Rolling hills and orderly vineyards are enough to tempt even the most faithful city folk to start a new, slower life in Dundee. Of course, the town’s location 45 minutes outside of Portland means regular visits are more than feasible — and once you get a taste, you’ll definitely yearn for more.
Why You Should Visit This Week: Fresh Off the Press
As the year draws to an end, farmers are plucking the first olives of the season from the Durant at Red Ridge Farms orchards and grinding the fruit into olive oil at Oregon’s only commercial olive mill. That first batch of liquid gold will be the star of the Olio Nuovo Festival, a celebration modeled after harvest traditions in Italy. Every weekend in November, guests can enjoy complimentary activities, including olive oil samples, chef demonstrations, and tours of the production facility. Artisans will also have seasonal dishes and gift boxes for purchase in the food and wine pavilion.
While attendance is free, some events like the Oeno & Olio tasting require tickets.
Food & Drink: Oenophile These Away
Wine, wine, everywhere the wine. It would take many, many weekends to visit every tasting room in the Dundee Hills AVA, which is home to some of the state’s most recognizable wineries, including Sokol Blosser, Domaine Serene, Stoller Family Estate, and Argyle.
Here are a few select destinations and some experience notes to get you started.
- Torii Mor: Relax in a peaceful Japanese garden with a red torii gate that frames the vineyard and views of Mount Hood.
- Domaine Roy & Fils: An elevated, patio panorama sets the scene for pinot noir and chardonnay.
- Artist Block Wine: Contemporary pop meets small-lot, organic wine, shipped to your front door or sipped at their tasting room, The Art Barn.
- Furioso: Floor-to-ceiling glass windows invite the beauty of this vineyard indoors, accentuating every pour.
As for food, farm-to-table has never been easier to find. Soak up the sips at restaurants such as Trellis (sandwiches and pasta), Wooden Heart (wood-fired pizzas), Red Hills Market (Benedicts and other breakfast favorites), or Tina’s Restaurant (fine dining).
At Durant at Red Ridge Farms’ Oeno & Olio event, attendees will sample both wine and olive oil alongside fresh baguettes and bruschetta. (Courtesy of Durant at Red Ridge Farms)
Outdoors: Forest Serenity
Outside of Carlton, Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey is a monastery that’s home to Cistercian monks, nestled on the edge of a beautiful wood that’s crisscrossed with hiking trails. Members of the public who observe the rules — make sure to leave pets at home — are invited to walk the paths and enjoy the peace of nature. In total, the Guadalupe Loop is 3.5 miles with a short spur to a viewpoint at the top, perfect for watching low clouds drift among the trees. Keep in mind, recent rain means you’ll deal with slippery mud.
Did we miss something in the Dundee Hills? Send us a line to share your recs.
