Dundee Hills
Willamette Valley
The spiritual home of Oregon Pinot Noir, where David Lett planted the first vines in 1965. The distinctive red Jory volcanic soils and south-facing slopes produce Pinot Noir of depth and structure, with earthy, spiced character.
The wines of Dundee Hills are made primarily from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris.
Vineyard Map
Climate
The south-facing exposure and elevation create one of the warmest and driest microclimates in the Willamette Valley, with excellent sun exposure and protection from cool marine winds. The volcanic soils absorb and retain heat during the day, extending the growing season and promoting full phenolic ripeness.
Terroir
The Dundee Hills sit atop Columbia River Basalt bedrock overlain by the distinctive red Jory soil series, formed from weathered basaltic volcanic material. This iron-rich, well-draining clay soil extends 4-6 feet deep before hitting the basalt layer, forcing vine roots to work intensively within this nutrient-rich volcanic profile. The combination of basalt bedrock and clay creates excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture during Oregon's dry summers.
Typical Aromas
Notable producers
Estates that shape how this region tastes.
Domaine Drouhin
Burgundy in Oregon, Laurene Pinot
Domaine Serene
Evenstad Reserve, luxury Oregon Pinot
Sokol Blosser
Oregon pioneer, sustainable estate
What it tastes like
Body
Medium
Acidity
Bright
Tannin
Fine
Oak
A touch of oak
Ripeness
Ripe
Concentration
Medium
Medium-bodied and bright with fine tannin; red cherry, raspberry and rose petal over forest floor and baking spices, silky and built to age.
red fruit · floral · spicy · earthy · silky
Similar styles
Lands in the same glass.
Grapes of Willamette Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes grow in Dundee Hills?▼
What soils are found in Dundee Hills?▼
Map data: TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)