The Wine is Divine
McMinnville’s Third Street is filled with wine tasting rooms … every block gives you more chances to ask for a full flight tasting, join a cellar club, or enjoy a delightful chardonnay, beautiful Pinot noir, or bubbles on your tongue.
McMinnville is often called “the heart of Oregon wine country.” With a growing number of tasting rooms, resident winemakers and wineries both in town and the surrounding hills, you’ll have a barrel of fun visiting, tasting, joining and hanging out with people who know and love their wine. In fact, there is a McMinnville AVA appelation (American Viticultural Association), a designated origin specified on wine labels.
Although the area is famous for Pinot noir, many other varietals are achieving recognition. From soft chardonnays to crisp Pinot gris, sparkling rose to big, bold reds, you’ll find something to please your palate close by. Here are a few of our favorites.
Terra Vina Wines, corner of Third and Ford
With a huge lineup of wines, including fabulous bold reds (we adore their Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, and Primitivo) and a comfortable tasting room, this is a great spot to while away an afternoon, chat with Theresa about the wines and their character, and perhaps join the Cellar Club. You can find their wines only online and in their tasting room.
Tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Review their extensive selections on their website.
Chris James Cellars, corner of Third and Galloway
In the next block, on the main floor of the 1882 building is Chris James Cellars. If you love whites of all shapes and colors, plus beautiful bubbles, you should stop in. We love their Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. They also have an excellent line-up of Pinot noir and many other unique red varietals. Seating inside or out.
Open daily, 12 to 6, Friday and Saturday til 8
R. Stuart & Co. Winery, next to Crescent Cafe at 528 3rd Street
With three brands to choose from and a warm and cozy wine bar tasting room, we think you’ll enjoy their Big Fire Pinot Gris, or their méthode champenoise sparkling wines, “crafted to pair with celebrations of any kind.” R. Stuart been integral to McMinnville’s wine scene since 2001, and their wines are made just a few blocks from 726 Fourth.
Open daily 12 to 8