compassmcminnville-landing

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH IN OREGON WINE COUNTRY

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:04:55 GMT

women who build | women who plan

women’s history month always asks us to look back. this year, it also asks us to look around.

women’s history month isn’t supposed to feel heavy, but after the events of this past week, and the tone coming from some people in political power about women’s status in society, i’ve felt that familiar mix of anger, worry, and resolve. and still, we keep going.

women are strong - we win LOTS of medals. women are successful - we make LOTS of money. women are creative - we make LOTS of things really pretty. we build businesses, families, communities, and careers. that make this scary world a better place.

& women drive travel decisions

here’s a stat that says a lot: 70% of all travel is planned by women.

women are the decision-makers. the researchers. the itinerary-makers. the ones who turn “we should get away sometime” into a booked weekend and a real reset. and plenty of women travel for themselves - solo, confident, curious, and clear on what they want.

why i built the compass, and who i built it for

i’m christie, a solo woman entrepreneur, and i built the compass because i wanted to create the kind of place i always looked for when i traveled. something beautiful, calming, design-forward, and genuinely safe-feeling.

not “safe” in a performative way, safe in the real ways that matter.

a space that feels inviting the second you walk in
thoughtful lighting and clear wayfinding
private suites that feel like a reset button
a vibe that says, you belong here, exactly as you are
a community feel when you want it, and total autonomy when you don’t

the compass is intentionally not a traditional hotel experience. it’s a unique stay. we pair boutique amenities with the freedom of self check-in, plus a communal warmth that makes it easy to feel comfortable. and yes, it’s for couples, wine weekends, and friend trips. but it’s also for the solo traveler who wants to exhale.

women supporting women isn’t a slogan here

women’s history month is also a reminder that we don’t rise alone.

one of my favorite parts of building the compass has been using it to promote other women entrepreneurs, especially here in oregon wine country. from the makers we feature, to the stories we amplify, to the experiences we help connect guests with, i want this place to feel like a small ecosystem of women doing incredible work. because when women are supported, communities get stronger. local economies get healthier. creativity gets louder.

a note to the women reading this

if this week left you feeling uneasy, you’re not overreacting. you can be concerned and still be powerful. you can be tired and still be determined. you can be frustrated and still find joy. women have always found ways to build lives and businesses inside systems that weren’t designed for us, and we’re not done.

come as you are

if you’re craving a reset, a quiet weekend, or a solo trip that feels both independent and held, the compass is here. a place to land. a place to breathe. a place that was built by a woman, for women, and for anyone who believes women deserve safety, autonomy, and respect.

book your stay or reach out if you have questions about traveling solo to mcminnville. i’m always happy to help you plan a weekend that creates whatever magic you might need ✨

BOOK A PRIVATE TASTING FROM AN EXPERT!

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:54:48 GMT

take your curiosity to the next level ��

ready to go beyond the tasting room flight?

meet Kristy Wenz , mcminnville local, international wine judge, writer, and educator, now offering private on-site wine tastings at the compass.

these 1.5 to 2 hour curated experiences are designed for guests who want to sip with intention, explore with curiosity, and discover more of what makes willamette valley (and the world of wine) so fascinating.

�� compare oregon bubbles to champagne.
�� taste pinot noirs from around the globe.
�� dive deeper into willamette valley favorites without the rush of hopping from place to place.

Kristy brings expert insight with an easy, welcoming style, creating a tasting that feels both educational and effortlessly fun, all from the comfort of the compass.

kick back, pour a glass, and let your wine country experience go deeper. available by appointment for compass travelers.

email us to book!

ROMANTIC GETAWAY PLAYBOOK: 24 HOURS IN MCMINNVILLE

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:59:19 GMT

want a romantic getaway that doesn’t require a spreadsheet, a rental car, or a prix fixe dinner you didn’t even want? mcminnville is the perfect wine country destination: walkable tasting rooms, genuinely amazing food, and the kind of slower pace that makes one night feel like a reset.

here’s the perfect 24-hour itinerary for couples who want a cozy and elevated escape, whether you’re celebrating valentine’s day, a random tuesday, or just the fact that you both survived the week.

quick vibe check: what this 24 hours is (and isn’t)

this is: slow mornings, great bubbles, a sauna + cold plunge reset, and dinner you’ll actually remember.

this isn’t: over planning, crowded tasting marathons, or anything heart-shaped.

the plan...

