Let’s start with the general details and then I’ll ramble on about some of the days events.
The cost is $85 per person. If your group has more than two, or if I have other hikers scheduled on that day, everyone gets a discount to $65 per person. Payment is by cash or check when we meet. Tasting room fees are pay as you go to the various wineries. Its very common for a couple to share a tasting.
The hike is around the north side of town over hilly terrain, sometimes on gravel farm roads but mostly walking path or neighborhood streets. Elevation change is about 400 vertical feet up and down. It should only be attempted by those in good physical condition who walk or hike regularly.
Trail shoes or hiking boots are a good choice. Short portions of the walk are on roads with occasional traffic. Care must be exercised on loose gravel.
If it rains, the walk is cancelled. However; this is up to you! Since I live here, I am quite used to all kinds of outdoor activity in the rain, and, unless the weather is horrendous, we can walk if you wish.
Each person should carry a water bottle. A hat, sun block, sunglasses, personal items and of course, your camera, are highly recommended. Dress for the weather. Check a local forecast the night before your walk. Summer temperatures are usually in the low 80s and quite comfortable, however; we do get a few hot days in the 90’s and several days around 100! Rainy days are typically cool, with temps around 70.
Now for the good stuff!
The hike is highly customizable. I like to hear from you about your particular taste in wine and any particular experience your looking for from the Dundee Hills. My personal cellar includes Pinot Noirs from as far back as 1988 and my personal taste aligns with typical Dundee Hills flavors of cherry and other bright fruit. As the wines age, I’m a fan of some funkiness.
Some of my personal favorites are:
http://www.joedobbeswines.com/
Joe is as close to an Oregon wine pioneer as it gets without being in the small group that planted the first Oregon Pinot Noir and hoped for something good. Over the years, he’s worked his way up and now owns his own winery. Several years ago, he purchased two hundred acres of vines that needed an expert to bring them to full potential. He makes a prosecco Italian style bubbly, a Voignoir, several Pinot Noirs and a big Syrah.
From Dobbes, we will hike over and visit Argyle Winery. Their collection of Pinot Noir is complimented by some of the finest methode champenoise sparklers found outside of France. Other wines include Reisling and Chardonnay.
It’s uphill from there. We hike through my Dundee neighborhood and make a stop at my own backyard vineyard. Planted in 1999, I’ve made Pinot Noir from the fruit since 2002 in true Garagista style. We get up close and personal to the vines and see what’s going on with fruit development and canopy growth.
From there, we head to the top of The Four Graces Vineyard. As we hike down toward the tasting room, we can observe the subtle difference found in eighty acres that descend some three hundred vertical feet. The Four Graces offers more Pinot Noir and, a Pinot Gris or Pinot Blanc.
If time allows, we may end up at the Ponzi Wine bar. They offer wines made by Dick and Nancy Ponzi as well as wines from producers too small to support a tasting room.
Cheers!