Custom Willamette Wine Tours from The Allison Inn and Spa

If you’re planning to stay at the upscale Allison Inn & Spa and want a thoroughly personalized wine experience, the Custom Willamette Wine Tours might be just what you’re looking for. These private excursions aim to take you beyond the typical tasting room, offering a curated journey into the heart of Oregon’s renowned wine country. With small-group sizes, expert guides, and a flexible itinerary, this tour promises an immersive day filled with stunning vistas, boutique wineries, and memorable sips.

What really appeals to us is their focus on customizing the experience based on your preferences, whether you’re after legendary vineyards or hidden gems. Another standout feature is how well they blend educational insights with relaxed hospitality — you’re not just sampling wine, you’re learning about how it’s made and what makes Willamette Valley special.

Of course, a potential consideration is the price — at $430 per person, this isn’t cheap — but considering the personalized service, private transportation, and premium wineries included, many would say it’s a worthwhile splurge. This tour best suits those who value quality, exclusivity, and a tailored experience more than just a quick tasting.

If you’re staying at The Allison or simply want an informed, luxurious day exploring Oregon’s wine country, this tour could be a very good fit. Now, let’s break down what makes it tick and what you can expect along the way.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience ensures your preferences are front and center.
• Expert guides provide educational insights along with hospitality.
• Stunning views and boutique wineries make for a memorable visual and tasting journey.
• Includes lunch and tastings at several highly regarded vineyards, offering good value.
• Flexible itinerary allows for a slower pace or more stops, depending on your energy level.
• Optional add-on at Bergstrom Wines for an elevated tasting experience.

What This Tour Offers and Why It’s Special

The Custom Willamette Wine Tours is designed for those who want more than just a standard winery visit. It’s about creating a personalized, immersive experience that matches your taste, pace, and curiosity. The tour lasts between 6 and 9 hours, giving you enough time to savor wines, enjoy views, and learn without feeling rushed.

Starting at The Allison Inn & Spa gives this tour an air of luxury and comfort, plus the convenience of being picked up right from your hotel. It’s an all-inclusive experience: transportation, tastings, and even a bottle of water for refreshment are covered, so you can focus on enjoying yourself.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour covers around 3 to 4 wineries, tailored to your preferences. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Willamette Valley

You begin your day exploring the scenic Willamette Valley, often called one of the top destinations worldwide by Time Magazine. The landscape alone is worth the trip — rolling vineyards and farms stretching as far as the eye can see. The guide will navigate you through this beautiful region, setting the tone for a day of wine and views.

Granville Wine Company

Your first stop is Granville Wine Company in the Dundee Hills AVA, a boutique winery loved for its exceptional wines and the best views in the valley. It’s a perfect introduction — small enough to feel intimate but notable for its quality. Expect to learn about their winery and perhaps enjoy a tasting of their distinctive wines.

Winderlea Vineyard and Winery

Next, you’ll visit Winderlea, renowned for biodynamically farmed vineyards. The setting really shines here — the back deck and enclosed tasting room offer some of the most spectacular views in Willamette Valley. The wines are highly praised, and you’ll get a sense of the high standards of Oregon’s winemakers.

Red Hills Market

For a break, the tour includes a stop at Red Hills Market, known for its gourmet sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and pastries. This is a relaxed spot to refuel and maybe pick up some local goods or wine-related souvenirs. The casual atmosphere is a nice contrast to the winery visits, giving you a well-rounded experience.

Anderson Family Vineyard

A favorite among many, Anderson Family Wines offers a more interactive experience. Expect a vineyard walk, barrel room tour, and tastings right from the barrels — a small, engaging way to connect with the wine-making process. The panoramic, 270-degree views of the valley make this stop particularly memorable.

Domaine Divio

One of the true highlights, Domaine Divio, is led by a fourth-generation French winemaker, Bruno, recently recognized as Oregon’s Winemaker of the Year. The wines here are world-class, and the people are known for their warmth and hospitality. This stop often leaves guests in awe, thanks to both the quality of the wine and the unforgettable experience.

