What could be better than discovering a brand-new, exquisite wine-tasting room in the vibrant heart of Dundee, Oregon? How about two exceptional wine brands sharing a single, elegant space, offering a truly unique experience? Prepare to uncork the delights of the new Lytle-Barnett and Aubaine wine-tasting room, an essential destination for any connoisseur visiting Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley.
The allure of sparkling wine continues its upward trajectory in Oregon’s illustrious Willamette Valley. This region, already globally renowned for its Pinot Noir, is increasingly proving its prowess in crafting world-class traditional method sparkling wines. Just recently, we celebrated the opening of Corollary Wines’ dedicated sparkling-only winery and tasting experience in Amity. Now, another local label of extraordinary quality, Lytle-Barnett, is garnering significant attention and making a delightful splash in the burgeoning sparkling wine scene.
In an exciting development for Oregon wine enthusiasts and visitors alike, Lytle-Barnett has teamed up with its distinguished sister winery, Aubaine, to offer an unparalleled dual-brand tasting experience. This collaborative venture has culminated in the grand opening of their first shared tasting room, strategically located in the bustling center of Dundee, a charming town often considered the very pulse of Oregon wine country. This new establishment provides a magnificent opportunity to explore the diverse and exquisite offerings of both highly esteemed wineries under one refined roof.
Lytle-Barnett: Crafting Oregon’s Finest Sparkling Wines
Lytle-Barnett has dedicated over a decade to mastering the art of sparkling wine production in Oregon, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the field. The journey began in 2012 when co-founders Andy Lytle and Antony Beck united their passion and expertise with the exceptional talent of winemaker Andrew Davis. Their collective mission was clear and ambitious: to ascend to the pinnacle of the state’s traditional-method sparkling wine producers, a goal they have diligently pursued and demonstrably achieved.
Under Andrew Davis’s meticulous guidance, Lytle-Barnett meticulously crafts a diverse and impressive range of sparkling wines. Each bottle is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and the distinctive terroir of the Willamette Valley. Their portfolio includes the classic Brut, an elegant Blanc de Blanc (made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes), a complex Blanc de Noirs (typically crafted from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier), and a vibrant Brut Rosé. Each expression showcases the precision and delicate balance that define truly exceptional traditional-method sparkling wines, inviting tasters to explore the nuanced complexities born from Oregon’s unique growing conditions.
Aubaine Wine: Boutique Expressions of Eola-Amity Hills Terroir
Building on the success and experience gained with Lytle-Barnett, founder Andy Lytle embarked on his latest wine venture, Aubaine (pronounced ō-bane), in 2019. Aubaine, a French term meaning “windfall,” perfectly encapsulates the serendipitous discovery and exceptional quality inherent in this project. It represents Lytle’s high-end boutique endeavor, focusing exclusively on single vineyard, estate-only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – two varietals that thrive in the Willamette Valley’s unique climate and soil compositions.
These Aubaine wines are crafted as special expressions of the region, meticulously reflecting the distinct characteristics of their origins. The initial releases come from their premier Eola-Amity Hills vineyard, Anahata, a site renowned for producing grapes of exceptional concentration and balance. The winemaking expertise behind Aubaine is equally impressive, with esteemed winemaker Isabelle Meunier lending her profound knowledge and artistic touch to transform these remarkable grapes into liquid poetry.
Beginning this year, Aubaine is poised for further expansion, embracing wines from a second estate vineyard, also aptly named Windfall vineyard, aligning perfectly with the brand’s name. This significant 117-acre plot is strategically positioned directly in the path of the famous Van Duzer Corridor winds. This natural phenomenon brings cool, refreshing air from the Pacific Ocean inland, particularly during the critical ripening season. These consistent winds contribute to thicker grape skins, enhanced flavor concentration, and a prolonged growing season, all of which are vital for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with exceptional structure, complexity, and age-worthiness. Aubaine’s commitment to single-vineyard expressions from these distinguished sites truly sets it apart.
The Grand Tasting Room Experience: A Dundee Destination
For years, both Lytle-Barnett’s acclaimed sparkling wines and Aubaine’s exquisite still wines, despite their stellar reputations, were not always readily accessible for public tasting. This challenge inspired the creation of their inaugural tasting room, which celebrated its highly anticipated grand opening this past May. This new space provides a much-needed and eagerly welcomed opportunity for wine lovers to intimately discover the nuances of both brands.
Nestled on SW 7th Avenue in the heart of downtown Dundee, the tasting room boasts an ideal location for this innovative collaborative venture. Dundee itself is a vibrant hub, brimming with acclaimed wineries, fine dining, and boutique shops, making it a perfect backdrop for a premium wine experience. The tasting room not only proudly showcases the full range of wines from both Lytle-Barnett and Aubaine but also elevates the experience with a thoughtfully curated small bites menu. These delectable pairings are sourced from the neighboring local mainstay, Dundee Bistro, fostering a wonderful sense of community and enhancing the overall sensory journey.
The atmosphere within the tasting room is one of refined elegance and understated luxury. Guests are welcomed into a spacious interior designed for comfort and relaxation, featuring amenities such as plush, comfy seating strategically arranged around a cozy gas fireplace at one end of the room – perfect for cooler Oregon days. When the weather permits, patrons can extend their enjoyment outdoors, taking advantage of several inviting tables on the patio, offering a delightful al fresco experience amidst the charm of Dundee. Every detail, from the tasteful decor to the attentive service, contributes to an unforgettable visit.
