If you’ve never experienced “Cellar Season” at leading wineries in the Willamette Valley, let us be the first to introduce you to this special, mesmerizing time of year. Though winter in the Willamette Valley can be rainy and chilly, it’s a season that brings us a unique opportunity to retreat indoors for cozy afternoons and intimate wine-tasting experiences. It’s also a welcome opportunity to experience wines at leading wineries in the Willamette Valley away from the busy crowds of summer and fall.
Wrap up in cozy sweaters, sit by the fire with friends or loved ones, and enjoy the intimate atmosphere offered at various tasting rooms around the valley. Outside, the vines rest for the winter under a blanket of frost – and sometimes snow – waiting for spring to flourish and shed new light on the promise of a new growing season. Unlike summer’s fast and vibrant pace, winter is an opportunity to slow down, embrace the hard work of producing the latest vintage, and celebrate the culture and heritage of the Willamette Valley’s vineyards and wineries.
Misty mornings give way to crisp afternoons, bringing a different set of charms to tasting experiences at wineries in the Willamette Valley. With more time on their hands, winemakers often open their barrel rooms during Cellar Season and share exceptional vintages with rare behind-the-scenes glimpses into the art of winemaking. Moreover, you’ll also find that many wineries offer winter specials, like vertical tastings or library wine releases, making it an ideal time for oenophiles to explore the region’s diverse offerings.
Wherever your tasting adventures may take you, there’s no better place to start than Youngberg Hill Vineyard and Winery. Guests at our McMinnville Bed and Breakfast will enjoy a complimentary tasting in our tasting room, which sits atop our gorgeous hilltop retreat. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a gourmet breakfast – the perfect fuel before you head out for a sensational adventure at the leading wineries in the Willamette Valley. Downtown McMinnville is just minutes away, too, with an excellent range of shopping and several world-class restaurants – the perfect complement to any wine country getaway. What are you waiting for? Book your wine-forward getaway at our top-rated McMinnville Bed and Breakfast today!
Winter at Wineries in the Willamette Valley
If you want to enjoy a premier wine-tasting experience at top wineries in the Willamette Valley, we urge you to start your tasting adventure at Youngberg Hill Vineyard and Winery. Our winery is located just a few minutes outside of downtown McMinnville, perched atop a 50-acre estate with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Our Willamette Valley winery was established in 1989 and is known for its sustainable and biodynamic farming practices – a dedication to craft that’s evident in every sip of our delicious library of wines.
We’re one of the top wineries in the Willamette Valley, specializing in producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—the two varietals that have put this wine-growing region on the map. We also produce other sensational wines, including a Pinot Gris and our delicious Oregon sparkling wine. Regardless of the type of wine you enjoy, you’ll find that our terroir-driven wines tell a remarkable story of our land, the climate, and the meticulous care that goes into every aspect of the winemaking process.
Though the true star of the show at Youngberg Hill is the wines, we’d be remiss not to mention another reason to start your wine-tasting journey with us. Our tasting room offers one of the most spectacular views of Oregon wine country and truly sets us apart from other wineries in the Willamette Valley.
Housed in a charming farmhouse-style building, it sits perched atop a hill with panoramic views of our vineyards and Oregon’s expansive wine country. You can enjoy these views from our wrap-around porch in nicer weather or from the cozy comfort of our tasting room. Our superb tasting room staff will guide you through flights of our award-winning wines, often including limited-release vintages that are perfect for the season.
Though the most popular seasons to visit wineries in the Willamette Valley are summer and fall, winter provides a rare opportunity to experience the true essence of the valley and what makes it such a special destination for oenophiles. Winter, commonly referred to as Cellar Season, is a time when the frenetic pace of the valley slows down, allowing for a deeper appreciation of wines, our stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of Oregon’s wine country.
Winter is also a time of year when Youngberg Hill hosts special events showcasing the unique character of our valley. From intimate winemaker dinners to educational seminars on winter pruning and cellar management, these events offer wine enthusiasts a deeper connection to the winemaking process. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or new to the world of wine, we’re one of the top wineries in the Willamette Valley that offer a winter wine experience that’s both educational and indulgent.
Get Romantic at our McMinnville Bed and Breakfast
Though you can certainly enjoy plenty of delicious wine during a day outing to our tasting room, why not make it a weekend and enjoy a wine-country experience like no other? Guests at our McMinnville Bed and Breakfast will enjoy a complimentary wine tasting in our tasting room, but more importantly, our onsite Bed and Breakfast lends itself perfectly to romantic escapes. As you drive up our road, the estate’s elegant Inn welcomes you with its warm, inviting atmosphere and panoramic views that change with the passing hours.
We offer guests the perfect combination of rustic wine country charm and modern luxury. Our McMinnville Bed and Breakfast is an intimate couple’s getaway featuring just nine guest rooms. Each room has been thoughtfully designed with elegant touches and modern amenities, including plush beds, cozy fireplaces, and private balconies, creating an intimate setting for you and your partner to unwind and reconnect.
Every morning at our McMinnville Bed and Breakfast starts with a gourmet breakfast featuring local, seasonal ingredients. From there, the many exceptional wineries in the Willamette Valley await your visit – not to mention the inherent wine-country charm of towns like McMinnville. As our guest, you’ll enjoy warm hospitality and attention to detail that will melt your stress away from the second you arrive. From the carefully selected wines in our tasting room to the luxurious linens in your guest room, a stay at Youngberg Hill will be the wine-country getaway you’ve been dreaming of. Book your stay today!
