The Days Schedule:

Meet at The Maresh Red Barn between 11:00 and 11:30am. Park at the entrance to the driveway, to the right, under large walnut trees. See the MAP page for directions.

We start with just over a miles walk through the heart of the Dundee hills vineyards. This includes a 300' vertical climb followed by a 200' climb. The surrounding properties are owned by a variety of growers and producers. The prominent variety is, of course Pinot Noir, in a range of clones. If we walk later in the summer, after verasion, you will notice some white varietals, such as Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Our first tasting is at Torii Mor vineyard and tasting room. In addition to fabulous wines, the grounds hold an elegant Japanese garden. While you meet the crew for a tasting, I will set up lunch in the garden. The winery dog, Corky might try to mooch a bit. He knows his manners, if reminded, and will sit and wait on command.

After lunch, we are fortunate that our next tasting is at nearby Lange winery. Take your time, savor the fine wines and enjoy the expansive views deep into the Willamette Valley.

Now, it's time for the longest segment of our walk, as we trace over our footsteps from the morning. Wildlife is all around. We recently had eight raptors circling overhead, so close we could see their shadows crossing ours. This is a great opportunity to discuss the wines tasted so far and enjoy the view to the south. We will end up back at the Red Barn and enjoy a tasting.

The Maresh Red barn is the only place where Red Barn labeled wines are available. The family has been farming the area since 1959 and planted some of the first Pinot Noir on the Dundee Hills. They sell fruit to a variety of wineries. Over the years, nearly every high end local winery has purchased high quality Maresh fruit.

If your feet can handle it, there is more to come! A short walk away is a newcomer to the hills Bella Vita. While the distance is short, the hike is through the vineyards on tractor paths and includes some very steep sections. This is well compensated by another spectacular view!

Our last stop takes us across relatively flat ground, up the long gravel drive that ends at Erath Winery and tasting room. Dick Erath is one of the pioneers of Oregon Pinot. The tasting room always has a variety of wines to try and is a great way to conclude what I call a dirt level view of the hills.

Wineries close most often at 5pm, with a few, during summer hours, open until 6pm.

At this point, you can reward yourself with a fine meal at one of Dundee’s excellent restaurants. Reservations are recommended!