- “Celebration Oregon” tasting and awards ceremony is culmination of the only all-Oregon wine competitions –
- First 500 tickets include admittance to “Oregon! Oregon! 2009” performance with Pink Martini
Portland, Ore., June 18, 2009– Calling all Oregon wine lovers: on August 28 (5-8 PM), the Oregon State Fair is hosting “Celebration Oregon,” the awards ceremony and tasting event for the only all-Oregon wine competitions. The evening pays tribute to award-winning professional and amateur Oregon wineries and their wines based on the wine competitions held in July. Held annually on the first night of the fair, this popular annual event is marking its 30th year in 2009.
In addition to attending the awards ceremony, patrons can taste more than 200 different Oregon wines, plus sample gourmet delights by Oregon chefs. There will also be a silent auction to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Oregon. “Celebration Oregon” tickets cost $45 and include Fair admission.
In celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday, the first 500 “Celebration Oregon” ticket-buyers will also receive a ticket to “Oregon! Oregon! 2009,” which debuts that evening at 8 PM. This rousing revival of the 1959 musical comedy, written by Grammy Award-winning radio personality Stan Freberg to celebrate the 100th birthday of Oregon, has been updated by a team of Oregonians, including Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, ‘Chariots of Fire’ conductor Harry Rabinowitz (age 92), PICA Flash Choir’s Sarah Dougher & Pat Janowski, Metro Council President David Bragdon and the writers of Livewire!. It features music by Pink Martini and a performance by the 234th Army Band-Oregon National Guard.
In 2008, the Professional Wine Competition judges tasted and scored 170 wines submitted by 48 wineries across Oregon. The 2008 Amateur Wine Competition Judges tasted and scored 140 wines entered by 51 wine makers across Oregon.
2008 Professional Gold Medals:
Cardwell Hill Cellars -
2006 Pinot Noir, Estate
Pudding River Wine Cellars -
2007 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley
Johan Vineyard -
2006 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley Vineyards -
2006 Pinot Noir, Tualatin Estate
LaVelle Vineyards -
2007 Pinot Gris, Vintage Select
Zerba Cellars -
2007 Chardonnnay, Columbia Valley
For more information about “Celebration Oregon,” email
Desa Swaim or call at (503) 947-3308.
Raves for Oregon Wines
"I have had a love for wine for many years. In the past five years my interest has grown further than just drinking the wine. I adore wine dinners and tastings and learn more about the growth of the grapes in their perspective regions. I just wanted to point out that as many wines I have tasted and have come to love, Oregon wines have topped them all."Sincerely, Karen G.
