A trip to Oregon isn’t complete without a visit to the state’s oldest wine region, the Willamette Valley. Bordered by Portland and Eugene, the spellbinding stretch of wine country is 150 miles long and is home to hundreds of tasting rooms worth a visit. But Van Duzer Vineyards is more than views and sips—it’s a wildlife sanctuary that holds a high standard for the land it sits on.
Van Duzer winery preserves 22 acres of native flora and fauna on its grounds, with six grapes and 14 clones growing on the property’s remaining 84 acres. The neighboring Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 250 species of bird species in its wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, with scenic hikes just minutes from Van Duzer’s hilltop tasting room.
The biodiversity pairs well with the estate’s exceptional wines crafted from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Pinot Blanc grapes rooted in the estate’s grounds. The winery earned top ratings from Decanter, Wine Spectator, and Northwest Wine Report with the guidance of winemaker Eric Misiewicz. His approach embraces the valley’s microclimates and marine winds, resulting in distinctly Oregonian wines with bright acidity and elegant, silky tannins.
How Van Duzer Winery protects the environment while you sip on low-impact wines
Van Duzer Vineyard’s sustainability efforts are more than mere marketing. Main tenets include careful water use, well-maintained soil, and biodiversity. Bruce Sonnen, Vineyard Manager, serves as Board Chair for LIVE certification, a rigorous sustainability initiative. The property is also certified Salmon Safe and protects nearby waterways.
Most interestingly, the vineyard is a steward of the Fender Blue butterfly, a species previously designated as extinct. The insect relies on the Kincaid lupine plant to lay its eggs, which rapidly disappeared at the start of the 20th century.
Van Duzer played a part by establishing a native prairie habitat that helped recover the native perennial. Efforts were successful, with the first Fender Blue (named “Eve”) spotted on the property in 2013. Since then, numbers have steadily increased, and the Fender Blue is now known as the second insect in history removed from the Endangered Species Act due to recovery.
How to enjoy a visit to Van Duzer Vineyards’ hilltop estate
Van Duzer Vineyards’ tasting room is perched atop a hill 60 miles outside of Portland proper, a manageable day trip. The tasting room’s indoor and outdoor seating can accommodate guests year-round.
The cozy indoor venue is prime for sharing conversations and tasting notes with the knowledgeable, warm staff. The outside patio is dotted with Adirondack chairs perched on a grassy hillside suited for slow walks and 360-degree views of the property’s vines, hazelnuts, and great oak savanna.
Try the Essentials or the Classic flight for a full survey of the estate’s offerings. Beyond the influence of maritime winds, the terroir is comprised of shallow volcanic basalt that imparts depth and minerality. The property offers both public and private events, so make sure to check their calendar prior to your visit.
Otherwise, plan to spend about two hours at the estate—the relaxed, attentive team encourages guests to linger. And if you can, traverse a trail at the nearby Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and rest assured that your sustainable drinking choices are a vote for a more sustainable wine country.
