November 24, 2023 3:25 a.m.

Wineries in the Umpqua Valley are opening their doors this Thanksgiving weekend with open house special events to showcase their wines and give residents an opportunity to support local businesses.

Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association Executive Director Ali Rodgers said almost every winery will be releasing new wines, ranging from Tempranillo and Sangiovese to Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris Rose’.  Most will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Rodgers said highlights include:

*Tours of the production area and barrel tasting at HillCrest Vineyards in Melrose

*Cork crafts and felted ornaments at Triple Oak Wine Vault in Oakland

*Three new Tempranillos from the 2018 vintage at Paul O’Brien Winery in Roseburg

*Caramel pairing and pajama drive at Cooper Ridge Vineyard in Melrose

*Local artists at Bradley Vineyards and Lexeme’s pop-up wine tasting room in Elkton

*Live music on Sunday afternoon at JosephJane Winery west of Roseburg

A complete list of events and special hours for each winery can be found on the Winegrower’s website: https://www.umpquavalleywineries.org/event/thanksgiving/ There is also a wine trail map to help guide people around the Umpqua Valley. Nineteen wineries are participating in this year’s event.

In conjunction with the open houses, is the Elkton Art & Wine weekend which is happening through Sunday. There are six wineries in the Elkton area.

Rodgers said while there is no cost to visit the wineries and attend most events, there is usually a tasting fee associated with tasting wines, which may be refunded with purchase.

Rodgers said, “With the huge variety of wine grapes grown and produced in the Umpqua Valley, everyone is sure to find a wine that they like”. Rodgers said “Whether visitors are coming down from Eugene or driving around family who are visiting from out of town, its sure to be a memorable weekend”.