Dundee Hills

Established: 2004
Total Area: 12,500 acres (5,100) ha)
Planted Area: 2,225 acres (900 ha)
Predominant Soils: Volcanic (Jory series)
Predominant Varieties: Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc

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About

The Dundee Hills AVA is contained within the Willamette Valley AVA and is located 28 miles (45 km) southwest of Portland and 40 miles (64 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean. It is defined by a single, continuous landmass that rises above the low, flat floors of the surrounding Willamette and Chehalem Valleys beginning at the 200 foot (60 m) contour line and extending to the AVA’s highest peak of 1,067 feet (325 m).

The Dundee Hills area is effectively an island protected from great climatic variations by the Coast Range to the west and the Chehalem Mountains to the northeast. The Dundee Hills receive less cooling influence from the Pacific Ocean and Columbia Gorge, resulting in slightly warmer growing seasons than most Willamette Valley AVAs.

The Dundee Hills AVA is known for its rich, red volcanic Jory soil, formed by the Columbia River Basalts more than 14 million years ago. Jory soils typically reach a depth of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) and provide excellent drainage for superior quality wine grapes. Pinot noirs from this area are most often bright with elegant red fruit, earthy, truffle-like flavors and silky mouthfeel.

Region History:

Winemaker David Lett planted the first Pinot noir in the Dundee Hills in 1966, establishing The Eyrie Vineyards. Soon after, Dick Erath, the Sokol Blossers and other winemakers cleared south-facing slopes to plant many of Oregon’s first vineyards. They whole-heartedly believed this area would one day be an important cool-climate winegrowing region. It didn’t take long for the world to discover the Dundee Hills and Oregon – especially once The Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Pinot noir was rated among top Burgundian wines in the 1979 Gault-Millau French Wine Olympiad. Today, the area is home to many of Oregon’s modern pioneer winemakers who continue to successfully grow and make premium wine. The appellation was approved in 2004.