Optional Bergstrom Wines

For those interested in a truly elevated tasting, Bergstrom Wines offers a private experience in their Ekelon tasting room, paired with chef-created bites. While this is an optional add-on at your cost, many find it worth the extra for the exclusive atmosphere and top-tier wines.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Beyond the locations, what sets this experience apart is the personalized approach. The tour can be tailored to your pacing and wine preferences, whether you want a deeper dive into specific styles or a more relaxed day. The guides are knowledgeable but approachable, making wine education feel natural and enjoyable, not stuffy.

Guests have shared glowing reviews about the guides — “professional, warm, incredibly knowledgeable” — which really enhances the day. The views, especially at places like Winderlea and Anderson, are often singled out as some of the best in the valley, adding a visual dimension to your wine journey.

The inclusion of a lunch stop at a celebrated local eatery ensures you’re well-fed, which is vital for enjoying a long day of tasting. And the optional Bergstrom visit offers a luxurious, educational experience that can elevate the entire tour.

Price and Value

For $430 per person, you’re paying for a private, curated day with top wineries, transportation, and tastings included. Considering the quality of wineries visited and the personalized service, many find it offers good value — especially compared to the cost of organizing similar visits independently. The convenience of door-to-door pickup and a flexible itinerary also means you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics, which can be a real plus.

How It Compares to Other Experiences

Unlike larger, more generic wine tours, this one focuses on quality and personal touches. Many reviews highlight how well the experience is tailored, and how the guides make the day both fun and educational. If you’re someone who appreciates attention to detail, high-quality wines, and stunning scenery, this tour hits the mark.

That said, it’s not the best fit if you’re on a strict budget or hoping for a quick, casual tasting. The focus here is on creating a memorable, in-depth experience that lasts most of the day, with a premium price tag to match.

Who Will Love This Tour

This private tour caters well to wine enthusiasts who want a deeper understanding of Oregon wines, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone looking for a luxurious, relaxed day in beautiful surroundings. It’s particularly suitable for those staying at The Allison Inn & Spa, but it can also work well for visitors seeking a curated experience with educational components and fantastic views.

It’s not ideal if you’re traveling solo on a tight budget or if you’re only interested in a quick trip — this experience is better suited for those seeking quality over quantity.

FAQ

How many wineries will we visit?
Typically, 3 to 4 wineries, depending on your preference for a slower pace or more experiences.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation is part of the package, making it convenient and stress-free.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is designed to be tailored to your tastes and pace, with the guide helping craft your perfect day.

What’s the duration of the tour?
Between 6 and 9 hours, giving you plenty of time for tastings, views, and a leisurely lunch.

Are tastings included?
Yes, all tasting fees are included in the price, along with the guide and bottled water.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-oriented, most travelers find it suitable if adults are interested in wine and scenery.

What’s the cost?
$430 per person, which reflects the private, high-quality nature of the tour and the included experiences.

Is there an option for an extra special tasting?
Yes, Bergstrom Wines offers an optional elevated tasting with food pairings, available at an additional cost.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera. Be prepared for some walking and scenic views.

What about meals?
Lunch is included in the form of a stop at a popular local market, but additional meals are at your expense.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who appreciates a private, curated experience that combines stunning scenery, boutique wineries, and expert guidance, this Custom Willamette Wine Tour from The Allison Inn & Spa is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to indulge in high-quality wines, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy Oregon’s breathtaking landscape without the hassle of organizing everything themselves.

The combination of personalized service, beautiful vistas, and top-tier wineries makes it more than just a day of tasting — it’s a memorable journey through one of the world’s most acclaimed wine regions. While the price tag is on the higher side, many feel that the quality, comfort, and exclusivity make it a worthwhile investment for a special occasion or a truly indulgent tour.

Ready to discover Oregon’s wine country in style? This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive, and exclusive experience that’s hard to beat for wine lovers who want to go beyond the usual.