Dundee, OR - Domaine Drouhin

The attractive entrance to Domaine Drouhin Winery. 

Domaine Drouhin offers wine tasting in a sophisticated atmosphere offering spectacular views.
What did we have: the standard three flight wine tasting plus the bonus of a couple of special varietals
What was fun: the scenery is breathtaking, the wine is elegant, and if they happen to open a few special bottles, you're in for a real treat.

Enjoying fine wine on the outdoor patio. 

After enjoying a leisurely hour of wine tasting at the comfortable Erath Winery with our good friends, Betsy and Larry, we only had time for one more stop that afternoon. So we made our way up the winding roads in Dundee, Oregon to the highly recommended Domaine Drouhin. The winery sits perched on top of a high hill. The unassuming entrance led way to the spacious tasting room and outdoor patio.  I would call the decor sophisticated minimalist, sleek styling featuring rich earth colors. Very fitting for the fine wine we tasted, and quite the opposite from the homey feel of Erath.  Once we ordered our wine tastings - a flight of three wines for $10 - we found a table on the outdoor patio and were impressed with the dramatic view of of the 225 acres of vineyards.  It was simply gorgeous. Sitting next to us was a table of patrons who clearly were VIPs.  The red carpet treatment was being offered this group as bottles were being opened and wine was being tossed out after a few sips.  This is important to note, because we benefited by their visit that afternoon.  Our attractive server was very informative, explaining about each wine we sampled. The Drouhin family also owns the Joseph Drouhin Winery in Burgandy, France. Both wineries produce outstanding wine and have won numerous awards internationally and are rated very highly by the Wine Spectator.

At Domaine Drouhin it's all about the wine and the view. 

What did we have:  We enjoyed all three wines offered in the standard flight.  Prices ranged from $30 a bottle for the crisp 2009 Oregon Chardonnay Arthur to $65 for the bold 2007 Oregon Pinot Noir Laurene.  We all enjoyed the $50 bottle of the 2009 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley where 95% of the grapes are estate grown and the taste is richly layered with bursts of fruit.  We were in for a real treat when our server brought us a couple leftovers from VIP table.  Our bonus wines included a Chablis produced in Burgandy, and the very special 2000 Oregon Pinot Noir Louise Cuvee, a bottle that usually sells for $100.  Even my unsophisticated palate could appreciate the depth and elegant character of a very good bottle of wine.

What was fun:  The setting itself is quite wonderful, and the wine is excellent.  Picnicking is not allowed at Domaine Drouhin, so a trip there is all about the wine and the view.  Although we thoroughly enjoyed our special wine tasting at the estate, none of us felt compelled to buy a bottle to bring home.  Since several varietals are widely distributed, it won't preclude me from purchasing a bottle or two in the future.