Saturday we took a drive to the little town of Dundee, which is full of some of Oregon’s favorite vineyards and is right in the heart of the wine county. We were starving on our arrival so chose to eat lunch at the Dundee Bistro.
Everything on the menu was tempting with lots of local food choices. I opted for the cheese/meat platter which was served on a very country organic style slate serving tray. The salad was beautiful with fresh Oregon blueberries, toasted hazelnuts and chevre cheese. The meats and cheeses were wonderful; everything combining nicely. The day was hot so we asked our server for his recommendation for a fresh cool wine. His suggestion was spot on with a 2011 Pinot Noir Rosé from the Ponzi vineyard. After lunch and a quick purchase of a couple of bottles from the Ponzi tasting room next door we headed up the hill to the Winderlea Vineyard, recommended by the staff at Ponzi’s. 
The name Winderlea means wind in the meadow and it’s a beautiful place to sit and taste their Pinots. We joined their wine club which means that twice a year they’ll select an assortment for us. To claim our wines we join them at the winery for dinner. Sounds like a good plan. I can hardly wait until November for our return visit.
Perhaps these grapes will make it into a future bottle of ours. Notice how red the soil is. It’s part of what makes the world class Pinots that come out of this area. The grapes sure seem to like it. A hot Oregon summer day was the perfect day for the 30 miles drive from Portland. Something else to put on your list of things to do on your next visit to Oregon.
Hi Janet! What a coincidence that you went to Winderlea. I know Bill the owner of the winery. We both went to Bates College and I have ordered his wines before. What a treat to see his winery and that part of Oregon. How gorgeous! Your photos are beautiful.
Posted by: sunday taylor | 08/07/2012 at 06:01 AM
How funny! We were quite taken with everything, from the wine, the beautiful tasting room and the beautiful setting/view. Out of 200 wineries in the area it is quite a coincidence indeed!
Posted by: Janet's House | 08/07/2012 at 08:57 AM
Janet, thanks for your lovely post and for joining our wine club. We'll look forward to seeing you for our club pickup event.
Sunday, How are you? Thanks for your kind words. I hope I'll see you on campus in October for Clayton Spencer's inauguration.
Posted by: Bill Sweat | 08/12/2012 at 11:58 AM