FOUNDER OF OREGON’S DOMAINE SERENE OPENS NEW WINERY AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE, BREAKING BARRIERS IN BURGUNDY, FRANCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Grace Evenstad, founder of Oregon’s Domaine Serene Winery, is revolutionizing the wine industry in Burgundy, France. On September 29th, Grace Evenstad officially opened the Domaine Evenstad winery in Santenay, Burgundy. It is one of the first immersive wine experiences in Burgundy, a novel concept for the region. The first opening event on the 27th was community-oriented, hosting 135 prominent locals. Following this was a second opening event on September 29th for 90 media attendees and VIP guests. The Domaine Evenstad winery and tasting room in the heart of Santenay is the newest milestone of Evenstad’s venture into French wines.
It is extremely rare for American vintners to be allowed access to grow or produce wine in Burgundy – let alone to purchase an entire estate – but Domaine Serene’s history of world-class wines has earned immense respect and a strong reputation throughout the wine industry for the brands of Evenstad Estates. It is also uncommon for Burgundy wines to be grown, made, and imported for consumer sales by one brand, but Evenstad Estates has achieved exactly that through both Château de la Crée and now Domaine Evenstad.
While Burgundy is renowned for the wines it produces – Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in particular – it is less common to invite consumers into the brilliant wineries that reside there. However, Grace Evenstad has a vision of creating a beacon of community gathering to spread the love and education of Burgundy wine and her wines from Oregon. This vision inspired her to challenge the status quo and break down barriers to the beloved wine region with the establishment of Domaine Evenstad.
“We strive to build a long-lasting future for our French wine programs. It is an honor to act as stewards of great and historic lands in Burgundy, and we look forward to the future we will build through our renovations. We are so excited to open our doors to share the love, education, and experience of Burgundy land and wines through Domaine Evenstad,” said Founder Grace Evenstad.
Along with the winery and tasting room, Domaine Evenstad will also be established as a French wine label. The first harvest for the Domaine Evenstad brand took place in August and September of 2022, and the first wines will launch in 2025. Luckily, you don’t have to wait that long to visit the Domaine Evenstad tasting room and enjoy rare and exceptional Burgundy wines from Château de la Crée and Maison Evenstad developed from prestigious parcels in Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits.
What it means to have the name “Domaine”
While any winery in America can call themselves by the name “Domaine,” the regulations in France prevent any labels from being called “Domaine” or “Château” unless the brand owns and controls the property, grapes, and entire winemaking process from start to finish. We are thrilled to represent the title of “Domaine” proudly by owning all of our processes for Domaine Serene, Château de la Crée, and now Domaine Evenstad. This way, we can ensure every part of our process is held to the highest of standards, from planting to growing to wine production and blending.
Evenstad Estates
Domaine Serene was founded in 1989 in the Dundee Hills of Oregon by Grace and Ken Evenstad, whose passion for quality Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays began with the wines of Burgundy in the 1960s. After establishing America’s Most Awarded Winery, the Evenstads made history in 2015 by purchasing the historic 15th century property, Château de la Crée, in Santenay, Côte d’Or. Grace Evenstad has since acquired 35 parcels in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits regions of Burgundy in her pursuit of excellent winemaking. The Evenstads’ wine brands now live under the portfolio of Evenstad Estates and include Domaine Serene, Rockblock, Château de la Crée, Maison Evenstad, Chevalier de la Crée, and now Domaine Evenstad.
Château de la Crée
Château de la Crée was established in 1431 by Nicolas Rolin. The property has ancient two-level caves with tunnels connecting to tasting rooms and wine shops where visitors can experience exclusive French and Oregon wines. The Evenstads purchased the property in 2015 and have been making renovations ever since to restore the château to its full potential. Stage one of development was the initial renovation and implementation of a state-of-the-art winery. They are currently completing stage two, which is to establish an amazing visitor experience in Burgundy that they aim to achieve through the opening of Domaine Evenstad.
Domaine Serene Winery
In just over three decades, Domaine Serene has taken its place on the global stage as one of the world’s most acclaimed wineries. Through the continuous pursuit of quality and innovation, Domaine Serene has garnered global recognition as an iconic quality leader of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with nearly 300 95+ scores from renowned critics such as Decanter, Wine Spectator, and Wine Enthusiast.
More information about Domaine Serene, America’s Most Awarded Winery, can be found online at domaineserene.com.
