Greetings! I thought I would just share a few random thoughts with you this week.
Recently while working in the Tasting Room, the discussion arose regarding the tremendous proliferation of wineries in Southern Oregon, I was asked what I thought about it and did it bother me. This was a good question that I had to pause and reflect about before answering. Of course, competition is good and Southern Oregon has been supportive in welcoming new businesses to the fold. But, beyond that, my response was the rapid expansion we have experienced is good as long as it brings along with it a corresponding increase in quality. More great wines in the valley is a welcome addition as it brings more attention to Southern Oregon. There are many wineries in the valley that are producing highly-rated wines which raises the overall profile of Southern Oregon wines. Any addition to that list is sure to be good from a consumer, oenophile and business standpoint.
When I first stated there must have been around 30 wineries in Southern Oregon, today there is approximately 70, and more to come as I've heard on the "grapevine."
I remember many years back, while I worked at RoxyAnn Winery, Ron Stringfield of Galaxy Distributors and a Garagista in his own right, helped organize a monthly blind peer-tasting amongst the valley winemakers. I had the occasion to work one of these events and I must say, it was enlightening. There is nothing quite like a winemaker ripping apart a wine, only to discover it was one if their own. What these tastings ended up doing, however, was to create a conversation and a way for the winemakers to share their successes and failures. I saw a marked improvement in the region's wines overall after these little soirees. As the old saying goes,
"a rising tide lifts all boats."
As to personal reasons, namely this blog and my own wine enjoyment, I enjoy seeing the advent of new wineries, it means new places to go and new wines to try and more blogs to share with you. The journey of discovery continues. On a professional note, it means new career opportunities, new tourism attractions and a welcome addition to our local economy.
To learn more about Southern Oregon Wines, please visit the Southern Oregon Winery Association or for info on Oregon wines in general, visit the Oregon Wine Board
-Aristophanes
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