I’ve always coined Oregon’s Willamette Valley as the wine epicenter of the state. But after an afternoon at Durant Olive Mill at Red Ridge Farms, I strongly recommend exploring a different type of tasting — one that showcases the verdant, peppery notes of freshly milled extra-virgin olive oil.
It’s an easy addition to a wine tasting itinerary and just under an hour drive from Portland, nestled in a scenic pocket of the valley. The estate redefines sustainably by blending olive oil, wine, and hospitality, celebrating the diversity of the land.
What it’s like to taste olive oil in Durant Olive Mill’s award-winning estate
Durant Olive Mill’s olive oil tasting selection is as robust and artful as a wine flight. I sipped four local presses, swirling each cup to release aromas. You’re supplied with soft, airy bread for further sampling. Each oil had a distinct personality, ranging from the bright and buttery notes of Arbequina to the chicory-tinged Frantoio.
Instead of the usual ABV notes found in tasting rooms, samples are rated by polyphenol content. These antioxidants lend a peppery bitterness to the oil’s flavor while enhancing shelf life. A soft tickle at the back of the throat is a sign of potency and lends itself well to dishes like roasted lamb and seared seafood.
Tastings are available every day between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can also sample oils at the self-serve Olive Oil & Vinegar Bar in the gift shop. For an in-depth experience, contact the property in advance to arrange an official blue glass tasting or estate educational experience.
Exploring Red Ridge Farm’s grounds
Durant Olive Mill sits on Red Ridge Farms, and the estate features 165 acres of olive groves, vineyards, drought-tolerant plants, nurseries, and gardens. Durant’s team only grows varieties that are resilient to Oregon’s Dundee Hills’ sub-region AVA, actively responding to how climate change affects olive health.
The on-site shop isn’t a simple setup, but it is officially known as an Olioteca, a space for studying and sampling olive oils. It’s the only one in the Pacific Northwest and has something for everyone. In addition to fresh-pressed blends, you’ll find smoked salts, artisanal vinegars, and hand-carved kitchen supplies.
You can also purchase a bottle of small-batch Pinot Noir BBQ sauce. This unique condiment is made with fire-tinged grapes from the 2020 Oregon wildfires. The Durant team transformed an unexpected harvest into a hyperlocal specialty, best drizzled on burgers and pizzas.
On-property events and at-home olive oil delivery
The Mill offers events year-round, with the most coveted being the Olio Nuovo Festival hosted during the whole month of November. The festival takes place during the harvest and invites visitors to enjoy guided mill tours, tastings, food, and wine to wash it all down.
You can enjoy fresh-pressed oil without even stepping foot on the estate by signing up for Durant’s quarterly olive oil subscription. You can taste Master Miller K. Paul Durant’s hand-picked blends for $60 each shipment, with an added surprise gift and free shipping.
Enjoy a glass of wine
Durant’s vineyard is nestled in the Willamette Valley, a popular wine-growing region, and therefore lends itself well to cultivating spectacular grapes. The estate dedicates a section of its land to growing Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir varieties. Each bottle showcases the volcanic soil that brings minerality and depth to the fruit.
You can purchase bottles individually, by the case, or enjoy a classic tasting. If you’re drinking wine by the glass, feel free to lounge in the wine tasting room or step out onto the patio in the warmer months. The view is spectacular, with Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson peaking out of the rolling hills. The ship-to-only Destination Durant club sends 12 bottles of wine biannually to those who want to keep enjoying the local harvest without the commute.
