Celebrate Summer Recipes

Recipes Perfect For Summer Days

Summer in the Willamette Valley is something to behold. The colors are bright, the days stretch a little longer, the vineyards are alive with activity, and the fields and farm stands are overflowing with the season’s freshest offerings. We love recipes that showcase these seasonal ingredients in their simplest, most delicious form. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely afternoon on the patio, hosting friends for a summer meal, or simply looking for a fresh pairing to enjoy with a glass of wine, these recipes highlight the flavors of the season without requiring hours in the kitchen. After all, summer is meant for lingering, savoring, and making the most of every sun-filled moment.

Flatbread with Peaches, Arugula, Bacon, and Hot Honey

Few things capture summer quite like the combination of ripe peaches, garden-fresh greens, and a little something savory. This flatbread layers sweet summer peaches, smoky bacon, peppery arugula, and a drizzle of hot honey for the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. The bright, fresh flavors make it a natural pairing for white wines with lively acidity and expressive fruit character. 

Recipe

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Herb Butter

Grilled salmon with fresh herb butter is a celebration of simple, seasonal flavors. The rich, flaky salmon develops a delicious smoky char on the grill, while the bright, herbaceous butter adds freshness and depth with every bite. This dish pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir, whose vibrant acidity and silky texture complement the richness of the salmon without overpowering it. Notes of red fruit, subtle earthiness, and gentle spice bring out the flavors of the herbs and create a balanced pairing that feels both elegant and effortlessly approachable.
Recipe

Panna Cotta with Strawberries, Honey, and Pistachios

This panna cotta is a beautiful balance of creamy, delicate, and bright summer flavors. The silky custard provides a rich, luxurious base, while fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and acidity (feel free to use whatever fresh berries are in season). A drizzle of honey enhances the dessert’s natural flavors, and pistachios bring a subtle nuttiness and satisfying crunch. Pair it with a white wine to complement the fresh fruit and honeyed notes, or a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir for a pairing with soft fruit flavors and gentle spice. Either way, it’s a lovely finish to a summer meal—fresh, elegant, and inviting.

Recipe

A Summer Day In Dundee

The Perfect Summer Day in Dundee: A Local’s Guide to Hiking, Dining & Wine Tasting

There’s something magical about summer in Oregon Wine Country. The mornings are cool and peaceful, the vineyards are lush and green, and the long golden evenings invite you to slow down and savor every moment. While wine tasting is certainly a highlight of any Willamette Valley visit, the best days are the ones that let you experience everything that makes this region special. If you’re planning a summer getaway to Dundee, or looking for a close-to-home day excursion, here’s a local-inspired itinerary that combines the best of the outdoors, local dining, and a relaxing afternoon at Dobbes Family Winery.

Start Your Morning Among the Trees: Harvey Creek Trail

Begin your day by exploring one of Dundee’s hidden gems: Harvey Creek Trail. Tucked into the hills just above town, this scenic trail offers a peaceful introduction to the landscape that makes the Willamette Valley so unique. Wander beneath a canopy of Douglas firs, listen to the sounds of the creek, and enjoy the quiet beauty of Oregon’s forests before the afternoon’s vineyard adventures begin.

The trail is a great option for visitors looking to add a little adventure to their wine country getaway without committing to a full-day hike. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and take your time soaking in the scenery — summer mornings are the perfect time to explore before temperatures rise.

Refuel with a Local Lunch

After working up an appetite on the trail, make your way into Dundee for lunch at one of the town’s beloved local restaurants.

For a casual and delicious option, stop by Merenda Italian Deli for a handcrafted sandwich made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Their Italian-inspired menu is perfect for a relaxed lunch before an afternoon of tasting (or head there before your hike for a picnic on the trail). Pick up a sandwich, grab a sweet treat, and enjoy the slower pace that makes Dundee so special.

Looking for a place to linger? Wooden Heart is another local favorite, offering wood-fired pizzas, seasonal dishes, and a welcoming outdoor space that captures the spirit of Oregon Wine Country.

