Discover the Lush Scenery and Delightful Tastes along Oregon's Willamette Valley Bounty Electric Byway.
Explore the verdant landscapes and exquisite flavors of Oregon's Willamette Valley Bounty Electric Byway:
Just a short distance from downtown Portland lies the Willamette Valley, renowned as Oregon's foremost wine-growing region among its 18 appellations. Stretching over 150 miles in length and 60 miles in width, this valley boasts more than 500 wineries and six distinct AVAs (American Viticulture Areas). However, the valley's narrative extends beyond viticulture, nurturing a flourishing culinary landscape alongside its vineyards. Embark on a day trip to uncover the northern tip of the Willamette Valley, where wineries and farm-to-table cuisine await your discovery.
Sokol Blossor, the inaugural LEED-certified winery in the U.S., along with countless wineries in the region set the stage for an eco-conscious wine journey offering a positive charge both for your vehicle and your soul.
Metro Area:
Commence your adventure in downtown Portland, where Electric Avenue offers both sustenance and energy for your journey. As you charge your vehicle, indulge in delectable breakfast offerings from local favorites like Mother’s Bistro & Bar and explore the array of unique local businesses and flavors before hitting the road.
Gateway to Willamette Valley Wine Country:
Depart from Portland traveling westward on OR-99, immersing yourself in the rolling hills and vineyards of the Willamette Valley. Visionary pioneers in Oregon's wine industry initiated vine planting in the 1960s, guided by the belief that the region's temperate climate, shaped by the protective Coast and Cascade mountain ranges, provided an optimal environment for grape cultivation. This favorable climate, coupled with the ancient volcanic soil deposited by the Missoula Floods approximately 15,000 years ago, established ideal conditions for nurturing the renowned Pinot Noir grape, which has since become synonymous with the Willamette Valley's winemaking legacy.
In the heart of this picturesque landscape lies historic downtown Newberg, boasting a population of 22,508 residents. Here, numerous tasting rooms beckon visitors to indulge in the valley's diverse wine offerings. Anam Cara Cellars stands as one such destination, showcasing an array of varietals including pinot noir, chardonnay, and riesling. For an exceptional dining experience, consider a visit to The Painted Lady Restaurant, renowned for its refined, contemporary American cuisine. Housed within a meticulously restored Victorian building, the restaurant's ambiance harmonizes with its exquisite menu offerings.
Before continuing your journey, replenish your electric vehicle's charge at the Newberg Chevron charging station.
Dundee Hills:
Journey onward along OR-99 to Dundee and Dayton, where the verdant vineyards of Dundee Hills and its own sub-AVA await. This area boasts numerous wineries, many of which are at the forefront of sustainability efforts. At Winderlea Vineyard and Winery, the founders prioritize biodynamic practices in cultivating chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. Argyle Winery, an early adopter of sustainable practices, was among the first in Oregon to obtain LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certification, meeting rigorous international sustainability standards for grape production. Additionally, Erath Winery, established by wine pioneer Dick Erath in 1969, is situated in Dundee. For exceptional pinot noir, melon, and pinot gris, Panther Creek Cellars is another standout option.
Continuing a few miles south along OR-99 to Dayton (population 2,542), still within the Dundee Hills AVA, you'll find Sokol Blosser Winery. Established in 1971, Sokol Blosser holds the distinction of being the first LEED-certified winery in the United States, thanks to its USDA organic farming certification and conscientious business practices. Stoller Family Estate, another leader in sustainability, achieved LEED Gold certification for its winery, offering estate and reserve pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot noir rosé. A must-visit dining destination in the area is the Joel Palmer House, where fourth-generation chef Chris Czarnecki curates a menu focused on wild foraged truffles and mushrooms, expertly paired with local wines from an extensive cellar selection. Experience the local flavors by dining at Trellis Dundee and explore the menu to savor dishes inspired by fresh local ingredients and wines from some of the best winemakers in the region. Dine in at The Bistro or grab a delicious sandwich and a local souvenir from the Red Hills Market, enjoy a wood-fired pizza at the Wooden Heart restaurant and rest awhile at the Dundee Hotel.
McMinnville:
Located at 400 NE Baker Street, Oregon Mutual Insurance offers a charging station in McMinnville.
Situated at the junction of OR-99 and OR-47, McMinnville (population 33,131) boasts its own sub-AVA, characterized by a charming downtown area and numerous tasting rooms within easy walking distance. R. Stuart & Co. and Remy Wines are among the establishments offering specialty wines such as vin tardive and rosé de’or (R. Stuart) and dolcetto and lagrein (Remy). Nearby Brooks Wines, founded by the visionary Jimi Brooks, is renowned for its vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills region, where biodynamic standards are employed in grape cultivation. Jimi's family continues his legacy, upholding the tradition in his honor.
McMinnville offers a plethora of dining options to suit every taste. The Community Plate is a perfect stop for breakfast, lunch, or weekend brunch, serving a variety of dishes including hashes, scrambles, breakfast burritos, and Stumptown coffee. Bistro Maison, specializing in authentic French cuisine for lunch and dinner, offers an experience that transcends language barriers. Thistle Restaurant and Bar, helmed by chef Eric Bechard, prioritizes locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fishermen to create delectable farm-to-table dishes. Enjoy a longer stay by booking your lodging at the Atticus hotel and dining at Cypress restaurant conveniently located within the hotel.
While exploring McMinnville, visitors can conveniently recharge their vehicles at the Oregon Mutual Insurance charging station.
The Heart of Yamhill-Carlton AVA:
As you venture through Carlton, Yamhill, and Forest Grove, discover the heart of the Yamhill-Carlton sub-AVA. Carlton is home to 20 wineries, including Carlton Cellars, with estate vineyard pinots forming its Roads End reserve as well as the Cape Lookout wine. Carlton also claims the Carlton Winemakers Studio, a co-op comprising 11 winemakers under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility constructed of reused and recycled materials. The eponymous Ken Wright Cellars highlights that winemaker’s more than three decades crafting Oregon pinots and chardonnays. Carlton’s serves up delightful dining to go along with its fine wines at restaurants like Cuvee, The Horse Redish, Earth & Sea, Park and Main, Blind Pig, Carlton Corners and more.
Explore additional wineries along OR-47, such as Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, WillaKenzie Estate, Solena Estate, Elk Cove Vineyards, Patton Valley Vineyard, Plum Hill Vineyards, and Montinore Estate before concluding your journey back in Portland.
On the way back to Portland, charge up at Jim’s Thriftway in the town of Banks.
Travel Tips:
As part of the Willamette Valley’s Plug & Pinot program, many of the wineries along this byway have installed Level 2 EV charging stations onsite to show their commitment to sustainable travel. For the most up-to-date information about EV charging stations around Oregon, download the PlugShare app. This online resource provides real-time detail about station locations and services as well as trip planning features. Check out Oregon’s Electric Byways Road Trips for more EV itineraries around the state. Don’t own an electric car? Why not rent one and enjoy a new adventure?!