DAYTON, OR (July 2026) – Domaine Serene Winery announces the release of its 2023 vintage, the first made by winemaker Carl Formaker, who joined the winery that year. His inaugural wines have already earned international acclaim, led by the 2023 ‘Aspect’ Pinot Noir, 2023 Étoile Vineyard Chardonnay, 2023 Côte Sud Vineyard Chardonnay, all of which received above 95 points from top critics. These releases mark an important first chapter for Formaker at Domaine Serene and reflect a harvest defined by focus, discovery, and a deep respect for the winery’s legacy.

Born and raised in Sonoma County, California, Formaker came to wine through a path shaped by both science and place. After earning a Biology degree from UC Berkeley and working in the medical field for five years, he turned toward winemaking, drawn to its blend of farming, science, hospitality, and art. He later earned a Master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis and built experience by working harvests in the U.S. and abroad, followed by roles at Marcassin Wines and Three Sticks Wines.

This background helped prepare Formaker for his first Domaine Serene harvest. Arriving in Oregon just as the 2023 vintage was underway, he stepped into a new winery, new vineyards, and a production team already in motion.

“When you come to a place like Domaine Serene with so much legacy, tradition, and history, your first impression matters,” said Formaker. “I knew I wanted to put something out there that would honor the estate, the team, and the wines. I did not take that lightly.”

The 2023 vintage brought both opportunities and challenges. A warm growing season accelerated ripening, shortening the usual window between sparkling and still wine picks. Formaker leaned on the fundamentals, from tasting grapes and reading fermentations to studying lab data,and trusting flavor over numbers to preserve freshness, balance, and site expression.

Working closely with Michael Fay, Vice President of Winemaking & Viticulture, Formaker quickly learned the ins and outs of Domaine Serene’s vineyards and cellar. Fay helped guide him through the house style, from press decisions and barrel selections to the timing and texture needed for wines grown in the Dundee Hills’ distinctive Jory soils.

Alongside technical learnings, Formaker’s first Domaine Serene vintage also carried personal significance. Since working harvest in New Zealand years ago, he has chosen a new patterned bandana to wear throughout each season. His 2023 bandana now stands as a small symbol of a milestone year: a new winery, a new team, and a vintage built through long days and thoughtful decisions.

The 2023 wines are now available through the winery, wine club, and select retailers, representing Formaker’s inaugural release and the beginning of a new chapter in Domaine Serene’s winemaking legacy.

About Domaine Serene Winery:
Entrepreneurs at heart, Grace and Ken Evenstad put down roots in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where they saw the region’s potential with its similarities to Burgundy, and in 1989 founded Domaine Serene. Thanks to this vision, today Domaine Serene is home to seven individual vineyard estates, planted exclusively with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, that are dry farmed and LIVE certified. Domaine Serene’s winemaking philosophy is informed by over 30 years of experience and guided by the Evenstads’ passion and pursuit to create world-class wines. Domaine Serene welcomes guests to experience its winery and Clubhouse, prestigious grounds, wine lounges, and incredible selection of wines across their three Oregon locations. Domaine Serene is part of the Evenstad Estates portfolio of luxury wine brands from Oregon and Burgundy, continuing to lead the global standards for world-class wines and exceptional hospitality. For more information, visit DomaineSerene.com.