I am volunteering for the Southern Oregon Grape Fair this year, a community celebration of all that is derived and inspired from our productive vineyards in Southern Oregon. We are excited to showcase our region’s history in world-class agriculture that continues to prosper in the thriving growth of grape cultivation and winemaking. 

As you many of you may know, Talent is home to at least nine vineyards which supplies grapes for many of the Rogue Valley producers as well as north to the Willamette Valley as well. In the sleepy little hamlet of Talent lies the perfect soils and microclimates to grow rich, ripe grapes which produce fabulous, tasty wines.

Jill & I missed last year's fair because we were out of town, but I am excited to be part of the SOGF this year.  Tickets are $20, which gains you entry to the wine tent.  The day will have music, food, wine, spirits, beer, crafts, vendors and activities throughout the day.  There will be a program guide listing all of our participates, as well as, a Pairing Guide to see which wine goes best with what food being served. 

The SOGF is a walking fair of Wine, Food, Art and Entertainment: wine tasting from the region’s best wine producers; delicious food from our area’s most talented purveyors; live music from the valley’s most energetic and engaging performers; Talent Public Art Committee’s second annual Plein Air – an outdoor art competition, and the addition of Talent’s First One-Day Photography contest.  there will two Wine Competitions, with Juried and a People's Choice awards for Whites, White Blends, Reds, and Red Blends.

This year’s SOGF kicks off with Bike Chata. The 2^nd year Ride/Race, organized by the Rogue Valley Race Group, winds through the beautiful rolling vineyards surrounding Talent. This unique bike event honors the former Talent restaurant (Chata) owner, bicycle enthusiast and community builder Jozef Wayryniec Slowikowski .

The SOGF is part of the Talent Chamber of Commerce's annual fund-raising efforts and one of the many ways the Talent Chamber is carrying out their mission to support members by promoting and advocating for a vibrant and sustainable community.  As part of these efforts, we will be working with a Master Recycler in order to achieve our goal of Zero waste!

 

We hope to see you there!

“Come with me while the wine shop is still open.

We are dizzy with meeting each other.” 

-Rumi