Note: This article was written by Sarah Murdoch and originally appeared in the Oregon Wine Press While winemakers are busy harvesting grapes, key wine publications are also busy weighing in on top wines they’ve tasted over the course of a year. Many publish Top 100 aggregated articles of the wines they enjoyed imbibing the most, from the tens of thousands of wines they tasted.  Two wine publications— [...]

Photo credit: Aaron Lee It was a year of triumph for some and recovery for others across Oregon, with weather oddities that seemed to self-correct through harvest in many ways. Many winemakers reported it was a return to normal, or a classic Oregon vintage. In WineSearcher, Jim Bernau, founder and CEO of Willamette Valley Vineyards said: “It reminded me of the way it us [...]

Oregon Wines on the World’s Most Prestigious Lists Oregon only produces 0.15% of the world’s wine, yet represents 6% and 5% of last year’s most prestigious awards lists. Six Oregon wines made the Wine Spectator Top 100, five made the Wine Enthusiast Top 100. Further, two were honored on the [...]

Lower Long Tom, the newest appellation in Oregon, just received federal recognition as Oregon’s 22nd American Viticultural Area (AVA). Courtesy Benton-Lane Winery Drawn to reflect distinct soil, topography, and climate attributes, Lower Long Tom joins nine other Oregon AVAs within the larger Willamette Valley AVA, and is the first in the Southern Willamette Valley. Eugene, OR by Joey Hamilton Located just northwest of Eugene, Lower Long Tom is characterized by a chain of rolling hills separated by east-to-west valleys, cut by the tributa [...]

The Oregon Wine Board and its allied wine associations throughout the state remain firmly invested in ensuring Oregon is a safe and welcoming place for all to live, work, and visit. Oregon’s wine community embraces all that makes this place special. We see our values reflected in the dedicated work of farmers, winemakers, and thousands of other skilled professionals who call this industry home. Recent events have brought attention to Oregon, calling on us to recommit to a deeply valued aspect of life here: diversity. Circumstances also demand [...]

Anna Campbell Today the Willamette Valley became only the second American wine region to receive Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Status in the European Union. It’s a major breakthrough in global brand awareness and a milestone for the Valley’s many hardworking winegrowers and winemakers. The PGI system protects iconic names of agricultural products, spirit drinks, and wines with a link to their geographical origin, including well-known products such as Champagne and Barolo. Only two American wine regions, Napa Valley and now the Willame [...]

Mighty McMinnville, in the Willamette Valley, is celebrating Pride Month this June with a host of activities, both in person and virtual. What was born last year during a spontaneous conversation continues to expand and grow to support a large and diverse audience throughout the Willamette Valley. Take a look at the calendar and join events such as Speed Friending, PFLAG Parade, Lez be Smart trivia and more. Keep reading at VisitMcMinnville.com | [...]

The wine industry, like nearly everything else, was not unmoved by the ongoing racial justice movement so prominent last summer. Drinkers are increasingly seeking wines made by winemakers of color and this conscientious shopping is having a positive effect on awareness and visibility. Theodora Lee, owner and winemaker for Theopolis Vineyards in California’s Anderson Valley, said it best in an interview on Winesearcher: “There’s a movement, and it’s gathering force, and it can and I hope will affect all le [...]

Oregon continues to seek ways to protect our communities, businesses and public health. Governor Kate Brown’s 2-week “freeze” ended late last week and outdoor wine tasting and dining are once again available to you. But with details changing so often, it’s hard to keep up. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Oregon has launched a new framework that ranks counties by four categories (pink, orange, yellow and gree [...]

Here’s something rare in 2020: good news. The Oregon Wine Giving Season has been extended through December 31. You can shop keepsakes, promotions, experiences, and support charitable giving now through the end of the year. THE GIVING SEASON >>> Courtesy Elizabeth Chambers Cellar [...]