No matter where you choose to stop, the goal is the same: enjoy local food, take your time, and leave room for what comes next.

Spend the Afternoon Sipping at Dobbes Family Winery

After a morning exploring and an afternoon enjoying local flavors, it’s time to settle into the heart of your Oregon Wine Country experience: a glass of wine at Dobbes Family Winery. After hiking through the trees and exploring the valley’s local flavors, there’s something especially rewarding about ending the day with a glass of Oregon wine in hand. This summer, make your way to Dundee and experience Oregon Wine Country the way locals love it: slow, scenic, and full of flavor. We’ll save you a seat at Dobbes Family Winery.

 

Field Notes: Earth Month

From the Ground Up: Sustainability in Practice

April doesn’t show up quietly in the Willamette Valley.

It starts in the vineyard. Budbreak is beginning. Tiny green shoots where vines stood still just weeks ago. It’s one of the most exciting and nerve wracking moments of the year. Frost still lingers. Every decision matters.

This is where it all begins.

For us, sustainability isn’t something we talk about once a year. It’s the work. It’s how we farm, who we partner with, and the standards we hold ourselves to every day in the vineyard and the winery.

Farming with Intention

We work closely with vineyard partners who share that mindset. Our winery and many of the sites we source from are certified through programs like LIVE, a rigorous certification focused on environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing. It’s not just about reducing impact. It’s about improving the health of the land over time.

That means thoughtful water use, encouraging biodiversity, limiting inputs, and making decisions that support the vineyard for the long haul.

Protecting What Runs Through It

We’re also proud to support Salmon Safe practices, which focus on protecting the waterways that run through our region. Healthy vineyards and healthy rivers go hand in hand. What happens in the soil doesn’t stay in the soil, and farming responsibly means thinking beyond the vines.

Why it Matters in the Glass

This is what people mean when they talk about terroir. Soil, climate, and care shaping what ends up in your glass. Jory soils, marine sediment, elevation, it all shows up in the wine.

But so do the choices behind it.

Sustainability isn’t separate from quality. It’s part of it.

Drink Local, Think Bigger

Choosing wines from Oregon is also a way to support regional agriculture and the people behind it. It keeps dollars closer to the ground, supports farming communities, and rewards practices that prioritize long term stewardship over short term gains.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.

And when you choose Oregon, you’re part of that.

Bring the Valley Home

Support local agriculture with every bottle you bring home

  • 15 to 25 percent off when you build your case
  • Complimentary shipping on 12 bottles or more. Plus, a little something extra from us when you go big
Explore the Earth Month Collection

Find Your Perfect Valentine – In A Glass

Sunlit rows of grapevines stretch across a green Dundee hillside beneath a bright blue sky.

Get Set Up With Your perfect wine match

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the things that just work together — like best friends, that special someone, or even yourself. It’s about finding that perfect match, the one that feels effortless and brings a little extra joy to the moment. This year, we’re taking that idea to the glass, because when you find the right wine, everything else seems to fall into place.

Are You Classic? Bold? A Little Cheeky?

Just like personal taste in music, food, or travel, the wines we gravitate toward say something about us. Some people are drawn to deep, layered reds that linger long after the last sip, while others love wines that feel bright, refreshing, and effortless. Maybe you’re someone who reaches for bubbles because life feels better with a little sparkle, or you find comfort in a white wine that’s familiar, inviting, and always welcome at the table.

There’s no right or wrong choice — just preferences shaped by mood, season, and personality. And sometimes, the wine that ends up being your favorite isn’t the one you expected at all.

What Does Your Wine Say About You?

Every bottle tells a story, and so does every palate. Some wines feel romantic and expressive, others playful and lighthearted, and some quietly confident in a way that doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. The best matches aren’t about trends or rules — they’re about how a wine makes you feel in the moment, whether you’re sharing it with friends, setting the table for a special meal, or simply unwinding at the end of the day.

There’s a bottle for every personality — and yes, a personality behind every favorite bottle.

