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Forbes
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Unmissable Food And Wine Stops In The Willamette Valley
A view of the Bergstrom property, home to Oregon's famous Sigrid Chardonnay. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts, offering world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, stunning vineyard landscapes, farm-to-table cuisine, and cozy independent accommodation. What's not to like? Here's a short guide revealing some of the best places to eat, drink, and stay while exploring this very cool wine region. Known for producing some of the country's most important cool climate wines, it stretches from the outskirts of Portland to the southern edge of Eugene, with a range of elevations and microclimates influencing its various sub appellations. The area is home to an increasing number of wineries, that, despite their growing fame, preserve the collaborative spirit of the region's early winemaking pioneers. There is a strong connection to the land here, and a reverence for the people and work that has come before. Many producers open their doors to share not just what they make, but how and why they make it. Restaurants work closely with nearby farms and vineyards, while small hotels offer space to slow down and explore the landscape. Bergstrom is home to one of the best Chardonnays in the United States. Founded by the Bergström family, the winery has championed biodynamic farming and terroir-driven winemaking since its inception. The portfolio of excellent wines, including single vineyard Pinot Noirs, is exemplified in Sigrid, their flagship Chardonnay, widely regarded as one of the finest in America. Named after the family matriarch, Sigrid showcases the elegance and complexity achievable in Willamette Valley Chardonnay, with vibrant acidity, a layered, creamy texture, and remarkable age-worthiness. The welcoming tasting room is set amidst the rolling hills of the valley. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars from above. Penner-Ash Wine Cellars focuses on Pinot Noir from Oregon's northern Willamette Valley, crafting wines that reflect the distinct character of the region's seven major AVAs. Their portfolio draws on fruit from some of the valley's most acclaimed and storied vineyards. The company are now moving quite a bit of volume now. The business has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and is now one of the larger producers in the region. Winemaker Kate Ayres is doing a fantastic job of producing wines with character at attractive price points. The outdoor hangout at Adelsheim Vineyards in Newburg. Adelsheim Vineyards is a pioneering estate in Oregon's Willamette Valley, founded in 1971 by David and Ginny Adelsheim. As one of the region's original wineries, it played a crucial role in establishing Chehalem Mountains as a premier site for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and precise, terroir-driven wines, Adelsheim crafts elegant, balanced expressions that reflect the valley's diverse soils and cool climate. The winery remains a leader in innovation and advocacy, instrumental in defining Oregon's AVAs and shaping the reputation of Willamette Valley wines on the global stage. Walk ins are welcome at this picturesque spot and visitors can try and number of different experiences, including a food and wine pairing session in the Chardonnay barrel cave. Domaine Willamette offers one of the best winery dining experiences in the Willamette Valley. Domaine Willamette, in the Dundee Hills, is the state's first winery devoted entirely to traditional method sparkling wines. Located at the biodynamically farmed Bernau Estate Vineyard, the winery reflects a deep commitment to sustainable practices on the land and low-intervention winemaking. Its design and gardens extend this ethos, creating a space where landscape, viticulture, and hospitality are closely connected. Visitors can choose from a range of immersive tasting experiences that incorporate wine and food prepared by chef Zach, along with opportunities to explore the property. Those interested in the technical side of the business would VIP Walking Tour, offering insight into both sparkling winemaking and biodynamic agriculture. Alternatively, the family friendly dining environment is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some of the best bubbles in the Pacific North West. The Drouhin tasting room where you can also buy the company's Burgundy wines. Drouhin Oregon represents one of the most successful bridges between Burgundy and the New World. Established in 1987 by Maison Joseph Drouhin, the estate was among the first to recognize the potential of the Willamette Valley for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guided by Veronique Drouhin, the wines emphasize elegance, balance, and site expression, reflecting both Burgundian sensibilities and Oregon's unique terroir. The Dundee Hills estate remains a benchmark for refined, age-worthy Oregon Pinot Noir, while the Roserock vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills adds further dimension to their portfolio. Drouhin Oregon continues to set a high standard for Burgundian influence in American winemaking. The Soter Ranch Estate in its glory. A great place to spend an afternoon with local Pinot Noir. Soter Vineyards sits in the hills of Oregon's Yamhill Carlton AVA, where Tony and Michelle Soter have spent more than two decades shaping a property that prioritizes ecology as much as wine. Founded in 1997, the estate at Mineral Springs Ranch spans 240 acres and follows biodynamic farming practices certified by Demeter USA. The team manages the land with an emphasis on biodiversity, soil health, and long term resilience. Guests are welcomed into an experience that goes beyond the tasting room. The Provisions Tasting pairs estate wines with thoughtful seasonal dishes, while the Vineyard Excursion includes a guided walk through the ranch followed by a chef prepared lunch among the vines. A laid back, casual vibe aligns with a seasonal, farm-to-table food experience. Dishes, as you might expect, are paired with their wines, showcasing the synergy between the region's terroir and its cuisine. The wines themselves are restrained and precise. