Oregon grapegrowers and vintners are inviting the public to join them for the first time at “Vintage Oregon,” an annual celebration of Oregon’s wine industry.  Monday evening, August 26, the various levels of the Portland Performing Arts Center will showcase the wines of 60 wineries complemented by food offerings from prominent local chefs.  The event, from 6-9 p.m., is a benefit for the Oregon Winegrowers Association’s sustainable agriculture education programs.  Tickets range from $25-35 and may be ordered by phoning 503-228-8403.

It has only been slightly more than three decades since the current Oregon wine industry was established, and it has come a far piece.  From a handful of pioneers , the industry has grown to number almost 200 wineries scattered the western length of the state.  Oregon Pinot Noir is in demand wherever the world’s serious wine drinkers congregate and is the inspiration for the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration, an annual gathering of the planet’s most prestigious producers, from Europe, North America and Australia/New Zealand.

A cousin is honored

The Vintage Oregon party will honor Pinot Gris, Noir’s cousin that has reached a flavor peak in Oregon vineyards that other regions have been unable to match, and is now produced by some 75 Oregon wineries.  Full flavor is also the characteristic of wines being developed in southern Oregon, and these will also be showcased at the celebration. 

Participating chefs at Vintage Oregon include Jack Czarnecki of Dayton’s Palmer House, Jason Smith of the Dundee Bistro and Portland kitchen impresarios Corey Schreiber of Wildwood, Kenny Giambalvo of Bluehour, Chris Thompson of Backstage Café, Eric Laslow of Laslow’s Northwest and Rob Pando of Red Star Tavern & Roast House.

Sponsors for the party include a Portland newcomer, Whole Foods Market  and.eVineyard, Inc.

Sip those southerners

The warmer climates of several southern Oregon valleys have lately encouraged the growing of popular red grape varietals.  These include Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah.  These wines are big and bold and have encouraged some delicious blends in addition to 100% single varietal bottlings.

Photo is a link to a page about varieties of grapes. Shown: the fruit of the vine that is used to make cabernet sauvignon

Southern Oregon plantings have now enabled our state to host a broad spectrum of the world’s most popular wine grapes, covering both cool and warm climate environments.  Vineyard and winery investments in Oregon continue to expand at a rapid pace.  One can taste almost all the reasons why at Vintage Oregon.

© 2002 Oregon Magazine