The Dundee Hills AVA: A Gem of Oregon Wine Country

A Pioneering Past:

The Dundee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA), nestled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, boasts a rich history that began in 1966 when David Lett planted the first Pinot Noir vines at Eyrie Vineyards. Visionaries like Lett, Dick Erath, and the Sokol Blosser family saw potential in the region’s cool climate and volcanic soils, defying skeptics who deemed Oregon too wet for viticulture. Their gamble paid off in 1979 when a Dundee Hills Pinot Noir stunned the world by outperforming Burgundian wines at the Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiades. Officially recognized as an AVA in 2004, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association (DHWA), a milestone celebrating six decades of winemaking legacy.

Why Dundee Hills Wines Shine:

Dundee Hills wines, especially its renowned Pinot Noir, captivate with their refined balance and vivid terroir. Grown in the AVA’s signature Jory soils—red, volcanic, and iron-rich—these grapes yield wines with lush red fruit like cherry and cranberry, accented by earthy undertones and a whisper of spice. The cool, slow-ripening climate preserves acidity, lending a silky texture that’s distinctly Dundee. Beyond Pinot, the region’s Chardonnay and Pinot Gris dazzle with crisp elegance, making every sip a celebration of this unique corner of the Willamette Valley.

A Tale of Tenacity and Triumph:

The Dundee Hills story is one of bold bets and big rewards. In the 1960s, a handful of dreamers fled California’s crowded wine scene, lured by the promise of Oregon’s untamed hills. By 2005, their legacy was cemented when Alex Sokol Blosser spearheaded the AVA’s recognition, naming it “Dundee Hills” for its striking red earth. That same year, the Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association (DHWA) formed to nurture this heritage, growing into a vibrant collective of over 50 members. This 20th anniversary in 2025 honors their journey—from rugged pioneers to global tastemakers.

Terroir You Can Taste:

The Dundee Hills’ geography weaves magic into every bottle. Spanning 6,940 acres of undulating foothills, the AVA sits 28 miles southwest of Portland, cradled by the Coast Range and Chehalem Mountains. This natural buffer tempers Pacific rains and Gorge winds, delivering a mild microclimate with 30-45 inches of annual rainfall, mostly in winter. The ancient Jory soil, born of volcanic eruptions 14 million years ago, drains swiftly, coaxing vines to dig deep for concentrated flavors. South-facing slopes, climbing past 1,000 feet, soak up sunshine, shaping wines with bright fruit and poised structure.

Toasting 20 Years of Dundee Hills AVA:

In 2025, the Dundee Hills AVA celebrates its 20th anniversary as a beacon of Oregon wine excellence. From its first defiant plantings to its current 98 vineyards and 28 wineries, the region has blossomed into a Pinot Noir haven with a welcoming spirit. To mark this 20-year milestone, the Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association (DHWA) will host a series of celebratory gatherings throughout the year—like a kickoff tasting and panel at Argyle Winery on April 17, a peak-season event at Vinovate Custom Wine Services on July 26, and a harvest celebration at Alexana on October 25. These events will highlight the region’s deep-rooted history, trailblazing winemakers, and forward-thinking approaches shaping the future of Dundee Hills wines.

Join us in raising a glass—visit dundeehills.org and traveldundeeoregon.com for event details and registration!

Cheers to 20 years and counting!