With over 700 wineries in the Willamette Valley, it’s no surprise that the range of tasting experiences is vast. Some wineries offer cellar tastings, while others offer outdoor flights. In the summer you can often taste amongst the vines and perhaps even add on a hike. But two distinct wineries in the Valley currently offer a different approach, bringing the taster underground in a quiet, unexpected, cavernous setting. But why choose a cave tasting? Well, besides the thrilling excitement of trying something new, cave spaces provide a perfect temperature for wine. Caves inherently offer a “cool” setting with romantic low light pollution, and it’s durability and energy efficiency brings you the best of sustainable choices. Caves naturally have more humidity, which minimizes the evaporation of wine, yet they can also offer a surprising amount of open space for people to mingle and explore. Add on the fact that you’ll feel just a little bit more like Batman, and it’s easy to wonder why more places haven’t yet caught on to this approach. Luckily for us, there are two cave-tasting experiences less than fifteen minutes from The Dundee Hotel: Abbott Claim and Archery Summit. Read below to find out what these two world-famous wineries have to offer. Just don’t forget to book to your room with us at The Dundee Hotel when you visit!
Cave Tasting At Abbott Claim:
As soon as you walk through the 16th century Spanish doors of Abbott Claim, you know you’re in for something special. The underground barrel cellar boasts a gorgeous table hewn from fallen oak, lit spectacularly by candlelight. Only minutes from The Dundee, you will feel like you have transported to a different world, where time passes unbeknownst to you, and you sip in your own universe within the rock. Don’t worry though if you’re nervous about feeling uneasy away from the light, the Occulus (the inner-sanctum wine library at Abbott Claim) holds a portal to the sky. And if you’re hungry, delectable local bites are available to accompany each new varietal you taste.
Here are a few other details to take note of: The 90-minute Abbott Claim tasting is $75 per person, which is waived with any 3 bottle purchase, but make sure to book ahead of time, as this experience is available through reservation only. Tasting inside a cave is exciting, but it can also be chilly, so make sure to bring appropriate layers as well as sturdy, closed-toe shoes. There is no phone reception inside the cave, but you can take as many photos and videos as you please for later sharing. Also, no children or pets are allowed in this particular tasting journey, but you can check the Abbott Claim website for their family-friendly options. Finally, while outside food and drinks are not permitted, let the experts at Abbott Claim know if you have dietary restrictions when you book your reservation and they will do their best to make the necessary alterations.
Abbott Claim is nestled between coastal forest, golden fields, impressive mountains ranges, and truffle-infused woods. Add the romance of the cave itself and you’ll find yourself in the absolute perfect PNW landscape for tasting wines. Abbott Claim prioritizes making their tastings an experience for all of the senses, highlighting the aromatics and flavors that grow more even complex as time goes by. Their organic approach to winemaking is both holistic and biodynamic, emphasizing regenerative practices. They look to the past for unorthodox solutions, disturbing vine maturation as little as possible. This results in wines that are both resilient and well balanced, bringing the brightest and most flavorful profiles right to your glass.
Cave Tasting At Archery Summit:
Archery Summit may be European-inspired, but it’s taken ancient winemaking traditions and made them 100% Oregonian. They also offer several different tasting experiences, from lounging in a hilltop tasting room, to sipping amongst the picturesque vineyards. We’re not here to talk about just any tasting though. Today, we’re here to talk about the experience of heading into the rocks and tasting from within the caves. Oh, and did we mention that this is the Willamette Valley’s only cave system built directly into the bedrock?
We at the hotel recommend trying The Legacy Cave Tour and Tasting at Archery Summit. While a traditional cave tasting is also available, the Legacy Tour is the perfect place to discover the nuance of their terroir-driven estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is an immersive experience, where you have the rare opportunity to explore the full trajectory of Archery Summit’s craft, from the choices that go into picking their vineyard sites to their thoughtful and detailed approach to winemaking. Go behind the scenes of their “gravity flow winery,” and explore the barrel caves, sipping from selections of their estate wines and finishing up in the Archery Summit lounge.
Before booking with Archery Summit, here are a few things to remember. Reservations are required, and this experience sells out quickly, so reserve your spot in advance. Allow 60-90 minutes so no part of the day feels rushed, and make sure to bring warm layers and sturdy shoes to protect those toes. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but if you’re feeling hungry, Archery Summit is the perfect place to taste, as they partner with one of the most well-known restaurants in Dundee, Trellis, and offer mouth-watering selections from oysters and fresh salads to focaccia pizzas basked in Trellis’ wood-fired oven.
The shortened “traditional” cave tasting is offered at $65, while the Legacy Cave Tour and Tasting is offered for $95. Either way, the fee is waived if (or as we suggest, “when”) you become a wine club member. “A-List” members receive complimentary tastings for up to four guests each time they visit, including any kids who might be joining or those who wish to attend without tasting.
Archery Summit is also holding several celebrations in the caves this year, from a Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival in August (did you know caves provide incredible acoustics?) to their Fall Release Open House in November. Check out Archery Summit’s website for a full list of events.
Caves are a perfect setting for wine tasting year round as the weather within is more easily controlled, but nothing beats the late summer and early fall when the cool atmosphere provides a break from the sun, and the upcoming harvest means extra excitement is in the air. Whenever you choose to visit though, just remember that we at The Dundee can’t wait to host you here and help you book your personal dream wine tasting vacation!
If You Go…
Archery Summit is open everyday from 10 am to 4 pm. The concierge team at The Dundee can help you plan your visit, arrange transportation and special tours, and answer any questions you have.
“***Note: Prices are subject to change, be sure to contact each winery for most up to date pricing and available experiences”