Why Are The Dundee Hills Red?

When visitors arrive in the Dundee Hills, one of the first things they notice usually isn’t the wine. It’s the ground beneath their feet.

Closely resembling crumbled baking chocolate, the rich red soil creates a striking contrast against the vibrant green grapevines stretching across the hillsides. This distinctive earth, officially named Jory soil, is the signature of the Dundee Hills. More than just beautiful, it’s one of the defining characteristics of the wines grown here.

Its ancient volcanic origins have shaped our vineyards for millions of years and continue to influence every vintage our winemakers create.

Why Jory Soil Is Different

The early pioneers of the Dundee Hills were in search of a place with a climate similar to Burgundy’s, where Pinot Noir had flourished for centuries. They found those cool growing conditions in Oregon, but they also found something Burgundy does not have: volcanic soil.

While Burgundy is celebrated for its limestone-based terroir, the Dundee Hills are rooted in ancient basalt that weathered into today’s iron-rich Jory soil. That difference has become one of the defining distinctions between Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other Burgundian varieties grown here and those grown in France.

Born from Fire

At Woodshed Wine Company, grape vines have flourished for nearly 50 years in the red Jory soil. Anthony Van Nice and his family steward the legacy of this renowned vineyard, planted decades ago by Jim McDaniels at the urging of David Lett and Dick Erath, and expanded by the Murto family after him. 

As Van Nice explains, Jory soil’s story began millions of years ago, when massive lava flows from volcanoes across the western United States spread across the Pacific Northwest. “Over time, tectonic plate movement lifted that basalt toward the surface,” he says. “Wind, rain, and countless seasons slowly broke it down into the deep red soil of the Dundee Hills today.”

Composed of a shallow topsoil, subsoil, and ancient parent rock, Jory soil is degraded basalt rich in iron and clay. Although volcanic soils exist in many wine regions worldwide, Jory soil is unique to the Dundee Hills and neighboring Willamette Valley sub-AVAs. It is found nowhere else in the world.

Why Volcanic Soil Makes Excellent Wine

Great wine begins with healthy vines, and Jory soil gives them exactly what they need for Oregon’s climate.

Its volcanic composition drains exceptionally well during the Willamette Valley’s rainy winters, preventing the vines from sitting in puddly soil. At the same time, the clay within the soil holds moisture deep underground, sometimes 30 to 40 feet below the surface. During Oregon’s dry summers, it’s common to go many weeks without measurable rainfall. That stored water is essential and encourages vine roots to grow deeper in search of moisture.

The result is naturally balanced vines that produce concentrated fruit, an essential ingredient for exceptional wines.

Taste the Difference

“Iron content changes wine,” states Van Nice. “The iron-rich volcanic composition of Jory contributes to the distinctive character of Dundee Hills wines.”

He points to Chardonnay, which often shows vibrant acidity, notes of white peach, and a flinty minerality. Pinot Noir is known for bright red fruit, lifted aromatics, earthy undertones, and warm spice notes like cinnamon and clove, often accompanied by the subtle dusty, rusty warmth that has become a hallmark of the Dundee Hills.

Jory soil is the story beneath the surface of the Dundee Hills. It’s one of the defining features that will make your next visit here unlike anywhere else in the world.