As summer draws to an end, we are reminded of the upcoming grape harvest. We've had many inquiries lately from home vintners looking to source grapes. Mostly red varietals, some white... we have a section on our message board designed to help wineries selling grapes, and interested parties, to pair up. We would have expected more posts to it, but the season is still young.  
 
So it seems that interest in home winemaking is picking up. And, why shouldn't it? Oregon produces world-class grapes, and while we enjoy most every Oregon wine we sample, there's also a special connection you get from working with the grapes to produce your own wine.  
 
Last year was our third year making a private label, small-run. Our 2006 Pinot Noir turned out a bit on the light side, but having bottle aged for six months it has really rounded out.  
 
 
 
This year we're looking forward to trying a Merlot or possibly even a Tempranillo. It all depends on availability of the right grape. We'd even be delighted to produce a Cab-Merlot, given the quality of the grapes coming out of Oregon vineyards in recent years.  
 
Whether buying the wines, or buying the raw materials, supporting Oregon wineries is a great way to give back to these artisans that work the land each and every day. If you've never quite gotten into home winemaking but have an interest in learning how to, we encourage you to participate in our message board, or drop us a line on our Contact form.  
 
Best regards,  
 
David Anderson  
OregonWines.com