With a tradition dating back to the 1840s and a favorable climate for wine grape growing in many areas, Oregon is one of America's top wine producing states.
The local wine regions of Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, Umpqua Valley, Rogue Valley, the Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla and Snake River Valley yield thousands of tons of, mainly, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes every year. Oregon boasts over 300 wineries, with a greatly developed wine tourism industry, especially focused on the Yamhill Valley.
A Passion for Reds
If you are looking for an Oregon wine club and Pinot Noir is your passion, look no further. Located in the heart of Oregon wine country, the Oregon Pinot Noir Club prides itself in scouting the state in search for the best hard-to-find Oregon wines.
Much in the same vein, but opening the spectrum to other regional varietals,
The Original Oregon Wine Club
located in McMinnville, is run by a couple; Dave and Sandy Shultheis. While Dave is an expert on the history of Oregon wine, Sandy is adept at finding the best local wines at great value. Their club selections and events enjoy an impeccable reputation.
If you are "passionate about Oregon wine," the wine club at I Love Oregon Wine is also a great option. This is a monthly club, but also an online store for wine, gourmet food, and gift baskets. You can also enjoy their wine tastings and events.
As far as winery-based wine clubs are concerned, the award-winning Cathedral Ridge Winery is a great option. As a member your benefits will include discounts, new release tastings, and invitation to winery events.
Another winery club, the King Estate Tower Club offers four quarterly Oregon wine selections. It is also a very social club, with two big annual events, the Tower Club BBQ and the Harvest Moon Celebration, plus several other wine tastings and dinners.
Run by the Avalon wines online store, the Oregon New Discoveries Club is dedicated to finding, and sharing with its members, the best up-and-coming wines in the state, priding themselves in their talent to find Oregon's next "hot wineries".
If you have a broader interest in wines not only from Oregon, but also from the adjacent regions, the Northwest Wine Collector's Club has a very attractive offer. Largely focused on Pinot Noir and other rich West Coast reds, the club is dedicated to finding the crème de la crème of Northwest wines for your enjoyment, and to help you build your wine cellar.
Orgasmic Wines
Last but not least, I must mention the Naked Winery and its "Orgasmic Wines." Their wine plans are called Club Diva and Club Naked, with the former devoted to preferred women's choices. Now, don't be mislead by the cover; this winery is not like that short-lived Key West experience "Naked Lunch", where people were expected to eat lunch naked. The good news is that you don't have to get naked at all, in order to participate in Naked Winery Events.
Nevertheless, the names of the wines are quite explicit: Foreplay Chardonnay, Penetration Cabernet, Tease Riesling, etc. In short, if you are interested in some Oregon wines with a kinky edge, Naked winery will surely do the trick. All things considered, a naked club where you get to keep your clothes on sounds like a bargain to me. :-)
Finding an Oregon wine club can take time, as there are many to choose from. Judging by their variety, however, I believe the search won't be the least bit boring. And, when the wine shipments arrive, if you're a Pinot lover, you'll be the happiest of them all.
