You know the group chat… The one where you’ve casually been dropping hints like, “We should do a wine weekend!” since 2021? While brunch plans from this chat hate to see the light of day, memes pop off like Lytle-Barnett Bubbly. This time, your weekend trip to wine country is actually happening. Buckle up, because you’re heading straight to one of the Willamette Valley’s finest destinations, The Dundee Hills.

Tucked in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, just under an hour from Portland, Dundee is a small town wine paradise you must add into your group trip rotation. Fear not, this isn’t a nose in the air Napa, California feel. This little town is stacked with world-class Pinot Noir producers, local farm-to-table food, and gorgeous views to make all your followers wish they were invited.

 Now is your time! Send a quick “Who’s in?” text, pack your best wine-tasting outfits, and join in as we break down exactly how to turn this fermentation fantasy into a dreamy wine country weekend.

Step One: Lock Down a Home Base

Before we begin talking about wine tasting plans, let’s lock down lodging. Dundee may be small, but its options for luxurious homes away from home are quite extensive. Whether you want a place that’s one the bougie end of the scale, or looking to book well within everyone’s budget, book early.

Recommended Stays:

• The Dundee Hotel - Modern rooms, great for small groups, dog friendly and walkable to wine, food, and more!

• The Black Walnut Inn - An upscale and charming vibe with discounted stays for PNW residents. Perfect for a luxurious weekend when you want a tasting option on site, but keep in mind that this option is outside of walking distance for the downtown food and wine tasting options. 

• Airbnbs & Vineyard Stays - Check listings for spots with fire pits, hot tubs, and even vineyard views. These are lovely stays with unique amenities and will make memories to last a lifetime!

Pro tip: Having a walkable home base makes a huge difference. There are 20+ tasting rooms in the heart of Dundee, plus it makes for a fun late-night dive bar karaoke trip!

Step Two: Build an Itinerary for Tasting

Spending eight hours swirling and spitting might be your worst nightmare. For this group trip, zone in on delicious wine, patios with a view, and maybe even a cheese and charcuterie board to satisfy everyone. Dundee delivers all of this with exceptional service to top it all off.

Friday Arrival - Keep it Casual

Ease into the weekend with the following stops:

• Hyland Estates- Chill vibes, amazing white wines, historical stories, and a cozy tasting room.

• Lytle-Barnett / Aubaine- Something for everyone. Exceptional bubbles, killer Chardonnay, always a relaxed atmosphere.

• Dinner at Red Hills Market-  this local legend hits everyone’s cravings. Wood-fired pizzas, delicious salads and sandwiches, local beer and wine on tap, and a patio perfect for people-watching, and an extensive grab & go section if you need to stock up for the rest of the weekend. Dine in or grab a few pizzas and bottles to post up at your Airbnb for a movie night.

Saturday - Waking up in Wine Country

Grab an iced coffee or matcha at Merenda Deli and then you’re ready to set sail on your wine tasting adventure!

Get the most out of your day by settling on 2-3 wineries. When the group decides on 3, splitting tasting flights can usually be arranged and it keeps your group from needing that 2pm wine nap. 

Wineries to bookmark:

• Durant Vineyards - Stunning views, incredible olive oil tastings, and the perfect place to get your group photos taken care of. 

• Ambar Estate - Sleek and modern with elevated Pinot pours and some of the best valley views and a food pairing if you want to add a bougie touch to your day.

• Dusky Goose - Exceptional rosé, a peek of Mt. Hood on a clear day, and Pinot Noir you will want to bring home with you.

Book at least one guided tasting so you can learn a little to take with you next time you visit. Ask about vineyard tours as well,  these are often available to explore the farming practices in addition to the winemaking protocols. 

What’s for Lunch? Pack a picnic and post up at Durant or grab a sandwich from Trellis before your next pour. Most Dundee restaurants have take-out options if you order ahead. Trellis is also a perfect place to shop for bottles from all over the Willamette Valley. If you’re planning for future wine nights at home, pick up a few bottles before you leave town!

Make Your Dinner Reservations Early- Wooden Heart Kitchen is perfect for a fine dining moment without the huge price tag. In addition to pizza, they offer spectacular wood-fired entrees, salads, and even host Sunday brunch if you’re looking to go back before the weekend trip is over.

Step Three: Snacks, Pairings & Provisions

Snacks are a core part of any group trip. Stock up selections for between tastings, while lounging, or for your morning-after grazing table. Where to get the local goods for the most authentic nibbling:

Red Hills Market is going to be your best option for snacks. Pick them out after dinner on Friday and enjoy their cheese and charcuterie goldmine. Plus, they have a wide selection of N/A drinks and local fresh breads and spreads. Bring a sturdy reusable bag because there is no doubt that you will be filling it up!

Many local vineyards have wine and snack options, but make sure you research in advance in case they require pre-order.

Step Four: Build in Time For Wandering

You’ll want to allocate plenty of recovery time during your weekend away. A couple hours any time of day can be used for any of the following:

• Group Yoga or Body Pilates - Throw on a YouTube instructor for an in-room (or air-bnb patio) session. 

• Walk through a local park or trail - Dundee is filled with parks and safe sidewalks. Take a stroll through the neighborhoods or get your boots dirty with a hike on Harvey Creek Loop

• Explore close-by vintage shops - take a short drive to Lafayette or McMinnville’s Downtown.

Step Five: Make the Group Chat Proud

The whole reason for this trip is the experience with close friends and memories to add to the camera roll. Here’s a list of ideas to make sure your memories are being saved and to look back on until the next trip to Dundee:

• Golden hour at Durant, Winderlea, or Domaine Roy

• Group Cheers with your wine flights

• Flat lay of your picnic spread

• Walking down the vineyard row (bonus points for slow-motion running)

Bonus Tip: Get Around Safely

Still drawing straws for DD duty? Safety is key, but there are other options in Dundee to explore for your trip:

• Hire a local driver or shuttle- Dundee has private guides, like Aaron from Pinot Pursuit, who can take you to all the spots and give you the inside scoop. 

• Designate a chill tasting day - 20+ tasting rooms on the downtown Dundee strip means the hardest part of the foot journey will be deciding where to taste.

• Split ride shares - Lyft is active but limited; plan ahead and communicate with your driver to see when they will be active on the ride share platform. 

So… Is This Trip Finally Happening?

Yes! This is your sign. The wine weekend from your favorite group chat isn’t just a vision board dream anymore. With done-for-you planning, walkable wineries, and tasting rooms that love visitors young & old (21+ of course), Dundee is where your good intentions will finally become sweet memories.

So text the group chat, book the beds, screenshot these ideas and make your group wine weekend finally happen. We’ll see you in Dundee!