There's nothing like Oregon in the summer. Even better, Oregon in the late-summer. It's a special kind of magic, where the days are still long, the nights are still warm, and the berries are still plump. The only bad thing about Oregon summers is the sudden realization once the end of August rolls around that this moment is almost over.
Well, that and the wildfires I suppose.
Soon, the sun will hide behind the coastal range, the nest will be empty as the kids return to school, and end-of-year deadlines will rear their ugly heads at work. Scariest of all, the rain. The rain will come and the rain will stay.
Today, it is still summer, and that's reason enough to celebrate! My personal favorite way to close out the summer season is with a picnic, and I found the perfect place for it.
Stoller Family Estate in the Dundee Hills.
As the largest contiguous vineyard in the Dundee Hills, the views alone transport you into its own quaint sanctuary. This is the spot to preserve the freedom summer embodies and make some last-minute memories before we all clock into the fall schedule.
The new "Club Rosé" experience is exactly what the end of summer calls for. You can settle in for a full, relaxed tasting, or simply grab a glass, a bottle, or one of their legendary in-house frosés (with a nonalcoholic option) and plop down on the grass. But don't worry, they also have picnic tables and lawn chairs. The lawn bar makes it super convenient to top up your glass or ask the friendly staff members for recommendations.
Of course, the wine shines, but I was equally impressed with the lawn food menu. Between the Waldorf chicken salad, a classic turkey sandwich, and a shareable hummus dip, Stoller Family Estate emphasizes the importance of approachability in the wine industry because wine should be fun and easy. Even if you've never had wine before, Stoller Family Estate has created an environment that is welcoming and encouraging to new vinos.
Because of that ethos, Stoller Family Estate is also family-friendly to its core, with lawn games to keep the kids entertained and the iconic tire swing. Yes, you can swing on it. In fact, it's a rite of passage. Go ahead and make the end-of-summer pilgrimage to Stoller Family Estate before the deadlines hit and the calendars fill up. And make sure to grab a bottle (or three) to take home so you can savor the feeling of summer once the rain returns.
Don't miss these final summer lawn events at Stoller:
Stoller Family Estate x McCollum Family Vineyard: The Collaboration Wine Debut (Aug 30): NBA guard CJ McCollum is bringing his wine label, McCollum Family Vineyard, to Stoller Family Estate for a limited collaboration release. Guests will enjoy a tasting featuring wines from both brands, along with an exclusive first taste of the collaboration wine straight from the barrel, paired with a bite created for the occasion.
In a Landscape (Sept 6): Stunning live piano music meets our majestic vineyard for a concert experience like no other. Bring your own chairs and blankets to soak up the gorgeous summer evening and classical music.
Taste of Stoller: Seafood Boil (Sold Out): Spend a summer evening on our estate lawn as the sun sets over the vines. Long communal tables will be set for a generous seafood boil, bringing a coastal-inspired feast to the heart of Oregon wine country.
