[Content from original press release.]
For the 34th consecutive year, Willamette Valley wineries will open their doors for extensive tastings and other special events as part of Wine Country Thanksgiving. The long holiday weekend, sponsored by the Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA), comes as winemakers wrap up yet another vintage in a region lauded for its world-class wines and 50-yearold winegrowing tradition.
More than 160 wineries will take part November 25-27, offering special food pairings, rare wine releases, winemaking insights, estate tours and more. Sample brand new wines in a family friendly tasting room or discover a new cheese that pairs perfectly with Willamette Valley Pinot noir. Wineries small and large and new and old will take part, allowing visitors to experience the perfect cross-section of the thriving industry.
“This is a special weekend with deep, deep roots,” says Sue Horstmann, Executive Director of the WVWA. “It’s a chance to celebrate another beautiful harvest together, and we’ve teamed up once again with the Oregon Food Bank network to share our bounty with our neighbors in need.”
More than 40 Willamette Valley wineries and partners are signed on to the Willamette Cares Food Share, now in its third year. The program collects donations for hungry families and ongoing food bank programs. Last year this event provided 67,480 meals to the Oregon Food Bank network. Visitors can donate non-perishable foods or funds at many of the wineries and tasting rooms Thanksgiving weekend, as well as through the months of November and December. Many of the participating wineries offer incentives to those guests who contribute.
“Day after day, we’re reminded that all of the people of the Willamette Valley make this region special,”continued Horstmann. “The winemaking community is one of collaboration, generosity andidealism. We’ve learned that we’re stronger working together than working apart, and we believe no one should be hungry.”
Since the Willamette Valley’s first Pinot noir plantings back in 1965, the scenic 100-mile stretch from Portland to Eugene has cemented itself into the world winemaking hall of fame, most famous for its Pinot noir but increasingly known for its other varieties. Behind the wines are the famously friendly faces of the Oregon wine industry, on full display this holiday weekend.
Visit www.willamettewines.com for a list of events, a map and visiting hours for every participating member. Hours and tasting fees vary.