  • Romantic Red: Deep, passionate, and full-bodied — you’re in it for the long pour.

  • Playful Rosé: Lighthearted, charming, and up for anything — you sparkle even without the bubbles.

  • Elegant Sparkling: Sophisticated, bubbly, and celebratory — you make every moment an occasion.

  • Comforting White: Warm, inviting, and dependable — you’re the friend everyone wants at the table.

Finding that perfect wine match is less about labels and more about connection — and once you find it, you tend to come back to it again and again.

Rows of grapevines stretch across a green hillside beneath a bright sky.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

If you’ve ever wondered why certain wines just click for you, we’ve made it easy (and fun) to find out. Our Wine Personality Quiz is designed to pair you with a wine style that fits your taste, your vibe, and the way you like to enjoy wine.

Discover your wine personality here!

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate the joy of a great match — one that’s meant to be poured, shared, and enjoyed.

A Dog Friendly Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Itinerary

A Dog Friendly Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Itinerary

Traveling the Willamette Valley with a dog means planning a little differently. Not every winery or stop welcomes pets, and no one wants to spend the day guessing.

Dobbes Family Winery is an easy, comfortable stop for guests exploring Oregon wine with their dogs. We are dog friendly, relaxed in pace, and well suited for flexible itineraries.

Suggested Dog Friendly Willamette Valley Itinerary

This half day outline works well for first time visitors, mixed groups, and anyone traveling with a dog who wants a calm pace.

Start in Dundee
Begin your day at Dobbes Family Winery in the Dundee Hills. Starting here lets both you and your dog settle in comfortably. Walk in tastings are welcome when space allows.

Midday Break for Dogs and People
After tasting, stretch your legs at Dundee Billick Park, a short walk from downtown Dundee and a good spot for dogs to move around before getting back in the car.

Lunch Nearby
For dog friendly dining, stop by Red Hills Market or Trellis, both known for welcoming dogs in outdoor seating areas. If you prefer, outside food is also welcome back at Dobbes.

Optional Afternoon Stops
If you want to keep exploring, continue along Highway 99W or head toward Newberg. Many guests choose to keep the day simple and use Dobbes as either their first or last winery stop.

Why Dobbes Works for a Dog Friendly Wine Day

Dobbes Family Winery is located in the Dundee Hills and is easy to reach from Portland, Newberg, and McMinnville. Well behaved dogs are welcome during tastings, and the experience is unhurried and approachable.

Guests often choose Dobbes because it removes stress from the day. You can enjoy the wine without worrying about where your dog is allowed to be.

Dog Friendly Places to Stretch Your Legs Nearby

Guests visiting with dogs often pair their tasting with time outdoors. Nearby options include:

These stops help break up the day and keep dogs comfortable between tastings.

Wine Tasting Without the Pressure

Dobbes is a good fit for guests who enjoy wine but do not want a formal experience. Our tasting room team brings strong wine knowledge and explains things clearly and comfortably.

First time tasters feel welcome here, and guests with more experience still find the tasting engaging. Educational tastings and seasonal experiences are offered throughout the year and listed on our Events page.

Membership and Ongoing Perks

Many guests who visit with dogs return. For those interested in staying connected, our wine club offers special pricing, exclusive releases, and member only events. Details can be found on our Membership page.

Visit Dobbes Family Winery

Dobbes Family Winery is located in the Dundee Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Dog friendly
Family friendly
Outside food welcome
Walk in tastings available when space allows

If you are planning a dog friendly Willamette Valley wine tasting and want a winery that feels comfortable, knowledgeable, and easy to visit, Dobbes Family Winery is ready to welcome you and your dog.

Planning a Willamette Valley Wine Tasting? Start (or End) at Dobbes Family Winery

Planning a Willamette Valley Wine Tasting? Start or End at Dobbes Family Winery

Planning a Willamette Valley wine day can feel like a lot. There are many wineries, plenty of opinions, and often a sense that there is a right way to do it.

