Wine and Dine at Grange Estate

A Culinary Respite in Willamette Valley

By Madison Shirley | Photography courtesy of Grange Estate

Refuge. Respite. Retreat.

Nestled deep in the verdant heart of the Willamette Valley wine country, Grange Estate serves as a sanctuary for those looking to escape the troubles of yesterday and tomorrow. Set against a backdrop of oak-covered hills to the west and a rolling, emerald tapestry of vineyards to the east, this self-described “rustic retreat” blends history, luxury, and Oregonian charm, creating a distinct sense of peace and place for guests.

Grange Estate opened on the property in 2024, offering a nine-room rustic-meets-modern residence for overnight guests to enjoy.

Opened in June 2024, the turn-of-the-century-inspired farmhouse known as Grange Estate boasts nine stunning rooms overlooking the sun-kissed rows of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes at the Foley Family Estate Vineyard, stretching across the Dundee Hills and beyond. Designed by the Portland firm Urban Patterns, each room is curated with bespoke interiors crafted from local white oak, Douglas fir, and black walnut, enhanced by colors, textures, and artwork influenced by the Northwest. A warm atmosphere invites you to unwind, escape the ordinary, and indulge in the extraordinary.

Although not everyone is an early riser (especially this writer), mornings at The Grange property, which encompasses the Grange Estate and much more, are not to be missed. Golden sunrises bathe the south-facing rooms in soft light, highlighting the leather, wool, and wood furnishings to create a scene brimming with rustic charm and comfort. Locally sourced coffee, teas, fresh milk—both dairy and non-dairy—and matcha are available in the room for guests who wish to enjoy the understated luxury while savoring a leisurely morning.

Guests exiting their rooms, coffee in hand, encounter wind whispering through vines and sunrise dancing on dewdrops. The tranquility of this scene offers a haven for the soul, but don’t worry—this property also provides plenty for the body.

Good food and drink are integral to Oregonian culture, so it’s no surprise Grange Estate is just steps away from several remarkable farm-to-table dining experiences.

After a short stroll beside the sprawling vines, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast on the terrace at Grange Estate’s sister property, the beloved Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard. Each plate features organic fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, artisanal breads, and cured meats, all prepared to order, offering a delightful start to the day. Be sure to try their seasonal pastry! It’s likely to die for. Room service is available for guests who embrace the blackout blinds in their rooms, allowing them to enjoy the refined relaxation of their accommodations late into the morning.

With breakfast done, guests now face the impossible challenge of choosing which adventure to embark on next. The trails that crisscross the property will delight nature lovers, runners, and those who enjoy a leisurely stroll. Surprises await at every twist and turn, from secret gardens buzzing with bumblebees and butterflies to a small, well-kept barn housing chickens, goats, and particularly sassy piglets at the end of one path, which could entertain animal lovers for hours.

Guests exploring the expansive vineyards and sprawling property can request a perfect picnic with sandwiches, salads, and sweets. The attentive staff will point out the most picturesque spots on the grounds. Some locations, such as beneath the branches of a majestic black walnut tree overlooking the lush valley, appear plucked straight from a Jane Austen novel.

One culinary adventure that guests must experience while staying at Grange Estate is an evening of indulgence at Anthology. Located in the Four Graces tasting room, just steps away from The Grange’s guest rooms, this dining experience lives up to its billing as “innovative and unforgettable.”

In the culinary world, terms like “innovative” and “unforgettable” can be overused. Can originality and innovation thrive in an industry steeped with ideas polished to perfection? How can one craft an unforgettable experience in a world saturated with sensory overload? By embracing the story.

James Beard-nominated Chef Chase Williams, Sous Chef Zack Ehrlich, and Sommelier Peter Marcy guide diners through a culinary journey rich in storytelling. First, they set the scene: fourteen seats overlook the open kitchen, with the breathtaking Willamette Valley visible through floor-to-ceiling windows on the right. This layout encourages diners to connect with their neighbors, and as the night unfolds, these strangers become friends.

Next, let’s discuss the characters. The cast resembles what one would expect from a meal at this price point: locally sourced seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully paired wines, and creative plateware. The quality is exceptional, yet expected. What elevates the experience is the presence of Williams, Ehrlich, and Marcy themselves. Each is talented and an expert in their respective specialties, and they collaborate to craft the rotating menu, which changes every two months.

Finally, the essence of the experience: the ten-course meal. Each course, or chapter, is paired with a carefully selected wine and a rich, evocative story from the team members about how the dish was conceived, crafted, and perfected. Williams and Ehrlich took turns leading each course with passionate, persuasive, and playful stories, emphasizing their personal experiences while highlighting the significance of the individual ingredients in the dish and the local culture, all while leaving diners smiling, laughing, and satisfied.

Please, however, do not let this showmanship overshadow the food and wine. Deceptively simple yet technically intricate, the dishes showcased the beauty, potential, and grandeur of Pacific Northwest ingredients. Like any well-curated anthology, finding a dish that stands out is challenging. Could it be the beet and caviar, with its deliciously juxtaposed ingredients, that shocked diners? Or the fresh cheese and radish dish, whose simple blend of farmer’s cheese, radish, and wild herbs had one diner saying they could die happy? Or perhaps the fall-off-the-bone pork rib with fermented honey that left guests begging for more? Those, along with the other seven courses, were exemplars of excellent craftsmanship.

From the prelude to the epilogue, the experience at Anthology provides guests with an innovative and unforgettable ride, which, given its host property, should come as no surprise.

Whether it’s a relaxing rendezvous with wine-loving friends, a romantic getaway, or a search for some much-needed “me” time, Grange Estate is undoubtedly one of the West Coast’s great escapes.

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Visit FoleyWinesDundeeHills.com to learn more or make reservations. Follow along on Instagram @thegrangedundeehills and @anthologydundeehills.