The Best New Place to Stay in Oregon Wine Country
A new best place to stay in Oregon Wine Country is about to open, but the bigger story is about the regenerative farm that it sits on. We had the amazing fortune to be one of the first guests at the new Farm House Guest Cottage on Tabula Rasa Farms (TRF) in Carlton this weekend. We enjoyed it so much, we’re convinced the experience is destined to be one of the most sought after unique travel experiences anywhere. Why you ask?
You see, TRF is a farm built around taking sustainable farming to another level. These practices called Regenerative Agriculture are a system of farming principles and practices that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds, and enhances ecosystem services. At TRF, it manifests with a focus on growing healthy grasses, building soil and ecosystems to feed their shockingly friendly and beautiful Dexter Cows and American Guinea Hogs.
When you listen to the founder/owner of the place Brenda Smola-Foti tell her story, you can see this place is built from her vision over the last decade + of investment, education, experimentation and vision to bring this place to life. The Oklahoma rancher transplanted in Oregon living her values and dream. Their resonance of seeing it in action versus reading about it is even more inspiring. Impressive, admirable & welcome.
Intellectually and policy wise, this is transformational because it captures carbon and water reducing temperatures which is a critical tool to address climate change. Emotionally though, this place is a catharsis calming your soul and refreshing your spirit. You feel the place pulsing with life with birds, grasses, frogs, water running and a spectacular views. We slept the best we have in years…or at least since the pandemic started….my recall of pre-pandemic is fading.
The house is Architectural Digest worthy. Brenda, the rancher, is also an artist designer who traded her little black dress for mucker boots and Levi's. A few of her pieces of art punctuate an energetic and cohesive art collection that adorn the walls of this oh so stylish farmstead. The place is built with beautiful timbers and comfortably integrates wood, metal, barn doors with urbane touches of modern whimsical decorative accessories. The south facing vistas never stop giving all day long.
Three outdoor decks each create entirely different vibes depending on your mood and view preference. The kitchen and entertainment system have anything you want and a dinner table for ten awaits.
On property, there is a thoughtfully curated retail shop. The Tabula Rasa Farm Stand sells the artisan pork & beef from the farm, but also has everything from yarn, to local wine, to some of the most stylish Oregon ag swag in town. It sits about 3 miles west of downtown Carlton and is well worth the trip. It is open most afternoons.
You can also schedule a tour which well worth it.
Location wise, one of my favorite towns in Oregon wine country is Carlton. 10+ wineries are within a few miles. Within a few miles you can find the always evolving with entrepreneurial energy of The Winemaker Studio, iconic Ken Wright, earthy and cool Big Table Farms, newish Jadot kid in town Resonance with epic views and Ken & Mauro provide one of the most genial experiences at K&M Wines in downtown. 00 Wines is upping the game on how Oregon makes Chardonnay if you ever get a chance to enjoy that as well. If you are a wine geek, the Craft Wine Co. is pushing boundaries in every direction. Their Red White Pink Wine is one of the most enigmatic wines I’ve ever experienced not being able to define it as any color!
The Carlton Bakery is always on its game, get there early on the weekends though because they sell out of the best croissant flavors early. The town is basically just a few walkable streets filled friendly, warm casual sophistication along with still some very real touches of a legitimate ag town.
It’s not quite bookable, but will be soon. Enjoy, but please don’t book it when I’m planning on coming back. Have fun, cheers.
