YAMHILL
COUNTY
Once known as “Carl’s Town”, Carlton,
Oregon is a small town in Yamhill County,
40 miles southwest of Portland with around
2,000 residents – most of who are in the
wine or tourism business. Its closest city is
McMinnville, about 15 minutes by car to
the south. Carlton is definitely in the heart
of Oregon wine country, with a robust
offering of wine tasting rooms located
downtown and throughout the surrounding
area. Downtown Carlton offers some of
the best shops in the Willamette Valley,
with clothing boutiques, handmade jewelry,
specialty foods, fine art, and wine-related
merchandise. There is no shortage of activities in Carlton, from wine tasting, riding
horses through the vineyards, bicycling
through wine country, hiking, or relaxing at
Trappist Abbey.
Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley and home to a collection of unique
and vibrant communities, Yamhill County was founded on the basis of rich soils,
abundant natural resources and an enterprising pioneer spirit. Authentically
Oregon, it’s a vibrant place where the good life is cultivated every day and
visitors are drawn from near and far to enjoy the local sights and happenings.
Celebrated for its plentiful valleys lush with forested hillsides and farms, Yamhill
County is home to a robust service industry, including higher education, healthcare, government, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality. It’s a place where
over 200 world-class wineries dot the verdant rolling hills, and roadside farm
stands intersect with bicycle brigades; where historic main streets meet trendy
bistros. Just 25 minutes from downtown Portland the communities that make up
Yamhill County provide the best of both worlds: small town charm with convenient access to the larger Portland metropolitan area.
McMinnville is best known for its nationally recognized main street where quaint
boutiques, outstanding restaurants, unique shops and local galleries abound.
Newberg is home to the world-class Allison Inn & Spa along with two nationally
ranked restaurants, JORY and The Painted Lady. Dundee is the home of the
Dundee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA). Restaurants like Tina’s, Red Hills
Market and The Dundee Bistro tantalize the most discriminating palette. Dayton
is rich in history and small town charm, and home to more outstanding wineries
and the nationally recognized Joel Palmer House restaurant. Carlton is a small
farming town which prides itself on a strong community and vibrant downtown.
Carlton is located in the heart of Willamette Valley’s Wine Country with over 40
wineries doing business within the city limits.
Photo courtesy of Yamhill County Carlton
City of Carlton: