{This is the second in a series about our favorite tasting rooms, wineries and vineyards in the Willamette Valley.}
L’Angolo Estate in the Dundee Hills has a little of everything we look for in a wine tasting experience: gorgeous views, stunning vintages, warm hospitality, modern and inspiring design, a fireplace (always a bonus for me) and of course, sweet winery dogs at your feet. We find that our guests typically like many of the things we do – for good reason, of course! – and the consensus is that this is the kind of place that deserves to be tops on the list.
We first learned about L’Angolo through our friend, Francesca. She’d met the winemaker, Chase, while studying abroad and Italy, and was excited for us to check out his new property in the Willamette Valley. We first visited in January of 2017, a few months after their grand opening, and were blown away by the property, the wines, and the people behind it all.
I’ve found wine people to be exactly the kind I’m drawn to: knowledgeable yet open-minded, passionate about their craft, well-traveled, interesting and curious about the world. They love to share all this with others. How can that not be inspiring? The L’Angolo team has all that and then some, and it’s always a privilege to spend time in this beautiful space and taste Chase’s beautiful expression of this land.
What we love about L’Angolo:
It’s simply gorgeous: From the stunning design of the Northwest-modern style tasting room to the sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains in the distance, you’re surrounded by effortless style and beauty from the moment you start the drive up through the vines. There are multiple spots inside and out to relax, sip, be inspired and enjoy the scenery.
And the wines are equally so: Everything you’ll taste here (other than the french bubbles you may be greeted with, or the fantastic Sangiovese that Chase produces in Italy) comes from the estate vineyards on the property, which are farmed with biodynamic methods and produced with minimal intervention. The wines are fruit-driven but elegant and balanced, with fresh acidity and minerality. The chardonnay is one of our favorites anywhere: bright, zesty, energetic, and oh-so-easy to drink on its own or pair with food.
They embrace the true meaning of hospitality: It should feel easy, unforced and genuine, and the L’Angolo team focuses on those aspects with great success. On our visits, we always see familiar and friendly faces, are greeted with warm smiles (and hugs, and bumps from a winery pup or three), and feel immediately welcome. Club parties feel more like get-togethers with your friends and all their friends, with delicious food always on hand to pair with those gorgeous wines. They get it.
The fireplace: I’m just a sucker for a wine country fireplace (who isn’t?), and L’Angolo’s is tops on the list. Cozy up in front of the flames on a rainy day with a Pendleton blanket, Pinot in your glass and a mini aussie at your feet, and be reminded why life is so good.
Seated tastings with light bites: While I haven’t yet had the privilege of experiencing it, I’m really excited about their new seated tasting offerings. The 60-minute appointment provides a saved spot at their table, four wines and light snacks for $45 per person. I’ve had Spatzle & Speck‘s charcuterie and light bites at club events in the past, and they were a truly delicious accompaniment to the wines. It’s definitely worth making a reservation to enjoy this experience.
L’Angolo is a place we recommend over and over again to guests, family and friends, and for good reason – they’re always happy with every aspect of the experience.
Planning Your Visit
See our guide listing here.
L’Angolo Estate
18830 NE Williamson Rd
Newberg, Oregon 97132
Tasting Room Hours:
Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 4pm, without an appointment for up to six guests.
Thursday, Friday and Monday, by appointment.