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the property show freshness, fine structure, and clarity. The sparkling wines, made from traditional varieties, bring finesse without excess weight. Across the range, the style is confident and measured, shaped by a team that values transparency over intervention. Humble Spirit, located in the heart of Carlton, is part of The Ground, a collective dedicated to fostering harmony between people, animals, and the planet. After establishing the Tabula Rasa Farms in 2015, The Ground follows the principles of regenerative agriculture, The Ground began with the founding of Tabula Rasa Farms in 2015. At Humble Spirit, this philosophy comes to life through a menu showcasing sustainably raised heritage meats, fresh produce, and local ingredients that celebrate the interconnectedness of nature. The restaurant offers a warm, community-focused dining experience, complemented by an evolving selection of wines from the region. Guests can explore more of The Ground's mission through stays at Tabula Rasa Farms or the newly launched bed & breakfast in McMinnville. Humble Spirit encapsulates the essence of the Willamette Valley—deliciously grounded in its surroundings while reaching for inspired, meaningful connections. Hayward Restaurant, the casual dining spot in McMinnville winning so many admirers. Hayward is a standout dining destination in the heart of McMinnville and is a cool, casual spot for hanging out after a busy day visiting wineries. Founded by chef Kari Shaughnessy in 2023, the restaurant has quickly earned an excellent reputation for its expressive, hyper-seasonal approach to 'New Northwest' cuisine. Moreover, it has achieved James Beard Award semifinalist recognition in both 2024 and 2025. Housed in the creative, communal space of Mac Market, Hayward menu frequently changes to reflect the valley's agricultural rhythm, with dishes like sesame focaccia with koji butter, carrot cavatelli, and shrimp bánh xèo layered with house-made sambal. At the core of Hayward's ethos is a deep commitment to local sourcing, fermentation, and flavor storytelling. Their 'Kickback' family-style tasting experience invites diners to trust the kitchen and enjoy a generous spread of seasonal plates. For wine lovers, Hayward is perfectly attuned to the surrounding wine country with a thoughtful, ever-evolving list spotlighting small Willamette Valley producers, alongside occasional international selections that echo the restaurant's balanced, expressive culinary style. Inn The Ground is one of the best places to stay when visiting the Willamette Valley. Inn The Ground offers a serene and immersive stay in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, reflecting the ethos of The Ground collective. Located near Tabula Rasa Farms in Carlton, this intimate bed & breakfast invites guests to experience the region's natural beauty and regenerative spirit. Each thoughtfully designed room offers comfort and a connection to the surrounding landscape, with pastoral views and a sense of calm rooted in nature. It's a stunning place to sip your coffee and watch the sun come up, or indeed watch it go down with a glass of wine. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts featuring ingredients sourced directly from Tabula Rasa Farms. Whether you're exploring local wineries or seeking a tranquil escape, Inn The Ground provides a restorative base that celebrates the harmony between people, animals, and the land. The wine cellar at the Tributary hotel, full of great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tributary Hotel, located in the center of McMinnville, is a significant statement when it comes to wine tourism in the Willamette Valley. Set within a restored 1917 brick building, the hotel features just eight suites, each named after a regional river. Fireplaces, soaking tubs, and hand built furniture echo the textures and materials of the surrounding landscape. It's high end, without being stuffy, drawing on both the building's historic character and the hotel's deep connection to place. Guests can also dine at Okta, the hotel's restaurant, where a seasonal tasting menu is built around ingredients from the hotel's own farm and neighbouring producers. Initially a fine dining concept, it briefly closed to reconsider its strategy, but is now back open with a more focussed four course tasting menu. The wine list is equally thoughtful, a fascinating collection that showcases some of Oregon's best wines. Oregon's first Relais and Châteaux property, Tributary brings together architecture, food, and wine at a high level. You're only a short walk from McMinnville's coffee shops and beer bars, and with valet parking just outside, it's a great base for exploring wine country.
