One Of Oregon's Best-Kept-Secrets Is A Charming City With Scenic Vineyards, Restaurants, And Outdoor Beauty

California often gets heralded as the top state to visit for all things wine. It's home to some of the best U.S. cities to visit for wine tastings, after all. But those who know wine also know that just a bit further north, you'll find some of the best vineyards in the country. Across Oregon's Willamette Valley are well over a hundred miles of charming cities and towns that take viniculture seriously. One of those is Dundee, population 3,213.

Newberg's smaller-but-still-enchanting neighbor, Dundee is known for being one of the state's best-kept secrets for those seeking a quiet, relaxing getaway in Oregon's wine country. This teeny Yamhill County city is only 1.3 square miles, meaning you could easily walk the extent of it on a day trip. Yet, it still manages to attract visitors hoping to taste some of the city's top-tier pinot noir (Willamette Valley on the whole is best known for its pinot scene).

But it's not just the wine that attracts tourists to this pleasant town. Like many wine-centered destinations, the restaurants here are also something to write home about, with exceptional farm-to-table options to choose from as well as casual and fine dining restaurants that are worth every penny. And once you're done chowing down, there's also several lovely places to take a stroll in the serene outdoors. 

Any trip to Dundee should probably begin with a stop at one of the many wineries in and around town. The family-owned Fox Farm Vineyards is excellent for a laid-back, cozy tasting room experience, with $25 flights. Torii Mor Winery is another highly-rated spot. Their Japanese garden and open sanctuary offer indoor and outdoor wine tasting experiences for $30 per person. At Bergström Wines, each tasting begins with a garden and vineyard tour. Tastings here vary in price depending on the type of experience you select. Their lunch experience, for example, is $165 per person, and features a multi-course meal and a comprehensive wine flight including pinot noir and chardonnay. 

While in Dundee, you'll also want to take advantage of some of their delicious restaurants. Among their most popular dining options are Trellis and Red Hills Market. The former focuses on local, seasonal ingredients, with menu standouts like short rib stroganoff with dijon cream sauce, and risotto made with locally foraged wild mushrooms and toasted hazelnuts. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Red Hills offers mouthwatering options ranging from biscuits coated in wild mushroom and sausage gravy, to tapas like roasted beet hummus, plus sandwiches like chicken fried Oregon sturgeon, and of course, wood-fired pizzas. Other notable local restaurants include Tina's (a more high-end establishment serving items like roasted duck breast and soufflé provençal), and the more wallet-friendly Merenda Italian Deli, featuring a wide array of tasty sandwiches, salads, and sweets.

Once you've enjoyed all there is to eat and drink in Dundee, you can also go outdoors on any one of a number of hikes. The Harvey Creek Trail is particularly popular, and offers a peaceful experience walking past maples and Douglas firs. Some reviewers say it's great for a short trek with a fair amount of incline with plenty of shade. There are also plenty of other running and walking trails to enjoy in the area that offer views of rolling hills and neighboring vineyards, including the Downtown Straightaway and Climbing Viewmont Trail. Exploring these easier, picturesque hikes is great preparation if you're also planning on checking out the most beautiful hikes in Oregon someday.

Getting to this best-kept-secret is easy — simply fly into Portland International Airport, located just under an hour northeast of the city, then rent a car to drive into town. While you could, in theory, simply take a rideshare into town and walk to the neighboring wineries and restaurants, you'll likely want a vehicle to go a bit farther out. While it's best to visit during the spring or fall for the best views (and for harvest season), if you're looking for less crowds, winter is also a good option.

The number of accommodations directly in Dundee are limited, but there are still several available. The Dundee, for example, offers rooms starting at around $200 per night. La Bastide Bed and Breakfast, meanwhile, has rooms ranging from roughly $200 to 300, and includes a multi-course gourmet breakfast. And if you're coming in via RV, there's also the Dundee Hills Resort RV Park, a pet-friendly option starting at around $80 per night, with budget-friendly cottages starting at $120. If you're adding Dundee to part of a larger trip, you might want to consider these scenic Oregon road trip ideas next.