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