At long last, Willamette Valley wine country has become Willamette Valley Wine Country.

     Those capital letters were earned with the opening of The Allison Inn & Spa in the town of Newberg, Oregon.

     Until last September, when The Allison Inn opened its doors, the Willamette Valley - Oregon's vast and premium winegrape-growing region - lacked only one amenity that California's top vineyard areas boasted: a destination, luxury resort.

     In the Napa Valley, wine lovers have long been able to luxuriate at Auberge du Soleil or The Meadowood Resort. In Sonoma, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is the place to stay for well-heeled travelers.

     And now, the 85-room Allison Inn, developed by Newberg resident Joan Austin, offers a more northerly option.

     Its spacious, earth-toned guest rooms feature fireplaces, balconies, local artwork and custom furniture. The spa offers a variety of stress-melting treatments, and the 84-seat restaurant has a wine list that's jam-packed with Willamette Valley bottlings.

     In the future, The Allison Inn also will offer its own wines, produced by David Adelsheim of nearby Adelsheim Vineyard.

     The Allison Inn & Spa is located at 2525 Allison Lane in Newberg. Reservations may be made by calling 877-294-2525.