NEWBERG, Ore. — The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Ore., immediately became one of the Pacific Northwest’s wine country destinations when Ken and Joan Austin opened it Sept. 26, 2009.
More than 200 wineries are within a short drive of the Allison, and the hotel’s Jory Restaurant — led by executive chef Sunny Jin and pastry chef Shelly Toombs — makes Oregon Pinot Noir a focal point. During most weeks, the living room at The Allison plays host to its Thursday Celebrity Wine-Tender Tasting, an informal event with a local winemaker that runs 6:30 –7:30 p.m. for guests.
Many of the Willamette Valley’s top producers were so thrilled with the arrival of the Allison that they presented personalized bottles to the Austins as a sign of their appreciation.
Sadly, Joan passed away last year at the age of 81. However, these large-format bottles remain displayed in the restaurant as a tribute to the food-and-wine experience she helped create as The Allison prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary.
Here are some of the bottles at The Allison.
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