Soter Vineyards Tasting Room, by reservation — Attraction in McMinnville

5/5 for wines and setting, 2/5 for service.

I had been wanting to come here for ages, since I first tasted the 2012 Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir. I finally reserved a tasting for myself and my family/friends on my birthday. The setting was gorgeous and the wines were spectacular.

However, I was extremely dissatisfied with the service. Our associate took us through the flight rather quickly and when it was time to go from our cabin to the main area, she kept telling us over and over where the exit was, like she wanted us to leave. We felt rushed. Since I work in the industry, I had spoken with a representative earlier who said they would honor industry discounts for tastings and purchases; our associate did not want to honor that and I had to show her the email I received confirming our benefits. "Well, if you're gonna buy wine then I guess it's okay" was the response we got. As soon as we purchased a few things, we were rushed out the door, even though they were an hour from closing. We would have liked to have a glass and enjoy my birthday.

Because of the service, I do not plan on returning to Soter. I would not want an experience...

One of my coworkers suggested Soter and I’m glad she did. Their tasting room is on top of a hill and it has great views all around! In my opinion, Soter was not hard to find at all (compared to other reviews), it was actually an easy ride from Portland too. The staff were really nice, knowledgeable, attentive and makes sure you have enough space to enjoy your wine on your own while making sure they’re available for questions or anything you might need. For their tasting, they offer mostly Pinot Noir, which makes perfect sense because that’s the kind of grapes that is very well suited for the soil and climate of the area. They also have some whites and some sparkling- which was very exciting to me. All in all, it was a very good experience for us that we signed up for their Winegrowers club on our first visit! I’m also looking forward to trying their Provisions tasting with some friends (and write about it 😉). It’s food and wine tasting where most of the food come from their own farm- a farm to table experience per se! Not to mention, their chef (Sara Hauman), was apparently...

Our tasting experience at Soter was nothing short of spectacular! The moment we walked into the lodge-style tasting room, we were captivated by the stunning space—vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and warm, earthy tones that perfectly frame the breathtaking views over the valley. The centerpiece fireplace adds a cozy touch, making it feel both elegant and welcoming. If I could teleport back right now, I would in a heartbeat.

We had the MSR Provisions tasting experience and Chef Clayton’s food pairings were absolutely perfect—each dish thoughtfully crafted to complement the wines, enhancing every sip and bite. It was clear that immense care and creativity went into each course. And Andrew, the sommelier, was exceptional—his wealth of knowledge and genuine hospitality made the experience even more unforgettable.

We couldn’t resist leaving with a membership and are already counting down the days until we return. This place is truly a hidden gem, and we’re so grateful to have...