829 NE 5th St #700, McMinnville, OR 97128
Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah
It took years to find the ideal site on which to grow Pinot Noir but after an exhaustive search, Brittan Vineyards began on a 128-acre hillside near McMinnville in December 2004. The soils are a mixture of glacial deposits and volcanic material, with a predominant presence of broken basalt. “For years, I have dreamed of making Pinot Noir in Oregon… From this site I believe I can produce unique wines, wines that speak of this place,” says Robert Brittan, Founder and Winemaker.
Why We Love Brittan: According to David Schildknecht of the Wine Advocate, “A personal encounter with these singular wines should be high on the to-do list of any wine lover— not just Pinotphile– who hasn’t yet had the experience.”
455 NE Irvine St, McMinnville, OR 97128
Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Rosé
Borne out of Elizabeth “Liz” Chambers’ love affair with Pinot Noir, Elizabeth Chambers Cellar is a boutique winery specializing in handcrafted micro-regional Pinot Noir made in McMinnville, the heart of Oregon Wine Country. Elizabeth Chambers Cellar opened its doors in 2013 in what was once the McMinnville power plant, an historic brick building constructed in 1926. The butterfly on the label is a tribute to Liz and her magnificent ability to act as a catalyst for change; her determination to establish a boutique wine brand and her perseverance through challenges have inspired her family to complete the winery’s metamorphosis into a luxury destination for Oregon Pinot Noir worthy of a collector’s cellar.
Why We Love Elizabeth Chambers Cellar: Located in bustling downtown McMinnville, you’d never expect a secret paradise on the other side of the ivy covered wall adjoining Elizabeth Chambers. It’s perfect for wine tasting in the sunshine.
711 NE 3rd St, McMinnville, OR 97128
Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Aromatic Whites, and wines from around the world
The hottest wine bar in town, HiFi Bar à Vins by Martin Woods features the wines crafted by Evan Martin alongside an incredible list of wines from all over the world. The eclectic, rotating list of wines is served alongside small bites in an ambiance set by music from the turntable. The extensive vinyl collection means there’s always a new wine and tunes pairing. Live music events and guest DJs add to the mix.
Why We Love HiFi: If you’ve been bit by the wine bug and want to expand your palate through experiencing great wines, HiFi Wine Bar is your new classroom.
620 NE 3rd St, McMinnville OR 97128
Wines: Piquette, PétNat, Vermentino, White Blends, Syrah, Malbec, Red Blends, etc.
Based in Oregon’s Rogue Valley, Troon Vineyard crafts wines that thrive in the hot Southern Oregon climate. The satellite tasting room in McMinnville offers a chance to break away from Pinot Noir and try bigger red wines that thrive in warmer conditions, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The white wines also are a departure from what is normally offered in the Willamette Valley, with Vermentino and Roussanne being highlights.
Why We Love Troon: Great variety of wines that break outside of the traditional Pinots and Chardonnay found in the Willamette valley, plus a gorgeous new downtown McMinnville tasting room!
