A Perfect 3 Days in Newberg, Oregon

This Perfect 3 Days in Newberg, Oregon Guide covers everything you need to know for your next vacation in wine country including what to expect, where to stay, itinerary at a glance & in depth, and other helpful information!

OK wine lovers, this one’s for you. 

The amount of places to eat and drink around Newberg is huge. That makes it very hard to narrow down to just a few days!

But I have good news – (1.) That means you have tons of options and (2.) you have me as your guide. I’ve lived in the area for over 10 years. And I work in the wine industry. So you have direct access to a local’s point of view.

Follow this flavor-packed itinerary for a magical weekend in Oregon’s wine country.

A Quick Overview of Your 3-Day Itinerary (select day to jump to full description)

Day 1:

check-in, Jachter Wines
downtown stroll, dinner at Rosemarino

Day 2: 

breakfast at Loam, Bergstrom, lunch at Red Hills Market,
Red Ridge Farm, Domaine Drouhin
Branch Point, Joel Palmer House

Day 3:

spa at the Allison, bubbles at ROCO,
lunch at Wooden Heart, choose your own adventure 

Things to Expect in Newberg, Oregon

• Weather Considerations: Summer afternoons can climb to 95-100°. Combine this with a long day of wine tasting and you can quickly find yourself feeling pretty wrecked. Stay hydrated and pace yourself! Also remember that weather can fluctuate a lot in the spring and fall. Make sure you always have a jacket or sweater with you. 
  
• Getting Around: You’ll definitely want a car for this itinerary. Newberg’s historic downtown is walkable, but you’ll need a way to explore the surrounding area and wineries. 
  
• Ride Shares: Uber and Lyft are available. Be aware that it can be difficult to find a ride home, especially if you’re at a more remote winery or have a larger group. Plan accordingly!
  
• Reservations: Many restaurants and wineries take walk-ins, but I always recommend
  reservations if possible. Bookings can fill up on weekends and during peak season. It’s the best way to guarantee you get the experiences you want. And always make a reservation for groups of 5 or more!
  
• Wine Tasting Etiquette: A few basic rules to follow: Don’t show up unannounced with a large group (6+). Call if you’re going to be late or need to cancel. Take it easy on perfume and lipstick. Drink in moderation. If you’re going to ask for special pours, be ready to put some skin in the game, aka buy bottles. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! Very few people are wine “experts”, (whatever that means). Hosts prefer a curious guest over a know-it-all every time. 
  
• Don’t forget to schedule lunch! I see this all the time with guests. Wineries rarely offer anything more substantial than crackers, cheese, or a charcuterie board. Wine tasting isn’t fun when everyone’s on an empty stomach and hangry. Block out time for a real meal. 
  
• Harvest Season: Weather is the ultimate decider, but generally grape harvest runs from the end of August to mid-October. This is the main event for wineries and it can be a fun time to visit.  
  
• Dress Code: What to wear wine tasting? Oregon is very laid back when it comes to dress. Don’t be afraid to get spiffed up, but “smart casual” is about as fancy as it gets for most situations. And most of the time you don’t even need that. 
  
• Lodging: There are lots of options for places to stay. You can read my full review of where to stay in Newberg here, or scroll down for my top 3 places to stay in Newberg.  
  
• For Non-Wine Drinkers: The area may be known for its wineries, but there’s still lots to do that doesn’t involve vino. There are numerous distilleries, museums, breweries, and fantastic day trips to see waterfalls or the coast. 

Ok, let’s get into it!

Here’s the exact playbook for how I would spend a long weekend in Newberg:

Three Days in Newberg, Oregon

Most visitors will be traveling for the first part of Day 1, so my itinerary starts in the afternoon. Obviously, adjust as needed based on your own schedule. 

Day 1 – Welcome to Wine Country

Check in at your accommodations 

Where to stay in Newberg? There are lots of great options. You can see my list of the best lodgings here. 

My top place to stay is Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast. It has incredible views and is very romantic. 

If you want a luxurious, full-service experience you can’t go wrong with The Allison Inn and Spa either. 

Jachter Family Wines

For your first wine experience, head straight for the hills. 

Even if the wine wasn’t good (and it is) I would still recommend Jachter solely for the view. You can see the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, and Chehalem Mountain from this single viewpoint. 

Dave Jachter was known in the Portland area for his car dealerships, and instead of retiring he decided to open a winery. Lucky for us! The tasting room is brand new, comfortable and with big windows overlooking the valley. 

