To Join or Not to Join (a wine club), that IS the (real) question!

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To Join or Not to Join (a wine club), that IS the (real) question!
PLUS: George Fox students spread out to serve local non-profits, churches
ROB STAGGENBORG

ROB STAGGENBORG

Friday, October 10, 2025 | Newberg, Oregon

Newberg Now is a digital newsletter serving Newberg, Dundee, and other surrounding communities. Each week, we deliver fresh local news, highlight upcoming events, and spotlight Newberg's fantastic restaurants, amazing wineries, and popular businesses that make our city unique. Subscribe today!

 

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the valley, Newberg Now keeps you connected, informed, and in the know about our town. Sponsorship packages are available. Contact 314.285.0895 or email [email protected] to learn how Newberg Now can help your business or event.

Calling all Newberg Ghosts, Goblins,

Minecrafters, and Princesses, get ready for the

 

2025 Newberg Trick or Treat Street


October 31, 2025 ▪ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

 

in Downtown Newberg

 

Step out with your family for Halloween fun

as local businesses hand out treats along E First Street

in a beloved annual Newberg tradition!

 

Overall, Newberg has a reputation for being a hotspot for spooky and haunted destinations, according to a recent Yelp article.

 

The article lists several haunted places in Newberg, according to Yelp reviews.

Some of the places mentioned include Champoeg State Park, Allison-Inn and Spa, and the Pioneer Mothers Log Cabin. Visitors have reported experiencing paranormal activity such as cold spots, footsteps, and apparitions at these locations.

The reviews provide information on the history and background of each haunted place, as well as personal accounts of ghostly encounters.

Read More...
Coming soon to Newberg is Hawaiian Bros Island Grill! The 3,100-square-foot building is located at the intersection of Highway 99W and Elliott Road. It is in the location of the former Round Table Pizza. The new building is currently under construction, and will feature both dine-in service and a drive-thru.  
 
 
NEW HAWAIIAN BROS ISLAND GRILL COMING TO NEWBERG:
 
  • Location: Intersection of Highway 99W and Elliott Road, replacing the old Round Table Pizza.
  • Features: A wood-frame structure with both dine-in and drive-thru options.
  • Construction Status: The City of Newberg approved the demolition and rebuilding application in April 2025, and the restaurant is currently under construction.
  • Island Fare Menu: Check out their food! Incredible!

 

 

 

Founded in Kansas City, Missouri, Hawaiian Bros currently operates 66 locations across 10 states and has plans to expand to over 160. While still relatively new to the Pacific Northwest—with only one location in Portland—the chain plans to open at least five more in the region, according to a company press release.

 

Sara Rhodes, director of executive communications for Hawaiian Bros, said Newberg stood out as a promising market.

 

“It’s a fast-growing community with a strong local presence, and the mix of residents, tourists, and college students creates a strong customer base,” Rhodes said. “Its accessibility and economic growth make it a natural choice for expansion.”

 

- Credit: Newsberg.com

Community News

 

George Fox students spread out to Serve local non-profits, churches

Newberg's faith and non-profit communities got a helping hand recently as George Fox University students, staff and

faculty participated in the university's annual Serve Day

This year's  George Fox University Serve Day was held September 16, 2025. The day kicked off with a prayer service for students, staff and faculty, followed by an address by George Fox University President Robin Baker.

 

In the fall of 1999, then-University President David Brandt instituted an annual day of service known as Serve Day. Brandt "wanted every member of the university community to have the opportunity to demonstrate the heart of Jesus Christ through a full day of service to the surrounding community," according to the university's website.

 

Each year, almost 2,000 students, faculty, administrators, staff and alumni spend the third Wednesday of the fall semester lending a helping hand at various service sites - including churches, neighborhood schools and child care centers, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and the Newberg community.

 

"Service projects can be anything from painting murals, reading to local school children, visiting elderly neighbors, building/rebuilding projects, caring for animals, or offering much-needed yardwork or deep-cleaning to area organizations," the George Fox university website states.

 

READ MORE

 

LOCAL SWEETS

TOP ICE CREAM SPOTS IN NEWBERG

🍦 Top 5 Ice Cream Spots in Newberg

Whether you’re strolling downtown or craving something sweet after dinner, here are Newberg’s best spots for a scoop.

