Le Puy, a quaint French village and the former name of this guesthouse, has a few things in common with The Setting Inn located in the hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Both locations ooze charm and are brimming with high quality red wines. It was my good fortune to stay at The Setting Inn, located in the Dundee Hill country, in early August.
Summer is a wonderful time to visit this part of Willamette Valley wine country. The lavender farms and farmers’ markets are at their peak production cycles and the weather is sunny and warm. Of course, fall is also an ideal time to explore Newberg, Oregon. The summer crowds have left, the leaves are changing and the wine in the nearby tasting rooms is literally flowing. Perhaps pumping over is a more accurate term when we’re talking Pinot Noir, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
I had left Corvallis, Oregon the day prior and was ready to leave behind the craft breweries in exchange for boutique wineries and sprawling vineyards. Having stayed at their Setting Inn Napa Valley hotel, I confess that I’m used to being surrounded by wine country. The Setting Inn Willamette Valley also excels in wine country rooms with views. The property is in close proximity to Newberg, Dundee, Chehalem Mountain and Ribbon Ridge AVAs.
This intimate bed and breakfast is a wonderful place to stay for both exploring Willamette Valley wine country and escaping for a few nights of relaxation and romance. Formerly Le Puy Inn, the eight room property was recently renovated, offering a playful, yet elegant vibe.
Sustainability is the watch word here; from low flow shower heads to reclaimed wood floors and rustic continental breakfast boxes. There is no doubt that the Setting Inn team has an ecology-focused mission. With soaring ceilings, the great room welcomes guests to linger before they adjourn to guest suites both above and below the first floor.
My husband and I stayed in romantic room #7 with a king bed, private shower, covered patio and view of the vineyards across the valley floor. Room #4 features a covered balcony and rooms 5, 6 and 7 have covered patios. All rooms offer private bathrooms featuring robes and slippers and Lather amenities. Artisan Oregonian teamaker Steven Smith Teas are offered, as well as Nespresso coffee. Additionally, guests have access to the common areas inside and out, as well as the 2,200 square foot Barn for lounging and the fitness room.
The rustic breakfast box, featuring local cheeses, pastries and salami, is delivered to your door or on the balcony overlooking the valley when weather allows. Guests are welcome to wander the property with the east side of the inn offering Chehalem Ridge views. All rooms include air conditioning and wireless internet connection. Be sure to take advantage of the innkeepers breadth of food and wine knowledge of the area and take time to stop and smell the roses fermenting grapes if you happen to visit during crush.
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There are plenty of other things to do on site besides sip wine, though nobody will blame you if that’s all you do. There’s a small fitness center with a Peloton Bike, a newly installed Bocce court with a view, and yard games such as cornhole, croquet, and badminton. Parking, including an electric plug in option, and Wi-Fi are complimentary.
Rates vary from $300 to $580 depending on dates and availability during time of booking. Get information about The Setting Inn and local activities at the official website. They also have a sister location in the Napa Valley if you’re heading to that area of northern California. Book direct with them or check rates at Booking.com.
Review and photos by travel & wine writer Nancy D. Brown. Her stay was hosted by The Setting Inn during her visit to Oregon Wine Country, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
