| When it comes to wine growing regions, Oregon | | | | diversity of the winemakers themselves. |
| can be viewed as a bit of a problem child, | | | | Instead of being made up of a people who |
| often caught sticking out its tongue whenever | | | | studied winemaking and ecology, or those made |
| the grape vines aren't looking. Because | | | | up of people who inherited a taste of |
| Oregon contains inconsistent weather - a | | | | winemaking from a parent, Oregon winemakers |
| short supply of sunshine, a shortage of heat, | | | | are made up of people who are bit rebellious |
| and enough rain to cause local animals to | | | | when it comes to Corporate America. From |
| line up two by two awaiting the arrival of an | | | | former teachers, to ex-politicians, and |
| Arc - Oregon isn't the easiest place to be a | | | | ex-doctors to former Fraternity presidents, |
| winemaker. But, just because it's not one of | | | | Oregon winemakers are as eclectic as Oregon |
| the easiest places, doesn't mean it's not one | | | | weather itself.Though divided into five major |
| of the best.Because of the lack of warm | | | | wine regions, the most prominent is the |
| climate, the grapes in Oregon are forced to | | | | Willamette Valley. Located about 100 miles |
| age at a slower rate, ripening over time | | | | south of Portland, this valley is marked by |
| rather than plowing through the doors of | | | | rolling green hills and is the place where |
| maturity wearing lip gloss and a feather boa. | | | | nearly three quarters of the state's wines |
| It is this "slow aging" factor that gives | | | | are made. Nearly all the best wines in Oregon |
| Oregonian wine a flavor unlike any others, | | | | are born, bred, and bottled in the Willamette |
| flavors that are packed with great elegance, | | | | Valley.Among some of the greatest wines to |
| beauty, and body; these wines pour on | | | | pick up in a bar, introducing yourself and |
| sophistication.Though Oregon wineries are | | | | then taking a drink, are Chehalem (Dry |
| known for growing a variety of grapes, the | | | | Riesling), King Estate (Pinot Gris), Yamhill |
| pride and joy of Oregon is Pinot Noir. Nearly | | | | Valley Vineyards (Pinot Gris), Archery Summit |
| all of the wineries in the state of Oregon | | | | (Pinot Noir), Domaine Drouhin Oregon (Pinot |
| grow Pinot Noir, rumored through the | | | | Noir), and Beaux Freres (Pinot Noir).For |
| grapevine to be one of the most sensual | | | | those interested in visiting Oregon wineries, |
| berries. Because it is one of the most | | | | you will likely find that these wineries are |
| delicate of red grapes, it might be | | | | extremely down-to-earth. It is, after all, |
| surprising that it thrives in a place with | | | | Oregon. But, some of the wineries are too |
| such erratic weather. While Mother Nature | | | | small for public tours so be sure to find out |
| does occasionally implement her own form of | | | | in advance before stopping by. Even the tiny |
| prohibition by destroying the Pinot Noir | | | | ones, however, are open twice a year, on |
| crop, when the crops survive the elements, | | | | Memorial Day weekend and Thanksgiving |
| something truly great emerges. Sometimes the | | | | weekend, when Oregon wineries host a |
| grapes that blossom in adversity are the best | | | | state-wide open house. These open houses |
| tasting of all.In terms of white wine, Oregon | | | | introduce the state's wine to newcomers, |
| is a large producer of Chardonnay. They | | | | ultimately succeeding in making everyone |
| produce it more than any other white wine. | | | | grateful for the Oregon Trail.Jennifer Jordan |
| But, the winemakers of this region, over the | | | | is the senior editor at With a vast |
| years, have fallen in love with Pinot Gris' | | | | knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes |
| and Pinot Blanc, causing Chardonnay to | | | | articles on everything from how to hold a |
| perhaps turn red with anger. One of the | | | | glass of wine to how to hold your hair back |
| reasons for this love affair is the Pinot's | | | | after too many glasses. Ultimately, she |
| ability to go along with all kinds of food, | | | | writes her articles with the intention that |
| taking the challenge of food pairings away | | | | readers will remember wine is fun and each |
| from many wine drinkers.Another uniqueness of | | | | glass of anything fun should always be |
| the Oregon winemaking community is the | | | | savored. |