On Memorial Day weekend, 2005, Cardwell Hill Cellars celebrated the grand opening of the winery’s 1,000-square-foot tasting room. Elegantly detailed with distinctive European touches, this popular addition to the winery is showcased by a 14-foot-long oak bar; casual groupings of tables and chairs; and a broad, wrap-around terrace that offers a great view of the vineyards.

From early May through Thanksgiving weekend, the tasting room is open daily from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until 5:30 p.m. Tours and off-season tastings are available, year-round, by appointment. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy on the winery terrace that provides a panoramic perspective of the vineyards, the distinctive Coast Range foothills that surround this picturesque valley and, atop all, famed Mary’s Peak.

Cardwell Hill Winery is just a short, three-quarters of a mile from Kings Valley Highway 223. From Corvallis, take Highway 20/34 west to Philomath. Bear right at the split between Highways 20 and 34, continuing on Highway 20 towards the town of Newport. Follow the blue sign directing a right turn onto Kings Valley Highway 223. Cross over the Marys River and, near the top of the rise, turn right onto Cardwell Hill Drive. Continue past the Degas Vineyard on the left and continue back to the wine tasting room, which is located at the front of the winery.