Oregon Wine

American wines have struggled for decades to earn the same status and respect as their European cousins. Steeped in ancient recipes and family vineyard traditions, these European wineries have had been prominent for centuries. But in the recent decades, wineries in other parts of the world have begun to rise to prominence, particularly on America’s west coast. In the recent past California has been the star of the show for America's wine industry. But now, the state of Oregon has risen to a world-class wine growing region.

Oregon's wine making industry began only in the early 1960s, when a few daring pioneers decided to defy a great deal of advice from conventional California wine know-how and headed north. It was commonly believed prior to this exodus that Oregon's environs would be too cool to become a successful wine country. Little did the skeptics know the rich rewards that awaited these visionary vintners.

While certainly too cool for some grapes, Oregon's cool-climate growing grapes have gained a reputation for their high quality. Warm climate varieties came later with some careful region choices. In the nearly 5 decades since it's foundations, Oregon now has 15 approved wine growing regions, containing over 300 wineries, and utilizing over 70 varieties of grapes in pursuit of world-class wine.

So what makes Oregon wine so great? The French might call it terroir, but many Oregon residents refer to it as "Importance of Place." For starters, the climate of Oregon is extremely diverse, but is also reliable to be within certain parameters. Rainfall is plentiful across the state, ensuring ample moisture for the vineyards.

Additionally, Oregon is the beneficiary of the last ice ages' land shifting and the region's volcanic activity. The soil is nutrient-rich. It is fertile from ages of growth, death, and re-growth of the state's lush vegetation as well as from helpful concentrations of volcanic minerals. In addition to their richness, the soil is as diverse in different regions as the weather. This incredible combination of conditions combines to impart a truly unique and delicious character to Oregon's wines.

The benefits of Oregon wine don't stop with their quality and taste. The vintners of Oregon are inordinately dedicated not only to their craft, but also to the care and condition of their land. Many vineyards and wineries in Oregon are run to organic or biodynamic standards, making Oregon a world leader in sustainability. To further the goal of ecological responsibility, the Oregon Wine Board and various state agencies have partnered to create a certification for sustainability.