Enjoy a Golf Getaway in Tualatin Valley, the Unsung Golf Destination in Oregon
Situated in a valley surrounded by lush green hills, it’s easy to see why Tualatin Valley is a golfer’s dream. The golf courses dotting the landscape offer natural beauty and world-class play. Plus, the wine and food offerings combine to make Tualatin Valley one of Oregon’s unsung golf destinations.
DAY ONE
When you arrive, check in to your hotel. Close to golf courses and wine country, the Embassy Suites by Hilton, provides a high-class experience. This well-appointed hotel is centrally located in the Tanasbourne neighborhood of Hillsboro. Close to shopping at The Streets of Tanasbourne, Embassy Suites is one of Tualatin Valley’s newest hotels (opened in 2016), and offers spacious two-room suites, cooked-to-order breakfast and a nightly manager’s reception.
Head out for the evening and enjoy food and a state-of-the-art golf experience at Topgolf, located in Hillsboro. Grab a bite and a drink and play at Topgolf’s state-of-the-art driving range. Open until 11 p.m. (until midnight on Friday and Saturday), this is the perfect way to cap off a satisfying day in Tualatin Valley. Test your swing with Topgolf’s point-scoring golf game that is both fun and challenging.
DAY TWO
Before wine tasting, enjoy a wine country breakfast at The South Store Cafe. Located in a 100-year-old clapboard building, this quaint and rustic café is situated in the northern Willamette Valley wine country. South Store uses “hyper-local” produce, thanks to partnerships with farmers in the community. The café showcases local artists on its walls–exhibits change every two months. South Store Café offers a full coffee bar and a variety of pastries, salads, sandwiches and more.
Book a morning vineyard stroll at Raptor Ridge Winery. Taste the winery’s current releases while walking through the vines, guided by knowledgeable team members who will provide insight about the history of grape growing in the Willamette Valley, Laurelwood soils, the varietals grown on the estate and more.
After sampling some sustainably-produced wines, it’s time to hit the links. Situated among lush green rolling farmland on the fringe of the Willamette Valley’s acclaimed wine country, The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club is a golfer’s serene refuge from the dull roar of the city – and yet it’s just a 20-minute drive west of downtown Portland. A semi-private club, the Reserve has been the proud host to some of golf’s most prestigious events and more than 50 major championship winners, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, and Annika Sorenstam have walked its fairways. Several golf publications, including GOLF Magazine, have all honored The Reserve in their annual “Best of” issues.
After a challenging 18 holes of golf, Relax with a meal at the Vintage Room at The Reserve. The menu, prepared under the direction of executive chef Henri Boulos, is comprised of Pacific Northwest-inspired salads, sandwiches and more.
DAY THREE
Grab an early tee time at the prestigious semi-private Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. Situated on pristine farmland, only 20 miles west of Portland, are Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club’s two championship golf courses. Both were etched into the landscape by renowned golf course architect Bob Cupp. Lush towering trees frame undulating fairways and manicured greens, creating a stunning tapestry for respite, relaxation, and adventure. Both golf courses lend themselves to walking, allowing players to enjoy the golf courses the way they were meant to be played. After an invigorating game of golf, grab a bite at Pumpkin Ridge’s Champions Grille before heading out to wine country.
Celebrate a successful round with a visit to a winery (or two). Founded in 1970, Oak Knoll Winery is one of Oregon’s pioneering wineries. Oak Knoll offers wine for every palate, including dry whites and reds, as well as a sweet wine selection. Located across the road is Blizzard Wines, a family-owned winery that creates amazing big red wines, such as Syrah and Malbec, and delicate Pinot Noir from the estate vineyard. In addition, Blizzard imports Champagne from France and also offers Champagne flights as well as a “Grand Tasting” featuring a combination of Blizzard wines and imported Champagne. Ruby Vineyard & Winery produces premium Pinot Noir from some of the oldest own-rooted vines in Oregon. Enjoy the picturesque views of Mt. Hood at Ruby’s tasting room and taste Pinot Noir from Old Vines, Chardonnay, and Rosé of Pinot Gris.
End the weekend golf getaway with dinner at Don’s Favorite Foods in Beaverton. Don’s is a prix-fixe, high-end Italian Supper Club created by husband and wife team, Chef Don Salamone, founder of Burger Stevens, and Kate Laurents, and in partnership with sommelier Adam Galbraith. The restaurant features an Italian and French-influenced menu that changes monthly. Reservations are required.