Newberg Notices | May 6, 2025

VinePair Names Willamette Valley Top Wine Destination to Visit in 2025

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, Ore. — The Willamette Valley has been named the number one wine destination in the world for 2025 by VinePair, an online publication covering wine, beer, and spirits. Topping a diverse list of 10 regions that spans from Hokkaido, Japan to Argentina’s Patagonia, Oregon’s premier wine region stood out for its continued evolution, welcoming spirit, and world-class Pinot Noir.

In the article written by New York-based editor Hannah Staab published April 30, VinePair acknowledges the Willamette Valley’s high quality pinot noir, but says the region now has to offer with the emergence of new projects that highlight Chardonnay, Gamay, Syrah, and Chenin Blanc.

“This year, pay the Willamette Valley a visit (or revisit), and rethink what Oregon’s premier wine region has to offer,” Staab wrote.

The article recommends visitors flying into Portland International Airport spend a day in the metroarea at various tasting rooms. It then calls out a variety of vineyards in the valley including Cho Wines, Day Wines, and Ricochet Wine Co. She also addressed the rise of high-quality sparkling wine in the valley, including makers Lytle-Barnett, Argyle, and Soter.

VinePair is a New York City-based digital media company focused on drinks culture covering wine, beer, and spirits. The publication claims to reach 46.3 million readers monthly across its platforms.

Read the full story at VinePair’s website.

Benjamin Road Highway Entrance Closed Until May 27

NEWBERG, Ore. — According to the city of Newberg, NE Benjamin Road is closed between the intersection of OR 99W and approximately 500 feet north. There is no access to NE Benjamin Road directly from OR 99W. The closure is expected to continue through May 27.

To access NE Benjamin Road, drivers should turn north onto N. Springbrook Road, continue through the roundabout at Springbrook and Crestview drives, then turn right on N. Springbrook Road just before reaching The Allison Inn & Spa. From there, drivers can take a right onto NE Benjamin Road and continue toward Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery.

The city said utility infrastructure work on NE Benjamin Road and OR 99W began May 5. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, with the intersection reopening after May 23.

CPRD Calls for Golf CAC Applicants, Hosts Budget Hearing and Pickleball Project Meeting in May

NEWBERG, Ore. — Chehalem Park and Recreation District is seeking public input and participation, including a call for volunteers, a public budget hearing, and a meeting about upgrades to Jaquith Park’s sports courts.

Two seats are open on the Golf Course Citizens’ Advisory Committee, which advises CPRD on the future development of Chehalem Glenn Golf Course—particularly plans for a new clubhouse. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 12 and may be submitted in person at the aquatic center or via email. The CPRD Board voted last month to reopen the application window following recent vacancies.

The district is also inviting the public to provide input on its 2025–26 budget during a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 22. The meeting will be held at the CPRD Administration Office, 125 S. Elliott Road, and livestreamed on CPRD’s YouTube channel. A revised proposed budget was published April 7 and is available online with explanatory notes.

In addition, residents interested in the growing popularity of pickleball can learn more about upcoming changes at Jaquith Park during a public information session at 6:15 p.m. Monday, May 20, in the CPRD Board Room. The Newberg Pickleball Citizens’ Advisory Committee and CPRD staff will present plans and answer questions. Remote access will be available via Zoom.

The project includes resurfacing two tennis courts, adding six new pickleball courts, and building two dual-use courts.

“The Pickleball Advisory Committee strongly believes in the benefits of pickleball in a community and values the recreational opportunities it provides for all,” said committee spokesperson Nick Konen. “We are very thankful to CPRD for moving forward with this plan to eventually allow for pickleball participation year-round.”

The board of directors approved hiring NV5 for the project design, topographical survey, and construction permitting and bidding processes for a total cost of $77, 867. This does not include the physical project installation.

Residents can learn more about all three initiatives on CPRD’s website.

The Allison’s Austin Knoll Names Luisa Ponzi as New Winemaker

NEWBERG, Ore. — Longtime Willamette Valley winemaker Luisa Ponzi has been named head winemaker for Austin Knoll, the estate label of The Allison Inn & Spa.

Ponzi, who spent more than 30 years producing acclaimed wines for her family’s Ponzi Vineyards, will lead the next chapter of Austin Knoll beginning with the 2023 vintage. Since planting its first vines in 2009, the label has focused on small-lot pinot noir and pinot gris grown onsite in Newberg.

A second-generation winemaker, Ponzi studied in Burgundy and Italy before taking the reins at Ponzi Vineyards in 1993. She has played a key role in shaping the region’s winemaking identity and helped establish the Laurelwood District AVA in 2020. Ponzi brings her expertise to The Allison’s boutique winemaking program.

Guests can meet Ponzi at a special wine dinner on May 2 at The Allison’s JORY restaurant. The evening includes a vineyard stroll with wine director Elaine Heide at 5:15 p.m., followed by a five-course dinner and conversation with Ponzi at 6 p.m.

TVF&R Proposed Budget Under Review

PORTLAND, Ore. — Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s proposed annual budget is drafted and ready for public review. The budget will go before the budget committee during a meeting on Wednesday, May 14.

The meeting will be held at TVF&R’s Command and Business Operations Center, 11945 SW 70th Ave. in Tigard. A remote option will be available via Zoom, and the meeting will also be livestreamed on TVF&R’s YouTube channel.

Public comments will be accepted in written, phone-in or virtual formats. Comments must be submitted by May 13.