written by Kerry Newberry
photography by Bob McClenahan
One of the Willamette Valley’s long standing getaways had a modern makeover last summer and reopened as The Setting Inn. Owners Jeff Cova and Noah McMaha, also founders of a sister property in Napa, partnered with local makers and producers to build connections to the nearby Newberg community.
The bright and airy main room with vaulted ceilings and gracious windows welcomes with natural light and minimalist decor. A smattering of art posters and wine books gives a cool aunt vibe—you know, the one who wears caftans, travels to Porto and has a kitchen garden.
Speaking of gardens, the outdoor landscaping is the high point of the property. Come spring and summer, this is where you want to stay. The outdoor terrace has multiple gathering spaces from a corner with swing chairs and poufs to a cluster of Adirondacks circling firepits.
Elegant cypress trees and tropical foliage frame the courtyard and a mini-vineyard built just for guests to experience tucks into a corner behind the Inn. Take a coffee walk in the morning to catch a sunrise and spy the neighboring farm’s goats and horses roaming.
Set up as a mini-summer camp for adults, the patio also has cornhole, croquet and badminton and a full bocce court overlooking the Chehalem Ridge. A sleek white barn stocked with board games, cozy sofas and a playful plant wall is prime for wine sipping and relaxing.
Only minutes from downtown Newberg, book dinner reservations at one of many standout restaurants—from fine dining at The Painted Lady to the French-inspired Recipe. Casual options include the husband-and-wife team run Honey Pie Pizza, Storrs Smokehouse and Good Company Cheese.
Ask for winery recommendations, and you can get a day of pre-planned tasting reservations or you can go the adventurous route and tour wine country by horse with Equestrian Wine Tours or Hot Air Balloon with Vista Balloon Adventures.
20300 OR-240
NEWBERG
www.thesettinginnwillamette.com
ROOMS
The main building offers eight contemporary guest rooms spanning three floors. Each room varies in size and layout, providing a diversity of experiences and price points. Modern details and whimsical artwork curated by Cora J. Design, lend a playful tone to the Inn. Core amenities are the same in every room, but for added perks, book Room 6 for the sumptuous soaking tub and fireplace, or Room 4 which offers a large balcony and sitting area.
DINING
As a love letter to local, the continental breakfast delivered to each room is simply composed. Find baked bread and pastries from Pearl Bakery, salami from Olympia Provisions and fromage blanc from the nearby Briar Rose Creamery. Also gathered in the rustic box, a bottle of OJ and a can of Stoller’s sparkling wine for mimosas. For dinner, make reservations at one of many outstanding wine country restaurants from Red Hills Market to The Painted Lady, one of Oregon’s most exquisite dining experiences.
AMENITIES
All guest rooms have a satellite flat-screen TV with NFL Sunday Ticket and HBO, luxe King beds, Nespresso coffee and local favorite Steven Smith Tea. Eco-friendly bath amenities are sourced from LATHER in their Bamboo Lemongrass Collection scent and plush robes and slippers are on-hand for lounging. On-site parking and wireless wifi is free. The small but functional fitness center features a Peloton bike. Upon request, the staff will create a wine tasting itinerary for guests, including reservations and a car service.
