Domaine Drouhin

For many wine enthusiasts around the world, the name Joseph Drouhin is closely linked with Beaune and Burgundy. However, it is a name not solely rooted in Côte-d’Or.

As early as 1961, Robert Drouhin had a strong belief that he had a role to play in Oregon. That dream came true in 1987 when Robert and his daughter Véronique, who had just graduated in oenology, decided to purchase land in the Willamette Valley. The site was selected for its remarkable similarity in climate, latitude, and aspect to the legendary vineyards of Burgundy. Domaine Drouhin Oregon was born with the motto “French Soul, Oregon Soil.”

In 1989, a gravity-flow winery emerged poised atop the Dundee Hills. With gentle slopes that capture the breezes and sunshine, the 235-acre estate realizes Robert’s vision of an Oregon estate winery that could rival the great properties of Burgundy. From what began as test plantings of cloned Pinot Noir rootstock, there are now 130 acres of hillside vineyards. Interspersed with the Pinot Noir vines are 13 acres of Chardonnay, planted at various elevations and like in Burgundy, planted right alongside rows of Pinot Noir.

Everything planted is unique to the estate. There are two large blocks of rootstock planted on the estate, well suited to the specifics of the vineyard sites in terms of site elevation, soil depth, and moisture-holding capacity. Cuttings are grafted onto this rootstock, maintaining the highest level of quality control. The densely planted vines are farmed sustainably, L.I.V.E. certified, and tended to by hand when leaves and fruit are thinned; harvesting is also done entirely by hand.

Winemaking techniques are adapted from what the Drouhin family has learned in Burgundy since 1880. All wines are made by hand in a Landmark Gravity Flow Winery. The goal is to craft wines naturally with gentle treatment and minimal manipulation resulting in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay appreciated for their classic finesse, elegance and for the true reflection of their origin; their terroir.