Raising a glass in honor of Memorial Weekend
May has been a big month for Oregon’s wine industry with it being the state’s celebratory Oregon Wine Month, and all. But just when you thought things were winding down, the winemakers of Oregon wanted to throw just a few more bashes to wrap things up over Memorial Day Weekend.
For the 23rd Annual Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country, the more than 150 wineries spanning the Willamette Valley are opening their doors, rolling out the barrels and preparing for your company. Taste new releases from local favorites, enjoy food pairings, listen to live music, find special deals and learn why the Willamette Valley is all about their Pinot noir.
To prepare for the weekend, sign up for the Willamette Valley Wine Essentials class for a crash course in everything you need to know about the region’s wines. In this 90-minute class, you’ll learn the history of Willamette Valley’s wine industry, taste local wines and more.
Take a rare and exclusive look at the Belle Pente Winery, as they open their doors for the first of just two times this year.
With discounts anywhere from 10 to 20 percent off cases and bottles, this also could be a good time to stock up for the summer. Hint – at Island Mana Wines mention the 20 percent off ad to get a special discount.
But whatever you do this weekend, the Willamette Valley Wineries Association has come up with some helpful aids to assist you through the Valley. You can download “The Guide to Memorial Weekend in Wine Country” onto your computer or smartphone, which tells you about all the weekend’s activities.
Whether you’re planning for a weekend up in the Eola-Amity Hills, the unbeaten path of the Northern Willamette Valley or to want just park and walk to the many wineries in Yamhill Carlton and McMinnville, wine tasting route maps will help you navigate your way around. The association also has developed a mobile tour guide for folks to make use of on their journeys.
But the Willamette Valley won’t be the only place hosting wine events this Memorial Weekend. Wineries in Washington and Oregon’s the beautiful Columbia Gorge also will have plenty of deals and special events to share with wine lovers.
After this weekend, AlmaTerra Wines will be closing its doors. But before they do, they are clearing the cellars by selling wines for as much as 30 percent off.
23rd Annual Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country || May 25 – 27 || Willamette Valley, Ore. || Prices and reservations vary per winery
