On Friday, January 10, the Oregon Wine Board, Willamette Valley Wineries Association, and the Oregon Winegrowers Association issued a joint industry statement in response to the recent discussions from the medical community regarding alcohol:
“In light of recent discussions from the medical community regarding alcohol, we want to emphasize that we are not medical professionals and do not provide health advice. We respect that everyone has a unique relationship with alcohol, shaped by personal experiences and individual choices, and we are committed to educating our community on responsible service and enjoyment.
At the same time, statements like those from the Surgeon General have significant ripple effects on industries like ours, and our community is feeling the impact. Many Oregon wineries are small, family-owned businesses—farmers and artisans deeply connected to the land—dedicated to crafting high-quality wines for those who enjoy them. Wine, for many, symbolizes connection, deeply rooted in a rich cultural history that spans generations and traditions, bringing people together to share meaningful interactions.
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association, Oregon Winegrowers Association, and the Oregon Wine Board are committed to supporting our wine community and preserving the rich cultural history and tradition of winemaking. As an industry, we remain steadfast in promoting the sensible enjoyment of wine and advocating for fair, evidence-based policies that support both consumers and the small businesses that make up our vibrant community. We are committed supporters of Science Over Bias, emphasizing transparency and balanced perspectives in conversations about alcohol.”
