Portland to the Willamette Valley: A Slow Food & Wine Weekend

Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country, with miles of soft, wooded trails just minutes from downtown Portland. You can go for an early morning hike and still be back in the city for brunch.

Powell’s City of Books spans an entire city block and is the largest independent bookstore in the country. Its color-coded rooms are best explored with a coffee in hand and plenty of time to wander.

Given Portland’s strong culture of sustainability, the city has no shortage of well-curated vintage clothing, jewelry, and furniture shops. A few favorites, in no particular order, include Poor Mouchette – Antique & Vintage Jewelry, The Hoppe Shoppe, Nomadic Vintage Rugs, Spartan Shop, Cargo, and Consign Couture.

Point your car south toward the Willamette Valley and beyond. Your first stops: Johan Vineyards and Lange Winery. Pull up a stool and learn why the valley is producing some of the most compelling wines in the country. The dedication to land and craft is evident in the glass. Do not be surprised if you leave with a bottle or two. Pro tip: Fly Alaska Airlines and take advantage of their “Wine Flies Free” program.

For a broader look at Oregon’s food culture, stop by Tillamook Creamery and Jacobsen Salt Co. The Tillamook Creamery factory is cheerful and accessible, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how their well-known cheese is made. It’s an easy, family-friendly stop en route to the coast.

Sweedeedee is a cozy neighborhood spot serving seasonal comfort food. It’s the perfect café to start an easy morning in Portland. For a more elevated brunch experience, I love Canard and Bar West. Both offer relaxed neighborhood energy, delicious food, and solid cocktail menus.

In Portland, you can find great coffee on nearly every corner. Rather than claim favorites, here are two shops doing something a little different: Kalesa Coffee stands out for its Filipino-inspired flavors, while Less Is More Coffee offers highly curated drinks that blend Chinese and Korean influences with locally roasted beans.

You know how there are meals you remember for years? That was Kachka for me. Order the cabbage rolls and the dumplings, add caviar service if you’re feeling celebratory, and finish with a house-infused vodka. It’s a meal you won’t soon forget.

BG Food Cartel has something for everyone. Move from pod to pod and try a few small plates. It’s casual and varied, and a good snapshot of the region’s food culture.

For natural wine in the city, reserve a spot at Statera Cellars Tasting Room’s Portland tasting room. The wines are delicious and the people behind them make you want to stay for another glass.

Les Caves Wine Bar is down a short set of stairs, dark and sexy. You go to drink natural wine, talk for hours, and stay longer than you meant to.