TURNER, Ore. — Wine enthusiasts are invited to join Willamette Valley Vineyards (NASDAQ: WVVIP), a leading producer of Oregon Pinot Noir, for a Mason Bee Tour & Tasting in celebration of Earth Day at the Estate in the Salem Hills or Domaine Willamette in the Dundee Hills.
Guests will see mason bees up close while learning about the importance of these efficient pollinators and tasting the winery’s sustainably grown wines.
Stephen Paisley is Willamette’s “Bee Guy” and helps incorporate mason bees into Willamette’s estate vineyards.
“What’s really cool about mason bees is that they’re native to the valley,” Stephen said. “If we lost our native pollinators, the effect would be devastating. Many of our flowers and produce are wholly dependent on pollinators to continue their existence.”
Mason bees are productive spring pollinators for fruit and nut trees, berry plants and spring flowers. Providing safe nesting places for these bees helps them thrive and increase their populations.
April 20 and 21 at the Estate in the Salem Hills
Join Willamette’s “Bee Guy” Stephen Paisley during a tour through Willamette’s Estate Vineyard and learn about our mason bee program. Enjoy tasting six wines paired with a honey-themed cheese plate. Tickets are $30 per person or $20 for Owners and Club Members, with complimentary admission available with the purchase of two or more qualifying bottles of wine.
Reservation and event information for the Estate Vineyard tour can be found here.
April 27 at Domaine Willamette in the Dundee Hills
Join a Bee-Friendly Wine Tour with the Oregon Bee Project at the sparkling winery’s biodynamic vineyard. The tour includes a flight of four wines and a honey-themed cheese plate. Tickets are $50 per person or $40 for Owners and Club Members, including a pack of seeds to take home and a $15 wine credit. Tours run hourly from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Reservation and event information for the Domaine Willamette tour can be found here.
Since the winery’s founding in 1983, stewardship of the land has been a key principle in Willamette’s winemaking and farming practices. Founder and CEO Jim Bernau believes Pinot Noir made with consideration for the environment, employees and community simply tastes better.