Wines are made by Jarod Etzel, son of renowned Beaux Freres winemaker Michael Etzel. 

What a beautiful place to kick off your visit!

Stroll Historic Newberg

Before dinner, take some time to walk around downtown Newberg. 

The city is split into two halves: the eastern end of town is newer and has more chain stores. The historic section is more picturesque and is easily walkable. It’s actually split into two one-way streets, 1st and Hancock. 

You can grab free parking on any of the side streets.There are lots of little boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and even a small movie theater. 

Here’s a snapshot of what you can see:

• Duck into Chapters Books to browse the shelves of this independently owned bookstore.
• Break the rules and get some ice cream before dinner at Cream Northwest. 
• Taste wine at Et Fille Wines 
• Visit the restored Hoover-Minthorn House Museum, the boyhood home of President Herbert Hoover.
• Browse boutique shops like Velour Vintage, Little Bird, and Lineage.
  

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head for 1st and Edwards Street to enjoy an amazing dinner at Rosmarino. 

“OK Guys!” – Dinner at Rosmarino

There’s no doubt about it, at Rosmarino Osteria Italiana the star of the show is Chef Dario. 

He’s got signature dishes, signature expressions and, because he’s Italian, probably signature hand gestures as well!

Dario’s passion for traditional northern Italian cooking shines through in every dish and every interaction with guests. Dining here feels like being transported to Italy, with flavors that are both vibrant and comforting. 

On Mondays and Thursdays, the menu is a la carte. Pastas, salads, and mouthwatering side dishes fill the menu. 

Fridays and Saturdays showcase Dario’s signature tasting menus, often featuring winemakers from around the valley. These are never disappointing! The format is more formal and the pricing is actually pretty reasonable for the experience. 

And on Sundays, when everything is a little more relaxed, it’s pizza and gnocchi all day long. I’m getting seriously hungry just thinking about it! 

Beyond the food, you’ll love the intimate setting and attentive service. The restaurant is small, which creates a cozy and personal experience. The back patio is heated and well sheltered from the elements. 

Rosmarino Osteria has received glowing reviews for its consistency and is easily the best Italian restaurant in the area. In fact it just made the list of Top 100 Restaurants from Open Table. 

If you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Newberg, this is a spot that you simply can’t miss.

Day 2 – Dundee Hills Wine Adventure

For your second day, head over to the neighboring Dundee Hills. This is the busiest day of the itinerary, so make sure you’re fueled up and ready to go! 

If you lodging hasn’t provided breakfast, you should absolutely try to eat at Loam. Their breakfasts are super fresh and a million times better than your typical hotel stuff.

An introduction the Dundee Hills

In the U.S., grape growing areas are separated into AVA’s, or American Viticultural Areas. The Willamette Valley is its own AVA, but it’s also broken down into many smaller zones. The Dundee Hills is one of these sub-AVA’s. 

Dundee boasts several of the oldest vineyards in the Willamette, as well as a concentration of excellent wineries. On a wine by wine basis, it’s probably my favorite area. 

Bergström Wines

Ever since Bergström moved to its current home, it’s been one of my favorite places to visit for high end Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

This is a great introduction to Dundee. The tasting room is in what used to be the Bergström family home, recently updated and converted into a hospitality space. Views stretch south across the estate vineyards and tastings are hosted in the cozy farmhouse. 

Fair warning, Bergström commands premium pricing. In return you get an intimate experience and truly excellent wines. They also serve some light bites that pair with the wines and are partially sourced from their own garden. 

Their Pinot Noir is a standout—silky, complex, and packed with flavor—while their Chardonnay is known to be some of the best the Willamette has to offer. Glowing reviews from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate are the norm. 

The winery has also been featured in Food & Wine magazine as one of the best in Oregon. Guests consistently rave about the peaceful setting and the warm hospitality, which make the experience feel special and unhurried.

Lunch at Red Hills Market

Bergstrom serves little nibbles with your wine, but you’ll need something more substantial. Head back down the hill for lunch. 

Red Hills Market offers a selection of wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches. Put in your order at the counter and then find a seat. They’ll drop your food off when it’s ready. 

The market gets pretty busy and parking is limited. Make sure you give yourself enough time before your next appointment. 

Red Ridge Farms

Here’s a fun stop on the way to your next tasting. 

The Durant family has long been a pillar of the Dundee Hills wine world. Next to their eponymous winery is an olive mill, nursery, and gift shop. Drop in to taste a multitude of olive oils, some of them from fruit grown right in Dundee. 

