A Sparkling Reputation Rooted in Humble Hospitality
Humble hospitality meets world-class prestige at ROCO Winery, a standout in the Dundee Hills AVA, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Recently, ROCO garnered global acclaim with its 2023 RMS Brut 10 Year Delayed Disgorgement, crowned Wine Enthusiast’s #1 wine of 2024. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication to excellence that defines both ROCO and the broader Dundee Hills wine community.
For Ken Bolick, general manager of ROCO, the Dundee Hills’ duality—a welcoming spirit paired with a relentless pursuit of quality—was irresistible. A single sip of Chianti Classico during his college restaurant days ignited his lifelong passion for wine. “I loved it,” Ken recalls. “Before long, I was reading about wine and tasting anything I could get my hands on.” That enthusiasm brought him to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where ROCO’s unpretentious hospitality and exceptional wines are the perfect outlet for his dedication to excellence.
ROCO’s recent accolades reflect that commitment. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized at such a high level by Wine Enthusiast,” Ken shares. With over 20,000 wines reviewed annually, this recognition cements ROCO’s role as a leader in sparkling wine production and highlights the growing legacy of the Dundee Hills. “The quality of sparkling wine across the AVA seems to improve every vintage,” Ken notes. “It strengthens the case for the Dundee Hills as the premier New World sparkling wine producer.”
In addition to crafting award-winning wines, ROCO is the force behind the BOB (Best Oregon Bubbles) Trail, an annual February tradition that elevates sparkling wine tastings. The trail features rare method champenoise flights from 13 participating wineries, including Argyle, Stoller, Sokol Blosser and Domaine Willamette. “The BOB Trail gives wine lovers a chance to experience sparkling wines rarely poured in tasting rooms due to low production and limited availability,” says Ken. This year, ROCO will feature its 2014 DD, the eagerly anticipated follow-up to its celebrated 2013 vintage.
As the Dundee Hills AVA celebrates its 20th anniversary, the region continues to shine as the heart of Oregon wine country, where the duality of humble hospitality and global prestige go hand in hand. Nowhere else in the state boasts such a concentration of excellent wineries, each contributing to a legacy of quality and innovation. Come for the wine, stay for the spectacular landscapes, and discover the rich history that makes this region truly unforgettable.
