Oregon Solidarity (image from Oregon Solidarity)

Three Oregon Solidarity wines will become available during 2019. The wines include a Pinot Noir Rosé, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Oregon wines will benefit a number of Rogue Valley vineyards who do not have insurance.

The story behind the Oregon Solidarity wines began late last September. At the time a California winery canceled contracts with several Rogue Valley vineyards for  their grapes. The out-of-state winery claimed the grapes were affected by the smoke from the 2019 wildfires. 

Willamette Valley Vineyards, OR

According to one source, the grapes had such a low level of smoke taint that it was not discernible by the human taste buds. So a few Oregon wineries in the Willamette Valley came to the rescue. Two of the wineries, Willamette Valley Vineyards and King Estate offered to buy the grapes at the original contract price per ton. Two other Oregon wineries have also participated in producing the Oregon

Solidarity wines including Silvan Ridge Winery and The Eyrie Vineyards. The winemakers from these four wineries worked together to produce the Solidarity wines that were labeled “Solidarity, Rogue Valley AVA.”

The best news of all is that the wineries have decided that the net proceeds of the wines will be used to help the vineyards in the area through the Rogue Valley Vintners. 

The 2018 Oregon Solidarity Rosé of Pinot Noir will be released March 1, 2019. The 2018 Oregon Solidarity Chardonnay is expected to be released May 1. Finally, the 2018 Oregon Solidarity Pinot Noir will be released August 1. The three Oregon Solidarity wines can be pre-ordered and will be shipped at the beginning of August.

For more information about the Oregon Solidarity wines be sure to visit the Oregon Solidarity website. The website also has links to articles about the story behind the Solidarity wines.

Eyrie Vineyards, OR

The governor of Oregon stated, “The Oregon Solidarity wines exemplify the Oregonian spirit, bringing forth our best values by helping others during their time of need. The Rogue Valley often bears the brunt of wildfire season and it’s incredible that our wine community is stepping up to support one another and boost our local economy.”

Congratulations are due to the Oregon wine industry!

Hint: Wine Trail Traveler visited and wrote about the experiences at Willamette Valley Vineyards and The Eyrie Vineyards. 

Cheers!
Kathy