That’s right, they grow olives in Oregon! It’s not a large market, but olive trees are being bred for our climate and the industry is growing. 

Browse their gift shop for all kinds of gift ideas like cookbooks, vinegars, salts, and body care products. There’s an attached plant nursery as well. 

If you want to burn off some of that delicious lunch, take a stroll around the Durant nature trail. It starts behind the tasting room and loops around the property through meadows, olive groves, and old growth forest (<30 min). 

They also have a really cute looking rental called Stoneycrest Cottage. 

Wine tasting at Domaine Drouhin

After your lunch break and woodland stroll, it’s time for more wine tasting. 

Perched on a hilltop, DDO (Domaine Drouhin Oregon) offers some of the best views of the surrounding vineyards and the valley below.

Even though Domaine Drouhin isn’t one of the original wineries in the valley, it still has an “elder statesman” kind of vibe. 

It’s family-owned, with deep French winemaking roots tied to the renowned Maison Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy, France. Veronica Drouhin is the head winemaker. All the wines are named after family members.  

What I love most about Domaine Drouhin is the blending of traditional Burgundian techniques with Oregon’s unique character. Their Pinot Noir has a restrained elegance (I know I’m talking wine speak but it’s true) and I’m a big fan of their “Chardonnay Arthur”. They also pour wines from their Roserock vineyard, which is 30 minutes to the south of Dundee and offers a different take on DDO pinot. 

Domaine Drouhin has earned top ratings from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, and has also ended up on the table of the White House. Their staff is well trained and even on moody foggy days, there’s always something a bit magical about their perch on top of the hill. 

Enjoy a Whiskey Flight at Branch Point

If you have time and are in the mood for something different, you can head down the hill to Branch Point Distillery

This boutique distillery is an excellent stop for those exploring Oregon wine country and looking to experience innovative, locally crafted whiskeys.

Branch Point was established in 2016 by Steven Day, a neurologist turned distiller. “Grain-to-glass” may sound like a buzzword, but Stephen is one of the few distillers utilizing Oregon’s local grains and unique terroir.

They offer guided whiskey tastings, whiskey flights, and cocktail flights. I don’t know much about whiskey myself, but my wife does and holds their spirits in high regards. I also recommend you book a distillery tour if you really want to nerd out! 

Fine Dining at Joel Palmer House 

Depending on how you feel about mushrooms, this could sound like an amazing suggestion or like the worst idea ever. 

The Joel Palmer House specializes in dishes featuring wild mushrooms and truffles, both a true specialty of the area. Chef Chris Czarnecki carries on his family’s tradition of mushroom-focused cuisine, making every meal here feel like a celebration of Oregon’s flavors.

One thing I will say is that in my experiences at the restaurant, the mushroom aspect of things is done very tastefully and sometimes can be very subtle. It’s not mushrooms mushrooms mushrooms in your face the whole time. 

Housed in a beautifully restored 1857 home, the dining rooms are cozy and intimate. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always count on creative dishes that highlight local ingredients.

The wine list is one of the best in the area, which is saying something. The focus is on Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs, which is one of the ultimate pairings for mushroom-based dishes. 

The Joel Palmer House has received glowing reviews from food critics and publications like The Oregonian and Wine Spectator. It’s also been featured in Bon Appétit for its innovative approach to Pacific Northwest cuisine. 

If you love exploring local flavors or are looking for a one-of-a-kind meal in wine country, I highly recommend the Joel Palmer House. It’s the kind of place that leaves you talking about the food long after your visit.

Located in nearby Dayton. 

Alternate Ending

Looking for something different? Here’s a fun alternative for spending your evening:

First grab an early dinner at Alpha Bravo, the only speakeasy-style ramen bar this side of the Willamette river. Enter through the attached art gallery and head for the curtained door on the back wall. Fill out your personalized ramen order and pretend you’re in a Peaky Blinders episode (but with hipster food). 

After dinner head to the east end of town to the 99W Drive-In Theater. It’s almost always a double header with an intermission in between the two movies. 

Pull your car into the spot of your choice and tune your dial to 96.5FM. Gates open around 6:30. Admission is per person ($10/adult) and is first come first serve, so no buying tickets in advance. 

The Drive-In has a great FAQ page that answers any question you might have. And many that would never, ever occur to you.  

Day 3 – A Luxurious Morning & Final Sips

The Allison Spa

Maybe you stayed up late watching Goonies at the drive-in. Maybe you just owe yourself a bit of selfcare. Ease into the morning with a spa session at The Allison. 

