NEWS / FEATURES

Great, Greater, Greatest

By Wine Press Staff


Sip into Spring” is the theme for Southern Oregon’s premier wine and food fest, the Greatest of the Grape (GOTG). Sponsored by the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association, the event is scheduled for March 21, 7 to 11 p.m. at Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Resort in Canyonville.

GOTG will feature vintages from 28 Umpqua Valley and Southern Oregon wineries expertly matched with culinary creations from 14 of the area’s best restaurants. Wines that were judged by a professional tasting panel prior to the event will be announced along with the People’s Choice Award, for which attendees will have their say for wine and wine/food pairings.

Currently one of the fastest growing wine regions in the Northwest, the Umpqua Valley and the rest of Southern Oregon anticipate continued growth. It has been an exciting time for the industry as it gains national and international recognition, winning awards and breaking into foreign markets, including China and Japan.

Umpqua wineries participating include: Abacela, Becker, Bradley, Brandborg, Girardet, Henry Estate, HillCrest, Julianna, MarshAnne Landing, Misty Oaks, Palotai, Sienna Ridge, Spangler and Wild Rose, as well as the new tasting rooms, Chateau Nonchalant and Delfino Vineyards. From other areas in Oregon come Chateau Lorane, Cliff Creek, Crater Lake, Daisy Creek, EdenVale, Eola Hills, Foris, LongSword, Truim, Troon, ValleyView and Weisinger’s.

“GOTG brings together serious wine aficionados and regular folks for one incredible evening,” said Event Coordinator Jannelle Wilde. “There are only 600 tickets available, and we always sell out, so we encourage people to buy early.

“Popular again this year is the opportunity to purchase tickets in groups of 10, which can reserve tables ahead of time. Many long-time attendees find this a great addition.”

The evening will include live dancing to a GOTG favorite, Bullit. Regional artists will also join in the evening’s celebrations with wares from watercolors, fine jewelry and blown glass.

Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased online at www.umpquavalleywin
eries.org. They are also available by phone or in person at Abacela Winery (12500 Lookingglass Rd., Roseburg, 541-679-6642), Henry Estate Winery (684 Hubbard Creek Rd., Umpqua, 541-459-5120), Melrose Vineyards (885 Melqua Rd., Roseburg, 541-672-6080) or RoxyAnn (3285 Hillcrest, Medford, 541-776-2315).

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Sylvia Henry Memorial Scholarship Fund, awarded to an area student for the study of enology or viticulture. ◊

EVENT DETAILS:

Greatest of the Grape
Location: Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort; 146 Chief Miwaleta Lane, Canyonville
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Tickets: See end of story.
Information: www.umpquavalleywineries.org

Web Design and Web Development by Buildable