Our Favorite Things to Do in Summer

Updated 2026

Start your adventures off right with plenty of fun things to do in summer, a glass in hand, and nowhere to rush. Eola-Amity Hills American Viticultural Area sets the tone for days that unfold with an easy, deliberate pace.

Morning light settles over vineyard rows across the Willamette Valley. You map out the day slowly. A short walk through gardens leads to coffee, then a scenic drive to your first tasting. Your afternoons open up with space for conversation and discovery. Then, in the evenings, you return to quiet relaxation at A’ Tuscan Estate.

Our guests come for this rhythm as much as proximity to quality activities and culture. Our estate sits five blocks from downtown, close enough for dinner plans. Yet, we’re set apart for calm mornings and unhurried evenings.

Eola-Amity Hills AVA delivers wine tasting experiences shaped by coastal winds and focused winemaking. That’s what makes it so special here. The Pinot Noir leads. It’s Bright and structured. Yet, it’s also layered with depth that builds with each sip.

You’ll find some of our favorite places to sip, including:

• Lingua Franca for modern tastings with vineyard precision.

• Brooks Winery for biodynamic farming and warm hospitality.

• Bethel Heights Vineyard presents estate wines with sweeping valley views.

Our top tip is to book ahead to secure the best experiences, especially seated tastings. Many wineries offer curated flights that highlight vineyard blocks and vintages, but reservations are often required.

McMinnville Downtown restaurants run seasonal menus that change often, keeping each visit distinct.

A few favorites to consider are:

• Thistle for seasonal, chef-led plates

• Grounded Table for elevated comfort food

• Hayward (Carlton) is 15 minutes away for small plates and thoughtful pairings

Each meal connects to the land around you. Chefs source fresh produce. Menus evolve quickly. Wine lists spotlight local producers.

Mornings at A’ Tuscan Estate follow the same philosophy. Farm-to-table breakfasts feature seasonal ingredients, fresh-baked touches, and thoughtful plating that sets the tone for the day.

Evenings often end back at A’ Tuscan Estate. Guests settle into garden seating and a final glass before turning in.

There are many things to do in McMinnville that go beyond wine. Add a brewery stop between tastings for contrast and variety. Our local craft beer leans creative yet stays rooted in exquisite quality.

A few local breweries worth adding to your route:

• Heater Allen Brewing focuses on classic German styles.

• Grain Station Brew Works offers a variety of options in a relaxed setting.

• ForeLand Beer explores hop-forward profiles with clean finishes.

Many breweries offer guided tastings and flights, and you’ll learn the processes and ingredients. Our staff always suggests nearby stops to round out your route.

Among the abundant fun things to do in summer is time outside, and the Eola-Amity Hills make that simple. Quiet roads, vineyard views, and ample open space in every direction. You’ll find guided tour companies offering curated wine routes, cycling experiences, and private transportation. Many include winery reservations, which keeps planning seamless.

A few simple ways to explore:

• Guided wine tours with transportation included

• Plenty of hiking trails with stunning views

• Scenic cycling for relaxed exploration

• Private drivers for custom itineraries

These options keep your day flexible and take care of logistics, so you don’t have to worry about routes, timing, or reservations. You focus on the views, the wine, and the people you’re with. Each stop feels intentional, not rushed.

A few well-paced days turn a good trip into something memorable. Here’s a simple three-day flow our guests love.

Arrive at our inn and take your time settling in. Walk the gardens, pour a glass, and let your pace shift. Then head into downtown McMinnville for a relaxed dinner. Keep it light. You’ll want energy for tomorrow.

Start your morning slowly at the inn: coffee in the garden, a light bite, and relaxation

Then head out:

• 10:30am: First tasting at Bethel Heights

• 12:30pm: Lunch and second tasting at Brooks Winery

• 4:30pm: Brewery stop or scenic drive back

• Evening: Dinner in town, then a quiet night at the inn

Keep it to two or three tastings, and leave space between each stop so the day can breathe. That’s when unexpected moments appear — mountain peaks on the horizon at Brooks, a quiet wander through their chef’s garden — and the experience feels effortless.

Sleep in a bit. Enjoy coffee outside, and take a final walk through the gardens. If time allows, add one last tasting or a quick stop downtown before heading out — no need to rush it.

End your trip the same way it started: Unhurried.

Willamette Valley wine rewards a slower approach. Plan one or two appointments per day for a weekend wine getaway. However, leave plenty of room to pause and reflect.

Reserve wine tastings through winery websites or winery booking platforms like Tock. Some estates offer private tastings or library selections for added depth. Hosts guide each pour and share vineyard details and vintage decisions. Those insights make each tasting memorable.

Back at A’ Tuscan Estate, that same care continues. Guests return to private guest rooms and suites, garden views, and spaces designed for conversation.

Downtown invites an even slower pace between tastings. Historic buildings line the streets. Galleries, boutiques, and inviting storefronts draw you in. Local galleries feature rotating exhibitions from regional artists.

Small shops offer curated goods, specialty foods, and handcrafted pieces worth bringing home. This is how an afternoon here unfolds naturally.

Visit a gallery, stop for coffee, and take a quiet walk before dinner. You might even catch some live music around town on a summer evening.

McMinnville’s many fun things to do in summer feel even better when everything sits within reach. Stay close to downtown and the Eola-Amity Hills AVA to keep your days simple, refined, and well-paced.

A’ Tuscan Estate blends European charm with Oregon wine country ease. Gardens, a bocce court, and thoughtful spaces invite you to linger. You can walk to dinner and return to quiet. Then, wake and do it again. That rhythm stays with you long after your trip ends.

When you’re ready, reserve your stay with us and let us take care of the details.

Photo Credit: © RossHelen via canva.com