Spring in the Dundee Hills
Seasonal Visitor’s Guide
Spring in the Dundee Hills
Spring awakens the Dundee Hills with fresh energy and beauty as vineyards burst to life with new growth. Dormant vines are once again lush, growing upward along the trellises, budding and blooming with the fruit of a new vintage. Cover crops will bloom, patios will reopen, and wines will be released. It’s a stunning time to discover, explore, and savor Oregon’s quintessential wine region.
Plan Your Visit
Weather:
Spring in Oregon’s Willamette Valley brings longer days and mild temperatures. Rain showers nourish the landscape while the warming sun puts our vineyards into bloom. Temperatures will climb to the mid-50s to 60s– vintage Oregon weather!
What to Pack:
Spring weather in the Dundee Hills can be unpredictable, so versatile packing is key. Opt for lightweight layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a rain jacket to prepare for sunny afternoons and occasional showers. Mornings and evenings are still chilly, so bring a heavier sweater or jacket. Don’t forget sunglasses for those bright, clear days—perfect for admiring our Mt. Hood and vineyard views!
Wine Tasting Attire:
While some regions lean toward dressy attire for wine tasting, the Dundee Hills doesn’t have a dress code. You’ll fit in if you’re dressed to the nines, and you’ll fit in with denim and boots. Oregon is a come-as-you-are state, and we hold that ethos dear in our tasting rooms.
Insider Tips
Memorial Day Weekend kicks off peak travel season in wine country. If you time your visit a little earlier in spring, you can still take advantage of increasingly sunny days and easier access to your favorite tasting rooms and restaurants while beating the crowds.
While all wineries hold their own schedule for releasing their wines to the public, some will hold special release events for their lighter varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Rosé, throughout the spring season.
What’s Happening in the Vineyards
As spring unfolds, vineyards come alive with new growth. Budbreak marks the start of the growing season, as tiny buds on the vine swell and unfurl into delicate green shoots. These shoots quickly develop leaves, which begin the vital process of photosynthesis, fueling the vine’s energy for the season ahead. Soon after, small clusters known as inflorescences emerge, the first sign of the grapes that will take shape in the coming months.
Vineyard teams manage this critical stage, carefully monitoring weather conditions, nurturing cover crops, and ensuring the young shoots are positioned for optimal sunlight and airflow. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of some newly born lambs throughout our vineyards, natural contributors to fertilization, soil aeration, and weed prevention.
