Recently, we Winerabblers had an opportunity to safely steal away for a night down in Willamette Valley wine country. We discovered a centrally located oasis, with at least 30 wineries within a 15 minute drive of the place. Talk about an embarrassment of riches, right?!
Newly opened Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast is just a five minute drive from downtown Newberg, yet there’s no mistaking we’re in the country when we arrive. Surrounded by hazelnut farms, vineyards, horse pastures and dozens of barns, bed and breakfast proprietors Dan and Maureen DeFrancia put a lot of thought into their place long before finding this serene patch of wine country heaven. After several failed attempts to build a small bed and breakfast in Woodinville, Washington, the couple decided to relocate their dream to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. At the end of our stay, as I flipped through the many glowing entries in their guest book, I realized that we are more than lucky they instead chose Newberg.
Upon check-in, we were greeted by both Maureen and Dan, who graciously offered us sparkling wine and fresh popcorn. Anyone who knows me knows that these are two of my favorite things! Needless to say, we became fast friends.
As we sipped our bubbles and noshed on our popcorn, we enjoyed the inviting dining room with many interesting touches, such as the reclaimed wood ceiling used from the barn that once stood in its place.
A door at the end of the dining area led to a hallway with doors painted cheerful colors.
I’m sure you’ve experienced this scenario… you have a lovely stay at a BnB, only to find out “your room” is already booked when scheduling your next stay. Dan and Maureen found a clever way to avoid disappointing returning travelers. They built suites with identical layouts. The tiles, artwork and furniture is a bit different but each suite has the same amenities– a fireplace, king size bed, two person tub, a huge cutout so you can soak in the tub while enjoying the view, an oversized shower and a back door that accesses your private deck with a common lawn beyond that.
Take a peek into our suite!
At some point during your stay, be sure to take a little stroll around the property. Say hello to the resident chickens, who’s eggs are most likely in your breakfast!
Expect sweet touches like this clay sign, made by Maureen, for the door to the great dining room.
And no bed and breakfast is complete without breakfast! Dan cooks and Maureen serves from their open commercial kitchen.
The couple aim to send you out for the day with a full belly! Set your alarm since breakfast begins promptly at 9 o’clock and is four courses. Be sure to allow plenty of time before your next adventure… you don’t want to miss any of it!
Because of COVID-19, we weren’t all able to dine together at the farm table. Instead, small tables are spaced far apart and guests are expected to wear face masks when not seated.
Our first course was freshly baked popovers with homemade berry jam, pear butter and coffee.
Next up was fresh berries and yogurt, again, so beautifully presented. When possible, they use produce grown in their garden for breakfast.
Our third course was a tangy smoothie, one of the best I’ve ever tasted!
Our fourth and final course was the new classic, chicken and waffles!
Have specific dietary needs? Dan and Maureen are more than happy to do their best to accommodate you during your stay! They also serve different courses each morning so no two breakfasts will be exactly the same.
On your final morning, they give you one of Maureen’s handmade clay roses, as a reminder of your stay at the Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast.
If you happen to arrive after dark, this amazing glass collage artwork brightens the entrance to Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast. Listen for the owl family that live in the tall trees next door. It was pretty special to hear them hooting back and forth to one another through the darkness.
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