Van Duzer Vineyards on the Horizon
It was a beautiful June day and we decided there was no time like the present to start our wine tasting journey being the Thirsty Explorers that we are. Oregon had a long, cold, wet spring and everyone here was ready to GO! I figured the wineries would be open late since the sun doesn’t set here until after 9pm in the summer. I was wrong…We headed out from Dallas north on the Amity-Dallas Rd. and decided on Van Duzer Vineyards for our first stop.
Table of Contents
The drive is always a beautiful one, and it was only a few miles when we reached the Van Duzer Vineyards. The drive up to the top of the hill where the tasting room is gorgeous. Pinot vines are growing everywhere along with the lavender and wildflowers.
Breezy and Beautiful
At the top of the hill you see a beautifully manicured tasting room with a 360-degree view of the Oregon valley fields. Oregon is a top producer of grass seed along with grain, fruits and nuts. Inside the tasting room there is a nice seating area and bar. We were greeted and they asked if we had a reservation, I didn’t think about making one, but they graciously accommodated us, and we signed up for the tasting.
The Van Duzer Setting is Glorious
We headed out to the breezy patio where we found a table in the shade. The views and copper wind sculptures gently spinning in the breeze with the views from this spot are a glorious sight, even more glorious was the Pinot Noir wine poured into our glasses!
Cheers !
Dad, well he loves beer so he’s the duty driver today, which is perfect! Ava sits quietly studying while Mom and I do the tasting. The tasting consisted of six different wines, mainly Pinot Noirs that Oregon has become famous for. One of our sommelier connoisseurs was the tasting room operations manager Jordan McKay. We talked about the microclimate of the valley that sits between the dry eastern part of the state and the colder moist air from the coast. He’s a true patriot who’s fallen in love with the wine and countryside after years of serving his country. You can read about all my wine country exploring on my post Wine Country of the Willamette Valley!
As Ava sat reading and Dad relaxed in the wind, Mom and I toasted to the beautiful place that is Van Duzer Vineyards. The party ended at 5pm when they closed… but I’ll be back
The Nitty Gritty ~
Van Duzer Vineyards– 11975 Smithfield Road Dallas, OR 97338
From All Points – Google Map to here.
From Portland – Drive the Willamette Valley Wine Road 99W south to Smithfield Road, turn left.
From Highway 22 between the coast and Salem – head North on Amity-Dallas Rd to Meyers Rd. When it ends take a left on Smithfield Road.
In Dallas
Coffee House and a bite? Karma Coffee Bar and Bakery is good.
For Coffee the Dutch Brothers drive-thru is quick and quality.
Need a high-ball? Corby’s Public House has great Pub food and a full BAR
In Dallas
Tater’s Cafe for good breakfast and lunch
Love Love Teriyaki for Bento Boxes and Sushi – a favorite!
North Dallas Bar and Grill is a long time local stop with a full menu and bar. (Great Broasted Chicken)
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