Business Insider
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Analysts Offer Insights on Technology Companies: Verint Systems (VRNT), Xero Limited (OtherXROLF) and 8X8 (EGHT)
There's a lot to be optimistic about in the Technology sector as 3 analysts just weighed in on Verint Systems (VRNT – Research Report), Xero Limited (XROLF – Research Report) and 8X8 (EGHT – Research Report) with bullish sentiments. Confident Investing Starts Here: Verint Systems (VRNT) In a report issued on May 18, Dan Bergstrom from RBC Capital maintained a Buy rating on Verint Systems, with a price target of $29.00. The company's shares closed last Monday at $17.93, close to its 52-week low of $17.64. According to Bergstrom is a 4-star analyst with an average return of 12.0% and a 60.0% success rate. Bergstrom covers the Technology sector, focusing on stocks such as CSG Systems International, CommVault Systems, and Fortinet. Currently, the analyst consensus on Verint Systems is a Strong Buy with an average price target of $29.00. Xero Limited (XROLF) RBC Capital analyst Garry Sherriff maintained a Buy rating on Xero Limited on May 15 and set a price target of A$210.00. The company's shares closed last Thursday at $111.75. Sherriff has an average return of 20.0% when recommending Xero Limited. According to Sherriff is ranked #1346 out of 9558 analysts. Xero Limited has an analyst consensus of Strong Buy, with a price target consensus of $128.40, implying a 14.9% upside from current levels. In a report issued on May 15, Morgans also upgraded the stock to Buy with a A$215.00 price target. 8X8 (EGHT) Bank of America Securities analyst Michael Funk reiterated a Buy rating on 8X8 yesterday and set a price target of $3.00. The company's shares closed last Monday at $1.80, close to its 52-week low of $1.51. According to Funk is currently ranked with 0 stars on a 0-5 stars ranking scale, with an average return of -8.0% and a 42.9% success rate. Funk covers the Technology sector, focusing on stocks such as CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings, Zoom Video Communications, and Weave Communications. The word on The Street in general, suggests a Hold analyst consensus rating for 8X8 with a $2.22 average price target, which is a 26.1% upside from current levels. In a report issued on May 14, Financial also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $3.00 price target.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Senate advances rule requiring school donation disclosures, rejects citizenship checks
Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, speaks in favor of his amendment to Senate Joint Resolution 22 on Tuesday in the Senate chamber of the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. Jett's amendment approved a proposed rule to require schools to report receipt of $17,000 donations. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY — An amended resolution that passed the Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday would reject a proposal to have public schools collect students' immigration status, but it would require schools to report donations and gifts from non-government sources. The original resolution would have denied the donation reporting rule, but Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, proposed an amendment to include the measure in a bundle of approved administrative rules from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. A majority of senators agreed with Jett in a 26-18 vote. Jett said public schools should have to report donations and gifts they receive that are worth more than $17,000 to ensure parents are aware of any potential influence on their children's schooling, including from foreign governments. He said donations above $17,000 could no longer be given anonymously. 'If you're giving more than $17,000 into our classrooms, we need to know who you are,' Jett said. The rule would require schools to inform the Oklahoma State Department of Education about donations that are worth either $17,000 or the IRS gift tax exemption amount, whichever is lower. In 2025, the limit for the IRS gift tax exemption is $19,000. The leader of the Senate Administrative Rules Committee, Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, opposed the donation rule, which Jett's amendment approved. Bergstrom, who crafted the full resolution, said the Education Department's proposal was poorly written — to the extent it could require reporting of only donations that are worth exactly $17,000 but not more. Administrative rules are meant to expand on existing laws, but Bergstrom said this rule falls short of having a clear basis in state statute. 'This rule has so many problems with it, and it doesn't have legislative authority,' Bergstrom said while debating against Jett's amendment. 'I'm going to ask my colleagues in this chamber to vote no.' While the Senate resolution now approves the donation reporting rule, it still rejects other proposals that have been controversial. It would disapprove a rule requiring Oklahoma public schools to ask families for proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency during enrollment. Districts would have to report to the state the number of students whose families are unable to provide this information. Jett filed an amendment to approve this rule, as well, but a majority of senators agreed to discard it. Gov. Kevin Stitt has pledged to block the rule from becoming law, contending it needlessly targets children. The Senate resolution also rejects an Education Department proposal to have public school teachers pass the U.S. Naturalization Test to earn or renew their certification. The measure has drawn bipartisan concerns. The Senate then approved the full resolution unanimously, sending it to the House. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senate committee rejects immigration rules for Oklahoma schools
