Gorge Celebrates Five Years

By Wine Press Staff

The Columbia Gorge AVA will celebrate the fifth anniversary of its federal recognition on July 9. To commemorate the growth and success of the Gorge winegrowing region, area winegrowers are inviting wine enthusiasts to join the festivities by sharing their experiences in a fun and easy contest during the month of July.

“It’s exciting to see the recognition and awards that our member wineries have garnered over the past five years,” said Autumn Woods, Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Assocation marketing coordinator. “The number of wineries has doubled from 14 in 2004, to 30 in 2009. New vineyards are springing up throughout the regions as people discover that our unique growing conditions support a world of grape varieties, from Albarino to Zinfandel.”

The past five years have brought national and regional recognition to the area, including the cover story of the Oregon Wine Press in June and recent mentions in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and The Oregonian.

“We are proud of the awards that all of our member wineries have been racking up, including Maryhill Winery’s Washington Winery of the Year and Cathedral Ridge’s Oregon Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest in 2009 and 2007, respectively,” said Woods.

To celebrate this success, the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers are launching the “Celebrate Five Years in Five Words” online contest during the month of July.

Fans of Columbia Gorge wines write about their ideal visit to Gorge wine country in five words. The best entry will be chosen Aug. 3, and the winner will be awarded two tickets to our Gorge Wine Celebration for Hospice in Hood River on Aug. 8, as well as overnight accommodations.

The Gorge Wine Celebration is an annual gala showcasing the wines of the Gorge as well as a fundraiser for Hospice of The Gorge. Tickets are $50 each and include wine tasting from over 20 wineries, dinner, entertainment and a spirited live auction with exclusive winery packages. Tickets are currently on sale at www.columbiagorgewine.com .

The “Celebrate Five Years in Five Words” contest begins July 1 and will run through July 31. Prize details, rules and regulations are listed on the website.