In 1621, the first Thanksgiving and harvest blessing was shared in what is now the United States. Since then, the holiday has been about celebrating our roots, while uniting in our cultural values despite our individual differences.
In 1965, David Lett planted the first Pinot Noir vines in Willamette Valley. Wine Country Thanksgiving, an event put on by the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, celebrates the roots of Oregon Pinot Noir in Thanksgiving spirit, but in a less-turkey-more-wine type of way.
To spread the bounty statewide, the event takes place November 27 to 29 during Willamette Cares Food Share, a partnership with the Oregon Food Bank Network. Wine Country Thanksgiving is one of the biggest events of the year for the program, which collects donations of emergency food and funds for neighbors in need around the community throughout November and December.
Honoring “50 years, pressing on” of Pinot Noir and featuring more than 150 Oregon wineries, plus a holiday market, special tastings, food carts and winery anniversaries, Wine Country Thanksgiving is sure to be an event reminiscent of the mirth and gratitude exhibited during the original harvest. And, with 2015 wines fresh in the barrel, there’s no better time of year than right now to chat with winemakers and learn about what’s to come while tasting exclusive small-production and newly released wines.
Rather than stressing away your holidays with Black Friday shopping, head to your favorite Willamette Valley wineries for a wine tasting, where you can spend your money fighting hunger, not angry shoppers. The official Wine Country Thanksgiving Guide will provide you with descriptions of featured wineries, tasting fees and a sensible “wine”-ding path of choice locations throughout the valley for your otherwise chaotic weekend.