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Lawmakers at the State Capitol voted Wednesday to reject controversial rules proposed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters. The bipartisan Senate Administrative Rules Committee voted 6-1 on a resolution that would remove two key rules: Requiring public schools to ask families for proof of U.S. Citizenship during school enrollment, and requiring teachers to take a U.S. Naturalization test. RELATED: OSDE passes rule to require citizenship status of families Senator Micheal Bergstrom (R-Adair) was the co-chair of the committee who submitted the resolution. 'As Chairman Kendricks and I looked at it, we decided there probably was not legislative authority for those rules,' said Bergstrom. Governor Kevin Stitt has spoken out against schools asking for proof of citizenship. A House committee disapproved of the rule last month. Wednesday's meeting was expected to be a long discussion with three amendments filed. Two of the amendments, filed by Senator Michael Brooks Jimenez (D-Oklahoma City), were pulled. Another amendment, filed by Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee), was not heard because the meeting had a quorum before Jett arrived, and he did not get to vote. 'Frustrated would be a very, very light word for how I actually felt about it,' said Jett. RELATED: Teachers to be required to take U.S. Naturalization test His amendment would have allowed the citizenship checks in schools to remain in place. 'I have actually filed this amendment to be heard on the floor. So everyone is going to get an opportunity to take a stance that they could have,' said Jett. The resolution will head to the Senate floor for a full vote. Bergstrom expects that will happen soon. If approved by the full Senate, the rules will go back to the House for approval. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Oklahoma City.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ryan Walters' immigration-check proposal hits roadblock in Oklahoma Senate
A proposal to require Oklahoma schools to track students' immigration statuses might not make it through the Legislature. Without debate on May 7, the Oklahoma Senate Administrative Rules Committee approved a resolution rejecting that proposed rule, as well as some other controversial elements a rules package prepared by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. The committee voted 6-1 to send Senate Joint Resolution 22 to the full Senate. Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, who chairs to committee, said he thinks its resolutions on rule proposals could be heard on the Senate floor 'as early as next week.' The education-related resolution would need to clear the Senate, the House Administrative Rules Committee and the full House, then be signed by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt, before becoming law. The Republican-controlled Legislature has until May 30 to act on administrative rules proposals. In preparing the rules resolutions, Bergstrom said, 'We wanted to listen to everyone's positions and then take (those) and try to have it where we have something that we can put forward that we felt that be able to be passed and would resolve the issues.' More: Ryan Walters' rules on immigration status, teacher testing go before Oklahoma lawmakers The most controversial of the rules proposed by the state agency is one that would allow the agency to not just ask schools for the immigration status of students, but of their parents, as well. Another proposed rule that drew strong opposition is one that would require Oklahoma teachers to take the U.S. naturalization test as a requirement for certification or renewal of certification, meaning even veteran teachers would have to take it. The Senate resolution rejects both of those proposals. During a recent House Administrative Rules Committee meeting led by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, both Republicans and Democrats voiced objections to those ideas. Bergstrom said he discussed the proposals with Kendrix and concluded there was "probably not legislative authority for those rules.' State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom's committee has passed a resolution that would reject controversial administrative rules proposals from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. 'That's our first thing that we look at – is there legislative authority, and then does it follow legislative intent – and then we start looking at the other issues," Bergstrom said. Stitt, once an ally of Walters, has been outspoken about his stance against the proposed immigration rule, accusing Walters of using immigrant children as 'political pawns.' Referring to the proposal, Stitt has said he's 'going to do what I can to change that' if the rule comes across his desk. Walters, a Republican, has said his agency would work with federal law enforcement and would support them if they chose to raid Oklahoma schools. During a brief press conference following a January meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, Walters was asked three times if he had any concerns about the trauma such raids might inflict on students. Instead, he talked about supporting law enforcement. A spokeswoman for Walters didn't immediately return a message left May 7 seeking comment on the Senate committee's action. Neither did spokespeople for Stitt. Bergstrom said he spoke with the governor while preparing the resolution regarding the education rules. He said he expects some debate on the Senate floor regarding the resolution. 'I just don't know how intense that will be,' Bergstrom said. "I'm hoping it won't be too bad.' Two far-right lawmakers weren't in the room for committee vote The lone 'no' vote on the resolution to reject the controversial proposed rules came from Sen. Kendal Sacchieri, R-Blanchard. When asked for her vote the first time, she paused for several seconds, then said 'pass.' A few moments later, when asked again, she said, 'Nay.' Just after the vote was recorded, two far-right members of the committee entered the room – the vice chair, Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, and Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin. They are two of the four publicly declared members of the Freedom Caucus in the Legislature. Jett and Deevers cast votes on the only other item on the committee's agenda, but not on the resolution regarding the education-related rules. The path for agency administrative rules to take effect is different than in 2024. That year, a set of administrative rules from Walters' agency went into effect without receiving debate, or a vote, on either the House or Senate floors. Stitt then unilaterally approved the rules as part of a package that included all state agencies that had submitted rules proposals. This year, the rules proposals were divided into six general categories by Bergstrom and Kendrix. Both the House and Senate committees had responsibility to develop resolutions for three rules packages each, with the package of education-related rules assigned to start in the Senate committee. The rules resolutions, Kendrix said, theoretically would follow the traditional path of a regular legislative bill. If the Legislature takes no action, then it's up to Stitt whether or not to approve the rules proposals. Stitt does not have line-item veto authority on administrative rules proposals. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters' immigration rule proposal faces new rejection in Senate
