Everyone loves wine! And, Oregon has got some amazing options for wine lovers from all over the planet. You can indulge in tasting wine throughout the region, with some of the finest wineries located in this part of the world. But, was it like this since forever?
Nope.
It was not until 1972, when Stephanie Pearl Kimmel came up with Excelsior Inn in Eugene near the University of Oregon. She had just come back from France, after studying, and thought to embrace the French ethos of sustainably raised and farmed sourcing.
In her words, “The chefs knew everyone; everything was so seasonal, except there was no Oregon wine.” It did not take her long to realize that it could prove to be a beautiful thing for the people of Oregon. According to Kimmel meeting David Lett, founder of The Eyrie Vineyard, was the first step. That’s when the Excelsior started offering pinot Gris, and pinot noir from Lett’s vineyard making the establishment the pioneers of the trade and one of the first Oregon restaurants to promote Oregon wine.
Since then, the state’s wine production has come off an age. Today Oregon houses some of the finest wineries in the world, producing wine that adorns the menu of some of the top restaurants and eateries in the world. The state celebrates it rich wine production by arranging the Oregon Wine Month during the entire month of May, 2017.
Being the Ambassador of Oregon Wine, Kimmel says, “If you have the right pairing, it increases the enjoyment of the wine. And the food — there’s just a magical thing, the way it lingers on the palate. If you love the dish, you love the dish. If you love the wine, you love the wine. But if you have them together, you’ll love them both more.”
Today she is one of the most recognized faces on the horizon of Oregon food and beverage circuit. She further adds, “I didn’t have any idea it would grow to be such a huge thing, but I had confidence. My friends assured me it was very comparable to Burgundy, with the climate, and these grape varieties were perfectly adapted. With good vineyard management, it would make exceptional wines. It didn’t take long for (Oregon winemakers) to realize that.”
If you are a wine lover, then Oregon Wine Month is one of the best times to savor your taste buds with some of the most aromatic and special wines produced in this part of the world. With more than 100 restaurants participating, and hundreds of wineries from across the state offering wine tastings during this month-wide celebration, you are surely in for a surprise.
So, this May make sure to celebrate by indulging your taste buds to the savory taste of wine and some of the most delicious cuisine from the heart of Oregon. Sound tempting? Why wouldn’t it be? So, what are you waiting for? Get out and see what Oregon has at offer for you in this month long wine festival!
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