3 Sustainable Getaways in Oregon Wine Country

As COVID kicks our international travel plans to the curb, domestic adventures gain greater appeal. Now, more than ever, travelers crave kinder, gentler escapes closer to home.

A mere 45 minutes from Portland, Oregon’s Willamette Valley Wine Country proves the ultimate road trip. This popular food and wine mecca offers a multitude of wineries, award-winning restaurants, and a host of family-friendly activities.

Need a place to stay? Try these three sustainable Willamette Valley getaways designed to do good, while helping you feel good.

Abbey Road Farm | www.abbeyroadfarm.com | 10501 NE Abbey Road Carlton OR 97111

Bring your coziest fleece—and your appetite—to Abbey Road Farm. This eco-friendly B & B in Carlton features three repurposed grain silos, an in-house chef, working farm, organic vineyard, winery, and tasting room.

Each 'Silo Suite’ sports comfortable bedding, soothing jacuzzi tubs, and toasty ambient floor heating, plus stunning hillside views.

Make time to tuck into Abbey Road Farm’s famous multi-course breakfasts prepared by Abbey Road Farm's new innkeeper and chef, noted chef Will Preisch. Just follow the scent of fresh-brewed coffee to the charming dining room and tree-screened patio. Feast on fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs sourced from the inn’s colorful kitchen garden, plus meats, cheeses, and grains from local purveyors.

Photos (Clockwise from top, left): Abbey Road Farm Garden Views; Abbey Road Farm Winery Outdoor Seating; At The Joy Anahata Vineyard; Abbey Road Farm Guesthouse; At The Joy Bubbles; Abbey Road Farm Silos Garden 56

Don’t worry if you can’t finish everything - just feed your leftovers to the resident chickens Eeny, Meany, Miney, and Moe. Afterwards, meander past the inn’s menagerie of sheep, llamas, goats, and pygmy donkeys for scenic views from the lavender-rimmed garden.

In the afternoon, reserve a private tasting at the ultrahip winery with head winemaker James Rahn. The spacious tasting room and outdoor space offer a range of garagiste-style wines produced by a cadre of artisan winemakers. End your day with a nightcap on the rustic guesthouse porch, wrapped in a hillside hush.

Proprietors Daniel and Sandra Wilkens of Portland’s Quaintrelle Restaurant designed Abbey Road Farm to nurture body and soul. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and reconnected.

At the Joy and the Anahata Vineyard | www.atthejoy.com | 5900 Zena Rd. Salem, OR. 97304

Luxury defines At the Joy and the Anahata Vineyard. This 30-acre retreat in Salem includes a threebedroom manor house with unobstructed views of Eola-Amity Hills, fully-equipped culinary - grade kitchen, modern furnishings, gas fireplace, laundry, and gracious game room set amidst lush vineyards. Whether a last-minute escape, romantic getaway, or socially-distant ‘pod’ gathering, find your joy At the Joy.

Leave the stresses of COVID behind with a stroll around the 24-acre vineyard. Anahata means 'heart' chakra in Sanskrit. This estate vineyard for LytleBarnett sparkling winery names eight of its nine blocks "Joy" in a different language. The last, ‘SMP’, honors the proprietor’s aunt, Sister Mary Paule, who devoted her life to serving South Africa’s orphans and underprivileged schoolchildren.

Equally sumptuous outdoor amenities comprise a 3bedroom guest cabana, alfresco dining, fire pit, BBQ, heated lounge area, swimming pool, and hot tub. VIP services for hire include estate pre-stocking, private chef, plus pre-scheduled activities, tastings and excursions.

Wind down your stay with a sip of bubbles by the fire pit, watching the sun slip behind Anahata Vineyard. You’ll leave this oasis of calm eager to plan your next return.

Atticus Hotel | www.atticushotel.com | 375 NE Ford St, McMinnville, OR 97128

Atticus Hotel walks the sustainable talk, supporting local artisans with every quirky detail. This historic hotel in downtown McMinnville offers 36 unique, carefully curated rooms replete with handcrafted furnishings, arts and eats.

My stay in Room #24 featured intricate wood detailing by John Basile of Basile's Workshop, retro light treatments by Schoolhouse Electric, and plenty of live plants. In addition, every room offers top-notch toiletries, Portland-made Pendleton robes, and a wet bar stocked with regional teas and coffees.

Downstairs in the vaulted lobby, attentive staff dispense specialty drinks to guests plotting itineraries to over 200 nearby wineries. Never lose track of the day of the week – as the front door mat changes daily!

Bon Appétit deems McMinnville one of the top ‘Foodie Destinations in America.’ Enjoy in-house dining at Red Hills Kitchen at the Atticus Hotel, or at nearby eateries like La Rambla or Community Plate.

Afterwards, burn off those calories with a ramble around the quaint town named a Parade Magazine ‘Best Main Street in America’ finalist. Don’t forget to pop into R. Stuart Wine Bar for bubbles before heading back for a snuggle by the fire.

For more on Oregon Wine Country

For more on visiting Oregon

Photos (From top): At The Joy fire pit; Atticus foyer; Atticus foyer latte; Atticus Room 24 bedroom; Atticus Room 24 sitting area and fireplace; Atticus Room 24 bathroom