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Get Your Fun On: The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Dundee, Oregon

The wineries sit close together, which is the whole point of coming to Dundee. You can walk between some of them and you drive between the rest. The Dundee Hills climb up behind the town, so the views cost you a hill. The Oregon Coast is a full day in itself rather than an afternoon. You want a driver, because the tasting rooms add up faster than you think.

Are you planning a trip to Dundee, Oregon and wondering what to do with the days? Look at what follows. Dundee is a small town in the middle of the Willamette Valley, known for its vineyards, its food and the country around it. Whether you drink wine, eat well or walk, Dundee has the ground for it.

A Toast to Dundee’s Wineries: With over 40 wineries in the area, Dundee is where wine tasting is the whole trip. From small family-owned wineries through to larger estates, the Willamette Valley shows what it can do in the glass.

Dundee’s Delightful Dining: Dundee’s kitchens are the other half of the reason to come. With farm-to-table restaurants, cafes and bakeries, the local ingredients reach the plate the same week they leave the ground.

Key Takeaways

• Dundee is a charming town located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, known for its picturesque vineyards, delicious food, and outdoor adventures.
• Experience the unique flavors of the Willamette Valley through wine tasting at over 40 wineries in the area.
• Taste the fresh local ingredients of the region at Dundee’s farm-to-table restaurants, cafes, and bakeries.

A Toast to Dundee’s Wineries

If you drink wine, Dundee, Oregon is the town for it. The Willamette Valley is known for its Pinot Noir, and Dundee holds some of the finer wineries in the region. Here are the places worth the stop.

Sip and Swirl at Argyle Winery

Argyle Winery is known for its sparkling wine, and the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir stand up alongside it. The tasting room is small and welcoming, and the staff know what they are pouring. If the day goes your way, you might get the extended tirage brut, which is otherwise held back for wine club members.

Unwind at Four Graces Winery

Four Graces Winery is the stop for anybody who drinks Pinot Noir. Their Pinot Noir ranks with anything in the region, and the Pinot Gris and the Viognier are worth the glass as well. The tasting room sits in an old farmhouse, and the wine host, Scott, is the reason people stay longer than planned. Be sure to try the white sparkling wine, Melon de Bourgogne, and ask about the harvest dinner.

Discover the Hyland Estates Winery

Hyland Estates Winery sits in the middle of the Dundee Hills AVA, and their Pinot Noir is the one to remember. They also make a strong Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The tasting room is modern and sleek, and the view out of it goes a long way. Be sure to try their Pinos, a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

Experience the Dobbes Family Estate

Dobbes Family Estate is a family-owned winery making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that hold their own. They also run a tasting called the “Wine Country Safari,” which walks you through their vineyards and the winery itself. The tasting room is small and inviting, and the staff know the wines properly.

Explore the Knudsen Vineyards

Knudsen Vineyards is one of the oldest vineyards in the Dundee Hills AVA, and the Pinot Noir is the reason to go. They also make a strong Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The tasting room sits in an old farmhouse, and the staff will take their time with you. Be sure to ask about their Chardonnay’s, which rank with the finer wines in the region.

Relish at Torii Mor

Torii Mor is a small, family-owned winery making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay worth sitting down with. The tasting room is small and quiet, and the staff know what they are pouring. Be sure to try the Pinot Noir, which is the one, and ask about their grapes, which come from the stronger vineyards in the region.

So take a glass and drink to Dundee’s wineries. Cheers.

Dundee’s Delightful Dining

When it comes to eating in Dundee, the town punches well above its size. From wood-fired pizzas to farm-to-table cuisine, the range covers every appetite. Here are the places to eat in Dundee, Oregon.

Savor Wood-Fired Pizzas

If a wood-fired pizza is what you want, Red Hills Market is where to go. This small place turns out the finer wood-fired pizzas in town. You can pick from a range of toppings, from fresh vegetables through meats to cheeses. The crust comes out crisp and the cheese comes out right. You can take the pizza with a cold beer or a glass of wine.

Indulge in Farm-To-Table Cuisine

For fresh local ingredients, head to Tina’s. This farm-to-table restaurant runs a seasonal menu that changes often, so the plate is rarely the same twice. You can expect roasted beet salad, grilled lamb chops and seared scallops. The portions are generous and the flavors are bold. Don’t skip the desserts, because they are the reason people book again.

Relax at Red Hills Market

Red Hills Market is not only wood-fired pizzas, and it works just as well for a coffee or a glass of wine. They run sandwiches, salads and pastries, which covers a quick lunch or a mid-day stop. You can sit outside on the patio with the surrounding vineyards in front of you. They also pour local wines and beers, so Dundee reaches the table while you are there.

With this many options in a town this size, Dundee will answer whatever the craving is. Whether the want is wood-fired pizza or farm-to-table cuisine, the town delivers.

