There’s nothing like tasting Oregon wine while overlooking a vineyard — the terroir is palpable in your glass and among the grapevines.
Time spent apart from tasting rooms hasn’t been easy. For many, those special moments in Oregon wine country define their days off. Local wineries offer a sense of community that is hard to duplicate. Yet as we stay home and stay local, there are still ways to show our love. Although we can’t visit all of our favorite vineyards right now, we can continue to support Oregon wineries during temporary COVID-19 closures by purchasing bottles.
Now there’s extra incentive: Oregon Vine Perks, a new statewide loyalty program launched by Oregon Wine, offers incredible rewards for supporting the state’s winemakers.
The Oregon Vine Perks Pass unlocks two-for-one-tastings, discounts and VIP treatment at participating wineries across the state. (The pass is valid once tasting rooms reopen through April 30, 2021.) To qualify, one simply spends $250 or more on Oregon wine from May 1 to September 1, 2020, and uploads receipts as proof. The purchases can happen at a winery, grocery store, wine shop, restaurant cellar sale or website — they just have to be Oregon wine.
More than 100 wineries across the state offer Oregon Vine Perks benefits, from the Columbia Gorge to Portland’s urban wineries to the Willamette and Umpqua valleys and beyond.
This exciting launch is part of Oregon Wine Month, an annual statewide celebration that takes place every May. It looks a little different this year as Oregon Wine [Inside] Month, with virtual events, curated offers, wine delivery resources and recipes for your kitchen at home.
Ready to support your favorite Oregon wineries and discover some more? Reward yourself with Oregon Vine Perks and start sipping.
What to Expect at Oregon Tasting Rooms
Currently non-essential travel is not allowed in Oregon, and it’s still important to stay local to your county and community. Find local wineries near you via the Oregon Wine Board.
As Oregon wineries gradually begin to reopen, visitors will note new operational guidelines for tasting rooms. Physical distancing protocols limit occupancy and reinforce the need for face coverings and frequent hand washing. Many wineries will continue to offer curbside pickup and encourage touch-free payments. To ensure an enjoyable experience once tasting rooms reopen, consider these steps:
- Make a reservation for tastings ahead of time. (Call and check online.)
- Bring your own face covering and use it when not seated at a table.
- Practice social distancing with 6 feet between you and others.
- Be prepared for changes and follow signage. It’s possible that reception areas will move outdoors, customer traffic patterns are established or flights could be poured at one time.
- Show your gratitude for the staff — they’re working hard to follow new guidelines while preserving the Oregon wine experience that we know and love.
The following video by Stoller Family Estate in Dayton gives a fun, musical take on wineries reopening — with a few new rules.
