Monks Gate Winery

We live in Portland and it feels like we have been to almost every winery in the Willamette Valley area, so we’re always looking for new up and coming or small wineries where you can actually talk to the owner or winemaker and find things that aren’t for sale in the grocery stores. We were on an adventure afternoon trip and stumbled upon Monks Gate at the end of the day, around 4:30 pm. This was an awesome place! The husband was doing some woodworking making what looked to be making handcrafted cheese platters. The wife was pouring the wine and was absolutely charming! The tasting fee was a modest $ 5 for 4 wines, they had specialty cheese, crackers and nuts for guests. Their Rose is delicious! Their pinots were as good or better than many of the others we have tasted for a much higher price point. We joined the wine club we were so impressed! We don’t sign up for the clubs often but its clear that you are getting quality wine, reasonable prices and supporting excellent outstanding owners at Monks Gate. I encourage those who enjoy quality and a trip off the beaten path to come here, you won’t be disappointed.

I came here for my good friend’s bday in a limo with her friends, husband, and parents ages ranging from 30’s to 50’s. This was our second stop of the day and the owner came out and said she would not serve our group. I honestly think that because we were laughing and having fun she thought we had drank more than we had. This person made a generalization over our entire group. She was worried about the OLCC but yet she had children in the tasting room? I have never been more insulted and to a group she was willing to lose the service and business. The tasting room didn’t even have a proper ceiling only insulation exposed. The barn next door looks like it is about to fall down. They obliviously don’t care about customer service or appearance so I think they should just give up and quit. We happily taking our money and business somewhere where they are nice to customers.

I appreciated the kindness and courtesy immensely, it will not be forgotten. The winery closed at 5 p.m., but we pressed our Mini-​Van through the open gates before they had time to close at 5:02 p.m. We got up, told they were closed but would help us out for a tasting. Sure, I made an imposing move even showing up. But the lady was more than gracious to get us through a series of Pinot Noirs, all of them splendorous. I enjoyed my time so much that I fell in love with the pet dog, a scratchy-​lovin’ little fella. #payitforward

This is a fantastic little winery I had the chance to sample from while visiting Oregon for a half marathon this year. They are worth a stop, and do make just about the best Pinot out there. Thanks to them for also pouring at the Oregon wine country half marathon! Num Num.

What a refreshing little stop. We saw the sign saying Monk’s gate was 1.3 miles up the road and decided to give it a shot due to a couple good Unilocal reviews.
Pulled up and we were greeted by the winery dog while the owners opened the door to let us in.
This is a mom and pop operation where they have actually done the work and understand how everything works. Really nice people and they served us some of our favorite wines of the day (along with some snacks). We felt right at home.
Funny story. We were in town during the International Pinot Noir Celebration and happened to get lucky and get into the Salmon Bake celebration on Saturday night which we were told was a huge deal where people break out lots of amazing wines.
We purchased a good amount of wine that day and decided to break out a bottle of Monk’s gate Pinot for the party, We offered it to several folks at our table and they politely declined, looking at the label as if they had no idea why we would have brought that.
No big deal, we loved it. :) I guess we aren’t up to the Salmon Bake level of wine drinking just yet? Which is just fine by me.
I will say though… If you get a chance to go to the IPNC Salmon bake definitely go. People break some of the best wines you’ll ever have out of the ‘Vault’.
Maybe Monk’s gate will make their way to the Vault one day, you heard it here first.

Monk’s Gate was recommended by Denise and Jack at the Joseph Mattey B&B in McMinnville. We called the winery in the morning and scheduled a 2 pm appointment for tasting.
We got to the winery 20 minutes early and the gate was closed. I had drunk a little too much wine by this point, so we decided to park at the gate and let our heads clear before calling.
15 minutes later, Linda called our cell phone and asked if we were waiting at the gate. She apologized and sent her husband down to open the gate for us. We waited. A couple of minutes later, we saw an older gentleman on a small tractor come down to open the gate for us. We waved, drove past him, and headed up to the tasting room.
The old man is Ron and Linda is his wife. We got the warmest welcome and undivided attention from this duo and the friendly winery dog. This winery is a true gem of a stop. Oh yeah, the Pinots are pretty darn good and on par with their bigger neighbors. I would return in a heartbeat.

Monks Gate Winery is one of those places you’d never find if there weren’t signs pointing the way or someone like me taking you there. The winery is almost hidden but certainly worth seeking out. This small estate winery produces very small lots of Pinot Noir I believe less than 2000 cases per year. I’m sure this is one reason why they’re only open by appointment or select days during the year. However I made this Memorial Day my goal to seek out wineries like Monks Gate and explore what they had to offer.
The couple who own the winery are very down to earth and personable, the wife Linda was such a good host she could probably charm the pants right off you! They are an example of what passionate people can achieve when given the right opportunities. Located behind the old family barn, sits their tasting room in a converted garage. They have three vintages of Pinot Noir and a Rose. I actually really liked their Rose which is rare for me, especially from PN. It was incredibly aromatic with nice sharp cherry notes and a very balanced finish without leaving you a mouth full of acid. Their estate Pinots are from years 2006 — 08 and all offer something different but I preferred the more grown up 06 wine. The wines demonstrated fair price points given their quality in such a competitive Oregon Pinot market.
Now I’m not sure if this is normal but for Memorial Day they had an ample spread to savor with the tasting. Offering us Olympic Provisions salami, specialty local mustards, local gourmet cheeses, fresh bread, jam from Republic of Jam and even freshly smoked turkey! Yup getting to a man through his stomach is true because I was very happy and so was my belly when we departed; In fact they inspired me to check out ROJ that very day after the sampling. It may be off the beaten path but Monks Gate winery is certain to have you coming back.

There are many nice wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley. Monks Gate is among the best. It might not be listed in wineries to visit, as it is off the main road and open only summer weekends and on special events.
The wine is pinot noir. They grow grapes for high end wines and keep some back to make their own, which is at least as good as the best of Oregon. That good. They make only 300 cases a year, so you probably won’t find it in your local store.
The tasting room is down a dirt road and in a building behind a depreciated barn. Inside, you will find the nicest people you’ve ever met who will pour and discuss, and offer just plain hospitality.
Unlike many wine stops, at this one, they are genuinely happy to have you visit.
If you want to sample the best of Oregon pinot noir, and bring home some wines that can’t otherwise be found, make a visit here.
The prices are moderate, which makes it so much the better, as Oregon pinots are getting pretty stratospheric in price.