At Dobbes Family Winery, we take a different approach. We believe wine days should feel comfortable and unhurried. Whether you are new to Oregon wine or already enjoy Pinot Noir, our tasting room is designed to be an easy and enjoyable stop on your itinerary.

A Relaxed Willamette Valley Winery Experience

Dobbes Family Winery is located in the Dundee Hills, one of Oregon’s most established wine growing areas. Our work is rooted in Oregon Pinot Noir, long standing vineyard relationships, and winemaking that focuses on place and vintage.

If you are interested in learning more about our history, values, and sustainability practices, visit our About Us page. It offers a deeper look at how farming, community, and responsibility guide our work.

A Diverse Lineup of Oregon Wines

Pinot Noir sits at the center of what we do, but our wine list reflects a wider view of Oregon wine. We produce wines from a range of vineyards, sites, and styles, each showing how growing conditions and season shape what ends up in the glass.

Our Wines page shares current releases and vineyard designated bottlings and gives a sense of the range and diversity we work with each year.

A Comfortable Place for First Time Wine Tasters and Wine Lovers

You do not need a background in wine to enjoy a tasting at Dobbes.

Our tasting room team brings deep wine knowledge and explains things clearly and without pressure. We talk through how to taste, what you might notice, and why Oregon wines show the character they do. Guests new to wine feel at ease here, and guests with experience often leave having learned something new.

Educational tastings and seasonal experiences are offered throughout the year. Upcoming opportunities can be found on our Events page.

Dog Friendly, Family Friendly, and Outside Food Welcome

When planning a Willamette Valley wine itinerary, the details matter.

Dobbes Family Winery is dog friendly and family friendly, and outside food is welcome. Well behaved dogs are encouraged, children are welcome in the tasting room, and guests often bring snacks or takeout to enjoy during their visit.

These simple allowances make Dobbes an easy stop for mixed groups and longer wine days.

Walk In Tastings and Flexible Planning

Reservations are optional. Walk in tastings are welcome when space allows, which makes Dobbes a good choice for flexible plans or spontaneous visits.

Most tastings last about forty five to sixty minutes, though guests are welcome to stay longer and enjoy the pace of the room.

A Natural First Stop or Last Stop on Your Wine Day

Dobbes works well as a first stop to ease into the day, a midpoint break between more structured experiences, or a final stop to slow things down before heading out.

If you are visiting wineries near Dundee or traveling along Highway 99W, we are easy to include without overplanning.

Suggested Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Itinerary

Planning a Willamette Valley wine day and want something that feels relaxed, not overprogrammed? This simple half-day itinerary works well for first-time visitors, mixed groups, and flexible schedules.

Start Here
Begin your day at Dobbes Family Winery in the Dundee Hills. Our relaxed tasting style makes us an ideal first stop to ease into your wine day, ask questions, and explore Oregon Pinot Noir at your own pace. Walk-in tastings are welcome when space allows.

Lunch Nearby
After your tasting, grab lunch at one of the nearby Dundee-area favorites, such as Red Hills Market, or enjoy a casual picnic with food you’ve brought along. Outside food is welcome at Dobbes if you’d like to linger.

Continue Exploring
From here, continue visiting wineries in the Dundee Hills or along Highway 99W. If you prefer a slower pace, Dobbes also works well as a last stop to wind down and enjoy a relaxed finish.

Wrap Up
Many guests finish their visit at Dobbes before heading back toward Portland or McMinnville, making it a convenient and comfortable final stop on a Willamette Valley itinerary.

Other Nearby Stops Guests Often Enjoy:

  • Shopping in Downtown Newberg or McMinnville
  • A hike through Dundee passing by Viewmont Greenway up to Harvey Creek Trail and Pioneer Cemetary
  • Stop by Dundee Billick Park with the kids or the Newberg Dog Park with the pups

Special Events, Member Perks, and Discounts

Throughout the year, we host special events, seasonal tastings, and educational experiences that offer new ways to explore our wines.

Guests interested in deeper access, exclusive releases, special pricing, and member-only events can learn more about joining our wine club on our Membership page. Membership is designed for guests who want to stay connected beyond a single visit and enjoy added value throughout the year.

