Explore Oregon Wine In the Region Where It First Gained Fame

More than six decades ago, pioneering winegrowers came to the Dundee Hills and planted vines in the distinctive red volcanic soils that had caught their eye. They had a hunch the similarities between the Burgundian climate and ours could produce world-class Pinot Noir. And they were right! Today, those same hillsides continue to produce elegant cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, that have earned a reputation as one of the world’s must-visit wine regions.

Next month, we’ll celebrate Oregon Wine Month, as we do every May. This annual tradition is the perfect opportunity for wine lovers to explore the vineyards, meet the winemakers, and take in the landscapes that have drawn visitors to the region. 

Visitors to the Dundee Hills know the magic of these hills extends far beyond the wine. Just ask Chefs Chase and Zach at Anthology at The Four Graces, whose tasting menu in their open kitchen is the talk of the town. Or find our self-proclaimed cheese fairy, Sarah Marcus, who has won endless awards at Briar Rose Creamery. Or meet Penny Durant’s lambs at Red Ridge Farms, who are the newest and cutest members of the neighborhood.  

The Dundee Hills are a place where a day of tasting wine flows easily into a slow evening over dinner. Inns and boutique lodging invite guests to unwind in rooms overlooking the vineyards, while offering their own suggestions for spots you might visit next. You may find yourself planning your next visit before your first visit concludes, and you wouldn’t be the first to do so!

For those planning a visit during Oregon Wine Month, the Dundee Hills is the best spot to see where the story began. These hills put Oregon wine on the map for a reason, and six decades later, they still tell the story of the winegrowers whose gamble in the Willamette Valley sure paid off.