Get to Know the Willamette Valley AVAs: Dundee Hills

When most people think of Oregon wine, they think of Pinot Noir. The origin of this worldwide reputation began in Dundee Hills where the first grapes in the Willamette were planted and nurtured, growing into the full-bodied pours we know today. More than 50 years ago, Oregon wine pioneers planted the first of Oregon’s vineyards here, taking advantage of the complex volcanic Jory soil and ideal growing conditions of the appellation. In this continuation of our series exploring the 11 nested AVAs of Oregon Wine Country, we’re introducing you to the birthplace of Oregon wine itself, Dundee Hills.

Dundee Hills American Viticultural Area

Located approximately 30 miles to the southwest of Portland and 40 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, the Dundee Hills AVA comprises 12,500 acres protected from the cold and windy ocean climate by the higher Coast Range of mountains. Over millions of years, the Dundee Hills were formed by volcanic flows and subterranean rifts and when the Missoula Floods drenched the Willamette Valley around 15,000 years ago, the Dundee Hills sat above the flood line, retaining its precious volcanic sediment. 

Dundee Hills was officially established as an American Viticultural Area in 2005 and contains 98 vineyards, 28 wineries, and 32 tasting rooms, offering plenty of options for sampling tastings from what is widely considered the most prestigious of the Willamette Valley AVAs. Dundee Hills wine features fruit flavors from the Red Hills with acidic notes from the high iron content in the Jory soil, resulting in a tart fruit palette. 

Offering more than just Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills also produces award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and sparkling wines. To this day, Dundee Hills is the most densely planted region in both the Willamette Valley and the state of Oregon.

Featured Dundee Hills Wineries

Best For: Sustainable Winery

Domaine Drouhin | Dayton, Oregon

For over 30 years the Drouhin family has brought a wealth of winemaking experience to the Willamette Valley. Domaine Drouhin is a LIVE certified sustainable operation where all of their fruit is tended and hand-picked. Their Pinot Noir is aged in new and neutral French oak barrels that are custom-made in Burgundy from oak trees directly from France’s best forests. 

Best For: Wine Varieties

Dobbes Family Vineyard | Dundee, Oregon

Encompassing two decades of winemaking, Dobbes Family Vineyard offers walk-in tastings and winery tours by appointment featuring a selection of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Syrah, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. Dobbes Family Vineyard is LIVE certified and committed to sustainability, including practices like green landscaping, wind-powered electricity, and recycled packaging.

Best For: Unique Tasting Rooms

Artist Block | Dundee, Oregon

The creative folks at Artist Block have created a space and format for anyone. They offer four different styles of tastings - from a small batch, hard-to-find tasting to their “I DON'T GIVE A F*CK” secret stash. They also offer a Friday eventing throwback film screening with a tasting menu created by Chef Mason Goucher.

Best For: Innovative Wines

Archery Summit | Dayton, Oregon

With a 25-year history of producing Pinot Noir, Archery Summit focuses on providing elegant and innovative wines. All five of Archery Summit’s vineyards are contained within the Dundee Hills AVA. Sample Pinot Noir varietals in their tasting room or take a private tour of their gravity flow winery and barrel caves.

Other Popular Dundee Hills Wineries

Bergström Vineyard | Dundee, Oregon

This bowl-shaped vineyard, growing from volcanic clay on Basalt produces uniquely ripe Pinot Noir from grapes with savory and sweet herbal notes while the Chardonnay displays classic expression of lemon and lime citrus aromas with nutty, floral notes.

Nicolas-Jay Estate | Newberg, Oregon

The product of a 30-year friendship, winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo and music entrepreneur Jay Boberg’s Bishop Creek Vineyard and Dundee Hill Estate represent the geologic diversity of the Willamette Valley. The 25 plantable acres at Dundee Hill Estate rest upon volcanic colluvium that defines the AVA.

Book Your Stay in the Willamette Valley

Conveniently located near the Dundee Hills AVA, Tributary Hotel is nestled in the heart of historic McMinnville, Oregon and offers a boutique hotel experience with world-class hospitality and luxury suites. Tributary is your ideal base for exploring Oregon Wine Country.

Book now to reserve your stay.