1:00 pm — bubbles first (because duh.)

if you’re doing a romantic getaway, start with bubbles. always. for a sparkling-focused tasting, build your afternoon around one (or two) of these:

corollary
argyle
arabalis

valentine’s tip: if you’re traveling around mid-february, book tastings early. mcminnville gets busy in that sweet spot between cozy season and spring energy.

3:30 pm (or whenever) — arrive + exhale

start the getaway the way it should feel: effortless. arrive, check in digitally, drop your bags, and release the day. if you’re staying at the compass, start your stay with the small things that make it feel special right away:

pour a glass of something you love
take a slow wander through the property
check out the ad vin ture deck for some ideas for your stay

4:30 pm — the reset hour (sauna + cold plunge)

before you “do” wine country, do the reset. our cedar barrel sauna followed by a cold plunge has a way of making your brain go quiet in the best way. it’s the fastest route to feeling like you’ve actually left real life behind.

pack this: a swimsuit + something cozy chic to throw on after.

pro tip: keep it un-rushed. this isn’t a workout. it’s a ritual.

5:30 pm — vinyl and vibes

start your wanderings by slipping into mcminnville's fave wine bar. before dinner, stop by HiFi the kind of spot locals love because the wine selection is as incredible as the music. it’s warm, a little moody, and built for lingering (but not too long - theres so much to do!)

7:30 pm — dinner date (skip the valentines circus)

this is where mcminnville really shows off. you can keep it walkable and intimate, or go full “special occasion” with a short drive.

if you want walkable + cozy:

thistle (seasonal, thoughtful, and the kind of place that makes you think you're in france) - say hi to patrick!

if you want destination dining (worth the drive):

hayward (a little more of a moment—perfect if you’re celebrating anything) - james beard nod 2x!

either way: make the reservation. then forget about your phone for two hours.

9:30 pm — nightcap energy (choose your own vibe)

after dinner, do what most romantic getaways forget to make room for: a soft landing.

think:

a slow walk back
a nightcap
a little fire pit time if the weather’s cooperating
or a cozy corner moment where you talk like you did when you first met (or you don’t talk at all...also valid)

10:30 pm — the sleep that changes your personality

romance is great. but so is sleeping like you have nowhere to be. turn the lights low, take the shower you’ve been putting off all week, and let the night end early if it wants to. (that’s not boring. that’s luxury.)

8:00 am — slow morning > brunch chaos

wake up without an alarm. make coffee. linger. do a simple morning that feels good:

nespresso first, then plans
a pastry run if you feel like it
or stay in your robe longer than you “should”

the best part of a romantic getaway is often the morning after, when you’re rested, unhurried, and not performing “vacation.”

11:00 am — one last mini-adventure (or… nothing)

choose your ending:

option a: one more sip - sneak in a final tasting or pick up a bottle to take home (future-you will be grateful).
option b: the no-plan flex - sit, read, take one more sauna round, and leave whenever you’re ready. the point is the pause.

ready to make it yours?

if you’re craving a romantic getaway that feels elevated but not fussy, mcminnville is it. and if you want a stay that’s not a hotel, not an airbnb but the best parts of both — come spend 24 hours at the compass.

book your dates, choose your suite, and we’ll take it from there.

