Located in the heart of Willamette Valley's wine country, midway between the coast and Portland and 30 miles from the capitol city of Salem, McMinnville is a wonderful place to live and visit. McMinnville is the county seat and largest city of Yamhill County, Oregon.
With green rolling hills as the backdrop, this historic city has kept its turn-of-the century charm while providing full services for it's residents.
McMinnville is known for its picturesque vineyards that dot the foothills. Located in Yamhill County, the oldest county in Oregon, McMinnville is often compared to the wine regions of France and Germany. Yamhill County is blessed with a long, moderate growing season which has proved ideal for growing such grapes as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and White Riesling. The Yamhill County Wineries Association offers a free map and guide to the local wineries.
Since most wineries have tasting rooms open to the public, a tasting tour is a delightful experience. Many wineries also have festivals, musical performances and picnics during the summer. In the summer, McMinnville's Linfield College hosts the International Pinot Noir Festival. This festival celebrates the grape and wines that helped make Oregon famous as a wine producing region. Festival participants bring pinots from many growing regions, including Oregon, California, and countries from around the world, for celebrants to sample. Culinary feasts and wine seminars are also enjoyed by participants.
The McMinnville Downtown Historic District is located in the area of Third Street. Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Oregon Downtown Development Association as an exemplary business district, the downtown area offers an almost park-like setting, with many restaurants and shops to visit. Copies of the self-guided walking tour of the downtown area are available at the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association and local merchants..
McMinnville is a two hour drive away from spectacular Mt. Hood, the Oregon coast, or the Columbia River Gorge. Salem, the state capital, is an hour's drive away, and downtown Portland is also close to McMinnville. Come to McMinnville, and visit Oregon's wine country.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $177,800
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2006: 30,410. McMinnville covers 9.90 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 160 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 97128 - Area codes: 503, 971
Weather
McMinnville, OR climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 82.40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 33.00 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be relatively big during summer with a difference that can reach 31 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at McMinnville is 41.66 Inches. Winter months tend to be wetter than summer months. The wettest month of the year is December with an average rainfall of 7.48 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
