Tualatin Valley Quilt Barn and Wine Trail
Two-Day Excursion
Tour the bucolic rural Tualatin Valley along the Quilt Barn and Wine Trail. See the quaint quilt pattern artworks painted on “quilt barns” in the region, while traveling to wineries in the heart of the Tualatin River basin. This two-day tour of the Tualatin Valley countryside begins and ends in the charming city of Forest Grove.
Stay at the historic McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, which will serve as your home base.
Day One
Explore the Tualatin Valley rural landscapes as you drive along the Quilt Barn Trail. Among the quilt barns you will see:
- “Butterfly Block” pattern at LSV Farm and Mill (formerly VanderZanden Farm): 2603 NW Hwy. 47
- A colorful sunset at Nussbaumer Barn: 40500 NW Osterman Road
- “Covered Wagon” block, depicting the Oregon Trail at Century Farm, 3150 NW Thatcher Road
Next, stop for food in downtown Forest Grove at Bites Restaurant. Bites opened in 2016 and serves an eclectic menu of Asian-inspired fusion foods.
The first winery stop is not a winery, but a saké brewery, SakéOne (open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Sample the exotic tastes of saké at this American owned-and-operated premium saké producer. This innovative destination features traditional, fruit-infused and organic saké.
While driving to the next winery stop, pass by the Eight-Pointed Star pattern of the quilt barn at the former L-Bar-T Bison Ranch (43465 SW Hiatt Rd., Forest Grove).
Then, travel to the Foehlinger Barn, 5735 SW Spring Hill Rd., in Gaston, which boasts a Dresden Plate quilt design. The pattern will match the blades of a 30-foot windmill that is planned for the farm.
Grab a bite to eat at One Horse Tavern. This tavern in Gaston, on Highway 47, is known for its weekly specials, burgers and late-night menu.
Return to the Grand Lodge.
DAY TWO
Travel to see the following quilt barns:
- A traditional cross pattern at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church: 4625 SW Golf Course Road
- Blooming Nursery Farm: 4800 SW Golf Course Road
- Corn block commemorating the history of the farm at Scholz Farm: 2728 SW Golf Course Road
Stop at Ardiri Winery & Vineyards. This estate winery features wine crafted from the grapes grown at in vineyards in the Tualatin Valley, as well as Napa Valley, California. The result is lush, flavorful wines that artfully blend the complementary tastes of the two different wine regions.
The next set of quilt barns to see:
- “Wheat Block” representing the wheat grown at Unger Enterprises Century Farm: 34180 SW Unger Road
- “Hovering Hawks” quilt block at Simpson Century Farms: 31535 SW Simpson Road
- Patriotic “Americana Star” block at Gleason Gardens Barn: 6360 SW Minter Bridge Road
Venture to the next two wineries, which represent the pioneering spirit of Oregon winemaking, paving the way for new winemakers in Tualatin Valley: Oak Knoll Winery and Blizzard Wines.
Oak Knoll is one of the state’s earliest wineries. In the 1970s, the winery produced berry wines. Today, it produces several varieties of wine, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and, yes, it still produces berry wines. Blizzard Wines is one of the valley’s newest wineries. Blizzard produces a number of red and white wines, which may be tasted at its new tasting room.
Finally, view the “North Star” quilt pattern at Humphrey Barn: 6800 SW Straughan Road, chosen from an Underground Railroad family quilt.
