Savour Oregon: Explore the State Through Its Flavours

Tucked into the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a place where breathtaking landscapes meet warm, welcoming communities. From rugged coastlines and fertile valleys to creative cities and small town charm, the state’s beauty is matched only by its vibrant food and drink culture. Oregon is celebrated for its world-class wines and renowned wineries, fresh coastal seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and iconic food truck scene. In this blog, we invite you to savour these flavours and discover the tastes, stories, and experiences that make Oregon an unforgettable destination. 

Breweries 

Coastal Seafood

The Oregon Coast is renowned for its fresh seafood and excellent dining experiences. Stop by a bayside fishmonger to see the day’s catch, reserve a table at a local restaurant, or try crabbing and clam digging with the guidance of an expert. Tillamook Bay, Nehalem Bay and Netarts Bay are ideal places to experience this hands on approach, with opportunities to cook your catch afterwards. At Rockaway Beach, go crabbing and even rent a boat for a few hours from Jetty Fishery.

Coastal cafés offer a window into small town Oregon life alongside memorable meals. Highlights include Blue Scorcher Bakery and Café in Astoria, known for artisan breads, pastries and seasonal dishes made with local and organic ingredients, and Osprey Café in Seaside, which serves breakfast and lunch inspired by both international flavours and American comfort food. Fish and chips may be a British classic, but it is also a must try on the Oregon Coast. Popular spots include Dooger’s Seafood and Grill in Seaside and includes everything from clam chowder, salmon, lobster, calamari, oysters, as well as traditional American food such as burgers, steaks, and pastas. Bowpicker Fish and Chips in Astoria, housed in a converted fishing boat near the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and Tom’s Fish and Chips in Cannon Beach, a convenient downtown favourite offering affordable seafood, burgers and local craft beer.

Orchards

When you are in Oregon, take the opportunity to visit the region’s fantastic orchards, offering everything from sweet fruit to tart citrus. Morale Orchards in Hood River grows Asian pears, while E.Z. Orchards Farm Market showcases the bounty of the Willamette Valley. E.Z. Orchards has a long history of commitment to the land, and their orchard and farm market are located on the outskirts of Salem, in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Marquam Meadows Fruit Company is a family-friendly orchard offering both pick-your-own and pre-picked apples and pears. Sherwood Orchards allows you to bring containers and harvest your own seasonal fruits and nuts. The orchard is open from July to October. At Keylock Orchard, enjoy scenic views while picking cherries, open from mid June to July. Forest Cove Acres spans 45 acres and contains over 23,000 cherry trees, primarily sweet red varieties with a few acres of Rainiers. Established by the McNeill family in 1904, it is one of the original orchards in Cove.

Portland Food Trucks

Food trucks are an essential part of Oregon’s identity, offering a convenient and delicious option after a night out or following a day of exploring the state’s many adventures. BRUNCHIES Food Truck in downtown Sisters offers brunch inspired creations that are perfect for any time of day. At Recess Food Truck, you can enjoy American comfort food with burger buns made from scratch daily, alongside fresh local salads, wraps and desserts. Taqueria el Nava brings traditional Mexican flavours with daily specials, while Big Boy BBQ serves slow smoked barbeque for both lunch and dinner. Coastal Slice Food Truck is a must for pizza lovers, offering New York style pizza by the slice or as a whole pizza. Pizza sandwiches are a particularly indulgent treat, packed with melty, cheesy goodness. The Big Cheese, located at Front Street Food Trucks, specialises in cheese focused cuisine, including grilled cheese sandwiches, melts, burgers, and cheesy sides, ensuring a generous portion of gooey cheese with every creation.

Wineries

The wine experience is deeply ingrained in Oregon culture, making it the perfect way to unwind after a few days of adventure-focused activities. Oregon’s wine tasting rooms have long been places of full-sensory delight, from the scenic vineyard and mountain views to the bright pop of a crisp rosé on a sunny day. 

As warmer weather arrives, wineries celebrate Oregon Wine Month in May with a variety of events, including live music, wine pairing and charcuterie board workshops, art walks, winemaker talks, and even a UFO themed weekend. Those seeking a more exclusive experience are in luck, as many wineries now offer premium tastings for small groups in comfortable, VIP style settings. In October and November, Willamette Valley Vineyards brings back its lit, heated igloo-style pods at the main Turner tasting room. Meanwhile, Stoller Family Estate in Dayton offers a unique immersive experience at the Stoller Experience Center, where you can sip flights while learning about wine through interactive tasting tables, augmented reality art, video projections, and a virtual reality experience. 

For a city escape, Portland’s urban wineries, such as Portland Wine Company, Teutonic Wine Company, and Boedecker Cellars in the Northwest industrial neighbourhood, offer opportunities to taste duelling pinot noirs. Wherever you visit, Oregon’s wineries provide a memorable experience that showcases exactly what makes the region so special.