If you’re a wine lover planning a romantic getaway to the Salem region, winter is an idyllic time to visit. January through March is Willamette Valley cellar season, when the vineyards outside are mist-covered and dormant, but the tasting rooms are alive with stoked fires, first sips of new releases, gourmet food pairings and passionate conversations between friends — and winemakers. The Salem area also has several inviting lodging options, from cute bed and breakfasts to resorts and downtown hotels with all the modern amenities. Here’s how to cozy up and savor the season.
Day 1: Savor Brunch, Antiquing and Main Street Shopping
Start your morning with a warm egg, bacon and Tillamook cheese breakfast sandwich served on a gluten-free bun or a gooey from-scratch cinnamon roll from Aurora’s White Rabbit Bakery. If you arrive in the afternoon, the peppery Italian sandwich is also fantastic. The historic town of Aurora is famous for antiquing, so you’ll want to browse the shops along Main Street and hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures.
Next, drive just a few miles west of town to Aurora Vineyards, where you can sample estate pinot noir, chardonnay, viognier, white blends, and rosés. Consider planning your visit around one of the vineyards’ year round live music events and don’t miss sampling their exceptional brunch and bistro menus.
The 1880s aesthetic and elevated comfort food at Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen are worth the drive back to Aurora for lunch. Try the chicken and dumplings with scratch-made gravy on a chilly afternoon. Next, stop by Hanson Vineyards’ charming tasting room for a flight of estate-grown pinot noir or pinot gris; you might even nab the chance to chat with the winemaker, Jason Hanson. Hanson is a member of Cascade Foothills Winegrowers, an association of 15 family-owned winemakers who are nestled into the foothills of Oregon’s longest mountain range.
Day 2: Enjoy Art Galleries, Pinot Noir and a Romantic Dinner
Stroll walkable downtown Salem in the morning, popping into local boutiques and coffee shops, and then head to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Oregon’s third-largest museum, across from the landmark Oregon State Capitol. You can admire Native American ceremonial masks and other works by Pacific Northwest artists in the permanent galleries. The special exhibits are equally impressive and range from beloved classical works to provocative modern pieces.
Next up, it’s wine time at the family-owned Honeywood Winery, minutes from the museum. Honeywood is the oldest winery in Oregon, producing everything from local Marionberry dessert wine and blackberry mead to signature varietals like Poodle Pinot. Enjoy a flight of four wines, all crafted from Willamette Valley bounty, and hit the gift shop for Oregon-centric souvenirs and a few bottles to take home.
Wind down your amazing day by grabbing a table for two at one of Salem’s outstanding local eateries. The intimate setting of Bentley’s is an excellent choice for indulging in memorable Northwest-inspired dishes including the blackened salmon; the romantic vibe at The Cozy Taberna is as appealing as its selection of Spanish small plates and expansive cocktail menu.
Day 3: Experience Scenic Hikes, Fireside Wine Tasting and Local Brews
Ease into your last day with a morning walk at the 2,492-acre Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 14 miles west of Salem. While some trails are closed during winter to provide sanctuary for the dusky Canada goose, the 2-mile Rich Guadagno Memorial Trail is open year-round. The path winds through a native coniferous forest with a lush understory, summits Baskett Butte and ascends to an observation platform, where you can spot thousands of migratory waterfowl in winter — and a few Van Duzer Corridor AVA wineries.
One of those is Andante Vineyard, tucked amid the rolling hills and in the direct path of the corridor’s cooling marine winds. Their tasting room offers an idyllic view of their 15-acre estate and their sample flight highlights their natural fermentation process. Opt for a food and wine pairing and let their kitchen team guide your taste buds on a delectable experience.
Next up, visit the magical 500-acre property at Left Coast Estate, which features a working farm and 70 acres of old growth Oregon White Oak savanna. Visit their homey testing room for a flight of their carefully curated varietals, including red and white pinot noir. Once you’ve found your favorite, enjoy a glass alongside one of their artisan wood-fired pizzas.
Top off your romantic afternoon in the historic town of Independence, located along the Willamette River, and enjoy dinner at the spacious and friendly Gilgamesh Brewing. The Woods Burger with sautéed shiitake mushrooms hits the spot after a day of hiking and tastings. Wash it down with a tangerine-tinged pint of Gilgamesh Mamba Ale and toast your Salem-area weekend getaway.
