Not to brag or anything, but Oregon wine is awesome! Oregon is currently home to more than 600 wineries—nearly double the number from only 10 years ago. Rapid expansion and an ever-growing collection of international awards led to the Oregon Wine Board deeming the month of May to be “Oregon Wine Month.” Wineries throughout the state, in conjunction with the Oregon Wine Board, will be offering discounts, sales, promotions and special events every day in the month of May.
2015 marks an especially noteworthy year for Oregon wine, as it is being celebrated as the 50th anniversary of the resurgence of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, with the planting of this now famous grape by David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards. You can read more of this anniversary with our rundown here.
The historic Dundee Hills will be the unofficial kick-off spot for the Oregon Wine Month with a Taste Dundee Block Party on May 2. The following day, a stop by the PDX Urban Wine Experience is called for to taste your way through 12 of Portland’s urban wineries, all in one convenient location. The Oregon Wine Board will be putting winemakers dinners, association tastings, as well as producing their own podcast featuring interviews and insights into what makes Oregon wine great. The month goes on, culminating in the traditional Memorial Day bash, where most wineries fling open their doors for a day of tasting, music and extravaganzas.
With 18 wine regions and 72 wine grape varietals, this makes for more than a busy month. With events happening in every corner of the state, there’s really no reason not to take advantage of this opportunity. For a list of upcoming events, visit the newly redesigned Oregon Wine Board website, and loose yourself in Oregon.
