The title of this post isn't poetic or figurative (like the windmills of your mind), it's literal: for a field trip after the recent Oregon Eminent Domain Conference, we paid a visit to a nearby winery which -- given its name, "Eminent Domaine" -- we naturally could not resist. Besides, we already like their wines.
The winery and estate vineyards are only a short drive from downtown Portland. Go past suburban Tigard (of Dolan v. City of Tigard infamy). Beyond the metro urban growth boundary. Avoid the guy living in an old jetliner parked in the woods.
Turn off the main road.
After leaving the pavement, you'll end up on a gravel road which continues on just long enough for you to question whether you've perhaps strayed off the correct path.
You haven't. You've just entered the Ribbon Ridge AVA, and in a short while will come across the entrance and its welcoming sign.
Which means you have arrived.
Park the car and plan to stay for a while and sample some of their award-winning products.
Open Thursday through Monday (in the summertime).
You can even stay there overnight at their bed and breakfast a couple of miles away.
Their website (www.eminentdomaine.com -- don't forget the extra "e") tells the story of how the owners took a bad -- and unfortunately too frequent -- situation (having property taken and the owner being provided less than the "full and perfect equivalent"), and found the silver lining.
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The name, Eminent Domaine, reflects our experience with the legal term, eminent domain, our dedication to the Oregon wine industry, and our love of the wines produced in our region.
In 2002, Jeff was compelled to sell an investment property to the City of Portland/TriMet under the guise of eminent domain. Ultimately, the property was claimed with compensation much lower than market rate and was used for purposes other than the greater good, as the law requires. However, out of this unfortunate experience came a chance to pursue a new opportunity; making his own wine. Re-investing in a small piece of land in the coveted Ribbon Ridge AVA, with plans for a vineyard and more, the adventure began.
Beginning with just 150 cases of Pinot Noir in 2006, the label steadily grew, and by 2011, the first estate vintage was bottled. After opening a tasting room on the property in 2016, plans began for a winery and home next door. In 2018, Jeff, his wife Heather, their two daughters, Ava and Charley, and their dog, Benny moved to the estate.
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Their pinot, as we can personally attest, is fantastic.
Even though we're not big chardonnay fans, theirs is making us rethink that.
And the view out the back of the tasting room isn't bad, either.
How's the serenity?
After you've sampled their wines and put in your order, consider joining their wine club which will have several bottles shipped to you once or twice per year.
Remember, that's eminent domaine (with an "e").
When you are ready to depart, simply retrace your steps, and shortly you will be back in Portland.
