Dundee, OR: Where you can go Wine Tasting on foot!

Dundee – A Brief History

Dundee was named after Dundee, Scotland, the birthplace of Railroad developer 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.

#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 walkable Wine Tasting options!

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

Annual Events

• July: Fueled by Fine Wine Half/ Quarter/ 5K race – this race sound super cool, and on-brand for a community that promotes its Winery industries and Main Street foot traffic :).

“From the wine to the course, the FBFW is unparalleled … with over 16 world-class wineries tasting after the event and a stunning course traversing private vineyards and sweeping vistas.

Many of the Dundee community events appear to be hosted by individual wineries (see below for more information) and other area businesses.

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.“

Organizations that Support Community in Dundee!

• Dundee, OR – 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
  • Urban Renewal Agency – Dundee, OR
• 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.“
  • 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.

Dundee is a rural city… 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.

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.

Map of Dundee