Newberg: Wine, History, and City Trails

In Newberg, wine tastings meet historic buildings, art, and trails connecting cultural destinations. Seasonal lavender offerings and a variety of recreational activities add to the experience. For planning, it helps to consider the different formats: some tastings have a clearly defined duration, while other offerings depend on the season or an event date.

Wine Tastings and Culinary Experiences

The Newberg Downtown Wineries district includes nine tasting rooms spread over one mile and is easy to explore on foot. Et Fille Wines offers three experiences at its Newberg tasting room, available Thursday through Sunday. Two of them differ notably in duration and content: the guided Wine 101 Flight lasts 45 minutes and covers the basics of winemaking and the tasting process. The 90-minute Legacy Experience includes six wines, including selections from the library, and a small charcuterie selection. This lets you choose between an introduction and a longer, guided tasting. Since experience details may change, check them before your visit.

Domaine Lumineux’s tasting room is in the historic downtown, right off U.S. Route 99. Anacréon Winery offers a private, hosted experience with a glass of wine and a five-course meal. The dishes feature local and estate-grown produce and proteins, and are paired with the wines. Seasonal menus and availability may change; it’s best to confirm the details for your preferred dates in advance.

Historic Sites and Local History

The Hoover-Minthorn House was built by Jesse Edwards in 1881. It is considered the first surviving residence built in what is now Newberg. From 1885 to 1889, it was home to Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States. The furnishings also have a direct connection to his childhood: the set in President Hoover’s bedroom is the same one he used as a boy.

The Newberg Carnegie Library opened on March 29, 1912. It is one of 11 Carnegie libraries in Oregon still used as libraries today. For those interested in the development of downtown, Mapping Our History offers digital access to the city’s history: its maps show historic land use, buildings, events, and artifacts.

Explore Newberg on Foot

The Central Newberg Urban Trails connect cultural attractions via streets and sidewalks in downtown and the surrounding residential area. One clearly defined segment is the 0.32-mile Herbert Hoover Trail. It connects the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum, Hoover Park, and downtown shopping on 1st and 2nd Streets. For comparison, the Newberg Downtown Wineries district spans one mile. The two figures refer to different ways of exploring: a single trail and a tasting district.

Art, Lavender, and More Activities

ART Elements Gallery is located in the historic downtown. Its collection includes landscapes, contemporary art, ceramics, blown and fused glass, woodwork, outdoor sculptures, and jewelry. Its program often features hands-on monster-themed workshops and artist demonstrations; exhibitions also change monthly and are accompanied by artist talks.

Wayward Winds Lavender Farm offers u-pick lavender in Newberg. Seasonal opening periods may change. The Lavender + Vintage Festival takes place annually on the second weekend of July; check the current event dates for your travel year. Another annual event, the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival & Plein Air Art Festival, takes place at the Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg.

For an evening outdoors, the 99W Drive-In is a family-friendly outdoor movie theater in Newberg. It also offers accessible activities for people with ADA access needs. Chehalem BMX Track is a nationally certified track by USA BMX, the American Bicycle Association. Its layout includes five straightaways, four turns including a U-turn, a full rhythm section, and numerous jumps into the turns. The Willamette River Water Trail at Rogers Landing also offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Hiking, camping, and exploring are also possible along the route from Springfield to Portland.

Discover more destinations: Carlton, Willamina, Amity, Mcminnville

For the broader travel overview: Yamhill County.