Dundee, Ore. - Open hearts replace open houses this holiday season at Winter’s Hill Estate. This year, the Oregon winery joins Willamette Valley Wineries Association and Willamette Cares Food Share in an online celebration called  The Giving Season, benefitting the Oregon Food Bank.

“The need for food assistance in Oregon is higher than ever,” says winemaker Russell Gladhart of Winter’s Hill Estate. “Between the COVID-19 pandemic and the catastrophic wildfires, too many people are unable to support themselves and their families. Our community of fans and club members has supported us, and now it is our turn to support our community.”

The Giving Season

Rather than roll out the traditional Willamette Valley Wine Country Thanksgiving and holiday open houses, The Giving Season welcome guests virtually. Beginning October 27 through December 31, participating Willamette Valley wineries proffer special online gift selections, with a portion of each sale benefitting the Oregon Food Bank.

The Winter’s Hill Estate The Giving Season promotional gift pack features a 20% discount on two bottles of 2017 Winter’s Hill Dundee Hills Pinot Noir (an $88 value), plus free shipping (where permitted). In addition, $10 from the sale of each seasonal gift pack benefits the Oregon Food Bank.

“As a small winery, we work directly with the challenges of farming, trucking, packaging and logistics, and we know how difficult it can be,” says Gladhart. “The Oregon Food Bank (OFB) is able to deliver 30 meals for every $10 donation, and that makes us feel great about supporting their work. We have tremendous admiration for the efficiency and skill that the OFB employs to help the maximum number of people with the donations they receive.”

Sense of Place and Community

Winter’s Hill Estate is a third generation, sustainable vineyard established in 1961 by Gladhart’s grandparents, the Winters. Gladhart and his French wife Delphine both studied winemaking in Beaune, the heart of Burgundy’s historic wine region. As a result, Gladhart espouses the Burgundian philosophy of minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar, thus allowing the wines to reflect their ’sense of place,’ or terroir.  Moreover, 100% of Winter’s Hill Estate wines derive from their estate vineyards, a point of pride for the family.

Located in the Dundee Hills, the SalmonSafe and LIVE-certified site features volcanic Jory soils planted to Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc, with elevations ranging from 525-750 feet above sea level. Notable neighbors include White Rose Estate, Eyrie Vineyards, Domaine Serene, and Domaine Drouhin Oregon.

“This year has been difficult for so many people, but we still have many things to be thankful for,” concludes Gladhart. “We are looking forward to sharing the holidays with our families, and exchanging gifts with the ones we love. Through The Giving Season, we hope to share that gratitude and sense of community with Oregonians, and our friends and family across the country.”

Tasting Notes: Winter’s Hill Estate 2017 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

12.7% Alcohol | 100% Estate-grown Pinot Noir
Deep ruby robe. Lovely ‘eau de Dundee’ aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and red fruit. Light body, fresh acids, ultra-fine tannins. Red fruit (raspberry, pomegranate, cherry), and sous bois on the attack carries through on mid-palate, easing into a silky finish.

Purchase Winter’s HIll Estate 2017 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir here.