A Steady Vision & A New Hand at Dusky Goose Winery

Perched in the Dundee Hills along the storied Worden Hill Road, Dusky Goose has been a destination for travelers seeking small-batch, age-worthy Pinot Noir since its founding in 2001. Now, there’s a new reason to plan a visit: the appointment of head winemaker Andrew Imboden marks the next chapter for the estate.

Andrew joined Dusky Goose in 2024 as assistant winemaker and quickly became an integral part of the winemaking team, spending two vintages working alongside Hans Van Dale in both the vineyard and the cellar. With Hans stepping back, Andrew now oversees blending for the 2025 vintage, with 2026 marking his first from start to finish as head winemaker.

“One of the most challenging and rewarding parts of winemaking is navigating all the decisions throughout the season, each one building on the last, to showcase the vineyards we work with,” Imboden says. “It’s a puzzle where the pieces are constantly changing. There’s no formula or silver bullet that works every time.”

The winemaking approach at Dusky Goose was established by founding winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash and remains focused on complementing the fruit rather than reshaping it. Andrew’s role builds on that foundation, maintaining an emphasis on wines that reflect vineyard character rather than winemaking intervention.

“The growing seasons are always different, the grapes are different, and the fermentations are different,” Imboden says. “There’s always an exception to the rule, so you have to be willing to adjust your approach without compromising on quality.”

Three estate-farmed Dundee Hills vineyards—Rambouillet, Lillie’s, and Weber—form a natural amphitheater around the tasting room, with sweeping views across neighboring vineyards and the Cascades to the east. Just beyond, Fennwood Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA adds contrast, bringing marine sedimentary soils into the portfolio.

“Each site has a set of characteristics that make it distinct,” Imboden says. “You have to highlight those to make the best version of that site, not try to make everything the same.”

Dusky Goose tastings unfold at a relaxed pace, whether beside a crackling fire in the cooler months or on the elevated patio in warmer weather. Guests are invited to explore small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay crafted for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging.

With Andrew Imboden now guiding the cellar, Dusky Goose is well-positioned to continue producing vintages worthy of the cellar for years to come.