The rolling green Dundee Hills stretch across your window as you turn onto the long driveway. Sunlight bounces off the vineyard vines, and as you park you’re greeted with the sound of water from the graceful fountain in the Clubhouse entrance. Domed ceilings and full windows pull you into the elegant space, while friendly staff greet you with a smile and a complimentary taste of their exquisite wine. Welcome to Domaine Serene: a place to escape the everyday and be a part of something timeless.
“It’s not just about wine — it’s about the surroundings and sharing that with others,” says Danielle Holbrook, Domaine Serene’s marketing project specialist.
Grace and Kevin Evenstad purchased a 42-acre raw hillside in 1989 with a dream to turn their knowledge of and passion for Burgundy wines into a luxury Oregon winery. Over years of hard work and dedication in the Dundee Hills they focused on pinot noir and chardonnay, eventually building separate wineries for each wine: one for just pinot noir, the other for chardonnay and sparkling wines.
The Evenstads’ dream came full circle in 2015 when they were able to acquire the historic Château de la Crée in Santenay, Burgundy. The estate, settled among the heart of wine country, dates back to the 15th century.
Last year, the winery released their newest Burgundian wine collection and brand, Domaine Evenstad. To celebrate, Domaine Serene hosted a launch event at the Château and in Paris for wine members. “This new addition expands our footprint across the entire Côte d’Or, with vineyard ownership now extending into the esteemed terroirs of both the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune,” Holbrook says.
The Clubhouse, finished in 2017, is the newest architectural addition at the Dundee Hills location. Inspired by their European chateau, the Clubhouse offers a pleasant space to spend an afternoon. The floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors lead to an elegant patio with sprawling views of the vineyard and Coast Range. There’s a members-only lounge and two other rooms for wine tastings. If you’re adventurous, head downstairs to the unique cave system. Stones line the ceiling and walls, and cozy alcoves create intimate rooms for tastings, lit with the soft glow of old-world-inspired sconces and chandeliers. Appetizing menu items like oysters and charcuterie can accompany any wine or brandy flight.
Domaine Serene brandy is a new addition to their portfolio, made from their estate-grown pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. “At Domaine Serene, we have always strived for excellence and innovation, coupled with a deep-rooted commitment to quality,” says Grace Evenstad. “Domaine Serene’s brandy represents a new chapter in our brand’s journey.”
At the winery in Burgundy, wine members can book an immersive experience and stay at the chateau. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their finest wines at a beautifully decorated outdoor table next to the vines. Guests can also book an e-bike tour or a picnic, and enjoy the wine and lifestyle of Burgundy. The cobblestone patio is the perfect spot to sip and relax on a French evening. The vaulted cellar lets guests get up close and personal with their wines.
Along with the properties in France and Oregon wine country, Domaine Serene has wine lounges in downtown Portland or Lake Oswego. “Our wine bar is known for its vast library vintages with a fun atmosphere,” Holbrook says. “Our Lake Oswego Wine Lounge is the heart of our culinary program and offers seasonal flavors and multi-course meals.” Both locations can serve as a lunch break or dinner spot after a day of shopping and exploring the city. Wine members can also receive exclusive partner rates with several hotels, including lodging options near their three Oregon locations.
Summer events and social gatherings are always happening at one of Domaine Serene’s locations. Some gatherings are members-only, but there are also public events like the Summer Car Classic. Inspired by Kevin and Grace’s son, Mark, and his love of automobiles, the event showcases over 100 rare vehicles — and, of course, Domaine Serene wines, plus live music. There’s also Beyond the Bottle, an educational tasting experience that goes deeper in to the stories behind the wines at Domaine Serene. Sessions have included exploring a vertical of chardonnay, comparing clones, and featuring food pairings in a fun and connecting way.
Whether you’re exploring downtown Portland, the Dundee wine country, or historic Burgundy, Domaine Serene offers a place where old-world charm meets new-world innovation. Their five locations across Oregon and France offer a unique experience for side-by-side tastings of their foreign and domestic portfolios. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have estate-owned vineyards in both regions, allowing us to craft exceptional wines and share the special story of Domaine Serene with the world,” Holbrook says. If you’re looking for a perfect escape full of history, wine, and relaxation, look no further than Domaine Serene.
