Biodynamic Oregon Wine & Truffles from Heaven .

For those of you interested in self sustaining agriculture and lifestyle, I highly recommend a trip to the Erratic rock/Bellvue area.
I first visited Maysara winery and was given a guided tasting by James Michael, who was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Maysara Winery, is located 2 miles west of the Lawrence Art Gallery, off of HWY 18. They are a certified Biodynamic Vineyard, with a relatively small production of 4,500 cases. They sell the vast majority of their grapes to growers throughout the Willamette Valley, such as Domaine Drouhin, Andrew Rich, Eric Hamacher, Penner-Ash, Ponzi, Francis Tannahill, J.K. Carriere and many others
....Biodynamics shares a foundation with the organic movement. However, it requires a much more in depth understanding and consideration of the farm as a whole.
As a living organism, a Biodynamic farm should be self-sustaining. Therefore, the goal of any Biodynamic farm is to reduce the amount of outsourced inputs, and eventually eliminate the need all together. This is especially important with wine, as the maintenance of a unique sense of place is essential in maintaining the vineyard’s sense of terroir......
The wines I tasted had a lovely burgundian style to them, and Maysara's care and commitment to respecting their terroir is so admirable. For more info check out www.maysara.com

From there, you could stop at the Lawrence Gallery to check out the art, have some lunch, or taste more wine at the "Private Reserve".
They also have a nice sculpture garden & picnic area, it was snowing, but these lovely ladies didn't seem to mind!

My next stop was the Brigittine Monastery. The monks are dedicated to a life of prayer and are completely self-supporting. They also make some of my favorite truffles and fudge, with local nuts & only the best, freshest ingredients. You can buy directly at the monastery, or the monks are online at www.brigittine.org
Their confections are "divine".


For a great day trip from McMinnville: I would start in Amity, perhaps at Cohelo or Amity Vineyards, from there follow the Bellvue Hwy to the monastery, then continue to Maysara which is consistently open for tasting. You could then taste some wine and grab some snacks at the Bellvue market & if you are up for an easy hike "The Erratic Rock" has a good vantage of the Willamette Valley, and is a pretty cool picnic spot surrounded by vineyards.

Guided tours, please inquire.

A "High End" Oregon wine country experience.


The Willamette Valley is a lovely place. We have terraced vineyards that produce world class Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and more. First rate restaurants who feature the best seasonal & fresh fruits, produce, meats, game, seafood, artisan bread and cheeses. But, Napa Valley this is not.

Leave your jewels at home darling, the area hotels do not have room safes. Jeans and Gore-tex are more in vogue than Prada or Armani and things here are thankfully more relaxed than some other wine destinations.

With so many things to get out and see and do, so many different experiences within an easy drive, spending your entire visit at a "destination" resort would be a shame.
Portand, the Oregon coast, Mt. Hood, The Columbia Gorge are all a little over an hour away. Hiking, Fishing, Skiing/Snoboarding & Mt. Biking/Cycling, Rafting/Kayaking are year round sports. A local REI will rent you all the "gear" you need for any adventure.
If that is not your thing however, we do have high end shopping, and to all you who love sparkles and baubles our jewelry stores are tax free.

Touring the beautiful countryside should not be missed.
However, if you do not wish to have your "ride" splattered with the red earth that lines many of the vineyard driveways, there are plenty of great urban wineries, tasting rooms & lodging that are right off the pavement.

The Steiger Haus is a comfortable relaxed "Country Inn" located right in McMinnville and walking distance to dining, shopping & tasting. You have a very good chance of sharing of the dining room with; visiting college professors, wine & food enthusiasts, and we are a favorite of several very interesting wine writers, who stay with us frequently on research trips and have delighted many of our other guests breakfast conversations.

But if "High End" is what you seek, the area has two very lovely inns; Black Walnut & Youngberg Hill. Expansive views, high thread counts, and a more all-inclusive feel.
There really is something here for everyone.