Maragas Makes a Move

By John Gottberg

Maragas Winery, Central Oregon's original winery when it was founded in 1999, has closed its downtown Bend tasting room to focus more energy on its Culver winery.

Doug Maragas, who owns the winery with his wife, Gina, said the decision to put the Bend house on the market was an emotional one. For years after moving to Oregon from Ohio, he said, the couple lived in the back of the building on Colorado Avenue and Bond Street. Here they developed their wines before purchasing property 26 miles north of Bend and establishing a formal winery in the Crooked River Valley.  

"Our romanticized vision has always included a sustainable working farm and winery, bringing the land's bounty straight to our customers through wine dinners, events and a farmers' market," Maragas said. "With the completion of the winery, vineyard and farmhouse, we know we have everything in place for the next leg of our journey."

Maragas Winery now hosts frequent holiday events, including concerts and barbecues. Scheduled next is a July 3 performance by Grammy Award-winning acoustic guitarist Doug Smith.

The winery is located off U.S. Highway 97 between Terrebonne and Culver, north of Redmond. 541-546-5464, www.maragaswinery.com.