WHY YOUR RETREAT BELONGS AT THE COMPASS

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:16:23 GMT

forget the conference room with stale coffee and fluorescent lighting. your team deserves better than another forgettable corporate retreat at a generic hotel. they deserve wine country, thoughtful design, and a space that actually inspires connection. we've got you! we built the perfect spot for small group buyouts in the heart of oregon wine country.

why the compass is perfect for small groups

you get the whole place

our property features 4 rooms in a beautifully reimagined 1914 house plus a standalone studio, perfect for groups of 6-12 people. book a full buyout and the space becomes entirely yours. no strangers in the hallway. no waiting for the good coffee. just your group, your agenda, your vibe.

coming with a larger group? we can partner with other lodging properties to make sure everyone has a fabulous and walkable place to stay the night. you get the compass as your base, and your extended team stays nearby (which might be ideal for a little space and separation).

we're designed for both work and play

this isn't just about nice rooms (which we've got!) it's about creating space for the magic to happen. our common spaces do just that:

the café : with our all-day nespresso and tea - whether you are doing a strategy session or a group tarot reading we have the perfect spot for you and your crew
the lounge and wine library : we've got the space and beverages for the perfect evening wind-downs where your group actually talks to each other.
outdoor fire pits : sunset conversations, and the kind of bonding that doesn't happen in a conference room.
cedar barrel sauna & cold plunge : wellness amenities that help your group reset. trust us, there's something about a post-sauna conversation that breaks down walls.

location is everything

you're 2 blocks from third street's dining and tasting rooms . no rental cars required. walk to dinner at james beard-recognized restaurants. hit downtown tasting rooms between sessions. explore local boutiques during breaks. minutes from estate wineries means you can easily arrange group tastings, vineyard tours, or team-building activities that don't feel forced. and we're about an hour from the oregon coast if you want to extend the retreat into a longer experience.

what makes the compass different

no front desk, no problem

digital self-check-in means your team arrives on their schedule. no awkward lobby check-ins. no waiting around. just seamless arrival and departure.

sustainability matters

we're not just talking about it, we're living it. natural products, no single-use plastics, compostable materials, local soaps and lotions in refillable containers. your group's values align with ours.

thoughtful design everywhere

this isn't cookie-cutter corporate housing. every detail—from the spa-inspired bathrooms to the curated wine library—is intentional. your team will notice. they'll appreciate it. they'll remember it.

built for connection

the layout naturally encourages interaction. common spaces invite gathering. the wine library sparks conversation. the fire pit creates those late-night breakthrough moments. this is where group actually bonds.

that's why we're perfect for these types of retreats

leadership offsites : get your leadership team out of the office and into a space that encourages strategic thinking and honest conversation.
creative brainstorms : writers' retreats, design sprints, campaign planning: the compass provides the inspiration and space your creative team needs.
team celebrations : hit your Q4 goals? launching a new product? reward your team with a wine country celebration they'll actually enjoy.
client experiences : impress your top clients or partners with a bespoke wine country experience that goes way beyond dinner and drinks.
small company retreats : startups and small teams (6-12 people) fit perfectly. get everyone together for planning, bonding, and actually enjoying each other's company.
women's travel groups : solo female travelers connecting over wine, wellness, and adventure. the compass offers the perfect blend of safety, community, and independence for women exploring wine country together.
immersion retreats : yoga and wellness weekends, writing intensives, photography workshops, cooking experiences, whatever brings your group together, the compass provides the inspiring backdrop.
friend group getaways : celebrating a milestone birthday? planning a reunion? gathering your book club or college friends? this is the elevated wine country experience your group deserves.
special interest groups : wine education courses, art retreats, mindfulness gatherings, culinary experiences, if you're bringing people together around a shared passion, we've got the space.

how it works

reach out - contact us about group buyouts. we'll talk through your dates, group size, and what you're hoping to accomplish.
customize your experience - want to arrange winery tours? private chef dinners? yoga sessions? we can help coordinate or point you toward trusted local partners.
arrive and unwind - digital check-in means no hassle. your team shows up, settles in, and the retreat begins.
work, play, connect - use the space however you need. morning meetings in the café. afternoon winery visits. evening strategy sessions by the fire. it's your retreat, your way.

ready to plan your retreat?

