Photo Albums

The tasting room at Lange Winery is relatively new. On a clear day, which Friday wasn't, you have a spectacular view of the Cascades and Mt. Hood.

Dirt is dirt is dirt to most folks until you start talking wine. This is a Lange vineyard and you can see the cherised red soil or - terroir!

Winderlea is one of the Dundee Hills' newest wineries. One of the cool things about Willamette Valley is you often can talk to the owners or winemakers. Owners Donna Morris and Bill Sweat were pouring Friday and we chatted at some length. Their story is a fascinating one. After years in financial services mostly in Boston, but also in Japan, they bought a respected vineyard and opened their winery!

Bill and Donna behind the counter pouring for guests. They are making three Pinot Noirs with an experienced California winemaker. Bill is learning the craft.

I was feeling artsy. No, the bottle isn't a weird shape - just the odd effect of a wide angle lens.

Vista Hills is another new winery in the same area. They offered the best Pinot Gris - a light white wine - I tasted all day! They also pour great, ready to drink, Pinot Noir too! This attempt at artsy - something I've never been good at - would have been better if the wine was above the etching on the glass. Where did that wine go?

Bella Vida Winery sits on top a hill. And wow, what a hill! I had never seen tire tracks, laid in cement, going up a hill. They were poured to keep you from spinning in the gravel. It was THAT steep. This also is a new winery. A couple wanted in the business and bought the property and are doing something unique. They hired three winemakers from different wineries to take the same vineyard's grapes and make a Pinot Noir. It's an interesting concept. And, as you would expect, the three wines were significantly different.

Domanie Serene sits atop one of the many Dundee Hill peaks with great views. It was easily the most beautiful of all the wineries I visited in wine country. It's the only picture I took this morning for some reason. I did make a couple of other stops. The Domaine Serene wines were unbelievable. Greatly balanced and silky smooth Pinot Noir.