Alright stop, vino time.
Throw on your hammer pants and get ready for a party at Willamette Valley Wineries Association’s “1983 Throwback Weekend,” this Friday, March 1-Sunday, March 3.
What’s the reason for the occasion — and why do we have our fists in the air ?
Well, way back in December 1983, the federal government granted the Willamette Valley official status as an American viticultural area (AVA), thanks to efforts by local winemakers led by David Adelsheim . When the appellation went into effect in January 1984, the region became the first in Oregon to earn such a designation — today the state has 23 AVAs .
It’s been 40 years since that milestone, with plenty of awards and world-class wines in between, so a celebration is in order. Here’s a sample of the ‘80s-themed festivities:
- Wear your gaudiest suit or dress for Pinot Prom at Brooks Winery; there will be a photo booth, disco lights, and people who come dressed to impress (or embarrass) will be entered to win a $100 gift card.
- Inflation is a thing of the past at Violet Vines Winery, which is offering glass pours at 1983 prices .
- Sokol Blosser Winery will live it up all weekend with the decade’s best tunes and a costume contest.
- Complimentary wine tastings are on offer at Knudsen Vineyards , Coehlo Winery, Stoller Family Estate, Chehalem Winery, and others — like it used to be.
- Tastings straight from the barrel at Lachini Vineyards .
That’s only a sip of all the things to do, special vintages, and tasting rooms to enjoy. See the full schedule .