May is Oregon Wine Month!

Oregon Wine Month was established in 2012 by the Oregon Wine Board to celebrate the state’s exceptional wines and highlight its diverse wine regions. Each year during the month of May, the goal is to inspire both local and national appreciation for Oregon’s wine industry, which contributes more than $8.1 billion to the state’s economy through wine production, grape growing, tourism, and other related industries.

I moved to the Rogue Valley in 2000, and since then, so much about Oregon’s wine industry has changed. At that time, our state only had about 135 wineries and 9,000 acres of vineyards, with an average vineyard size of just 67 acres. As of 2022, Oregon had grown to an impressive 1,116 wineries which were comprised of an outstanding 46,000 collective acres.

Over the last 25 years, our state has added at least 12 new grape appellations, further defining its unique terroirs. Oregon wines—particularly Pinot Noir—have also gained international acclaim, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a world-class wine region. Even with all that growth and notoriety, Oregon wine represents just 1.5% of all wine sold in the U.S., with other domestic wines making up 67-70% of sales and imports accounting for the remaining 30-33% of sales.  

And now for the not-so-good news. In total, Oregon wine sales have been declining, making this year’s Oregon Wine Month focus on education more important than ever. When wineries struggle to sell their products, grape growers are left without buyers for their harvests—a challenge not only for Oregon but for the entire West Coast, where wine sales are down approximately 7%. As a result, thousands of acres of vineyards are being uprooted.

Whether you’re picking up a bottle at the store, visiting a tasting room, or ordering at a restaurant, I encourage you to make a conscious choice to support Oregon wines. It doesn’t even have to be Del Rio wines – because when all Oregon wineries thrive, we all succeed! Every purchase plays a vital role in sustaining an industry that is deeply woven into Oregon’s economy and communities.

Looking back on the past 25 years, there are so many things to appreciate about being part of this industry. We’ve learned so much, worked with an incredible team, and had the privilege of making great wine for loyal customers who have supported us along the way.

I hope you’ve picked up a few fun facts about Oregon wine—and I invite you to share them with friends and family. Maybe even over a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir.

Cheers! 
~Jolee