let's make it happen. the compass is waiting to become the backdrop for your team's best conversations, biggest breakthroughs, and most memorable moments together. contact us about group buyouts and let's design a retreat your team will actually want to attend.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:22:13 GMT

why mcminnville is the perfect base for your oregon wine country adventure

planning a trip to oregon wine country? you're probably wondering where to stay. newberg? dundee? portland? here's the truth: mcminnville is the sweet spot—and we're not just saying that because we're here.

this charming town offers the perfect mix of walkability, world-class wine access, incredible food, and that authentic small-town vibe you're craving. whether you're a pinot noir devotee, a foodie on the hunt for farm-to-table magic, or simply looking to unplug and recharge, mcminnville gives you everything you need within a 2-block radius.

let's break down exactly why mcminnville should be your home base—and what to do once you're here.

the willamette valley: oregon's wine country gem

first, some context. the willamette valley produces some of the world's best pinot noir, and it's been named vinepair's #1 wine destination for 2025. with over 700+ wineries scattered across rolling hills and picturesque valleys, this region rivals napa—but with way less pretension and way more authenticity.

mcminnville sits right in the heart of it all. you're minutes from estate wineries, a short drive from the yamhill-carlton and dundee hills AVAs, and perfectly positioned to explore without spending half your day in the car.

why mcminnville beats other wine country towns

location, location, location

mcminnville is centrally located in the willamette valley, and the most walkable of all wine country towns, making it the ideal hub for wine touring. you can easily hit wineries in multiple AVAs without backtracking or wasting precious tasting time.

compare that to:

newberg : mostly suburban sprawl with limited walkable downtown options
dundee : tiny and charming, but you'll need to drive everywhere for dinner
portland : an hour away from most wineries—too far if you're serious about wine tasting

a real downtown you can actually walk

not to keep talking about but seriously third street sets mcminnville apart. this isn't some manufactured "downtown experience"—it's the real deal. locally owned restaurants (no chains!), tasting rooms, boutiques, coffee shops, and wine bars all within a few blocks.

you can start your morning with artisan coffee, spend the day touring wineries, then walk back to town for a farm-to-table dinner and nightcap at a cozy wine bar. no uber required (which is good because they aren't readily available).

the food scene rivals the wine

let's be honest: wine country is also about the food. mcminnville's culinary scene punches way above its weight class. you'll find everything from james beard-recognized chefs to casual bistros serving dishes made with ingredients from farms you passed on your way into town.

weekend breakfast treats from local bakeries? check. intimate tasting menus paired with oregon wines? absolutely. late-night bites after a long day of sipping pinot? you got it.

what to do in mcminnville (beyond wine tasting)

wine tasting (obviously)

mcminnville is home to dozens of tasting rooms right downtown, plus you're a short drive from iconic wineries in the mcminnville foothills AVA. whether you're into biodynamic family-owned estates or micro-boutique/indie producers crafting 500 cases a year, you'll find your people here.

pro tip : look for tasting rooms featuring women winemakers and indie producers. oregon wine country has an incredible community of female vintners pushing boundaries and making exceptional wine.

explore third street

spend an afternoon wandering third street's shops, galleries, and tasting rooms. pop into local boutiques for unique finds you won't see anywhere else. grab a coffee and people-watch from a sidewalk cafe. this is small-town oregon at its finest.

evergreen aviation & space museum

yes, really. mcminnville is home to one of the coolest aviation museums in the country, featuring the spruce goose (howard hughes' massive wooden plane) and an entire space exhibit. it's perfect if you're traveling with non-wine-drinkers or need a break from tastings.

wellness & relaxation

after a day of wine tasting, you'll want to unwind. look for accommodations with wellness amenities like cedar barrel saunas, cold plunges, and outdoor fire pits. there's something deeply satisfying about soaking in a sauna under the stars after a day exploring wine country.

seasonal events

mcminnville hosts incredible events year-round:

spring : UFO fest & indie wine mixer - in may
summer : sun, wine, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, festivals, you name it we've got it.
fall : harvest season celebrations
winter : cozy tasting room tours and open houses, merry mcminnville holiday markets, santa parade & caroling

planning your wine country itinerary

day 1: settle in & explore downtown

arrive in mcminnville, check into your accommodations, and spend the afternoon exploring third street. hit a few downtown tasting rooms to get your bearings. enjoy dinner at one of the farm-to-table restaurants within walking distance.

