The Dundee Hills: The Crown Jewel of the Willamette Valley
A Pioneering Past:
In 2025, the Dundee Hills AVA celebrates two decades of official recognition—but its roots stretch back over 60 years. Early visionaries saw potential in the region’s signature red Jory soils and temperate climate, planting the first vines that would come to define Oregon wine. As Amy Beth Wright of Wine Enthusiast describes, this “Goldilocks wine region” offers a climate that’s just right—producing some of the world’s most elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The World’s #1 Wine Travel Destination:
This year, VinePair named Oregon’s Willamette Valley the #1 Wine Travel Destination in the World—and the Dundee Hills is its crown jewel. While Pinot Noir remains the region’s signature, a wave of winemakers is expanding the conversation with Gamay, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and more. From heritage vineyards to cutting-edge new labels, the Dundee Hills AVA is a dynamic hub for wine lovers ready to explore beyond the expected.
Rising Bubbles - Oregon Sparkling Wine Makes Its Mark:
Sparkling wine is having a moment in the Dundee Hills. Once a niche pursuit, méthode traditionnelle production is now thriving across the region. Capital Press spotlighted this surge, highlighting how the Dundee Hills is positioned to rival Champagne itself. This movement will be celebrated at the upcoming Method Oregon event hosted by Domaine Willamette, where more than 20 local wineries will pour their sparkling wines to showcase the AVA’s growing range and talent.
National Acclaim for Local Sparkling Stars:
Dundee Hills wines are catching national attention. In Forbes’ Mother’s Day roundup, two standout bottles from the AVA were celebrated: Domaine Serene’s ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Brut Rosé, praised for its bright strawberry and citrus-laced complexity, and Stoller’s Estate Brut Sparkling, recognized for its refreshing pear, apple, and creamy texture—all delivered at a remarkably fair price. These wines represent the sophistication and accessibility that make Dundee Hills bubbles a must-try.
Trellis Celebrates the Legacy of Local Wine:
At Trellis, we’re proud to be part of the Dundee Hills story. Our wine list is carefully curated to feature boutique local producers, including several sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs from right here in the AVA. Our Bird Box six-pack offers a rotating selection of regional wines—with four out of six often hailing from the Dundee Hills. Join us for a toast on the patio or discover your new favorite bottle on our wine list. Here’s to 20 years of official excellence—and many more to come.