Dundee, OR: See why we enjoyed wine tasting on foot!

June 2024: Based out of downtown Portland for a work conference, we decided on a Sunday trip to Willamette Valley wine country! Our first stop was Dundee, OR (pop.3,238*). We were immediately intrigued by the many wineries, restaurants and other points of interest all within walking distance along the main business street through town.

We later learned that Dundee has a easily walkable local Main Street because State Hwy 99W was re-routed to the Newberg-Dundee Bypass. We enjoyed exploring Main Street on foot. We discovered an interesting combination of new buildings/ businesses, as well as older more historic buildings and a few big empty lots. Like so many smaller towns, Dundee appears to be actively re-inventing itself while staying true to its rural roots – a concept that Its city website states well in its Vision Statement below.

INTRODUCTION
The year is 2022.  Dundee is a rural city (population range: 5,000 to 5,750) noted for it’s freshness and harmony with nature.  The coordinated and on-going efforts of its citizens, city government and local business organizations continually work to preserve and enhance the charm and rural character of this special place. 

A PLACE THAT IS KNOWN– The city is known as the center of the Oregon wine industry, featuring the rich past and thriving present of Oregon’s finest agricultural heritage. Agricultural products that have contributed to Dundee’s development are identified and acknowledged. Pedestrian friendly paths follow the Willamette River, while scenic picnic areas and nature parks add to the serene environment. Wildlife corridors, walking trails and bicycle paths further enhance the opportunities for enjoying nature. A citywide system of interconnecting pedestrian walkways and greenways are unimpeded by motorist traffic. Preservation of views, parks and greenways is paramount in planning and building. Hillsides remain lush green sentinels to be visually enjoyed by all.

BUSINESS DISTRICT– The business district has been expanded and redesigned to encourage leisurely pedestrian movement throughout the shopping area. Strategically located, the city center provides a gathering place for small-scale artistic performances. A reputation for it’s fine shops and restaurants has contributed to Dundee having become a destination location for visitors, while at the same time bringing beneficial amenities for the enjoyment of local residents. Because State Highway 99 W was re-routed to the Newberg-Dundee Bypass, Dundee now has it’s own local main street. The redesigned traffic patterns enhance and support the local economy with its visually attractive landscaping and accessible parking areas. The City has assisted in redevelopment efforts throughout the community.

Dundee is located on the east side of Yamhill County, bordering the Willamette River.

Dundee – A Brief History

Dundee was named after Dundee, Scotland, the birthplace of William Reid. Reid came to Oregon in 1874 to establish the Oregonian Railway, and made several extensions to the railroad in the western Willamette Valley.

The first post office in the area, established in 1881, was called Ekins. The Ekins post office was closed in 1885, and in 1887 a new office opened and was named “Dundee Junction.” The name was chosen in anticipation of plans to build a bridge across the Willamette River for the railroad, which would have called for a junction at Dundee between the west railroad and the new east railroad. The bridge was never built, however, and the post office was renamed “Dundee” in 1897. The town of Dundee was incorporated in 1895.

Our favorite stops along the Dundee Main Street!

#1. We Love the vibe at Red Hills Market!

We stopped by for a coffee/snack break at this Main Street Market. It has both inside and outside seating, with lots of people enjoying their time together. We learned later that it also has short-term stay lofts upstairs – it seems like a great place to stay while enjoying wine country!

• Red Hills Market – Google Maps – “We welcome you to red hills market! Our menu includes breakfast selections, coffee & espresso drinks, pizza, sandwiches, plates, salads, and cookies plus beer, wine and cocktails. Our retail & expanded grab-n-go section is also stocked with all kinds of goodies.”

#2. So many great restaurants on Main Street!

• La Sierra Mexican Grill Dundee. – Google Maps – we ate a terrific lunch at this Mexican Grill restaurant. After lunch, we left our car in their nice big parking lot and walked around to explore Main Street
• Trellis – Google Maps
• Dundee Bistro – Google Maps
• Tina’s – Google Maps
• Fratelli Ponzi Fine Food and Wine Bar – Google Maps
• Los Pelicanos Mexican Cuisine – Google Maps

#3. So many Wine Tasting options on Main Street

Along the way we saw that many of the area wineries have tasting room locations on Main Street in Dundee. No need to worry about drinking and driving… visitors can walk and enjoy!

• Argyle Winery – Google Maps – we visited this winery. The tasting was spendy, but the location was fantastic! And our host was super knowledgeable about Argyle wines specifically and the region in general.
• Fox Farm Vineyards – Google Maps
• Dobbes Family Winery – Google Maps
• Alit Wines – Google Maps
• Cathedral Ridge Winery – Google Maps
• Purple Hands Winery and Urban Tasting Room – Google Maps
• Zerba Cellars – Google Maps

More to Explore!