Outdoor Adventures in Dundee

Looking for something more active in Dundee? You’re in the right place, because the outdoor activities here will get the heart going. From hiking to the parks to a run out to the Oregon Coast, Dundee keeps the days full.

Hit the Hiking Trails

One of the ways to get at the country around Dundee is on the hiking trails. Lace the boots and work the trails in and around Dundee. From easy strolls to hard climbs, there is a trail for every level of hiker. Some of the trails that get walked hardest are the Dundee Hills AVA Trail, the Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint Trail and the Harvey Creek Trail. So pack a picnic, take a water bottle and give the day to it.

Enjoy Dundee’s Parks

If you want the slower outdoor version, take Dundee’s parks. The city runs several parks covering picnicking, fishing and sport. One of the busier parks in the area is the Herbert Hoover Park, with a playground, picnic tables and a basketball court. Other parks worth taking are the Dundee City Park and the Stoller Family Estate Park.

Venture to the Oregon Coast

If you have a longer day in you, take the run out to the Oregon Coast. Just a short drive from Dundee, the Oregon Coast holds some of the finer country in the state. From sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, the range is wide. Some of the places to take on the Oregon Coast are Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park. So pack the bags, take the camera and give it the whole day.

Whether you have done this for years or never at all, Dundee has ground that fits. So get out there and start walking.

Dundee’s Top Attractions

If you are in Dundee, Oregon, the days will not be short of material. This city carries a lot, from long views of the mountains to attractions that hold you for days. Here are the attractions to take during the visit.

Experience the Dundee Hills

The Dundee Hills are the destination for anybody who drinks wine. This region is known for its pinot noir, and the wineries and vineyards run deep. You can take a tour, work through some of the better wines in the world, and get the winemaking process explained. And if wine is not your thing, the Dundee Hills carry hiking trails, golf courses and art galleries as well.

Visit Yamhill County

Just a short drive from Dundee, Yamhill County is the other destination worth building a day around. This region holds some of the finer countryside in Oregon, and the outdoor activities follow from that. You can hike, fish, camp, or simply drive it slowly and look. And if you want something more relaxed, Yamhill County runs wineries, breweries and restaurants.

Explore the City of Portland

If you want a change of pace, head to Portland. This city is a short drive from Dundee, and it ranks among the more diverse cities in the country. There’s rarely a quiet week in Portland, from music festivals to food markets to art shows. And if you want the outdoor side, Portland runs parks, gardens and hiking trails.

No matter what the interest is, Dundee, Oregon covers it. So pack the bags, take the camera and give the place the time it deserves.

The morning starts at Argyle Winery, because the sparkling wine sets the standard. The Dundee Hills come next, which means Hyland Estates and then Knudsen Vineyards. Red Hills Market handles the lunch, and it does not need booking ahead. The afternoon belongs to Four Graces Winery and after that to Torii Mor. You finish the day at the Dundee Bistro, and you do not drive anywhere afterwards.

Where to Stay in Dundee

When it comes to where you sleep in Dundee, the options are there. Whether the want is luxury or a small quiet room, the town covers both.

Rest at La Bastide B&B

If you want somewhere with character to stay, La Bastide B&B is the pick. This French-style bed and breakfast sits in the middle of Dundee and runs quiet.

The rooms at La Bastide B&B are carefully decorated and carry the amenities that make a stay easy. From the beds through to the robes, everything needed for a proper rest is already there.

But the rooms are not the whole of it, because the hospitality at La Bastide B&B is the real draw. The hosts are welcoming and they will put themselves out to make the stay work. They can also handle restaurant reservations and wine tasting tours for you.

So if you want somewhere in Dundee with both comfort and character, La Bastide B&B is it. Book the room and give yourself the run of Oregon wine country.

Dundee’s Nightlife

You might take Dundee, Oregon for a quiet town with nothing on after dark. But you would be wrong. Dundee runs a livelier evening than its size suggests.

One of the places to start an evening in Dundee is the Dundee Bistro. This small spot pours local wines and craft beers, and the small plates are built to share. If the night goes your way, there will be live music or a trivia night on.

Another spot for an evening in Dundee is the Red Hills Market. This place pours local wines and beers and turns out wood-fired pizzas alongside them. They run live music and other events often, so check their calendar before you go.

If you want something louder, head to the Dundee Lodge. This classic dive bar has been the local favorite for years, and the reason is obvious. They run cheap drinks, bartenders who talk, and enough pool tables and games to hold a whole evening.

Of course, no evening in Dundee is finished without the Argyle Winery Tasting Room. This is where you work through the finer wines Dundee makes, in a room built for it. They run live music and other events often, so check their calendar before you go.

So do not let anybody tell you Dundee shuts at dusk. With this many bars, restaurants and other spots in a town this size, the evening looks after itself.

