Insider Guide: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Dave and Lois Cho, founders of CHO Wine, list their recommendations from McMinnville to Dundee and Newberg.
Stoller Family Estate; Mike Haverkate
Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Photo by Greg Kramer
Meet the insiders: Dave and Lois Cho, founders of CHO Wines
Dave and Lois Cho took a nontraditional route to winemaking. The couple busked before performing in Southern California wineries, and a stopover to meditate with monks in Burgundy further cemented Dave’s appreciation for a shared meal over a humble bottle. Now he and Lois, a family nurse practitioner, source grapes from Oregon’s Willamette Valley to cultivate expressions of Pinot Noir, pét-nats, and more. Here are their recommendations from McMinnville to Dundee and Newberg.
WHERE TO EAT:
Charlie Hyman
If you’re looking for casual fare, venture out to Red Hills Market in Dundee (it’s the sister establishment of much-missed Red Hills Kitchen) for “a large selection of wine, beer, and picnic items.”
WHAT TO DO:
Mindy Gimarelli
“We hope to have a CHO Wines tasting room by 2023. To hold you over until then, say ‘hi’ to some of Dave’s industry friends at Argyle Winery in Dundee.” If you’re traveling with young kids, “head on over to Stoller Family Estates in Dayton, where they can take turns on the tire swing to their heart’s content.”
WHERE TO STAY:
© Sionnie LaFollette 2018
“If you can, plan ahead and score a room at the Atticus Hotel; this is the swanky place to stay in Mac,” which is what the locals call McMinnville, Lois says.
WHERE TO DRINK:
Need a break from wine? “We often stop by The Bitter Monk for happy hour, or play a round of the Llama Card Game at Conservatory Bar in McMinnville over cocktails with friends,” Lois says.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Michael Hanson
Mac Market is a “must-visit” eclectic gathering spot in McMinnville. “There’s a little bit of everything for everyone,” from plants and locally sourced produce to wine. “Check out First Street Farmers Market in McMinnville from May to October!”
Diana Riggs
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