This Small Oregon Town Is One Of The Most Diverse Culinary Destinations In The U.S.

Oregon's foodie landscape is ever changing and evolving, with Portland leading the state in terms of culinary clout. But don't think PDX is the *only* culinary superstar in the state; there are numerous smaller towns and cities that are putting Oregon on the map, too. McMinnville, Oregon is one such town that's recently emerged as a culinary destination in the PNW. From authentic Italian, Mexican, and Asian restaurants to bakeries, food trucks, and farm-to-table eateries, McMinnville, Oregon, is a mecca for global and regional cuisine.

Editor's note: This article originally referred to the Oregon Wine Village in McMinnville, which is no longer open.

Located the heart of wine country, McMinnville is a historic town with a thriving downtown district that's perfect for exploring -- especially for foodies!

Because despite its size, McMinnville has a big culinary footprint -- starting, of course, with its wineries.

Considered the "gateway" to the Willamette Valley wine community, Woodard Wines, which sits on the community plaza in historic downtown McMinnville, is a hub for Oregon oenophiles... and wine newbies! At this wine shop, guests can acquire new releases, rare and fine wines, and learn about up-and-coming producers.

But it's not *all* wine here; Grain Station Brew Works is a brewery and brewpub, full restaurant, and bar serving American food in the most charming of locations: a renovated timber barn! Come and order an only-in-Oregon brew, like the acclaimed "Bet the Farm" IPA.

You'll want to balance all those drinks with some tasty food; and happily, McMinnville has a world of options -- quite literally! The Diner is a popular spot in town, featuring fresh, made-from-scratch dishes based on classic diner menus. The Diner uses fresh, Oregon-grown ingredients whenever possible, all but guaranteeing the best brunch of your life!

WildWood Cafe is another popular eatery in town, featuring classic greasy spoon grub like French toast, country fried steak, and epic breakfast plates.

Craving Mexican food? Walk on up to Taqueria Tulancingo, a local food truck dishing up some of the best Mexican food in the PNW! Their tacos are perfection.

If you're feeling a bit fancy, head to Bistro Maison, a French bistro with dishes that are almost too beautiful to eat. The Dungeness crab is incredible, as is the Trois Fromage, which features local Tillamook cheeses!

If you prefer classic American bistro fare, Thistle is a no-brainer. It's an American bistro and cocktail bar with a chef's tasting menu that's sure to delight every palate in your party. The menu plays up Oregon's amazing seafood, and you can't go wrong with the fresh oysters.

McMinnville is an exuberant celebration of Oregon's bounty and unique foodie footprint, and an absolute must-visit destination!

Looking to explore more of Oregon's food scene? Head to Bend to check out these three restaurants that were featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!"