Why Dobbes Family Winery Belongs on Your Willamette Valley Itinerary

The Willamette Valley is full of excellent wineries. What sets Dobbes apart is balance.

We combine serious winemaking and vineyard knowledge with a tasting room experience that feels approachable and comfortable. Our wines reflect the range of Oregon, our team is generous with information, and our space is designed for guests to relax and enjoy their time.

If you are planning a Willamette Valley wine tasting and looking for a winery that feels confident, knowledgeable, and easy to visit, Dobbes Family Winery is ready to welcome you.

Visit Dobbes Family Winery

Located in the Dundee Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley
Dog friendly
Family friendly
Outside food welcome
Walk in tastings available when space allows

Holiday Walk

Step into a day of holiday cheer in Downtown Dundee — where our local wineries, restaurants, and small businesses come together for a festive celebration of good food, great wine, and community spirit.

Sip and stroll through town while sampling bites from our restaurant neighbors, building ornaments, decorating cookies, and discovering seasonal surprises along the way.

Participating Businesses & Activities:

Dobbes Family Winery

Adoptable Kittens in the Tasting Room!
With Newberg Animal Shelter
Library & Classic Tasting Flight
Give Back Together Canned Food Drive for YCAP

Trellis

Cookie Decorating Station & Hot Chocolate
Canned Food Drive for YCAP

Wooden Heart

Baked Camembert
Peppermint Espresso Martini
25% of proceeds from Holiday Market/Walk specials will be donated to local food banks.

Dundee Hotel

A special coupon for the weekend for 20% off: DECDUNDEE20
Valid through: December 4th-8th

Red Hills Market

Ornament decorating and 30% off all ornaments

Breakside Brewery & Alit

Argyle

Personalize Your Wine Stocking—Free with Any Bottle purchase

Bonus Wine Cocktail Pour with Every Flight

Lytle-Barnett | Aubaine

A special showing of a Holiday movie & treats!

North Valley Vineyards

Holiday Market

Open Claim Vineyards

Holiday Market

La Biblioteca

Holiday Market

Cathedral Ridge Winery

Festive holiday cookie and chocolate pairings

YCAP Food Drive

YCAP event banner with event details and a vineyard background

How to Give Back

We’re collecting nutritious, shelf-stable pantry staples to support Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) and families across Yamhill County. Bring your donations to the tasting room through November and December, and we’ll thank you with a little wine love in return.

Requested donation items include:

  • Canned proteins: tuna, chicken, beans
  • Soups, chilis, and stews (low sodium preferred)
  • Whole-grain pasta, rice, and cereals
    Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Shelf-stable milk, 100% fruit juice, or cooking oils
  • Other nutritious, low-sugar and low-sodium pantry items
  • (We cannot accept perishable, homemade, opened, or glass-packaged items.)

  • 2-5 ITEMS

  • $5 off a glass pour • Loyalty points for Members

  • 6-10 ITEMS

  • Complimentary glass of wine or tasting flight • Loyalty points for Members

  • 11+ ITEMS

  • 15% off your purchase + Complimentary glass of wine or tasting flight • Loyalty points for Members

  • 20+ ITEMS

  • 30% off your purchase, Complimentary Flight for Four • Loyalty points for Members

Donations accepted daily during tasting room hours.
Our team will deliver all contributions directly to YCAP each week to ensure timely distribution throughout Yamhill County.

Together, we can make a difference — one can, one pour, and one act of kindness at a time.

Raise a Glass and Gather Together

Festive Christmas table setting with evergreen branches, candles, wine glasses, and holiday decorations

Wines for every dish and memory

Every dish on a holiday table tells a story—a celebration of the people nearest and dearest to us. It’s a gathering of family and chosen family, a moment where traditions are shared, memories are retold, and new rituals are made. Someone proudly arrives with “their mom’s famous stuffing” or “grandma’s cookies,” recipes preserved on handwritten cards passed down through generations. Others bring something new, blending past and present to create a celebration uniquely their own. 

