Greatest of the Grape Turns 40

Winemakers and the growers in the Umpqua Valley are pouring their hearts into the “40 Grapeful Years,” a milestone anniversary for the Greatest of the Grape event on March 20.

The celebration was the brainchild of the late Richard Sommer, who in 1961, purchasd the first post-prohibition vineyard located near Roseburg, against the advice of the “experts.” Within a few years, he was joined by two more wineries and in 1970, Sommer devised the wine tour to share Umpqua Valley’s wine and food with friends and neighbors. Today, 28 wineries and 14 restaurants are participating in the event that includes wine, food, dancing, and a silent auction among other events.

The event this year takes place at Seven Feathers Casino Resort & Spa in Canyonville, and is sponsored by the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association. Among wineries participating are Abacela, Anindor Vineyards, Bradley Vineyards, Brandborg Winery, Becker Vineyard, Chateau Nonchalant, Delfino Vineyards, Girardet, Henry Estate, Julianna Vineyards, MarshAnne Landing, Melrose, Misty Oaks, Palotai, River’s Edge, Sienna Ridge, and Spangler.

Wine entries will be professionally judged prior to the event and winners will be announced March 20. Guests are encouraged to sample the wines and vote for their own favorite wine and wine/food pairing in the People’s Choice Award category.

Tickets to the Greatest of the Grape are $75 per person and can be purchased on-line at or at Abacela Winery, 12500 Lookingglass Road, Roseburg, 541-679-6642; Henry Estate Winery, 684 Hubbard Creek Road, Umpqua, 541-459-5120; Melrose Vineyards, 885 Melqua Road, Roseburg, 541-672-6080, Roxyann Winery, 3285 Hillcrest Road, Medford, 541-776-2315, and in person at Pedotti’s Italian Restaurant, 1332 W. Central Avenue, Sutherlin. 

For more information about the association, visit the web page, www.umpquavalleywineries.org, or call 541-673-5323.