Here are some photos from what is still one of my favorite engagement shoots. Ben & Adrianne wanted to go wine tasting in the Dundee Hills, which produce world renowned Pinot Noir’s. I was listening to a weekend wine show on the radio and learned that 20 years ago, Oregon had about 4 wineries. And today? Just over 400! They were discussing how great it was for the rural economies.

For the longest time, rural communities have been struggling as the logging industry slows and people gravitate toward communities along the freeway (hah! THE freeway, as if there is only one in Oregon…which now that I think about it is sadly true for all but the Portland area). Growing up in somewhat of a wood products town, I saw three of five lumber mills close. It was great to learn that when you consider all the jobs created by bed & breakfasts, restaurants, field hands, materials suppliers, equipment companies, etc. that this boom in the wine industry requires, a lot of those jobs, although different, have at least partly come back.

Back on topic! This was my first time wine tasting and it was an incredible way to spend a Saturday! If you head out around Dundee, check out Domaine Serene for great architecture and ambience. You’ll also enjoy one of the best views of the Willamette Valley atop the hills of White Rose Wines. Seriously, if you’ve done Napa and you’re looking for a new adventure in wines, you can’t beat a weekend in Oregon’s wine country.