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Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Oregon Coast Range, the Willamette Valley stands as one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. This fertile valley has earned international acclaim for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, but it offers so much more than just world-class wines.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Willamette Valley delivers an intoxicating blend of rolling vineyard landscapes, farm-to-table dining, and genuine Oregon hospitality. The valley’s moderate climate creates perfect conditions for exceptional wines and a thriving culinary scene celebrating local ingredients.

We’ve curated this guide featuring some late summer experiences around charming Dundee, Oregon – perfect for discovering the authentic spirit of our corner of the valley.

WHERE TO EAT…

Merenda Italian Deli- Dundee

Merenda Italian deli crafts exceptional sandwiches using authentic imported ingredients and house-made salads. The casual atmosphere celebrates Italy’s vibrant food culture, with each sandwich built from crusty bread to carefully selected meats and cheeses. Perfect for packing on your berry-picking adventure or post-hike lunch.

Red Hills Market- Dundee

In the heart of Dundee, Red Hills Market delivers wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. This casual favorite stocks curated goods from local makers, perfect for picnics or taking home a taste of the valley. After berry picking or hiking, their fresh-baked pastries and locally roasted coffee provide the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

WHAT TO DO… SUMMER ADVENTURES AROUND DUNDEE

While the Willamette Valley’s renowned wineries draw visitors from around the world, the Dundee area offers plenty of summer experiences that showcase the region’s natural bounty and agricultural heritage. Whether you’re taking a break between vineyard visits or traveling with non-wine drinkers, these activities capture the essence of Oregon’s bountiful summer season.

Harvey Creek Trail – Dundee

This scenic hiking trail winds through Dundee’s rolling hills, offering panoramic views of the valley’s vineyard-covered landscape. The moderate trail provides a perfect way to work off those wine country meals while experiencing the natural beauty that makes this region so captivating. Summer mornings are ideal for hiking, with cool temperatures and clear views stretching across the valley. Pack a picnic from Red Hills Market and enjoy lunch with a view that rivals any tasting room patio.

Swimming & River Fun

Explore the Valley’s Cooler Corners
Mill Creek Park offers a natural swimming hole amid pastoral Oregon. Its clear waters and easy access make it a popular retreat for both families and adventurers.  Or head a bit north to Henry Hagg Lake, one of the Willamette Valley’s favorite warm-weather escapes. This expansive reservoir spans more than 1,100 acres and offers something for everyone: cool blue water for swimming or paddle boarding, miles of scenic trails for hiking or biking, and wide grassy lawns perfect for laying out a picnic blanket.Whether you’re diving in or wading gently, always pair up, watch for slick rocks, and respect changing currents. Many of these gems lack lifeguards, so a bit of caution goes a long way to ensure your day stays cool, calm, and memorable.

END ON A PERFECT NOTE…

No matter how you choose to spend your summer days around Dundee – whether you’re conquering trails with valley views, picking sun-ripened berries straight from the vine, cooling off in the region’s pristine waterways, or savoring wines in tasting rooms – there’s something magical about ending each day with a glass of Kings Ridge. As the sun sets over the Dundee Hills, that perfect pour becomes more than just a drink; it’s a toast to the experiences, discoveries, and memories that make our corner of Oregon wine country truly unforgettable.

CHEERS!

Twenty years ago we tried something different—a new way to experience Oregon wine that challenged conventions and created space for new drinkers. We’ve built our business on persistence and staying true to our values through market challenges and industry skepticism.

Here is a timeline with some of the highlights from the last 20 years:

2005 – Union Wine Co. is founded by Ryan Harms

2005 – Kings Ridge label is acquired by Ryan

2006 – Underwood brand is established

2007 – 1st employee, Justin Hoffman, is hired

2009 – Winery space in Tualatin is purchased

2009 – Christopher Michael brand is created by Ryan and Eric Harms (using their middle names)

2010 – Alchemist brand is established

2012 –Ryan emails staff, “what if we put wine in a can?”

