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Willamette Valley

A History of Phylloxera in Willamette Valley

The grape industry in Oregon’s Willamette Valley has persevered through adverse weather, fires, economic fluctuations, and multiple threats to the very vines that provide their livelihood. One of these challenges is the history of phylloxera in Willamette Valley and the destruction it has brought to some of the oldest and most revered vineyard sites.  How …

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Image Of Vineyard Feild 2

Acquisitions of Willamette Valley Wineries by Big Corporations

Many wineries in Willamette Valley have been acquired by larger corporations in recent years from Jackson Family Wines to Constellation Brands–the small boutique wineries of Willamette Valley are changing hands. Here is a quick look at recent Willamette Valley winery acquisitions.  The success of Willamette Valley wineries has been undeniable in recent years, with numerous …

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Columbia River Gorge Image

The Van Duzer Winds of Willamette Valley

The Van Duzer Corridor is a gap in the Coast Range Mountains that lies between Corvallis and Lincoln City, Oregon. During certain times of the year, this corridor can be particularly windy due to low-pressure systems moving along the Pacific from Alaska. These winds are known as “Van Duzer Winds” and they can reach up …

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Oregon Coastal Range

Oregon Geology: The Coastal Range and Cascade Mountains

Oregon Geology: The Coastal Range and Cascade Mountains The Oregon Coastal Range and the Cascade Mountains are two of the most spectacular geological features in the Pacific Northwest. Spanning from the Columbia River Gorge to the Oregon-California border, these mountain ranges provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor recreation. But what lies beneath their majestic peaks? …

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A Black Walnut Hotel

A History of the Black Walnut Hotel: A Willamette Valley Luxury Icon

Set along the Willamette Valley, a lush and picturesque landscape known for its rolling hills, orchards, and vineyards, stands a regal icon of luxury and leisure; The Black Walnut Hotel. For over 80 years this grand establishment has welcomed guests with an inviting grace which has made it one of the region’s foremost destinations for …

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Willamette Valley Wine Country

Dick Ponzi’s Role in the Wine Industry

Although Willamette Valley’s wine industry is relatively new it has managed to carve a prominent place in the world of wine. This is mostly due to its ideal conditions for grape-growing and winemaking. But it is also in-part due to a handful of winemaking pioneers, one of which was Dick Ponzi.  Born in March 1934 in …

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finedining setup in 1900s

A Short History of Fine Dining in the Willamette Valley, Oregon

The history of fine dining in Willamette Valley, Oregon, dates back to the early 1900’s when the region was predominantly rural and agricultural. Restaurants at the time served simple, straightforward dishes that showcased the region’s bountiful produce. In the 1970s and 80s, the region’s wine industry began to flourish, and local chefs saw an opportunity …

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Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company 1910

A Short History of Agriculture in Willamette Valley Before Wine

The Willamette Valley, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, has a rich history of agriculture that predates its current status as a world-renowned wine region. For thousands of years before European settlement, the valley was inhabited by indigenous peoples who practiced a variety of agricultural techniques to cultivate crops like camas, …

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