When I tell guests that I hunt truffles, these are inevitably the questions that shortly follow. The world of truffles intrigues them and it’s not every day that you meet a truffle hunter. I was fortunate enough to grow up in the world of mushrooms and (later) truffles so it still takes me by surprise at how mysterious the topic is for most people. 

Newberg is teeming with truffles. We’re talking about the prized, mysterious, buried treasure that grows on the roots of trees (don’t get us wrong, we love the chocolate kind, too!). This intoxicating culinary delicacy has fascinated and delighted people for centuries, and truffle season is something we look forward to every winter, when native Oregon truffles are harvested right here in the Willamette Valley. Largely thanks to the annual Oregon Truffle Festival (virtual this year, but normally held in Newberg), our local chefs and artisans look forward to featuring truffles on their winter menus.

Support Newberg wineries and shop local for your holiday cheer!  There’s still time to pick up that last minute bubbly for your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.  While Newberg may be a distance west of France, it has become an epicenter for excellent American sparkling wine. Production began in 1986 and now, Newberg boasts 10 wineries, locally producing 15 different sparkling wines. In our latest blog article, we feature sparklers that are in stock and available for pick up. There’s a lot to see in Newberg Wine Country, and it’s all just minutes from Portland. 

This time of year, holiday lights twinkle in the shop windows that line Downtown Newberg’s charming First Street. The perfect holiday weekend getaway can be found just a short drive from Portland. Here, you'll find shelves stocked for everyone on a shopper’s list, with friendly proprietors waiting to greet you. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on 12 independently owned retail shops downtown. Each of these features gift items made right here in Newberg, along with a wonderful variety of goods from beyond. We hope you’ll plan your own relaxed, walkable holiday excursion to shop local this year.