Tucked inside the sprawling Allison Inn, the experience is all about making you feel refreshed and pampered. Let the peaceful atmosphere put you at ease with soft lighting, calming scents, and a friendly staff who make you feel welcome right away.

The menu includes a wide range of massages, facials, and body treatments. They even offer seasonal options inspired by Oregon’s natural elements, like their signature Grape Seed Cure – using antioxidant-rich products from nearby vineyards. 

The facilities are top-notch, with spacious treatment rooms, a eucalyptus steam room, and a tranquil relaxation lounge where you can unwind with tea or infused water. 

The Allison was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top spas in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s easy to see why. Guests frequently praise the personalized service and attention to detail, making each visit feel truly special.

Whether you’re staying at the Allison Inn or just visiting for a few hours, you can leave feeling recharged and grateful for the little indulgence.

Bubbles at ROCO

Let’s be real – the only logical way to follow up your spa session is to indulge in the best sparkling wine in the valley!  

ROCO was founded by sparkling master Rollin Soles and home to Wine Enthusiast’s #1 wine in the world for 2024. 

If you’re not a fan of bubbles (philistine!), they also make excellent Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. I’m a big fan of “The Stalker”, which uses some unique winemaking techniques. 

Seating is a bit limited, so be prepared to sit outside or at the bar. Their patio is covered and has heaters. In the summer you can request to sit in the garden, it’s quite pleasant.

ROCO also offers a good provisions board and, if you’re lucky, you can get some of their delicious truffle popcorn. Open 10-5 every day. 

Lunch at Wooden Heart

Wooden Heart originally started as a pizza truck during the pandemic, and opened its permanent location in 2023. They still offer wood-fired pizzas, as well as a selection of pastas and sandwiches. 

It’s got a stylish, comfortable interior and a really cool copper-tiled pizza oven in the back. Their pizzas are simple but delish. I’m a burger guy and theirs gets the thumbs up from me. 

If you have additional time

• Visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville
• Drive out to the coast for the afternoon
• Stroll the shops on McMinnville’s 3rd Street
• Go for a Hot Air Balloon ride
• Visit the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum
• Eat some delicious ice cream at Cream

Additional Information

Where to Stay In Newberg – My Top 3

The Allison Inn and Spa is the biggest and most prestigious hotel in the area. It’s got an on-site restaurant, spa, pool, lounge, and beautiful grounds. 

Chehalem Bed and Breakfast showcases amazing views and excellent breakfasts. The Setting Inn and Willamette Valley BnB are other great options.

If you want to stick with something more moderately priced, I recommend the Best Western in Newberg. 

I also have a full round up of lodging in Newberg if you want more information.

Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley

Oregon wine country has grown incredibly fast over the past few decades. There are over 60 wineries in Newberg and hundreds in the surrounding area. You can’t possibly visit them all, so don’t let FOMO ruin your trip. 

I usually recommend 2-3 wineries per day. Even if you’re spitting, your tastebuds will get blown out after a while. Make sure to plan a lunch! 

Wineries don’t open until 10 or 11am. That leaves room for one tasting before lunch and 1-2 afterwards. That’s plenty for most people. 

Hiring a Tour Company

If you’re planning a full day of wine tasting, hiring a driver can be a great option. Some services just provide the ride, others can do the planning and reservations for you. 

In my time in the tasting room, I’ve worked with many great tour companies. I particularly like Cellar Door Tours or Black Tie Tours with Stefan. If you have a larger group, John at Crush Wine Tours is a great choice.

A Quick Note on Willamette Valley Wines

Pinot Noir rules the land here. The original winemakers modeled their wines after Burgundy, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Riesling, Pinot Gris, and others came soon after. 

The magic to our wines is found in the climate. Pinot Noir needs a cool climate, but not a cold one. Our summers get hot, but not for too long. Nights are cool, with breezes coming in from the ocean to bring temperatures down. Frost during the growing season is rare. It’s a fine line between elegant and underripe, and the Willamette Valley balances it beautifully. 

Wrapping up your 3-Day Itinerary in Newberg, Oregon

Newberg offers the perfect blend of wine country luxury and small-town Oregon charm. Whether you’re a serious wine enthusiast or simply seeking a relaxing weekend getaway, this 3-day itinerary helps you experience the best of the Willamette Valley’s wine country. 

Don’t forget to make reservations in advance, especially for fine dining and popular tasting rooms. Now grab your wine glass and get ready to discover why Newberg is becoming one of Oregon’s most sought-after destinations!