Explore What’s New in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley
Tualatin Valley, nestled between Portland and the Oregon Coast, is a captivating destination that offers a harmonious blend of urban and rural experiences. From farms and vineyards, estate wineries and dozens of craft breweries to outdoor adventures and cultural treasures, Tualatin Valley provides a diverse range of activities for travelers seeking authentic and immersive encounters. As a vibrant tapestry of exploration and enjoyment, Tualatin Valley is more than a destination; it’s a transformative journey waiting to be explored.
Tualatin Valley is an ever-changing destination. Here is a sampling of all that’s new in this wine country destination.
Wine + Cider
Well-Known California Winery Buys Vineyard and Opens in Tualatin Valley
In 2023, California winemaker Ehren Jordan, purchased a vineyard property in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, bringing his Failla Wines label to Tualatin Valley. His expansion into the Pacific Northwest is indicative of his forward-thinking nature and desire to constantly challenge himself with excellent vineyards in different regions. The tasting room at the Tualatin Valley property is open by reservation only.
New Cidery Opens in Tualatin Valley Wine Country
Crafted with apples grown on their apple farm, Oregon Heritage Farms, and after several years of offering their cider to visitors during apple season, 19 Acres Cider Company opened a tasting room in a converted horse barn complete with thoughtfully updated with reclaimed wood accents and modern touches. Nestled amongst the vineyards of Willamette Valley, visitors to the tasting room are greeted with scenic landscapes while they sip on a selection of curated beverages.
Amaterra Wines Brings New Dining and Wine Experience to Tualatin Valley
In 2022, Amaterra Wines, located in the West Hills (also known as the Tualatin Mountains), opened a private state-of-the-art winery, bringing a wine and restaurant concept to Tualatin Valley. The winery and restaurant, which overlooks its vineyard in the Tualatin Hills AVA, is the closest estate winery to downtown Portland. With its on-site restaurant, Amaterra is the first of its kind in Tualatin Valley. The restaurant will feature a full menu of locally sourced ingredients, promising a unique dining experience. One-time memberships are $25.
Dining
Tualatin Valley Welcomes James Beard Award Finalist to Downtown Beaverton
Magna Kubo, a Filipino “lechonería,” which specializes in rotisserie meats, opened in downtown Beaverton in July. The Beaverton location is the third for 2022 James-Beard Award finalist, Chef Carlo Lamagna. Lamagna was named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2021, and his Portland restaurant Magna Kusina was named Portland’s 2021 Restaurant of the Year by The Oregonian.
Food Cart Pods and Food Hall Concepts Now Open in Hillsboro
Hillsboro Downtown Station is a new elevated food cart experience in downtown Hillsboro, with 23 food carts, plus an indoor space with a stage for live performances. Also in downtown is the Main Street Commons, a multilevel food and beverage collective with a European-style plaza. Popular Portland restaurants have moved into the space. Washington State brewery, Backwoods Brewery, will be an anchor tenant, opening a 5,000 square-foot rooftop deck later this year.
Lodging
Third Generation of Famous Wine Family Open a Bed-and-Breakfast Vineyard Experience
Sosta House is Tualatin Valley’s newest farm-stay experience. Located next to the Hamacher Wines tasting house, Sosta House is a unique destination bed-and-breakfast, surrounded by some of Oregon’s oldest vineyards. Those vineyards were planted in 1969 by Ponzi Vineyards, one of the pioneers of Oregon’s wine industry. The site, which was the original home of the Ponzi family, is run by the third generation of the wine-growing family, spearheaded by the children of Luisa Ponzi, a second-generation winemaker, and Eric Hamacher, of Hamacher Wines. (Now open)
Cedartree Hotel Brings Japanese Hospitality to Tualatin Valley
Cedartree Hotel, scheduled to open in the next six months, will bring a Japanese-style experience to travelers to Tualatin Valley. Designed with a Japanese ambiance, amenities will include a swimsuit-optional indoor bath (separated by gender) and a co-ed outdoor Onsen (soaking pool; bathing suit required). Additional features will include an on-site restaurant and saké bar, which will serve the finest saké from Japan, as well as additional imported alcohol. (Estimated opening date Fall/Winter 2023)
Art
Ole Bolle, The Troll: Thomas Dambo’s New Art Piece the First of the Northwest Troll Trail
Northwest Troll: Way of the Bird King features giant hand-built trolls by internationally acclaimed environmental artist Thomas Dambo from Denmark. The trolls are located at six sites in the Puget Sound region, including the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, plus a troll on the Nordic Northwest Campus in Tualatin Valley.
Fashioned entirely out of recycled materials, the art installations turn trash into treasured trolls who tell a tale of protecting nature and honoring our land. This is with a focus on understanding human impact on life in our watersheds and animal habitats. The project includes a companion story that will focus on restoration and preservation of riparian habitats in an approachable, fun way. It provides opportunities for youth and adults to learn, support, and make a difference in our environment. Ole Bolle is now on view.
Sports
Portland Rock Gym to be Largest Climbing Facility to Open in Tualatin Valley
Currently under construction, the Portland Rock Gym, opening outside of Beaverton, will be the largest gym of its kind in the country. At 64,000 square feet, the facility will feature multiple walls for bouldering, or “free climbing” without harnesses or robes. There will be multiple 14-foot walls, as well as a 12-foot wall for beginning climbers. In addition to various walls for climbers of all levels, the facility also will have a wall replicating the one that will be used for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Porland Rock Gym will open in two phases, with the facility to be completed in 2024.
About Explore Tualatin Valley
The Washington County Visitors Association (dba Explore Tualatin Valley) is a destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting Washington County, Oregon, as an exceptional travel and tourism destination. With a mission to inspire exploration and celebrate the unique offerings of the region, Explore Tualatin Valley collaborates with local businesses and community partners to highlight the diverse attractions, experiences, and cultural richness that the destination has to offer. From lush landscapes and award-winning wineries and breweries to outdoor adventures and vibrant cultural festivals, Explore Tualatin Valley plays a pivotal role in showcasing the area’s treasures to both visitors and residents. For more information about Explore Tualatin Valley, visit tualatinvalley.org.
Media Contact
Sylke Neal-Finnegan, APR
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
12725 SW Millikan Way Suite 210 | Beaverton, OR 97005
Email | Direct: 971-245-3180
