The Dundee Hills AVA
The Dundee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a wine-growing region in Willamette Valley, Oregon. The Dundee Hills AVA is known for its warm, dry summers and moderate winters, which provide ideal growing conditions for a variety of grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.
What are the unique features of the Dundee Hills AVA?
The Dundee Hills possesses several unique features that contribute to the quality and character of the wines produced in the region:
- Ideal growing conditions: The warm, dry summers and moderate winters provide ideal growing conditions for many different grape varietals.
- Volcanic and sedimentary soils: The soils here are shallow, well-drained, and rich in volcanic and sedimentary materials, which contribute a unique character to the wines.
- Beautiful landscapes: The region is known for its rolling hills and scenic vineyards, which provide a stunning backdrop for wine production and tourism.
- Focus on quality: The wineries in the Dundee Hills AVA are dedicated to producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines, and many have received recognition and awards for their efforts.
- Rich wine-making history: The Dundee Hills AVA has a rich history of wine production, and is home to many well-known and highly regarded wineries.
A visit to the Dundee Hills is a must for anyone interested in the American wine industry and the rich history of winemaking in Oregon.
What are some of the top wineries in the Dundee Hills AVA?
There are several highly regarded wineries in the Dundee Hills AVA that are known for producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines. Some of the top wineries include:
- Winderlea Vineyard and Winery: Winderlea Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned winery that was established in 2002. The winery is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, and is dedicated to producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines.
- Domaine Drouhin: This winery was established in 1988, and is known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery uses traditional French winemaking techniques and is dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique character of the Dundee Hills AVA.
- Archery Summit: Archery Summit was established in 1993. The winery is known for its Pinot Noir and is considered one of the premier producers of this grape variety in the United States. Archery Summit also produces a small amount of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
- Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards: Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards is a family-owned winery that was established in 1989. The winery is dedicated to producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines, and is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards also produce a small amount of Pinot Gris and Riesling.
- Stoller Family Estate: Stoller Family Estate was established in 2005. The winery is known for its Pinot Noir, although they also produce a small amount of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
- Domaine Serene: Domaine Serene is a family-owned winery that was established in 1989. The winery is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.
These wineries are just a few examples of the top wineries in the Dundee Hills AVA. Each of these wineries is dedicated to producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines, and a visit to these wineries provides an opportunity to taste the unique character and quality of the wines of the region and learn about the rich history of winemaking in Oregon.
What is the future of the Dundee Hills AVA?
The future looks positive for Dundee Hills, with continued growth and recognition as a premier wine-making region. The region is focused on sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices, such as reducing chemical use, preserving natural habitats, and reducing waste. Pinot Noir, grown in the region’s cool climate and volcanic soil, is becoming increasingly popular and highly regarded, both nationally and internationally.
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References:
“Dundee Hills AVA Wine Region | Oregon Wine.” n.d. Oregon Wine Board. Accessed June 1, 2023. https://www.oregonwine.org/regions/willamette-valley/dundee-hills-ava/.
“The Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association – Oregon Wine Country.” 2023. Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association. May 23, 2023. https://dundeehills.org.
