Domaine Willamette ~ Dundee, OR
A few weekends ago, my husband and I had the privilege of touring the brand new Domaine Willamette located in Dundee, OR. We were able to visit it before it opened to the public and got to take in a truly stunning winery that feels like it's ushering in a new level of sophistication and experience to the Oregon wine country.
Domaine Willamette is Oregon's first sparkling wine facility. They produce méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, but this location is owned by Jim Bernau of Willamette Valley Vineyards, so they also feature wines from Willamatte Valley Vineyards.
Domaine Willamette is Oregon's first sparkling wine facility. They produce méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, but this location is owned by Jim Bernau of Willamette Valley Vineyards, so they also feature wines from Willamatte Valley Vineyards.
As you arrive to the winery, you are greeted by two oversize stunning doors which open to a spectacular tasting room. There really seemed there was no detail overlooked when this winery was built. The inside felt classy, but cozy. It's a very large space, that's broken up into different areas. But for me, the most stunning location at this winery is the outdoors.
Outside, you will find tables scattered around its multiple tiered landscape. Each table has a wonderful view of the local wine region, and even views of Mt. Hood. All of these tables sit above the beautiful pond and waterfall, which seems to be the centerpiece of the outdoor area. There are also fire features throughout the space, making for what I can only assume a stunning nighttime experience, that I definitely want to check out.
If you choose to take a walk around the grounds, one of my favorite parts of the landscape was the biodynamic garden filled with all sorts of herbs. The use of the herbs as landscaping was inspiring and I love that they are growing herbs that they feature in the food that they serve. I now want to make my own biodynamic garden to accentuate my own yard.
Outside, you will find tables scattered around its multiple tiered landscape. Each table has a wonderful view of the local wine region, and even views of Mt. Hood. All of these tables sit above the beautiful pond and waterfall, which seems to be the centerpiece of the outdoor area. There are also fire features throughout the space, making for what I can only assume a stunning nighttime experience, that I definitely want to check out.
If you choose to take a walk around the grounds, one of my favorite parts of the landscape was the biodynamic garden filled with all sorts of herbs. The use of the herbs as landscaping was inspiring and I love that they are growing herbs that they feature in the food that they serve. I now want to make my own biodynamic garden to accentuate my own yard.
When inside, you will be immersed in so many wood elements, making it feel very northwest. You will also find many unique features. One of the first things I noticed where the private tasting rooms lining the front of the building. Each one had a sliding door that could close to create a private space. I thought this was a great idea to allow for those groups that want a bit more privacy and individualized experience.
Another unique feature was the room downstairs which is named the, "Starry Sky Room." The ceiling features hundreds of lights, and if you peer up at the "sky" for long enough, you will even see some shooting stars. There is also a large screen on the wall telling the story of Jim Bernau and his history of wine making.
Downstairs also featured the wine cellar and some other tasting areas. I'm assuming those areas will be for those extra special tasting experiences that provide tours and education of the wine and wine making process.
Back upstairs, there were several tasting areas. One that I found to be my favorite was the one featuring a large stone fireplace and expansive windows that looked out to the vineyard. I feel like this will make a stunning location to taste wine during the holidays, with a fire going.
Another unique feature was the room downstairs which is named the, "Starry Sky Room." The ceiling features hundreds of lights, and if you peer up at the "sky" for long enough, you will even see some shooting stars. There is also a large screen on the wall telling the story of Jim Bernau and his history of wine making.
Downstairs also featured the wine cellar and some other tasting areas. I'm assuming those areas will be for those extra special tasting experiences that provide tours and education of the wine and wine making process.
Back upstairs, there were several tasting areas. One that I found to be my favorite was the one featuring a large stone fireplace and expansive windows that looked out to the vineyard. I feel like this will make a stunning location to taste wine during the holidays, with a fire going.
Could these be future on-site accommodations? I hope so!
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One other location we spotted was a separate building. They seemed to be some sort of suites of some kind. Knowing how Willamette Valley Vineyards has suites available to rent, my assumption is that this will also be some sort of accommodations to stay in while visiting, which I think is brilliant. The views from this separate building would make for the perfect scenery while enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening while enjoying the fire pit located on the patio.
The location, the grounds, and the building are all noteworthy. But, what also makes this a must-see location in the Dundee Hills is the wine itself. Again, this is the first sparkling wine facility in Oregon. We had the opportunity to taste several and as someone who normally isn't a fan of sparkling wines, fell in love instantly. My favorite was the brut. I loved the grape taste that came through and made me fall in love. We also bought a bottle of their Blanc de Blanc, that we have yet to try and are saving for a special occasion. They also have a sparkling rose, which my husband enjoyed a lot. |
Of course, you will find many more wines here than just sparkling ones, which makes sure everyone will find at least one wine they will enjoy. For my husband and I, we always tend to find many more than one and walk out with several bottles of wine. Willamette Valley Vineyards is known for its Pinot Noirs and are definitely a must-try while here.
Lastly, what probably stood out to me most was the level of customer service of every single employee we encountered. From the moment you walk in the doors you are greeted by the friendly hostess. The sommeliers we encountered were all knowledgeable and helpful. One of my favorite parts of wine tasting is learning about the land the grapes come from, along with the unique histories of each wine. I love hearing the stories and I greatly appreciate that the sommeliers at Domaine Willamette took the time to share them.
I really can't recommend this winery enough. We already have a reservation for later this month so we can go back and experience it again. This next time, we are brining our friends with us, so we can share this wonderful winery and tasty wines with them. If you are finding yourself wanting to explore the Oregon Wine Country and are in the Dundee area, you have add this winery to your list of stops. It showcases Oregon at its finest.
Lastly, what probably stood out to me most was the level of customer service of every single employee we encountered. From the moment you walk in the doors you are greeted by the friendly hostess. The sommeliers we encountered were all knowledgeable and helpful. One of my favorite parts of wine tasting is learning about the land the grapes come from, along with the unique histories of each wine. I love hearing the stories and I greatly appreciate that the sommeliers at Domaine Willamette took the time to share them.
I really can't recommend this winery enough. We already have a reservation for later this month so we can go back and experience it again. This next time, we are brining our friends with us, so we can share this wonderful winery and tasty wines with them. If you are finding yourself wanting to explore the Oregon Wine Country and are in the Dundee area, you have add this winery to your list of stops. It showcases Oregon at its finest.