Amity

A classic Yamhill County winery is Amity Vineyards (18150 Amity Vineyards Rd. SE, 503/835-2362 or 888/264-8966). The tasting room is located in a huge old barn on a 500-foot hill looking out over southern Yamhill County to the Coast Range, making for some beautiful sunset views. Amity, which was founded in 1974, is one of Oregon [1]’s oldest wineries and still has a homespun feel that belies its excellent wines.

The nearby Kristin Hill Winery (3330 SE Amity Dayton Hwy., 503/835-0850, Mar.–Dec.) specializes in a traditional “Methode Champenoise” (sparkling wine). Picnickers are welcome.

Amity wines are also featured at the Lawrence Gallery (19700 SW Hwy. 18, 503/843-3633) in Sheridan, 9 miles southwest of McMinnville [2] on Route 18. Several dozen other Oregon wines are featured, as well as the work of a multitude of Oregon artists and craftspeople. Five acres of sweeping lawns and gardens surrounding this renovated century-old building make it even more of a reason to stop. Outdoor art pieces proliferate in these elegant landscapes at every turn. Also on-site is the Fresh Palate Cafe, open daily for wine-friendly lunches and Sunday brunch.

Not far from Amity is the monastery of the Brigittine monks (23300 Walker Lane, 503/835-8080). Their chocolate truffles and fudge are highly regarded, and the monks rent out rooms for spiritual retreats.