![McMinnville, Oregon](../Images/oregon/mcminnville/mcminnville.gif)
W E L C O M E T O
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C M I N N V I L L E
O R E G O N
McMinnville is known for its picturesque vineyards that dot the
foothills. Located in Yamhill County, the oldest county in Oregon,
McMinnville is often compared to the wine regions of France and
Germany. Yamhill County is blessed with a long, moderate growing
season which has proved ideal for growing such grapes as Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay and White Riesling. The Yamhill County Wineries
Association offers a free map and guide to the local wineries.
Since most wineries have tasting rooms open to the public, a
tasting tour is a delightful experience. Many wineries also have
festivals, musical performances and picnics during the summer.
In the summer, McMinnville's Linfield College hosts the International
Pinot Noir Festival. This festival celebrates the grape and wines
that helped make Oregon famous as a wine producing region. Festival
participants bring Pinots from many growing regions, including
Oregon, California, and countries from around the world, for celebrants
to sample. Culinary feasts and wine seminars are also enjoyed
by participants.
In 1993, McMinnville became home to the HK-1 Flying Boat (Spruce
Goose), a cargo-type flying boat designed to transport men and
materials over long distances. Built mainly of birch, not spruce, by Howard Hughes in the 1940's,
it boasts a wingspan of 320 feet and is the largest aircraft ever
built. It was flown only once. The Spruce Goose is one of the major exhibits in McMinnville's Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.
The McMinnville Downtown Historic District is located in the
area of Third Street. Recognized by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation and the Oregon Downtown Development Association as
an exemplary business district, the downtown area offers an almost
park-like setting, with many restaurants and shops to visit. Copies
of the self-guided walking tour of the downtown area are available
at the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association and local
merchants..
McMinnville is a two hour drive away from spectacular Mt. Hood,
the Oregon coast, or the Columbia River Gorge. Salem,
the state capital, is an hour's drive away, and downtown Portland
is also close to McMinnville. Come to McMinnville, and visit Oregon's
wine country.
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