Domaine Serene is one of America’s most celebrated wineries, renowned for its world‑class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in 1989 by Ken and Grace Evenstad in Oregon’s Dundee Hills, Domaine Serene has built a reputation for producing Burgundy‑inspired wines with elegance, depth, and long‑term aging potential. Today, it stands as a symbol of quality and ambition in the Willamette Valley, consistently earning international acclaim and recognition.
Is Domaine Serene a Good Wine?
Yes. Domaine Serene wines are considered among the finest in the world. The Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir has repeatedly ranked in Wine Spectator’s Top 3 Wines of the Year, and the winery has even defeated Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti Grand Crus in blind tastings. Critics praise the wines for their balance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully.
Who Owns Domaine Serene?
Domaine Serene is a family‑owned winery, founded and operated by Ken and Grace Evenstad. The winery was named after their daughter, Serene. The Evenstad family continues to guide the estate with a vision of producing wines that rival the greatest Burgundies.
How Much Is Wine Tasting at Domaine Serene?
Wine tastings at Domaine Serene vary depending on the experience. At the Wine Lounges in Portland and Lake Oswego, curated flights and premium tastings are available, often featuring rare vintages and library selections. Members of the Domaine Serene Wine Club enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounted tastings, complimentary membership flights, and access to private lounges.
What Is the History of Domaine Serene?
The story of Domaine Serene began in 1989 when the Evenstad family purchased a former plum orchard in the Dundee Hills. Their vision was to prove that Oregon Pinot Noir could stand alongside Burgundy’s greatest wines. Over the years, Domaine Serene expanded its estate vineyards, adopted meticulous vineyard management practices, and invested in French oak cooperage. Today, the winery produces acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sparkling wines, and limited‑production collector cuvées.
The Domaine Serene Wine Lounge Experience
- Portland Lounge: A lively, social atmosphere perfect for pre‑show aperitifs, weekend flights, or refined nightcaps. Guests enjoy small plates and rare vintages in a vibrant downtown setting.
- Lake Oswego Lounge: An elegant destination for relaxed lunches, seasonal dinners, and milestone celebrations. The menu is designed to complement Domaine Serene’s acclaimed wines from Oregon and Burgundy.
Winemaking Practices at Domaine Serene
- Low yields: Average of 1.7 tons per acre for concentrated flavors.
- Handpicked grapes: All fruit is hand‑sorted to ensure quality.
- Small lot fermentation: Each vineyard parcel vinified separately to preserve terroir identity.
- French oak aging: Pinot Noir aged 14–18 months; Chardonnay aged 10–15 months sur lies.
- Minimal intervention: Gentle gravity flow and no filtration for purity and elegance.
Signature Wines of Domaine Serene
- Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir: Flagship wine, consistently ranked among the best in the world.
- Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay: Estate‑grown Dijon clone, aged sur lies for complexity.
- Evenstad Reserve Brut: Sparkling wine crafted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, aged 38 months on lees, praised for vibrancy and richness.
- Collector Cuvées: Limited‑production wines showcasing the estate’s finest parcels.
Accolades and Recognition
Domaine Serene has earned an extraordinary reputation in the world of fine wine. The estate has been ranked in Wine Spectator’s Top 3 Wines of the Year, recognized as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Wineries by James Suckling, and has set the record for the highest‑scoring Oregon Pinot Noir. Perhaps most impressively, Domaine Serene has defeated Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti Grand Crus in blind tastings, cementing its place among the most prestigious wineries globally.
FAQs
1. Is Domaine Serene a good wine?
Yes. Domaine Serene wines, especially the Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are internationally acclaimed and have won top awards, including placements in Wine Spectator’s Top 3 Wines of the Year.
2. Who owns Domaine Serene?
The winery was founded in 1989 by Ken and Grace Evenstad and remains family‑owned, guided by their vision of producing Burgundy‑inspired wines in Oregon’s Dundee Hills.
3. How much is wine tasting at Domaine Serene?
Tasting experiences vary by location and package. At the Portland and Lake Oswego Wine Lounges, curated flights and premium tastings are available, with discounts and exclusive access for wine club members.
4. What is the history of Domaine Serene?
Domaine Serene began when the Evenstad family transformed a former plum orchard into a vineyard estate in the Dundee Hills. Over time, it became one of America’s most prestigious wineries, known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sparkling wines, and collector cuvées.
5. What wines does Domaine Serene produce?
The estate focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, complemented by sparkling wines and limited‑production collector cuvées.
6. Where are Domaine Serene Wine Lounges located?
Wine Lounges are located in downtown Portland and Lake Oswego, offering curated flights, seasonal menus, and exclusive member experiences.
7. What makes Domaine Serene unique?
Meticulous vineyard management, low yields, French oak aging, and a proven track record of international recognition make Domaine Serene stand out as a benchmark for American Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Conclusion
Domaine Serene represents the pinnacle of Oregon winemaking, combining Burgundy‑inspired techniques with the unique terroir of the Dundee Hills. From its award‑winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to its acclaimed sparkling wines, the estate continues to set global standards for quality and elegance. With wine lounges in Portland and Lake Oswego, exclusive wine club memberships, and a legacy of international accolades, Domaine Serene offers both world‑class wines and world‑class hospitality, making it a destination for wine lovers seeking excellence.
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