Annual Event

Many of the Dundee community events appear to be hosted by individual wineries (see below for more information) and other area businesses. However, the Fueled by Fine Wine Half/ Quarter/ 5K race event in July sound super cool – and on-brand for a community that promotes its Winery industries and Main Street foot traffic :). The race is described below on their website:

“From the wine to the course, the FBFW is unparalleled. If you’ve joined us before, you know what awaits, with over 16 world-class wineries tasting after the event and a stunning course traversing private vineyards and sweeping vistas. If this is your first time joining us, you are in for a treat and we can’t wait to show off all that Dundee has to offer! Challenging, beautiful race across world-class private vineyards! Wine tasting with over 16 top-tier wineries, a commemorative wine glass, Beautiful large medals, … and Super cute race shirts”

• Dundee Billick Park – Google Maps – lovely park on Dundee Main Street near the Elementary School, and home base for the Fueled by Fine Wine Running Races in July

Another interesting aspect to the race… “Can’t make that date? Not a problem! Do the race on your own from July 18th to July 24th and you’ll get the medal, the shirt, the commemorative bib, and a punch card with free wine tasting to use over the next year! It’s an amazing deal and allows you to visit Oregon wine country during the time that fits your schedule best!”

The race is hosted by a regional running gear business in the Northwest called Foot Traffic, which “owns and operates some of the top-rated races in the region. Read below for some of our fun and welcoming events for ALL ages and abilities. We also sponsor and support over 50 community events a year, so sign up for our newsletter to be looped in on all things running and walking! We mean it when we say movement is the key to all things health and happiness. “Go by Foot” is more than a tagline, it’s a way of life!”

Organizations that Support Community in Dundee!

• Dundee City Government –
  • A Vision for Our Future – “Dundee is a model for citizen engagement, working together with community members, businesses, developers and government entities to provide effective government, and public/private partnerships in the creation of a pleasant, livable small town.  There is not another place in the country like Dundee that has succeeded in creating such an attractive and harmonious atmosphere. “
  • City of Dundee Comprehensive Plan designation map 2023
• Travel Dundee (traveldundeeoregon.com)
  • Dundee walking map! – “Discover wineries, restaurants and otherpoints of interest all within walking distance”
  • Third Thursday Events! – “Explore the downtown corridor of Dundee each month during Third Thursday for: Live music, Art demonstrations, Locally made goods, Wine tasting specials, Food trucks & restaurant offerings. This is a FREE, open-to-all event, inviting the public to revel in the laid-back ambiance and support local businesses.
  • Welcome Wednesdays in the Dundee Hills! – “We have extended Welcome Wednesdays simply to make it even easier to come visit.  The following wineries are offering a special $25 wine flight (in addition to their regular offerings) on Wednesdays. Reservations are optional.”
  • A list of local Wineries and the Tour companies that serve them! – “Embark on a stress-free wine-tasting adventure with one of these local tour companies. Let them take the wheel while you indulge in the flavors of exceptional wines amidst stunning vineyard landscapes. Cheers to leaving the driving to the local experts and embracing a truly memorable vineyard experience!”
  • Various Winery sponsored events calendar
• Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce – serving the greater Newburg (pop.25,451*) and Dundee area
  • Tunes on Tuesday Events – “Tunes on Tuesday is a free outdoor summer concert series normally held in July and August in the Cultural District Plaza in Newberg, OR. This concert series is an interactive experience for the people of Newberg and surrounding towns and is run and operated by the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce with the support of Newberg Downtown Coalition and Taste Newberg. “
  • Chehalem Valley Innovation Accelerator – “The mission of the Chehalem Valley Innovation Accelerator (ChehalemVIA) is to accelerate success for regional startups and entrepreneurs. We provide: Creative workspace with high-speed Internet at no charge (full-time or transient occupancy), Prospective customers relationships, Industry partnerships, Coaching & mentoring, Funding assistance, Help getting products & services to market – locally & globally, Brand identity & website development”
• Visit Oregon: Dundee – An Oregon State Tourism website with suggestions for things to do and see in the area.

Yamhill Valley Wine Tourism!

There is no lack of information if you want to explore this impressive Wine Region!

• Yamhill Valley Oregon Wine Country travel visitor information for McMinnville, Carlton, Newberg, Dundee, Amity, Dayton, Lafayette, Sheridan, Willamina, Spruce Goose Evergreen water park (yamhillvalleywines.com)
• Worden Hill Wine Trail Map
• Willamette Valley Wine Country and more! Adventure Ahead! – “The Willamette Valley is celebrated for its more than 700 wineries, yet Oregon Wine Country is home to so much more. Here, magical experiences cultivated by intentional hands dot our sweeping vistas and beg to be explored. Come along for a journey you won’t soon forget.”
  • Willamette Valley Visitors Guide (e-copy)
• Travel Oregon – Willamette Valley Wine Country – “Explore a region whose farm-to-fork food scene is paired with a legacy of wine — and plenty of ways to build up an appetite.”

Map of Dundee