The Oregon Experience
Oregon was made for food and wine and more . . .
Eons of geologic flux has blessed Oregon with a vast and varied
landscape ideal for growing, well, just about everything.
From verdant valleys and majestic mountains, to rushing rivers,
dramatic desert and captivating coastline, Oregon's fertile soils
and fecund climate puts it in the top 4 US producers of
blackberries, raspberries, loganberries, hazelnuts, hops, garlic,
snap beans, pears, blueberries, sweet cherries, strawberries,
onions, azaleas, peppermint green peas, cranberries, Christmas
trees-and, naturally, wine grapes.
Great wine made by artisan producers
Oregon's vineyards grow 72 grape varieties for 450
wineries located in 16 approved appellations within four wine
country regions. You can travel from the rolling green hills of the
Willamette Valley to the granite-crusted ridges of Southern Oregon;
from the basalt bluffs of the Columbia Gorge to the sandy soils of
Walla Walla Valley, and you'll experience a common linking thread
throughout the state: great wine made by artisan producers.
For nearly 50 years Oregon wine has been hand-made
by individual craftspeople (many second-generation) who pursue two
things above all else: quality and sustainability. It is testament
to their commitment that Oregon is today the third largest producer
of fine wine in North America.
Oregon vintners pioneered innovative land-use
laws
Oregon got there by having the strictest
wine-labeling laws in the U.S. (even more rigid than the Federal
law) in order to assure wine quality and integrity for consumers.
Oregon's vintners helped pioneer innovative land-use laws that
preserved the countryside for agricultural use, not view-lot
condominium development. And Oregon's winemakers and farmers have
been committed to keeping the land natural and productive for
generations to come. Nearly 40% of the state's vineyard acreage is
certified sustainable, whether by LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and
Enology), Oregon Tilth, Demeter Biodynamic®, or OCSW (Oregon
Certified Sustainable Wine).
It isn't just anywhere that you can grow anything
--but Oregon isn't just anywhere. And we aim to keep it that
way.
Superior Cellar Award Restaurants
The Superior Cellar Awards is joint effort
between the Oregon Wine Press and the Oregon Wine
Board. Superior Cellars provides consumer guidance on restaurants
that feature diverse and broad selections of Oregon wines on their
wine lists. The goal of the program is to help consumers find
restaurants, both in Oregon and elsewhere, that strongly advocate
Oregon wine and to encourage restaurants to carry and feature
Oregon wines. Wine lists are evaluated for breadth, depth and
balance as well as specific selections. Emphasis is also placed on
wait staff training and education, special tastings and other
wine-related events are also taken into consideration. View the
entire list of
Superior Cellars Award Restaurants.
Oregon Wine Growlers
Oregon wineries, restaurants and retail stores can now use refillable "growlers," for wine similar to the way that brewpubs sell beer. The Oregon Wine Board is still compiling a list of participating locations. Get the facts on Oregon Wine Growlers.