A Photo Guide To The Willamette Valley
Explore a verdant and bountiful paradise just--barely--outside Portland with the chef and owner of Kachka.
April 25, 2019 ● 4 min read
Photographs by Collette Wylie
Chef Bonnie Morales is as amiable as she is ambitious. Her restaurant, Kachka, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the culinary scene in Portland. Her menu which features Russian-inspired stylings paired with ice-cold shots of vodka, has earned her such a loyal following, that she had to reopen in a more spacious location last year.
Soter’s beautiful hilltop tasting room provides a commanding view of their seemingly endless, rolling vineyards. They’ve also figured out what the Europeans have known all along: wine is best savored when paired with food. Their impressive culinary program sources ingredients directly from the farm at the base of the hill.
Renowned for its Pinot Noir, Soter also dabbles in smaller batches of racy Chardonnay and dry Rosé, which are perfect if you’re visiting during the hotter months. The tasting room is open by appointment only, and Morales says you should definitely book the Chef’s Pairing Menu, created daily from what’s best on the farm.
Wolves & People is a farmhouse brewery with a laid back vibe and absolutely intriguing beers. Founder and head brewer Christian DeBenedetti (below right) takes a decidedly experimental and culinary approach to his process, adding locally sourced ingredients like Montmorency tart cherries and elderflower to his seasonal brews.
With hiking and biking trails through old growth forests, and quaint streets that lead through quiet, picturesque towns, there’s plenty of ways to work up an appetite while visiting. Your reward for making the trek will be the overwhelming hospitality and creative talents of the farmers, winemakers, brewers and chefs who proudly call the Willamette Valley home.