flavor profile to the region’s acclaimed Pinot Noir wines. The McMinnville American Viticultural Area covers an area of nearly 40,500 acres and is located directly west of the city of Mc ..read more

The Willamette Valley is renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the world—specifically pinot noir, a temperamental grape that’s thrived in the conditions. Wine enthusiasts seeking this varietal’s nuanced flavors and complexities will find an array of options at the wineries in Oregon near McMinnville and beyond.  The Willamette Valley is a vast American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States, spanning over 3.5 million acres. Nine smaller AVAs within the Valley have been recognized as of 2020. Each of these smaller pockets, or families of vineyards, has unique character ..read more

Whether you consider yourself a wine expert or are new to the sipping and swirling game, visiting Oregon’s wine country has something for everyone. This is particularly true in downtown McMinnville, where you can find a variety of local shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and historic architecture. For those who prefer adventures in nature, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from as well!  Of course, wine tasting should be on your list of things to do in downtown McMinnville. There’s a lovely selection of urban wine-tasting rooms from some of the best wineries in the Wil ..read more

We look forward to the Oregon Truffle Festival every year, and this spring event promises to be one of the best yet! Tickets are on sale already for the truffle-themed events and classes. Kicking off in early February, the Oregon Truffle Festival is a month-long celebration of this elusive and delicious delicacy. For many, going truffle hunting is a bucket list item, and thanks to advances in Oregon’s truffle industry, now you can experience this!  Of course, a major part of the festivities of the Oregon Truffle Festival is the menus at the local restaurants around town; the culinary ta ..read more

As we come upon a new year, couples all over the country prepare for special dates, anniversaries, and romantic weekend getaways, and many newly engaged couples are beginning to plan their weddings. Vineyard wedding venues remain some of the most beautiful and memorable places to say your vows, and the Willamette Valley, in the heart of Oregon’s beautiful wine country, is such an impressive place to do just that!  That’s where Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery comes in! As one of the premier vineyard wedding venues in the Willamette Valley, not only will you have a dedicated planner and s ..read more

The Willamette Valley is one of the premier wine tasting destinations in the world, and part of the fun is discovering some of the charming small towns with collections of local tasting rooms. The Newberg Oregon wineries fall into this category—the downtown area is walkable and quaint, there are cute cafes and restaurants to check out, and these local wineries are pouring some delicious wines!  While in this small town of Newberg, you can break up your time wine tasting with a walk along the Willamette River. Along the way, plaques tell the story of the founding of Oregon. The Newberg O ..read more