Wine has always been a big deal in the state of Oregon. But starting in 2012, the Oregon wine industry finally started getting the recognition they deserve. From the Willamette Valley to the urban wineries of Portland, every May wine fanatics across the state band come together to celebrate Oregon Wine Month.
In 2012, former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber proclaimed May as Oregon Wine Month. Michelle Kaufmann, communications manager for the Oregon Wine Board, is the senior-most employee on staff and has been involved in organizing Oregon Wine Month every year.
Kaufmann says wine is huge for Oregon’s economy. In addition to providing consumers with many delightful afternoons and early evenings, vino in the Beaver State supplies over 17,000 jobs, which produce over $500,000 in wages. In 2014, Oregon wine was a 3.35 billion dollar industry, Kaufmann says.
One of the best things about the industry is the commitment to sustainable farming. Around 45 percent of Oregon vineyards are farmed sustainably.
“Wine is something that runs through our veins; taking care of the land and taking care of our nature,” Kaufmann says.
During Oregon Wine Month there will be events seven days out of the week. Yep, seven days; that means there isn’t a single day where you have to go without the everlasting companionship of Oregon wine.
Wine month kicks off with an event thrown by the Cascade Foothills Winegrowers on the Saturday, April 30, at Festhalle in Mount Angel, Oregon. Those who attend will be able to learn all about the winemaking process in the Cascade Foothills.
If you can’t make it out to the country, don’t worry. The community of urban wineries in Portland will host an event on Sunday, May 1. Twenty urban wineries in Portland will team up to bring the essence of wine country to the city folk.
