Step by Step

The wine industry waits for no one.  Even in Oregon, there are big bucks behind the wine juggernaut.  Witness the new "Visitor's Center" at Abacela Vineyard, here in the Umpqua Valley.  A gorgeous facility that is second to none.  Complete with cozy fireplace and, what I'd call the "board Room", a sit down tasting venue.

To me this is an indicator that our wine region is coming up to speed on the likes of Napa and Willamette.  While it's not a competition between regions, it does illustrate the economic power of the wine industry.  The trend is upward.  Busier tasting rooms mean the need to expand.  More tasters mean more national recognition, bringing in even more wine travelers.

IN all of this we need to remember what it's all about: the Wine.  All the fancy surroundings don't mean a lot if the wine is just so-so.  Wineries get one shot to impress the taster.  They're not coming back for the tasting room.

Step by step, the Umpqua Valley is moving towards that total wine tourist experience, from humble little tasting rooms to grand visitor centers.