Cream Northwest
701 E 1st St, Newberg ▪ 1–8 PM daily

Award-winning small-batch, locally sourced ice cream. A true Newberg gem. Map

Jem 100
208 N Main St, Newberg ▪ Classic diner + 30 flavors

Step back to the 1950s with burgers, shakes, and big scoops of nostalgia. Map

The Ice Cream Shop
115 N Main St, Newberg ▪ Downtown stroll stop

This is Newberg

To Join or Not to Join (a wine club),

that IS the (real) question!

 

🍷 Should You Join a Wine Club? Exploring the Benefits (and a Few Drawbacks) in Newberg’s Wine Country

 

If you’ve spent any time visiting tasting rooms in and around Newberg, you’ve probably heard the pitch:

 

“Would you like to join our wine club?”

 

It’s a common question in Oregon’s wine country — and for good reason. Wine clubs are one of the best ways for local wineries to build community, while offering wine lovers perks that go far beyond a bottle discount.

 

But is joining a club the right move for you? Let’s break down some of the advantages and disadvantages, with examples from our own backyard here in Newberg.

 

🌟 The Benefits of Joining a Wine Club

 

1. Member Discounts and Perks


Most Newberg-area wineries — like Adelsheim Vineyard or ArborBrook by Cooper Mountain Vineyards — offer members a flat discount on bottles, often in the 15–20% range. Over time, that can add up quickly if you’re buying regularly. Some clubs also extend the discount to merchandise, shipping, or even partner businesses.

 

2. Exclusive Access to Wines

 

Many wineries reserve their most limited-production bottles for club members. For example, Chehalem Wines often releases small-lot Pinot Noirs or experimental blends that you won’t find on grocery store shelves. Being in the club means you get first dibs before the public.

 

3. Invitations to Special Events

 

Club members are frequently invited to private release parties, winemaker dinners, or vineyard tours. At Rex Hill Winery, members often get access to barrel tastings and seasonal celebrations that provide a true insider experience. These events aren’t just about the wine — they’re about community, connection, and fun.

 

4. Convenient Shipments

 

For those who prefer not to make frequent trips, clubs provide seasonal or quarterly shipments right to your doorstep. That makes stocking up on favorites like Beaux Frères or Trisaetum much easier.

 

5. Supporting Local Wineries

 

Perhaps the most overlooked benefit is that by joining, you’re helping sustain family-owned wineries that define Newberg’s wine culture. In a region where small-scale producers dominate, your membership fees often make a meaningful impact.

 

 

⚖️ Before You Join ...

 

1. Cost Commitment

 

Wine club memberships aren’t free. Most require you to purchase a set number of bottles each year. For example, a standard membership at many Newberg wineries runs anywhere from 12–18 bottles annually, often totaling $400–$700. If you’re more of an occasional sipper, this might feel like too much wine (and too much money).

 

2. Storage and Consumption

 

Even the most enthusiastic wine lovers run into storage challenges. Cases of Pinot Noir from clubs like Domaine Divio or Et Fille Wines can pile up quickly if you’re not drinking them regularly or don’t have a cellar.

 

3. Limited Variety

 

Most clubs focus on their own vineyard production, which means lots of Pinot Noir (the Willamette Valley’s hallmark grape). While that’s great for Pinot lovers, those who want a broader range — from bold reds to crisp whites — might feel limited.

 

4. Location-Specific Perks

 

Many of the best perks, like free tastings, are only useful if you’re close enough to visit often. Locals in Newberg can take advantage of complimentary tastings at places like Domaine Serene’s Wine Lounge downtown. But for out-of-town members, those benefits may go unused.

 

 

🍇 The Bottom Line?

 

Joining a wine club in Newberg is about more than discounts — it’s about becoming part of a community. For those who regularly enjoy local wine, visit tasting rooms, and want insider access, a club membership can be incredibly rewarding.

 

You’ll save money, build relationships with winemakers, and discover bottles that never hit the open market.

 

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you drink wine occasionally, have limited space, or prefer a wide variety, you might be better off buying directly at tasting rooms or through local wine shops.

 

In the end, joining a wine club comes down to lifestyle.

 

For many here in the 97132 zip code, it’s less about the bottles on the rack and more about being part of Newberg’s vibrant wine culture — one glass at a time.

 

Enjoy!

For locals, it's less about the bottles on the rack and more about being part of Newberg’s vibrant wine culture — one glass at a time.

Dine-In Service | Full Menu Lounge | Oregon Lottery | Take-Out | Curbside Pick-Up | Open  ​7 Days a Week

📣 Your Representatives

Here’s who represents Newberg (97132) in Salem and Washington, D.C. — with direct links to reach out.

