Domaine Serene

Wine enthusiasts and spouses Ken and Grace Evenspade were among the first to genuinely believe that Oregon could become the "American Burgundy." Unlike most American winemakers who built their brands primarily through investments, the Evenspades personally handled every aspect of production. They moved to Oregon after purchasing land and took full control of vineyard planting and winery construction. Their goal at Domaine Serene was to achieve consistently exceptional Pinot Noir, which proved possible thanks to the region's unique conditions. Grace and Ken abandoned drip irrigation, significantly reduced yields, and implemented parcel-based vinification with extended oak aging. These innovative practices were rare for Oregon in the 1990s but resulted in a superb Pinot Noir with a particularly velvety and silky texture.