Our Story

To own and farm Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in the Côte de Nuits represents the achievement of a long-held vision and dream that Ken and I shared. Grace Evenstad

Grace and Ken Evenstad, Founders of Domaine Serene and pioneers of Oregon winemaking, fulfilled a lifelong dream when they purchased a storied château, winery, and vineyards in the Côte de Beaune of Burgundy in 2015. Located in the picturesque village of Santenay, the history of Château de la Crée traces its roots back to 1431, when it was built by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor to Philip the Good, the Third Duke of Burgundy, and his wife, Guigone de Salins. That dream continues to evolve and grow today with the creation of Domaine Evenstad.

For the Evenstads, the dream began with a love for the wines of Burgundy that emerged in the late 1960’s. Grace and Ken fell in love with the region’s iconic labels and classical approach to winemaking during a series of trips there. Drawing inspiration from Burgundy’s rich history and extraordinary terroirs, the Evenstads have shaped their own winemaking principles. Through years of dedication, devotion, and an unwavering work ethic, they willed their vision of world-class winemaking into existence in Oregon with the creation of Domaine Serene in 1989.

An unwavering commitment to even the most minute detail – from the stewardship of the land to the final stages of the bottling process – earned the Evenstads notoriety within the wine industry. A willingness to never stop learning and refusal to rest on their accomplishments motivates them to continue improving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Even after adding their names to the long tradition of world-class Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, their unwavering passion for excellence remains.

The opportunity to establish Domaine Evenstad was just as natural and exciting a step as when they purchased Château de la Crée.

Serving as the steward of this prestigious estate for our generation is a true privilege. Grace Evenstad

The heritage of this land, steeped in centuries-old tradition, carries a tremendous responsibility. Like the men and women who once tended these lands, Grace Evenstad is honoring this heritage with the careful stewardship of these legendary terroirs to continue a promising future for generations to come. Domaine Evenstad is home to 16 estate vineyards, including two Grand Cru sites across 15 acres of majestic countryside of the famed Côte de Nuits escarpment. Domaine Evenstad is home to 16 estate vineyards, including two Grand Cru sites across 15 acres of majestic countryside of the famed Côte de Nuits escarpment. These meticulously cared for vineyards are gems in some of the region’s most time-honored villages such as Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, and Nuits-Saint-Georges.

The Evenstad family has a deep appreciation and respect for the land’s viticultural history, dating back more than one thousand years. Becoming its caretaker is a humbling experience that both inspires and motivates Grace and her team. With exacting practices, rooted in unshakable integrity and persistence, one foot remains firmly planted in the celebration of region’s terroirs, while the other continues to innovate and evolve to achieve the land’s highest possible wine quality. They honor the land’s heritage by connecting the best practices and values of the old world and the new, as the Evenstads add their chapter to the ages-old history of this illustrious region.