Move over France and California, this is the next big wine destination!
by: Sydney Baker
*This trip to Oregon wine country was sponsored by The Grange Estate and Four Graces Winery, but all opinions are my own.
Photo Courtesy of The Grange Estate
Most people envision Napa, Walla Walla, or increasingly, Sonoma when brainstorming locations for wine-centric trips on the West Coast. However, in my opinion, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is THE best wine region on the coast, if not, the country. Thanks to the magical scenery (rolling golden and green hills for miles) and vines that produce the best wine I’ve had outside of France.
The Location – In the Heart of Oregon Wine Country
The Grange Estate is the valley’s latest destination just awaiting your booking. Co-located with the Four Graces Winery and local favorite, Black Walnut Inn, the large farmhouse is the perfect mix of Pacific Northwest coziness and rustic charm with an upscale twist.
Black Walnut Inn Bathtub – Image Courtesy of Aubrie LeGault
Foley Entertainment Group, known for maintaining the family-owned vibe with all acquisitions, purchased the winery (formerly located down the road) and the existing Black Walnut back in 2014.
The brand-new Grange Estate boasts views of award-winning grapes and the rolling Dundee Hills, whether you’re cozied up in one of the magnificent rooms or enjoying the fresh air in an Adirondack chair on the lovely front porch.
The Rooms at The Black Walnut Inn
The rooms at Black Walnut Inn are designed to make the landscape feel like part of the stay. They are deliberately oriented toward the experience of being in the Dundee Hills. The result is intimate, quiet and deeply connected to the landscape, exactly the sort of room you hope to find after a day spent exploring Oregon wine country. Each room is positioned as a private retreat overlooking the Dundee Hills, with large windows and private balconies that bring the vineyard views directly into the living space. The interiors are polished but warm, avoiding the overly formal feeling that can sometimes accompany luxury wine country lodging. Natural materials, rich wood tones and understated furnishings create a sense of place, while the generous proportions give each room enough space to actually settle in for a few days.
From here, the view stretches across the vineyard and into the Willamette Valley, making it tempting to spend an entire afternoon without going anywhere. It is the sort of setting that changes throughout the day. Morning brings mist and soft light across the vines, while afternoon reveals the contours of the surrounding hills. At sunset, the valley takes on the warm, muted colors that make Oregon wine country feel almost cinematic. With a glass of Pinot Noir in hand, the balcony becomes less of an amenity and more of an outdoor living room. Even in late July, I woke up to classic valley fog making it appear as though my room and I were floating in another universe. However, this is part of the whimsical feel of the Willamette Valley. Inside, each of the nine rooms is uniquely decorated with artwork and antiques sourced from local Oregonian artists, artisans, and collectors. As I typed away in mine, enjoying the delicious coffee and chocolate left for me, the clouds lifted as quickly as they set in.
Images courtesy of the Black Walnut Inn
Inside, the rooms are equally focused on comfort. King beds with ultra-luxurious linens, spacious sitting areas and well-appointed bathrooms give the accommodations the feeling of a private guest suite rather than a standard hotel room. Deep soaking tubs provide a particularly appealing place to unwind after a day of wine tasting, while the bathrooms continue the property’s understated Northwest aesthetic with quality finishes and natural materials. The overall design is sophisticated without being flashy, with details chosen to complement the surrounding landscape rather than compete with it.
There is also something wonderfully old-fashioned about the experience. Black Walnut is a place where you can close the door, order a bottle of wine, draw a bath and simply disappear for an evening. The rooms encourage that kind of lingering. You can read by the window, watch the weather move across the valley, or sit outside as the vineyards become silhouettes in the fading light. It is luxury that feels less about having more things and more about having the time and setting to appreciate them.
The Award-Winning Restaurant in Oregon Wine Country – Anthology
Almost everything served on the property is locally sourced from Oregon wine country. Whether that’s a creamy milk chocolate bar from Moonstruck (a Portland-based chocolatier), or eggs from the property’s free-range chickens or veggies from neighboring farms, nothing comes from far away. If that sounds delectable, don’t miss the culinary delights beyond breakfast. Book a dinner at Anthology, the on-site restaurant headed by James Beard-winning Chef Chase Williams. The restaurant maintains a similar upscale-retreat-meets-cabin-in-the-woods vibe to the inn. The space is warm and intimate with fun touches like large branches that adorn the walls and light fixtures, sourced from the property during construction.
Black Walnut Inn – Image Courtesy of Aubrie LeGault
Williams curates menus inspired and sourced from local and seasonal ingredients. All paired of course, with exclusive local wines. Dinner at Anthology feels unlike anywhere else in the area. Chef Williams hand-draws each item on the menu and guests are given an illustration copy that details the course before being served. Then, at the end of the evening, you’re given a small leather book to keep your small menu drawings, each course making a chapter. It’s the cutest and is probably the most Oregon dining concept I’ve ever experienced. If you don’t have time for dinner (or even if you do), make sure to book a Sip + Savor tasting. The team will pair the best of Foley wines with fresh local bites, also prepared by Williams.
No matter what you choose, the kitchen will surprise you. They certainly changed my mind about beef and soup, two things that aren’t usually my first choice off a menu. The beef Katsu from The Source Farms, sandwiched between brioche and beer mustard was a delightful surprise for the tastebuds. Additionally, mushroom soup would normally cause me to turn up my nose, but this one was well-balanced and the addition of chili gave it a nice kick.
Anthology – Image Courtesy of Aubrie LeGault
If all of this is making your mouth water and heart itching to book a table in Oregon wine country, keep in mind it’s all seasonal. They change the menu seasonally, but more than four times a year, as microclimates around the Willamette Valley necessitate. However, whatever the team cooks up is sure to be a dream!
Wandering through the vines, you could spend your entire trip here, which is what I did. However, don’t miss the Oregon Coast, which is just a short drive away, or hike the numerous trails in the surrounding area.
Exclusively bookable to members of the Foley Food & Wine Society, the free-to-join rewards program.
Four Graces Winery – Image Courtesy of Aubrie LeGault