The Dundee Hills: Where Oregon Began

The Dundee Hills is where David Lett planted in 1965, where Drouhin landed in 1987, and where the red volcanic Jory soil creates Oregon's most famous wines. This sub-AVA holds more pioneering estates per square mile than anywhere else in the New World.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Feel the Red Jory Soil Adventure · Free

   The volcanic red clay that makes Dundee Hills distinctive.

   Pull over at any vineyard access road and look at the exposed soil. Jory soil is brick-red volcanic clay that holds water well but drains quickly. Pick up a handful (if dry) - it crumbles into fine particles. This is the terroir secret.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Visit Three Pioneer Estates Wine · Price: moderate

   Create your own pioneer trail through the original vineyards.

   Plan visits to Sokol Blosser (1971), Erath (1972), and Domaine Serene (1989) - all within 10 minutes of each other. Each represents a different generation of Oregon wine. Reserve ahead - weekends fill up.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Find the 45th Parallel Marker History · Free

   Oregon sits on the same latitude as Burgundy.

   The 45th parallel runs through the Willamette Valley - look for the highway marker on OR-99W near Dundee. This is the same latitude as Burgundy's Côte d'Or. David Lett knew this when he chose Oregon.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Dundee Hills became an official AVA in 2004 - 40 years after David Lett planted

• The Van Duzer Corridor creates afternoon wind gaps that cool vineyards naturally

• Lunch at Red Hills Market in Dundee - local favorite, wine-friendly menu

• The elevation range (200-1000 feet) creates micro-terroirs across the AVA