Spring is upon us and that can only mean one thing: Oregon Wine Month is around the corner and nearly 700 wineries throughout Oregon are gearing up to make the fifth annual celebration in May the best yet!
“Some of the world’s finest wines are made right here in Oregon,” said David Beck, chairman of the Oregon Wine Board, which manages the month-long promotion. “Oregon Wine Month is an opportunity for wine enthusiasts in Oregon and beyond to experience the diversity and quality of Oregon wine.”
How will you celebrate this May? There is a lot to choose from with promotions, tastings and other activities planned by wineries, wine retailers and restaurants every day throughout the month. For the first time ever, restaurants participating in Oregon Wine Month will be featured on OpenTable, making it easy to find unique opportunities to enjoy Oregon wine when dining out.
Take advantage of a variety of special tastings and promotions, such as winery and vineyard tours, themed tasting events and discounts at wineries throughout all of Oregon’s wine regions. Additionally, many wine retailers will be offering promotions on Oregon wine and in-store sampling opportunities.
Wine lovers can also enter to win a getaway weekend to one of two Oregon Wine Country destinations: the legendary Willamette Valley or rising star Southern Oregon. Two winners will be selected and each grand prize package includes an exclusive “meet the maker” experience at a renowned Oregon winery, dinner for two at a farm to table restaurant, a $100 gas card and a two-night hotel stay in one of the featured regions. Three runners up will win a two-month subscription to Cellar 503, a wine club featuring Oregon’s small-batch craft wines that are often not widely distributed, making your wine delivery a truly unique tasting experience.
This year’s Oregon Wine Month campaign will celebrate Oregon winemakers who celebrate the earth – those who have a particular dedication to environmental stewardship, to growing grapes that best express the soils and to preserving the land for future generations of winegrape farmers. With 45% of Oregon vineyards certified sustainable and many more farming this way, Oregon has more certified sustainable acres than any other winegrowing region in the U.S. In a five-part series on Sip Northwest Live, radio host Brian Bushlach will explore Oregon’s commitment to sustainability with winemakers from around the state who make Oregon wine so distinct. Starting Apr. 30, you can listen to Brian’s interviews on 101KXL FM in Portland or KVI 570 AM in Seattle.
With May chock-full of events and activities highlighting Oregon wine, there is much to consider as you plan how you will celebrate Oregon Wine Month. Be sure to visit the frequently-updated online guide to events and activities at a winery tasting rooms, retail wine shops, restaurants, hotels and B & Bs. With so much to choose from, there’s certain to be many Oregon Wine Month activities that will whet your palate.
All details about Oregon Wine Month can be found at www.oregonwinemonth.org. Discover what’s happening this May, then get out and enjoy Oregon wine!
About the Oregon Wine Board:
The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research, and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. Visit www.oregonwine.org
