The New York Times says Yamhill County is a great place to buy a home - at least for people who like organic vegetables, good wine and alternative medicine, and don't mind going without urban and cultural amenities.

According to the story "Rural Vistas, Natural Healing and Pinot Noir," which ran in Friday's "Escapes" section, "McMinnville, the county's largest city with 30,000 people, draws those seeking a life fulfilled by organic produce and good pinot noir. It is home to dozens of art and antiques shops, and there are plenty of destinations for natural healing and meditation."

Resident Bradley Capron, the article says, "is typical of people attracted to the county. He lives at the family's second home full-time, has an acupuncture practice, farms organic salad greens and runs SolsticeHerbals.com, a Web-based natural health business."

Capron told NYT reporter Barbara Hernandez that he likes Oregon climate, food and people, but does see some drawbacks to the area.

"The biggest disadvantage," the NYT quotes him as saying, "is that you don't have all the cultural trimmings of a big city."

Under the "pros" of moving here, Hernandez writes, is the beauty of the area's abundant vineyards.

"It has the lure of being in rural wine country, and its scenery is captivating deep into the fall as vineyards are harvested and grapes pressed," the story says.

Noting the more casual lifestyle found on the West Coast, the story says, "In Yamhill County, the party is wherever you want it to be. It can be at a rural barbecue, a restaurant and bar in McMinnville, or even a bed-and-breakfast in Carlton. Just don't expect any urban luxuries - other than creamy sauces and rich dishes. Oh, and there's rarely a shortage of wine."

The story quotes local Realtor Randy McCreith of the Bella Casa Real Estate Group in McMinnville, saying that the area is drawing in second-home buyers from California and Arizona who are looking for a place to retire. Many of the people moving here are interested in winemaking, according to McCreith.

Hernandez's story may be found on the NYT website, click here.