2013 – Underwood wine in a can is introduced at a Portland food festival

2013 – Union Wine Co. is the 8^th largest producer in the state of Oregon

2014– Amity Vineyards is purchased from Myron Redford

2015 – The winery becomes LIVE certified

2017 – UWC office staff moves into the old Cipole Road Schoolhouse

2018 – Union Wine Co. builds the industry’s first high-speed canning line

2018 – Union Wine Co. partners with Wildfang to produce GET IT GIRL white wine—donates $100,000 to Planned Parenthood of the Columbia Willamette

*See more of our canned wine journey here

2019 – Union Wine Co. is the largest producer in the state of Oregon

2021 – Crowe Hill Vineyard is acquired

2022 – Kings Ridge is rebranded

2023 – Sunset View Vineyard is acquired

2024 – Union Wine Co. becomes B Corp Certified

2024 – Union Wine Co. staff

At one of our vineyards we’ve brought in some new coworkers who don’t require much training. Earlier this month, we welcomed a flock of 200 sheep to help us between the vines. It’s part of our ongoing effort to make great wine while treating soil with the respect it deserves.

We’ve always believed that the best wines come from healthy vineyards, and healthy vineyards come from minimal intervention. Instead of bringing in machines or chemicals to manage the growth between our vines, we’re letting these woolly workers do what they do best. It’s straightforward, effective, and honestly, way more fun to watch.

From Cover Crop to Clean Rows

Every fall, we plant cover crops between our rows—plants that help protect and nourish Oregon’s soil through the rainy season, prevent erosion, and create homes for beneficial insects.

But when spring hits and our vines wake up, we need those resources going to the grapes not competing with new vines that need all the focus going to their growth. Enter the sheep—nature’s lawn mowers with built-in fertilizer spreaders.

Why Sheep Just Make Sense

The sheep aren’t just cute (though they definitely are,) they’re actually perfect vineyard partners:

• They tread lightly: Unlike heavy equipment that compacts soil, sheep move gently through the vineyard without damaging the earth or vine roots.
• They fertilize as they go: Each sheep deposits perfectly sized, organic fertilizer exactly where we need it. Can’t get more local than that.
• They’re selective eaters: The sheep clear the cover crop while leaving the vines alone—precision work that would be tough with machines.
• They reduce our carbon footprint: Less mowing means less fuel burned, which means better drinking weather in the future. (We care about that sort of thing.)

The Sheep Squad in Action

We worked with Jared of Naked Grazing, a local shepherd who knows his stuff when it comes to regenerative agriculture. Together, we section off about two acres at a time with portable fencing. The flock clears an entire section in just 1-3 days before moving to the next.

One day you see a field of lush cover crop, and a few days later, it’s all neatly trimmed and ready for vine growth.

Baby Lambs and New Vines

This spring brought a bonus to our vineyard. In an area where we recently planted new vines, some of the ewes welcome their lambs into the world. There’s something pretty special about seeing new life begin among young vines—both representing fresh starts and future potential.

These newest members of the flock took their first wobbly steps between our vineyard rows at the end of April, creating a moment that perfectly captures what we’re all about—working with nature, not against it.

Old Ways, New Wine

Working with Naked Grazing represents exactly what we’re all about at Union—finding simple, smart solutions that respect Oregon’s land while making great wine everyone can enjoy.

Sometimes the most innovative approaches are actually the most traditional. By bringing sheep back to the vineyard, we’re tapping into centuries-old farming wisdom while producing wines that speak authentically of this place. We think that’s pretty cool—and exactly the kind of real, honest approach to winemaking that makes Oregon special.

We are thrilled to share our achievement of becoming B Corp certified.

With this significant milestone, we join a global movement of businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

B Corp certification is a rigorous process that evaluates a company’s performance across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

Our commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices has been a part of our ethos since our founding in 2005. The business, and everything we do, is committed to considering the environment while working to minimize our impact wherever we can. From sourcing grapes from environmentally responsible vineyards to implementing energy-efficient production processes along with being the largest producer of wine packaged in 100% recyclable aluminum cans, we have prioritized reducing our environmental footprint while fostering a culture of inclusivity and fairness within our workforce and community.

Ryan Harms, our founder, says “We are thrilled to announce our B Corp certification, which reflects our unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our ongoing commitment to conducting business in a way that benefits both people and the planet.”

As a B Corp winery in Oregon, we are especially proud to have joined the largest group of B Corp wineries and vineyards in any state or country in the world.

“We believe that business has a responsibility to be a force for good in the world,” says Meredith McGough, Director of Winemaking “Achieving B Corp certification is not only a milestone for our company but also a commitment to continue driving positive change in the wine industry in years to come.”