As the holiday season casts its warm and cozy glow over the Dundee Hills, the region’s wineries and vineyards are abuzz with festive cheer. December has arrived in Oregon’s wine country, and Durant Vineyards is at the heart of the celebrations. With its picturesque vineyards, olive groves, and rustic charm, Durant Vineyards is an ideal destination for those seeking a festive and unforgettable wine country experience.

As the lights twinkle and the fireplaces crackle, the Durants invite you to join them in their winter wonderland, where the spirit of the season is savored in every sip of their exquisite Pinot Noirs and other specialty wines.

Five generations of agricultural roots in the Willamette Valley had prepared the Durants to take the leap, trading traditional crops like English walnuts and hazelnuts for the uncharted territory of wine grapes. With their purchase of a neglected property in 1973, the Durants joined forces with fellow visionaries, including Bill and Susan Blosser, to forge a new path in Oregon’s nascent wine industry. Against a backdrop of trial and error, collaboration and perseverance, the Durants helped shape the Dundee Hills into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most revered wine regions, laying the groundwork for a legacy that continues to unfold with each new vintage.

With 70 acres under vine, 15 acres of olive trees, and a flock of 50 sheep, the Durants have cultivated a thriving ecosystem. The vineyard’s unique microclimate variations, shaped by its southeast aspect, elevation range of 250 to 630 feet, and diverse soils contribute to the complexity of their Pinot Noir. The Dundee Hills’ moderate climate, with warm days and cool nights, allows for slow ripening, preserving the grapes’ natural acidity. This, combined with the vineyard’s slope and row orientation, mitigates extreme weather events, such as frost and heat waves.

Durant Vineyards brings a taste of Italy to the Pacific Northwest with its annual Olio Nuovo Festival. Inspired by the traditional Italian festa celebrating the olive harvest, this beloved event has become a staple of the region’s culinary scene, attracting visitors from far and wide. Throughout November, the festival invites guests to experience the vibrant flavors of freshly milled olive oil through daily mill tours and tastings.  This year’s celebration featured an expanded lineup of events, including the new Feast Olio, a seven-course Italian supper with wine pairings, as well as Oeno & Olio, a communal tasting experience. 

As the Olio Nuovo Festival comes to a close, Durant Vineyards seamlessly transitions into the holiday season with a slew of festive events and activities. The nursery is transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring a whimsical plant and flower market filled with fresh greenery and charming gifts. Visitors can explore the Farm Shop for unique presents, including artisanal olive oil, specialty foods, and handcrafted pottery. For a hands-on holiday experience, guests can participate in Durant’s popular Holiday Wreath Workshops, where they can craft their own Christmas wreath from scratch using estate-harvested greenery. 

By utilizing 100% estate-grown fruit and bottling block-designated, clonal-designated Pinot Noirs, Durant Vineyards allows each block and clone to shine, showcasing the unique nuances of the Willamette Valley. The key to their success lies in striking a balance between artistry and science, allowing Mother Nature to take the reins while intervening only when necessary. Durant Vineyards continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the Willamette Valley

Durant Vineyards’ GSM blend was born out of necessity and a long-standing partnership with David O’Reilly of Owen Roe. When a rare frost threatened to decimate their 2022 crop, they turned to O’Reilly for assistance, and he offered them a selection of his own fruit from Washington State. The resulting GSM blend was a one-off creation, but it showcases the Durants’ ability to balance the distinct personalities of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. While this wine was an anomaly in their production plans, it demonstrates the winery’s commitment to adaptability and innovation. As a unique addition to their portfolio, the GSM blend complements Durant Vineyards’ other offerings, which are firmly rooted in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. With no plans to repeat this Washington-sourced GSM, the 2022 vintage remains a singular expression of the Durants’ winemaking prowess.

Beyond the vineyards, the charming town of Dundee offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for festive celebrations.   As the locals prepare for the holidays, the air is filled with the scent of freshly gathered greens, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a foodie, or simply looking for a festive getaway, Dundee and Durant Vineyards invite you to join in the holiday cheer, and make this season one to remember.

The wines featured in the Wine Recommendations section were provided by the winery for the purpose of review. The selection and tasting of these wines were independently conducted. No compensation or incentives were provided for inclusion in the story. As always, the top priority is to provide readers with informative reporting.

Wine Recommendations

2022 Southside Chardonnay- showcases balancing fruit and acidity. The aromatic profile includes white peach, cantaloupe, vanilla, and butterscotch. The finish is long and complex, with lingering flavors.

2018 Blanc de Blancs- crisp and refreshing sparkler, bursting with citrus, green apple, and floral notes. As it evolves, subtle hints of brioche, creamy texture, and a nuanced mineral undertone emerge, lending depth and complexity to this elegant wine.