Experience the Charm of Oregon’s Cellar Season
There’s something undeniably magical about cellar season in Oregon. As the harvest hustle winds down and winter settles in, Willamette Valley wine country shifts into a quieter, more reflective pace, inviting visitors to slow down, savor each moment, and connect more deeply with the land and its wines. This winter season offers a rare chance for winter wine tasting in Oregon, experiences that feel personal, warm, and unforgettable.
Nestled in the heart of Newberg, Natalie’s Estate Winery welcomes you to this cozy season with intimate tastings, thoughtful barrel experiences, and the warmth of a family-owned boutique winery. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a relaxed weekend escape, winter wine country has never felt more inviting.
Plan your winter wine getaway and experience Oregon’s most inviting season at Natalie’s Estate Winery.
What Is Cellar Season in Oregon Wine Country?
Time for Rest, Reflection, and Connection
Cellar season in Oregon marks a unique rhythm in the vineyards. With the harvest behind them, winemakers focus on barrel tastings, cellar blending, and preparations for the next vintage. It’s a quieter time—one devoted to craftsmanship, curiosity, and creativity. Guests visiting during these months get to witness a world behind the scenes, where thoughtful decisions shape the wines, you’ll enjoy for years to come. This truly is the best time to visit Willamette Valley wineries.
Behind the Cellar Doors
This season offers exclusive experiences, such as barrel tastings, that aren’t always available during peak months. At Natalie’s Estate Winery, you can savor wines straight from the barrel, learn about aging profiles, and chat with our passionate owner/winemaker who is eager to share stories and insights. These personalized, educational visits will deepen your appreciation for handcrafted Oregon wines. Never experienced barrel tasting? Read about what to expect when barrel tasting.
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Wine Country
Cozy, Intimate Tastings Without the Crowds
Winter wine tasting in Oregon comes with a special perk—space to breathe. Without the summer crowds, tasting rooms feel more welcoming and relaxed, and you’re far more likely to enjoy one-on-one time with winemakers and staff. Conversations flow, stories unfold, and each pour feels crafted just for you.
Beautiful Winter Landscapes in the Willamette Valley
Picture mist-draped vineyards, rolling hills dusted in frost, and fireplaces flickering in tasting rooms. The Willamette Valley’s winter palette offers breathtaking scenery and sensory experiences that celebrate the season’s quiet beauty. This is one of the best times to visit Willamette Valley wineries if you love calm landscapes, lush greens, and the cozy charm of winter.
Seasonal Events and Special Offerings
Many wineries host special events during Cellar Season—think holiday tastings, fireside pairings, and limited-edition vertical flights. These offerings enhance your winter itinerary and add extra magic to your visit.
We recommend checking out some of the nearby wineries in the Chehalem Mountains, or exploring further afield with the hundreds of Willamette Valley wineries to curate your perfect adventure. If you are looking for “hidden gem” wineries, read more here.
The Perfect Wines for Winter
Bold Red Wines to Warm You Up
Winter calls for wines with richness and depth. At Natalie’s Estate Winery, we invite you to discover bold red wines that Willamette Valley visitors return to year after year. From robust Cabernet Sauvignon to smooth Merlot and elegant Meritage blends, these handcrafted wines that Oregon locals adore are the perfect companions to chilly evenings.
Food Pairings for Winter Wines
Pair these bold reds with hearty delights—roasted meats, warm stews, and Oregon cheeses—each beautifully complementing the season’s characterful pours. If you’re looking for wine pairing ideas in Oregon, start here.
Enjoying Natalie’s Estate Wines at Home
Take the warmth of Cellar Season home with you by stocking up on your favorites. It’s easy to buy handcrafted Oregon wines online and relive the cozy charm of your visit all year.
Planning Your Winter Visit
How to Book Your Private Wine Tasting
Natalie’s Estate Winery specializes in personal, unhurried wine-tasting experiences in Newberg, Oregon. Tastings are by appointment and are perfect for couples or small groups looking to savor handcrafted wines in a boutique winery setting in Oregon. We recommend booking in advance to ensure you can visit at a convenient time during your itinerary.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Expect warm hospitality in a cozy tasting room, guided, seated tastings, and witty musings from the winemaker on each wine, along with the kind of stories only a family-owned winery in Oregon can tell. You’ll be welcomed like friends and leave feeling steeped in the spirit of Oregon wine country.
Tips for Enjoying Oregon Wine Country in Winter
Dress in layers, bring comfy shoes, and plan a weekend so you can explore a few vineyards at your own pace. Winter weather can be both rainy and cold, but that just adds to the charm of tasting by the fire or exploring misty vineyard views.
Places to Stay: Extend Your Cellar Season Escape
To make the most of your winter wine getaway, here are some cozy nearby stays:
Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast – A serene retreat with sweeping views, comfy rooms, and delicious gourmet breakfasts to start your day prepared by owner and chef Kristin. Enjoy peaceful mornings and warm hospitality minutes from tasting rooms. Many rooms offer private balconies with valley views.
Willamette Valley Bed & Breakfast – Classic charm meets modern comfort at this welcoming property. Relax in thoughtfully decorated rooms and enjoy full breakfasts with local flavors while surrounded by art, a perfect complement to your wine country adventure.
The Setting Inn – Traditional elegance with a country feel, in the heart of wine country, with beautifully appointed rooms, lovely gardens, and warm service—a great pick for couples seeking romance and quiet luxury.
Vineyard View Inn – Experience vineyard vistas in a relaxed, boutique atmosphere. Enjoy private fireplaces in each room, cozy common spaces, scenic walking paths, and close proximity to local wineries. Thoughtful construction techniques ensure you won’t hear your neighbors.
Celebrate Cellar Season at Natalie’s Estate Winery
There’s no season quite like winter in Oregon wine country. Cellar season in Oregon invites you to slow down, sip deeply, and savor the stories behind every bottle. At Natalie’s Estate Winery, handcrafted wines, warm hospitality, and the charm of winter come together in unforgettable ways.
Celebrate the magic of Cellar Season at Natalie’s Estate Winery — where handcrafted wines, warm hospitality, and Oregon’s winter charm come together. Book your private wine tasting today by calling 503-807-5008.