Rep. Anna Scharf (R)
Oregon House District 23
📞 (503) 986-1423 | ✉️ Email
Website →
Sen. Bruce Starr (R)
Oregon Senate District 12
📞 (503) 986-1712 | ✉️ Email
Website →
Rep. Andrea Salinas (D)
U.S. House, Oregon’s 6th District
📞 (202) 225-5643 | Contact Form
Website →
U.S. Senators for Oregon
Sen. Ron Wyden (D) ▪ Contact
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D) ▪ Contact

Stay engaged — your voice matters in our state capitol in Salem and Washington, D.C.

Upcoming Newberg Events — Oct 2025

Here’s what’s on the calendar — art, community nights & seasonal happenings.

Conversations in Clay Exhibit
Through Nov 13, 2025 ▪ Chehalem Cultural Center

Works by Oregon potters. Public reception was Sept 12, 5–7 PM—still open for viewing through Nov.

 

Trick or Treat Street
October 31, 2025 ▪ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM ▪ Downtown Newberg

Step out with your family for Halloween fun as local businesses hand out treats along E First Street.

Black Friday & Small Business Saturday
The Friday & Saturday after Thanksgiving ▪ Downtown & Cultural Center

Celebrate local retailers—shop local, support neighbors, and find unique gifts.

Bridges+ Project: Willamette Tapestry Exhibition
Nov 11, 2025 – Jan 8, 2026 ▪ Parrish Gallery, Chehalem Cultural Center

Explore artworks inspired by literal and metaphorical bridges. Public reception Dec 5, 5–7 PM.

Nature Revery Exhibit
Through Jan 8, 2026 ▪ Loft Gallery, Chehalem Cultural Center

A year-long art show where nature and abstraction meet. Free to view during gallery hours.

For updated event listings and gallery hours, visit Newberg City Calendar or Chehalem Cultural Center Events.

Visit Champoeg State Park - Just a short drive from downtown Newberg

Side Trip: Champoeg State Park

 

Champoeg is a former town in Oregon. Now a ghost town, it was an important settlement in the Willamette Valley in the early 1840s. Champoeg (commonly pronounced sham-POO-ee; some locals may say sham-POO-eg or -ick) was well known at that time.

 

Located halfway between Oregon City and Salem, and just outside of Newberg, Champoeg was the site of the first provisional government of the Oregon Country.

 

Despite a forty-foot bluff, the site made a good landing point where the wooded river banks gave way to an opening to the prairie land to the south. 

 

Read about the rich history of Champoeg State Park

 

5 Newberg Facts

1. HERBERT HOOVER (AGAIN): President Herbert Hoover lived with his uncle and aunt in Newberg and attended the town's first school, now the Hoover-Minthorn House museum, which is the only presidential site in Oregon. 

 

2. NUTTY NEWS: Newberg's surrounding area produces about 90% of the U.S. hazelnut crop. 

 

3. DRY TOWN: Newberg Friends Church began as a congregation in 1878 (called Chehalem Monthly Meeting, which initially met in private homes). As such, for a significant portion of its early history, Newberg prohibited the sale of alcohol within its city limits, reflecting its Quaker influence. 

 

4. SETTLERS: Joseph Rogers settled near the Willamette River at what is now Newberg in 1848. The community was known early on as Chehalem, and later as Roger's Landing for Rogers who founded the settlement, and who died in 1855.

 

5. SISTER ACT: Did you know Newberg's "sister cities" are:

 

Asago, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan

Poysdorf, Mistelbach, Lower Austria, Austria

 

Just opened March 2025!

 

Fairfield by Marriott Newberg, nestled in the heart of Oregon wine country right off Highway 99, is a serene retreat for work, relaxation or adventure, conveniently located minutes from stunning vineyards and picturesque landscapes. 

 

Discover famed wineries; enjoy a peaceful paddle on the Willamette Water Trail or a round at a golf course. Whether a romantic getaway, a family adventure, a corporate visit, Fairfield by Marriott is your welcoming haven in Newberg, Oregon.

 

Call971-281 8300 to reserve your room today!

 

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NEWBERG NOW

© 2026 NEWBERG NOW.

Newberg Now is a digital newsletter serving Newberg, Dundee, and the surrounding communities. Each week, we deliver fresh local Newberg news, highlight upcoming events, and spotlight the city's fantastic restaurants, amazing wineries, and popular businesses that make our city unique. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the valley, Newberg Now keeps you connected, informed, and in the know. Visit us at newbergnow.com

© 2026 NEWBERG NOW.