Dundee Hills

🔍 Quick Summary

The Dundee Hills AVA is Oregon’s flagship Pinot Noir region, celebrated for its volcanic Jory soils and elegant, age-worthy wines.

🔊 Pronunciation: dun-dee hills

📜 History

Dundee Hills is the birthplace of Oregon's modern wine movement.

  • 1965 – David Lett plants Pinot Noir at The Eyrie Vineyards, defying California-centric norms.

  • 1979 – Eyrie’s 1975 Reserve Pinot Noir places among top Burgundies at the Wine Olympiad.

  • 1987 – Maison Joseph Drouhin establishes Domaine Drouhin Oregon, linking Burgundy to Oregon.

  • 2004 – Dundee Hills becomes the first sub-AVA of the Willamette Valley.

🧠 What to Know

Dundee Hills is a benchmark for cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

  1. Volcanic Jory Soils – Deep, iron-rich red soils offer excellent drainage and impart bright acidity and red fruit purity.

  2. Elevation Advantage – Vineyards range from 200 to 1,067 ft (61–325 m), allowing for long ripening and reduced frost risk.

  3. Rain Shadow Effect – The Coast Range shelters the region, resulting in 30–45 inches (760–1,140 mm) of annual rainfall, mostly outside the growing season.

  4. Pinot Noir Paradise – Known for red-fruited, silky, and age-worthy expressions.

  5. Chardonnay’s Rise – Increasingly acclaimed for its vibrant, mineral-driven style.

Famous Vineyards

  • The Eyrie Vineyards – Home to Oregon’s first Pinot Noir plantings.

  • Domaine Drouhin Oregon – Burgundy meets Oregon elegance.

  • Archery Summit – Known for structured, cellar-worthy Pinots.

📍 Where It’s Found

🇺🇸 Dundee Hills AVA – A compact, hilly region within the Willamette Valley, about 28 miles southwest of Portland.

⬆️ Elevation: 200–1,067 ft / 61–325 m

🌞 Cool Maritime Climate (41–73°F / 5–23°C) – Protected by the Coast Range, offering warm days, cool nights, and minimal fog.

🌡️ Historical Temperature Summary: 41–73°F (5–23°C) average daytime highs during growing season.

🔺 Warming Trend: Temperatures have risen ~3°F (1.2°C) since the 1980s, leading to riper fruit and earlier harvests.

🏛 Notable Producers

  • The Eyrie Vineyards – Pioneers of Oregon Pinot Noir, established 1965.

  • Domaine Drouhin Oregon – French finesse meets Oregon terroir, founded 1987.

  • Sokol Blosser Winery – Organic farming pioneers since 1971.

  • Archery Summit – Known for structured, cellar-worthy Pinots.

  • Domaine Serene – Luxurious Chardonnays and Pinots from a Tuscan-style estate.

  • Argyle Winery – Celebrated for sparkling wines and Pinot Noir.

  • Lange Estate Winery & Vineyards – Family-owned, producing elegant wines since 1987.

  • White Rose Estate – Focus on whole-cluster fermentation for aromatic complexity.

  • Knudsen Vineyards – Historic vineyard supplying top wineries.

  • Durant Vineyards – Estate-grown wines with a focus on sustainability.

🍷 Wines to Try

These wines define the region’s style and legacy:

  • Pinot Noir – Red-fruited, silky, and age-worthy.

  • Chardonnay – Vibrant, mineral-driven, with citrus and floral notes.

  • Sparkling Wines – Crisp, elegant, and méthode traditionnelle.

  • Pinot Gris – Fresh, aromatic, and food-friendly.

  • Rosé of Pinot Noir – Dry, bright, and perfect for summer sipping.

🗺️ To Further Explore

These zones reveal the region’s range and character:

  • Red Hills of Dundee – Core area with iconic vineyards and deep Jory soils.

  • North Dundee – Higher elevations offering cooler microclimates.

  • South Dundee – Slightly warmer, producing riper fruit profiles.

  • Dundee Town Center – Home to tasting rooms and boutique wineries.

👅 Flavor & Style

Dundee Hills wines are known for their elegance, bright acidity, and expressive fruit.

  • Color: Medium ruby for Pinot Noir; pale gold for Chardonnay.

  • Aromas & Flavors:

    • Primary: Red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, citrus, green apple.

    • Secondary: Subtle oak, vanilla, baking spices.

    • Tertiary: Earth, mushroom, truffle with age.

  • Structure: Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity.

  • Alcohol: Typically 12.5–14%

🛠 Winemaking Notes

A blend of tradition and innovation defines Dundee Hills winemaking.

  • Fermentation: Use of native yeasts and whole-cluster fermentation.

  • Aging: French oak barrels, often with minimal new oak to preserve purity.

  • Blending: Single-vineyard and block-specific bottlings highlight terroir.

  • Sustainability: Emphasis on organic and biodynamic practices..

🍽 Food Pairing Ideas

Pairs well with dishes that complement its elegance and acidity.

  • Savory: Grilled salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto.

  • Cheese: Brie, Camembert, aged Gouda.

  • Unexpected: Seared tuna, beet salad, roasted chicken with herbs.

📑 Regional Wine Laws

AVA Designation: Established in 2004, wines labeled "Dundee Hills" must have at least 85% of grapes sourced from the AVA.

  1. Labeling: Wines may also carry the broader "Willamette Valley" designation.

  2. Sustainability: Many producers adhere to LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certification.

🔗 Related Topics to Explore

🍇 Pinot Noir – Oregon’s signature grape.

🧀 Wine and Cheese Pairing – Enhance your tasting experience.

🌍 Willamette Valley AVA – The larger region encompassing Dundee Hills.

🛢 Oak Aging – Influence on wine flavor and structure.

🌱 Sustainable Viticulture – Practices in the Dundee Hills