From the Soil Up: Why Local Produce Tastes Different in the Willamette Valley

There’s something special about eating in the Willamette Valley in late spring and summer. Maybe it’s the just-picked strawberries still warm from the field, the crisp greens harvested that morning, or the way everything seems to taste just a little more alive here.

At Trellis, we believe great food starts long before it reaches the kitchen. It begins with the people growing it. That’s why we love working with local farms like Even Pull Farm — people we know, trust, and admire for the care they put into growing healthy, vibrant produce. Their passion for the land mirrors the passion we bring into the kitchen every day.

More Than Ingredients

One of the joys of being part of the Dundee Hills community is the close connection between farmers, winemakers, chefs, artists, and small local businesses. There’s a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and for creating things thoughtfully and intentionally.

When produce arrives at Trellis fresh from the farm, it doesn’t just inspire dishes — it tells a story. A story about the season, the weather, the soil, and the hardworking hands that nurtured it from seed to harvest.

You can taste the difference in a perfectly ripe strawberry, a peppery green, or a fresh herb clipped just hours before service. These ingredients don’t need much fussing. Their flavor speaks for itself.

The Magic of Jory Soil

Around here, the soil itself is part of the story.

The famous red Jory soils of the Willamette Valley are known worldwide for producing exceptional Pinot Noir, but they also create remarkable produce. Rich in minerals and shaped by ancient volcanic activity, these soils help grow fruits and vegetables with beautiful depth, earthiness, and flavor that’s hard to forget.

It’s one of the reasons food and wine feel so connected in this valley. The same land that grows elegant wines also gives us vibrant greens, sweet berries, flavorful root vegetables, and herbs bursting with aroma. Everything feels tied together by place.

Meet the People Behind the Food

If you’re visiting wine country this season, we always encourage guests to go beyond the tasting rooms and spend time discovering the local farms and farmers markets too.

There’s something incredibly grounding about meeting the people behind the food — hearing how they grow it, what inspires them, and how deeply connected they are to this valley. It adds another layer to the experience of dining and wine tasting here.

So come settle into the patio at Trellis, enjoy a meal surrounded by blooming flowers, lush greenery, local art, and Oregon wine… and if you have a little extra time, go explore the farms and markets that help make this place so special.

Because in the Willamette Valley, the story of the meal starts in the soil.

NB: A little moment that feels especially meaningful to us - the celebration cake pictured above was created by our incredibly talented pastry chef and decorated with flowers lovingly grown by the hands of our local farmer friends.

It’s a beautiful reminder of how connected this community truly is — from the farms to the kitchen to the table.