The Wine Knows

Domaine Serene owner Ken Evanstad announced Monday that longtime winemaker Tony Rynders is out and Drew Voit, former associate winemaker, will oversee the operation until a new winemaker can be found.

The press release included the ominous phrases: "Tony Rynders has left to pursue other interests" and "This is a natural evolution for Domaine Serene."

No idea what's going on at the showpiece winery just up the hill from Domaine Drouhin Oregon near the town of Dundee, but it doesn't sound good.

I met Tony in 1998 when he was an assistant winemaker at Hogue Cellars in Prosser, Wash. In fact, he and Co Dinn, now director of winemaking for Hogue, were pictured in our inaugural edition of Wine Press Northwest.

Domaine Serene has gained fame during Rynders' time for its Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.