PORTLAND, Apr. 20, 2016 — Wineries throughout Oregon are getting ready to roll out the proverbial red carpet for guests in honor of Oregon Wine Month. In 10 days, tasting rooms, wine bars, restaurants and retailers will host myriad events, specials and promotions to celebrate the diversity and quality of Oregon wines.
“Oregon’s wine industry is thriving and there has never been a better time to visit Oregon wine country,” said David Beck, chairman of the Oregon Wine Board. “With so much happening in May, Oregon Wine Month allows wine lovers to experience Oregon’s diverse wine regions and visit with the people who make our community so special.”
Celebrate the diversity of Oregon wine throughout May around the state at the following events:
- 29 – May 1 – Gorge Wine Experience in the Columbia Gorge
- 30 – Taste. Learn. Celebrate. Oregon Wine Month Kick-Off in the Cascade Foothills in the Willamette Valley
- May 1 – PDX Urban Wine Experience in Portland
- May 7 – Taste Dundee Block Party in the Willamette Valley
- May 7 – Launch of McMinnville Wine Walk in the Willamette Valley
- May 14 – Uncorked: A Wine Auction in the Willamette Valley
- May 22 – UnCorked Applegate Valley Wineries Barrel Tour in Southern Oregon
- May 22 – Jacksonville Wineries Association Wine Cruise in Southern Oregon
- May 27-30 – Memorial Day Weekend in Oregon Wine Country throughout the state
Wine enthusiasts can also enjoy spending time at tasting rooms, which will host open houses and offer specials such as two-for-one tastings, vertical tastings, samples of older “library” wines, food and wine pairings, barrel tastings, live music, games and more. Check out the frequently updated Oregon Wine Month Event Calendar to see what’s going on.
Another way to celebrate Oregon Wine Month is by visiting a favorite restaurant to enjoy the bounty of Oregon wines. Thanks to a new partnership with leading restaurant reservations company OpenTable, finding unique opportunities to enjoy Oregon wine when dining out has never been easier. Participating restaurants will offer opportunities such as meet the winemaker evenings, special flights, multi-course parings with Oregon wines, featured wines of the month and complimentary tastings. Check out the full list of restaurant promotions and make a reservation today!
Visiting Oregon from out-of-state during May? Don’t forget that Oregon Wines Fly Free on Alaska Airlines. This promotion makes taking the memory of Oregon home easy by allowing out-of-state visitors to taste wine for free at more than 300 participating wineries and check one case of wine at no cost on their return flight departing from one of four Oregon airports, as well as Walla Walla, Washington. To take advantage of this opportunity, all you need to do is be an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member.
Can’t get enough of Oregon wine country? 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. 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.
Start planning how you’ll celebrate Oregon Wine Month today with the frequently-updated online guide to events and activities happening around the state. Whether at a winery tasting room, fine wine shop, restaurant, hotel or B & B, you’ll find an activity sure to whet your palate. Visit oregonwinemonth.org to discover the full list of events, specials and activities.
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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 oregonwine.org.
