
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 advinture 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.
