From the perch of their beloved wine bar, R. Stuart & Co, Rob and Maria Stuart have watched McMinn-ville blossom from a small-town hamlet to a vibrant wine country destination. Here, Maria Stuart shares five reasons to extend your vino tour down to McMinnville.  

Twelve Wine
John and Linda Lenyo’s tasting bar offers Carlton-grown estate pinot noirs and crisp white blends. A sweet bonus: the winery shares space with McMinnville-based chocolatier Honest Chocolates. 581 NE Third St

The Eyrie Vineyards
David Lett will long be remembered as “Papa Pinot” in these parts. Now run by David’s son Jason, Eyrie’s vineyards are in Dundee, but the winery and tasting room are in McMinnville. 935 NE 10th Ave

Remy Wines Bar
McMinnville native Remy Drabkin has turned her corner of town into Little Italy: while she makes a little pinot noir under the Three Wives label, her specialty is big, bold Italian varietals like barbera. 905 E 10th Ave

Heater/Allen Beer
“Recovering banker” Rick Allen’s small-batch, all-malt lagers offer a refreshing break from wine tasting—which is why they can also be found on tap at R. Stuart. 907 E 10th Ave

Westrey Wine
David Autrey and Amy Wesselman make pinot noirs from their estate vineyard in Carlton when Wesselman’s not working on the International Pinot Noir Celebration, the McMinnville summer festival she directs. 1065 NE Alpine Ave