Dobbes Family Estate // Wine Tasting

An afternoon of wine tasting at Dobbes Family Estate in Dundee, Oregon. Dobbes Winery produces amazing Syrah, big Pinot Noirs, and an excellent Grenache Blanc. 

Dobbes Family Estate is pouring some unique varieties that you won’t find at many Willamette Valley locations. For instance, their Grenache Blanc. With flavors of almond, vanilla and stone fruit finished by a tropical aroma, it’s a smooth wine with a good weight to it. Wine Enthusiast gave it 90 points, and it’s priced at just $28/bottle.

Another wine produced by Dobbes Family Estate that you’ll not see frequently in the area is Syrah. Dark fruits, spices and notes of tobacco run throughout this robust wine. The grapes for their Syrahs (Grand Assemblage – $28 and Fortmiller – $50) come from the Rogue Valley, in Southern Oregon. The warmer temperatures and additional sunshine in that area allow the grapes to produce that big, bold style that is called for in a great Syrah.

Speaking of big and bold, that is what brings me to my next point about why Dobbes Family Estate is distinct.

Their Pinot Noirs. Unlike most of the pinots that you’ll find in the Willamette Valley, which are delicate and light-bodied, the majority of Dobbes’ pinots are of the more masculine variety – Bigger, bolder, and able to stand up to those heavier foods – Like beef short ribs, goulash and a filet mignon.

If you aren’t into the typical lighter-bodied type Oregon Pinot Noirs, I’d highly suggest checking out Dobbes for their bigger, bolder type pinots. It will definitely give you an idea of the different variations of Pinot Noir that are out there.

And the final thing that sets Dobbes Family Estate apart? Their tasting room is open until 6pm, whereas most others in the area close at 5pm, or even 4pm. Because of this, I usually like to make Dobbes my final stop of the day if we get a late start, especially because they’re conveniently located as one of the last stops in Dundee as you make your way back to the Portland area.

Dobbes Family Estate Tasting Room

Dobbes Family Estate is open daily from 11am – 6pm and is located at 240 5th Street Dundee, Oregon 97115. You’ll notice their tasting room to the left right when you are entering town if you are headed there from Portland. 

Dobbes Family Estate Tasting Fee

The tasting fee for a flight of five wines at Dobbes is $15. And, as you can see from the picture below, their staff is obviously fabulous. I’d highly suggest making a stop at Dobbes if you are into bigger, bolder red wines. 

More Dundee, Oregon Wineries:

• De Ponte Cellars
• Alexana Estate
• Stoller
• Argyle Winery

Places to Stay in Dundee, Oregon:

• Black Walnut Inn
• Atticus Hotel
• The Vintages 

A special thanks to Portland photographer Deann Orr for the amazing photographs. Be sure to check out her site for more of her stunning shots.

NOTE: I paid for my tasting flight out of my own pocket and was not compensated in any way for this post.