As for the wine menu, visitors are presented with a choice of three distinct tasting experiences, each carefully designed to highlight the unique characteristics of the wines. During our recent visit, my companion Marlynn and I opted for the Melange tasting ($45), a beautifully balanced combination that allowed us to explore two select wines from each brand. This particular tasting offers an excellent introduction to the diverse styles and exceptional quality that both Lytle-Barnett and Aubaine represent, providing a comprehensive and highly satisfying journey through their impressive portfolios.
Lytle-Barnett Sparkling Wines: A Taste of Celebration
Our Melange tasting experience began with a delightful exploration of Lytle-Barnett’s sparkling selections. We had the pleasure of trying the exquisite 2017 Brut and the vibrant 2017 Brut Rosé. These wines exemplify the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every bottle from Lytle-Barnett, showcasing why they are leaders in Oregon’s sparkling wine movement.
The 2017 Brut immediately captivated with its warm, yeasty aromas, a hallmark characteristic of traditional method sparkling wine. These complex notes are a result of extended aging on the lees (spent yeast cells), which imparts a rich brioche-like quality and incredible depth. Beyond this enticing foundation, the wine revealed bright, zesty lemon and delicate floral notes, culminating in a refreshing palate defined by its bright, persistent acidity. It’s a beautifully balanced sparkling wine, perfect for celebrating any occasion or simply enjoying a moment of pure indulgence.
Following this, the clean and utterly refreshing 2017 Brut Rosé presented a captivating profile. It showcased delightful primary aromas of fresh red fruits, particularly ripe strawberry, intertwined with subtle floral undertones. The wine’s vibrant acidity provided a crisp, invigorating finish, making it an absolute pleasure to drink. Its lively character and aromatic charm make it an ideal choice for a warm summer day, perhaps paired with light appetizers or a fresh seafood dish. Both the Brut and Brut Rosé are available for purchase, with each 750ml bottle retailing for $75, reflecting their premium quality and artisanal production.
Aubaine Wines: Elegance in Still Expressions
Continuing our Melange tasting journey, we transitioned to the two exquisite Aubaine wines: the 2021 estate Chardonnay and the 2021 estate Pinot Noir. These still wines truly highlight the exceptional terroir of the Eola-Amity Hills and the meticulous winemaking philosophy of Aubaine, offering a profound contrast and complement to Lytle-Barnett’s sparkling offerings.
The 2021 Estate Chardonnay ($45) immediately impressed with its sophisticated balance. Aged on 15% new oak, it presented the delicate vanilla and spice notes one might anticipate from barrel aging, yet these characteristics were masterfully integrated, never overpowering the wine’s inherent freshness. Primary aromas of bright citrus, ripe pears, and a hint of honey contributed to its remarkably refreshing quality. Furthermore, the subtle art of malolactic fermentation imparted a pleasant, creamy texture to the finish, adding depth and a luxurious mouthfeel without sacrificing vivacity. This Chardonnay is a testament to the potential of Oregon Chardonnay, showcasing complexity and elegance in equal measure.
Next, the deep red 2021 Estate Pinot Noir ($50) offered a classic expression of Oregon’s flagship grape. It was replete with familiar black cherry and vibrant raspberry notes, quintessential characteristics of a premium Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. These fruit aromas were beautifully interwoven with hints of warm spice and a delightful earthiness, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. While the tannins were present, they were soft and pleasantly integrated, contributing to a smooth and inviting texture. This wine, while thoroughly enjoyable in its youth, possesses excellent structure and promises to evolve beautifully. With an additional 2-3 years of bottle aging, it is poised to become even more nuanced and rewarding, revealing further depths of character and elegance. Both Aubaine wines are remarkable examples of the single-vineyard focus and quality-driven approach that defines this esteemed brand.
Plan Your Visit to the Lytle-Barnett and Aubaine Tasting Room
Immerse yourself in the world of exceptional Oregon wines by planning a visit to the Lytle-Barnett and Aubaine Tasting Room. Here’s all the essential information to make your experience seamless and enjoyable:
Address
110A SW 7th Ave., Dundee OR, 97115
Hours
Thursday, Sunday, Monday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Please note that hours may be subject to change, especially during holidays or special events. It is always recommended to confirm directly before your visit.
Tasting Experiences
Choose from three distinct flights to tailor your tasting journey:
Aubaine Tasting (focus on still wines): $40
Melange Tasting (a combination of both brands): $45
Lytle-Barnett Tasting (focus on sparkling wines): $50
Tasting fees may be waived with qualifying wine purchases.
To ensure your preferred time slot and a personalized experience, we highly recommend making a reservation in advance. You can easily book your reservation online here.
For guests seeking an even deeper immersion into the hospitality and luxury experience offered by these exceptional wine brands, consider extending your stay at their exclusive vacation rental, known as AtTheJoy. This opulent accommodation provides a perfect retreat amidst the beauty of Oregon wine country, allowing you to fully savor the ambiance and enjoy the convenience of being close to the region’s finest wineries.
Explore More Oregon Wineries and Delve into Willamette Valley Wine Country
The Willamette Valley is a treasure trove of incredible wineries, each offering unique experiences and exceptional wines. If you’re planning an extended trip to explore more of Oregon’s renowned wine scene, be sure to add these other fantastic destinations to your itinerary:
- Corollary Wines
- Gran Moraine Winery
- Fullerton Wine Bar
- Oregon Wine Tasting Guide: Newberg Wineries
When you embark on your wine country adventures, we would be absolutely delighted if you let the friendly staff know that you discovered them through Urban Bliss Life! And, as you capture the beauty and joy of your experiences, remember to tag us @UrbanBlissLife and use the hashtag #UrbanBlissLife on all your favorite social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. We love seeing your incredible moments!