When I say I’m going wine tasting for the weekend, that typically means I’m headed for wine tasting in Dundee, Oregon. Just a quick 30 minute drive outside of Portland, Oregon, and with over 29 wineries to explore, it’s a great place for a spur of the moment trip to do some tastings.
A couple weekends ago I headed to some of our favorite spots with a few girlfriends. I was fortunate enough to have my friend Deann along who is an ah-maaz-ing photographer. She took all of the photos featured here in this post, and a few new headshots for me. Check out more of her great shots on here website here. She’s based locally in Portland and does great work if I do say so myself!
Our first stop was Four Graces. Conveniently located as soon as you pull into town, this is the latest wine club that Rick and I have joined. We were blown away by their Pinot Blanc and their lovely outdoor seating area. Plus, Sammie (our labradoodle who has most likely been to more wineries that 90% of all human beings) is more than welcome along. A key point in determining which wine clubs to join! All about the dog…
It started raining on us – Fortunately Four Graces has a converted barn that can be used to duck for cover!
On our way to the next winery, along the twisty gravel road, we stumbled upon Briar Rose creamery. Creating handcrafted fresh and aged goat cheeses, aged cow’s milk cheeses, and award-winning chocolate goat cheese truffles.
Each small batch is nurtured to achieve the best flavor and texture, highlighting the seasonal qualities of the cheeses.
You guys… Those goat cheese chocolate truffles were beyond… Like little bites of chocolate cheesecake, but not too rich… Probably the best thing I’ve eaten all year! PS – You may want to call ahead, it appears that Briar Rose is only open on the weekends.
Lange Estate was next on our list – Located a bit higher in the hills, Lange has a great view of Mt. Hood on sunny days and it’s my opinion that their Pinot Noirs can’t be beat!
The tasting room hosts at Lange are always very welcoming in the tasting room and have a wide selection of pours available. Their Reserve Pinot Gris is by far one of my favorites!
And, our final stop of the day – The lovely Stoller Family Estate. I’m a huge fan of their rosé, and their rolling lawn is the perfect location for hanging out and enjoying some wine on their Adirondack chairs.
If you’re feeling energetic, or if you have the kiddos along, there’s a tire swing and a Frisbee golf course to check out as well.
My favorite way to enjoy wine country is by packing a picnic. It’s easy! Click here for tips on how assemble that perfect basket to take along!
Tips for Wine Tasting in Dundee, Oregon
- Traffic can build up on Saturdays. For that reason, I typically prefer to do my tastings on Sundays. Weekdays would be great too if you have the flexibility!
- If you’ve got questions about visiting the area, please feel free to email me or leave a comment below. I’d love to help out!
Dundee Hills Wineries:
Where to Stay When Wine Tasting in Dundee, Oregon
It is possible I like the actual experience of wine tasting more than the wine. Possibly! Also, LOVE your shoes!
I would agree with you – It’s so fun to see the beautiful scenery, catch up with friends, and nibble on snacks!
How fun! This place looks beautiful.
Melissa – Dundee is one of my favorite spots. Plus, I love that it’s so close to home. Plus Plus – The wine is AMAZING!
Such beautiful pictures and I hadn’t heard of Dundee! I’m amazed it’s not on any of the Portland tourist guides, or at least none I’ve seen.
Dundee is a great spot with so many wineries close to one another. It makes for a great day (or full weekend) of tasting!
I love wine tasting in Dundee! I think my favorite is Sokol Blosser…yum!
I’m a huge fan of Sokol Blosser. We were just there yesterday, and came to the conclusion that it is definitely one of our favorites too!
Wow, that looks like a GREAT time! And those photos are sublime!
It was a super fun day! And yes, the shots are great! I love the one of the grapes!
It was such a fun day! I love collaborating with you and spending the day drinking wine, umm, I mean, doing research! 🙂
Thanks SO much Deann – You were great at getting me to feel a bit more comfortable in front of your lens!
How fabulous to have a photographer along to help capture the beauty and memories of the day!
It was awesome Pech – Plus it kept my hands free to drink more wine 😉
Deann did a great job!
Bookmarking to send to friends when they want to know what to do in/around Portland… thanks!
Thanks Jen! You can definitely make a couple full days out of wine tasting in Dundee!
These photos are beyond gorgeous!!! Wish I had a photographer friend to come with me on all my weekend adventures! =)
Chocolate goat cheese truffles – – aaaaaah I want the recipe!
I know! I wish Deann could come along with me on all of our wine tasting trips – She did such a great job and my hands were free to drink more wine! 😉
I cannot wait to be non-pregnant again. I want to go tasting so bad after all the posts I’ve read this summer! Typically we head out to the Forest Grove area– we love Apolloni, David Hill, Montinore… so good! I will have to go out to Dundee the next trip.
I just recently discovered the Forest Grove area – Really loved the atmosphere at Apolloni and they were so friendly in the tasting room! Mama will need a big cheers to celebrate the new baby!
These are absolutely stunning photos! Love Dundee and wine tasting down there!
Aren’t they great pics Erin? Dundee may be one of my favorite weekend spots ever!
Just found your blog. Although our ages are very different (I can be your mom’s age), we share many similar passions. I’ve been cooking since my late teens and have something like 2500 cookbooks both in English and in Japanese. I also collect wines and enjoy going to the wineries esp in the summer months with our trailer.. Since I enjoy cooking and drinking the wines I have on hand, it’s hard to go out to eat and only mostly do that when we are traveling. For me, it’s not only wines, I also love Japanese sake and shochus and try to match whenever I can. My husband has been a good sport.
Awesome, very beautiful place and the all pics with the wine are superb.
I agree Amelie – Definitely my favorite place for wine tasting!