The Clubhouse at Domaine Serene

DOMAINE SERENE TO OPEN VISIONARY CLUBHOUSE WITH EYE ON HISTORY

The Willamette Valley winery known for world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will open unprecedented clubhouse in May that will stand the test of time

DAYTON, Ore. – January XX, 2017 – Domaine Serene, the Dundee Hills winery known for consistently producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, will open a new state-of-the-art visitor center and tasting room, known as the Clubhouse, in May of 2017. The opening is an extremely significant event that is set to change the landscape of fine wine in the Pacific Northwest.  It is a true testament and a statement to the quality of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay being produced in the unique terroir of the Dundee Hills.  The Clubhouse is a gift to the winery’s cherished members, the wine community, and was conceived to celebrate the burgeoning Evenstad Family’s wine legacy for future generations to come.

Founders and owners Grace and Ken Evenstad’s vision for the clubhouse draws inspiration from Château de la Crée, their 15th-century estate in Santenay, Burgundy – which they purchased in 2015.  It’s thoughtful design, architecture and old-world construction techniques offer future generations of wine lovers the same sense of place and history found in the most significant and storied regions of Burgundy. 

“We have taken a very old-world approach in building the new Clubhouse.  We want our children’s, children to experience the same sense of history that we feel when we visit Burgundy, right here in the Dundee Hills,” said Grace Evenstad. “It is a gift to our members and the entire wine community. Our hope is that this new and unique center for hospitality will help generations of wine lovers experience the Willamette Valley, and the unique terroir of the Dundee Hills, in all of its splendor.”

The Clubhouse at Domaine Serene features a spectacular grand room for public wine tasting, a members-only lounge and a dedicated food and wine pairing lounge all wrapped by a large patio that frames sweeping views of the Valley and the Coast Range.  Underground, guests will find a one of a kind cave system modeled after the one found at the Evenstad’s 15th-century Burgundian property, Château de la Crée.  Additionally, the chef-inspired commercial kitchen will house a top-tier executive chef, a sous chef, and seasonal cooks with the capacity to host wine dinners for 300+ guests.

A series of exciting opening events at the Clubhouse will culminate with the Grand Gala on May 19th featuring host Emeril Lagasse.  The Member’s Grand Opening Event will take place on May 20th and the facility will open to the public on Sunday May 21st. The weekend will be full of celebration, fireworks, music, food, and, of course, award-winning Domaine Serene wine.

It’s not just Domaine Serene’s prolific and award-winning wines, like the 2014 Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay, recently named the best white wine in the world by Wine Spectator, that will be on display at the new Clubhouse.  The winery is upping its culinary experience with a special food and wine pairing program that is set to change the game in the Willamette Valley offering: special wine dinners, daily food and wine pairing specials, and summer picnic offerings. Club members will also have access to an exclusive lounge and underground caves for tastings, events, dinners and more. 

The historic old-world craftsmanship of the building – artisans and specialists representing 86 companies worked on this generational project – reflects the authenticity of the wine-making philosophy of Domaine Serene.  There is an appreciation for the use of quality materials lasting long beyond a lifetime.  Many of the building techniques used have been around for generations. The building and design teams were careful to use the same approach to quality craftsmanship and effort that the Evenstads have put into their award-winning winemaking for decades.

It is all part of the grand legacy project for the Evenstads. For the team of architects and designers, the Clubhouse at Domaine Serene is what Project Manager Paul Schommer, of third-generation general contracting firm Schommer & Sons, calls a “once in a generation project.”

“What’s thrilling about the project is that this is really memorable architecture that we can look back on decades from now with a sense of achievement,” said lead architect Stephen Lapp of Waterleaf Architecture. 

Domaine Serene will use the new venue to lead the way in the wine community in Oregon and beyond. Plans include: James Beard Celebrity Chef Benefit Dinners, sommelier events, and playing host to the many charity-driven functions that benefit the entire wine industry.

One high-profile charity event is already scheduled for November 2017, at no cost to the charity - ¡Salud!, the Oregon Pinot Noir Auction. ¡Salud! is an organization dedicated to providing healthcare services and outreach to Oregon’s seasonal vineyard workers and their families. Other charitable endeavors for 2017 are also currently being finalized.

The Clubhouse will be a sanctuary for Domaine Serene’s club members and visitors from both near and far, and lends credence to why the Willamette Valley was recently named wine region of the year by Wine Enthusiast. For more information on Domaine Serene and their new Clubhouse, visit DomaineSerene.com. You can stay up to date on current events, wine announcements and more by following Domaine Serene on Facebook or Twitter.