day 2: winery tour day

dedicate a full day to touring wineries. hire a driver or book a wine tour so you can taste without worry. focus on 3 wineries max — quality over quantity. many wineries require reservations, so plan ahead.

day 3: mix it up

balance wine with other activities. visit the aviation museum, explore local shops, or simply relax at your accommodation's wellness amenities. end with a sunset tasting at a winery with a view.

day 4: one last croissant & departure

start your morning with a last sauna session, grab breakfast at a local bakery and head home with a trunk full of wine and memories.

where to stay in mcminnville

here's what to look for in wine country accommodations:

walkability : you want to be within blocks of third street. trust us on this.
modern amenities with local character : skip the generic hotel chains. look for boutique properties that blend historic charm with contemporary comfort—think spa-inspired bathrooms, quality linens, and thoughtful design.
self-check-in convenience : after a day of wine tasting, the last thing you want is to deal with a front desk. digital check-in means you can come and go on your schedule.
communal spaces : wine country is about connection. look for properties with shared spaces like lounges, outdoor fire pits, or cafes where you can meet fellow travelers.
wellness amenities : saunas, cold plunges, and outdoor relaxation areas elevate your wine country experience from good to unforgettable.
sustainability focus : oregon takes sustainability seriously, and your accommodations should too. look for properties using natural products, eliminating single-use plastics, and supporting local producers.

the bottom line

mcminnville gives you everything you want from a wine country getaway: world-class wine, incredible food, walkable charm, and authentic oregon vibes, without the crowds or pretension of more touristy destinations (cough - napa). you're here to sip pinot noir, eat amazing food, and actually relax. mcminnville delivers on all three, with the added bonus of being able to walk everywhere and wake up in the heart of it all.

ready to experience mcminnville?

stop planning and start booking. wine country is calling, and mcminnville is waiting to become your new favorite escape.

book your stay at the compass mcminnville and experience oregon wine country from the perfect advinture base. our boutique inn puts you 2 blocks from third street's dining and tasting rooms, with modern luxury, wellness amenities, and all the thoughtful touches that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

explore our suites and book your wine country adventure →

FEMME - FOCUSED WINERY MAP

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:22:14 GMT

discover the exceptional wines of willamette valley’s talented women winemakers

check out our femme focused winery and tasting room map to find your fave!

PS: let us know if we missed one and we'll add it!

TOP 5 ADVINTURES IN MCMINNVILLE

advintures.properties@gmail.com (Christie Toal) — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 02:16:36 GMT

welcome to the willamette valley! at the compass we believe in choosing your own ad vin tures and that there is no wrong way to explore this awesome area. to get you started on your journey below are some of our fav places to eat, drink and play!

EAT

thistle - dinner/drinks (tell patrick, christie says hi!)
hayward - dinner/drinks (get the freya!) - now technically in carlton...
grounded tabl e - brunch (dinner is also fab)
capo - neapolitan pizza and salads
taste of india - dine in or take out, if you want a cozy night inn! (as a former londoner, its pretty solid)

DRINK

ricochet in an industrial park a 4 min drive from the compass (also tell them i say hi!)
hifi - advinturous wine bar with a vinyl dj, pool and great food
remy - about 10 min away - go drink with our former mayor!
brittan vineyards - beautiful tasting room two blocks from the compass
conservatory bar - great late night spot, fab cocktails and pretty solid fries & ranch

PLAY

mac bike rental - explore the area by bike, they have some great routes to recommend
evergreen space & aviation museum - go see the spruce goose!
trappist abbey hike - perfect easy/medium hard hike with great views that can be done in a couple of hours
shops on third - check out our cute boutiques on third street like left by west and mes amies
loft & lies - golf simulator and whiskey bar (theres something here for everyone)