The food is nostalgic. The conversations are heartfelt. And the wine is the finishing touch that brings it all together. 

Oregon wine pairs beautifully with every dish and every laugh. Elegant, balanced, and naturally food-friendly – no matter which traditions you bring with you. 

No matter how you prepare your turkey, the lean, savory flavors call for a wine with bright acidity and layers of red fruit to bring everything into balance. Oregon Pinot Noir shines here, with its lively notes of cranberry, cherry, and subtle baking spice that echo the essence of the season. Its silky texture and vibrant character complement both the richness of the bird and the variety of sides on the table, from herb stuffing to roasted root vegetables. It’s a natural pairing that’s as classic as the holidays themselves.

Buttery mashed potatoes, with or without gravy, deserve a wine that’s both rich and refreshing. The creamy texture and indulgent flavors call for something with enough weight to stand up to them, yet enough brightness to keep each bite lively. Oregon Chardonnay delivers that perfect balance. With its vibrant citrus and stone fruit character, and just a touch of oak for depth, it complements the dish without overwhelming it. The result is a pairing that feels elegant yet effortless.

Stuffing or Dressing, is often the most flavorful dish on the table, packed with herbs, aromatics, and savory, salty goodness. A wine with depth and spice is the perfect match. Syrah rises to the occasion with its bold character and balance of fruit and earth. Notes of blackberry, pepper, and subtle smoke highlight the seasoning in the dish, while its plush texture complements the richness without overwhelming it.

Holiday green beans served in a bowl

The acidity of a crisp white wine like Roussanne-Viognier brings vegetables to life, highlighting their fresh, earthy flavors, especially when they’re coated in butter and garlic. With its notes of citrus blossom, pear, and a touch of honeyed warmth, this wine adds brightness without overpowering the dish. It’s the kind of pairing that turns simple sides – think green beans, roasted carrots, or brussel sprouts – into something that truly shines on the holiday table.

Christmas dessert plated for serving

Of course, no food-centered holiday is complete without a festive finish. A glass of Brut is the perfect companion to pies, tarts, and all things sweet. Its bright effervescence cuts through the richness and sweetness of dessert, refreshing the palate with every sip. Crisp, lively, and celebratory, it’s the ideal way to end the meal and raise a final toast to good food, good company, and the joy of the season.

At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about perfection; they are about connection. It’s about gathering around a table filled with stories, laughter, and dishes made with intention. Oregon wines don’t just complement the flavors on your plate; they enhance the spirit of the day, elevating every toast, every memory, and every new tradition being born. These pairings are only suggestions. (Honestly, we suggest opening up a bottle of whatever wine you love!) Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends who feel like family, Oregon wine is there to help you raise a glass to what truly matters: gratitude, togetherness, and the joy of a shared table. 

Field Notes: Harvest Report #3

Rows of grapevines stretch across a sunlit Oregon vineyard beneath a blue sky.
Smiling woman standing among grapevines during harvest

Harvest 2025 is officially in the books here at Dobbes Family Winery! The last fruit came in under a stretch of mild fall days – cool mornings, golden afternoons in the 60s, and a touch of gentle rain that brought a fresh, earthy scent to the air. Overall, the weather for harvest was perfect, and we think the fruit reflected that. After weeks of early mornings and late nights, the pace is finally starting to shift from vineyard to cellar. 

It may feel a little quiet, but the cellar is still busy with activity. Tanks are bubbling away with fermentations in full swing. Whites and sparkling wines are finishing their ferments, while Pinot Noir is being pressed off skins and settling into barrel for its long rest ahead. The team is still hard at work, but there’s a quiet excitement that comes once all the fruit is safely in. Soon, we will say goodbye to our interns who worked hard to make sure that the 2025 season was a success, and we thank them wholeheartedly.  

The 2025 wines already show balance, vibrancy, and depth, and we can’t wait to watch them evolve in the months to come. Here’s to the close of another harvest season – and the start of cellar season!