Plan Your Visit to Dundee

Planning a trip to Dundee, Oregon? Good choice. This town carries activities, food and country in equal measure. To make the most of the visit, follow these tips:

Check Reviews on TripAdvisor

Before you go, read the reviews on TripAdvisor to see what the attractions and activities in Dundee actually deliver. From wineries to hiking trails, the options run wide enough to suit most interests. Plus the reviews from other travelers carry the tips nobody else prints.

Book Through Viator

To save time, consider booking your activities through Viator. This online platform lists tours and experiences across Dundee, from wine tastings to hot air balloon rides. You can compare prices and options and book the lot in one place. Plus Viator runs a workable cancellation policy, so plans can move if they need to.

Collaborate with Sharon

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the options, consider collaborating with Sharon. She’s a local expert who can help you plan the perfect itinerary for your visit. Whether you’re interested in wine tasting, hiking, or exploring the town’s history, Sharon can help you find the best activities and attractions. Plus, she can offer insider tips and recommendations to make your trip even more enjoyable.

So what is keeping you? Start planning the trip to Dundee and give it the time it needs.

Dundee’s Hidden Gems

Looking for the quieter end of Dundee, Oregon? Look at these two, which are what people remember about a trip to Dundee.

Picnic at the Beach

When you think of Dundee, you might not immediately think of beaches, but trust us, they’re there. Head to the Willamette River and you’ll find a quiet little spot perfect for a picnic. Spread out a blanket, crack open a bottle of wine from one of Dundee’s many wineries, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Just be sure to keep an eye out for Valerie Wilson, the infamous Dundee Beach Monster rumored to make an appearance from time to time.

Join the Harvest Dinner

If you happen to be in Dundee during harvest season, get yourself to the Harvest Dinner. This annual event marks the end of the season with a communal dinner built on locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll meet local farmers, winemakers and chefs over a meal in the middle of the country that produced it. It’s how you get Dundee’s food and wine in one sitting and put money into the local community.

So there they are, two of the things Dundee keeps quietest about. Whether the day is a slow one by the water or a meal you will talk about later, these are what people remember about a trip to Dundee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to explore Dundee, Oregon?

The way to take Dundee is by bike or on foot. You can rent a bike from a local shop and ride slowly through the rolling hills and the vineyards. If you would rather walk, the hiking trails put the surrounding countryside in front of you.

Can you recommend any wineries in Dundee with a killer view?

Absolutely. If you want a winery with a view, check Durant Vineyards. Not only are the wines strong, the view from their tasting room runs for miles. You can see a very long way from up there.

What makes Dundee, Oregon so special?

Well, for a start, it is the middle of Oregon’s wine country. But it is also a small town with real history and a working arts scene. There are galleries and studios to walk, alongside the restaurants, cafes and shops.

Is it worth visiting Dundee, Oregon?

Absolutely. Whether you drink wine or not, Dundee will fill the days. The country is worth the drive on its own, the people are friendly, and the food and the wine hold up. Plus it is a short run from Portland, so getting there is easy.

What’s the deal with Red Hills Winery in Dundee?

Red Hills Winery is a family-owned and operated winery making some of the finer Pinot Noir in the region. They’re known for sustainable farming practices and for wines that carry the terroir of the region into the glass.

Who’s the boss at Argyle Winery in Dundee?

The boss at Argyle Winery is Rollin Soles, who founded the winery in 1987. Rollin is a genuine pioneer of the Oregon wine industry, and he did as much as anybody to establish the region among the finer wine-growing regions in the world. His commitment to winemaking shows up in every bottle of Argyle wine.

Frequently asked questions about Dundee, Oregon

Is Argyle Winery or Four Graces Winery the better tasting room?

Four Graces, narrowly. Argyle Winery has the sparkling wine and nobody in the valley matches it, but Four Graces pours its Pinot Noir out of an old farmhouse and the room does half the work. Both of them sit within a very short drive of the town itself. Argyle also keeps a tasting room open into the evening. You take Argyle first, because the sparkling wine resets the palate before the reds arrive.

Are the Dundee Hills or Yamhill County better for a drive?

The Dundee Hills. The hills put the vineyards, the tasting rooms and the long views on the same short loop, where Yamhill County spreads the same things across a much wider area. Yamhill County wins the moment you want hiking, fishing or camping instead. The hills take an afternoon and the county takes a day. You drive the hills slowly, because out there the road itself is the attraction.

Is Red Hills Market or Tina’s the better lunch in Dundee?

Red Hills Market. The market does wood-fired pizza, sandwiches and pastries without a reservation, where Tina’s runs a seasonal farm-to-table menu that changes often and rewards booking ahead. Tina’s is the better dinner and the market is the better lunch. The market also carries the patio and the vineyard view with it. You eat at the market between tastings, and you save Tina’s for the evening properly.

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