Summer in the Dundee Hills
Seasonal Visitor’s Guide
Summer in the Dundee Hills
Summer brings the full bounty of the Dundee Hills. Vineyard canopies are thick with clusters of grapes and vines literally growing before your eyes – sometimes up to an inch a day! Restaurants and tasting rooms lean into the abundance, with seasonal menus that highlight just-picked local produce.
Patios offer views of the valley in the warm sunshine and pairings that celebrate the region’s peak flavors. From early morning hikes to golden hour tastings, summer is an ideal time to explore everything the Dundee Hills has to offer.
Plan Your Visit
Weather
Summer in the Dundee Hills often brings a welcome respite from the heat elsewhere in the country. The mild climate that gives our grapes a prolonged ripening season also makes us a great travel destination in the peak of summer! Temperatures average in the mid-70s to 80s with occasional spikes into the 90s and very limited rainfall.
What to Pack
With plenty of sunshine and cool mornings that linger into the evening, you’ll want to pack lightweight layers, breathable clothing, and comfortable shoes for walking between tasting rooms downtown or exploring vineyards further into the hills. A light sweater or jacket will come in handy after sunset. Don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and sun protection so you can enjoy those stunning views out on the patios!
Wine Tasting Attire
While some regions lean toward dressy attire for wine tasting, the Dundee Hills doesn’t have a dress code. You’ll fit in if you’re dressed to the nines or in denim and boots. Oregon is a come-as-you-are state, and we hold that ethos dear in our tasting rooms.
Insider Tips
Plan ahead. Summer is a popular time to visit the Dundee Hills, and tasting rooms can book up quickly, especially on weekends. Make reservations in advance to ensure you can visit all the wineries and restaurants on your list, and consider weekday visits for a more relaxed pace.
Join local events. Schedule your trip strategically to connect with the community and experience the region beyond the tasting room. From Dundee’s Third Thursdays street fair to the Fueled by Fine Wine runs through vineyard trails, there’s always something happening. Our wineries would love to welcome you for special chef dinners, concerts, and more. Nearby Newberg also hosts the fragrant Willamette Valley Lavender Festival. There’s something for everyone!
Upcoming Events
What’s Happening in the Vineyards
In early summer, tiny flower clusters called inflorescences bloom across the vines before the grape clusters emerge from the blooms. As the season progresses, vines grow vigorously, filling out with thick canopies of green. Grape vines are hearty and never stop growing; vineyard crews carefully manage this growth, thinning leaves and positioning shoots to ensure each developing cluster gets the right balance of sunlight and airflow.
By mid to late summer, the grapes begin to change in a process called veraison. This marks the beginning of ripening as the fruit softens and shifts in color. It’s an exciting turning point in the growing season and a beautiful one, as rows of vines hint at the vintage ahead.
