The Third Wave of Oregon Wine

Oregon is rightfully proud of its wine industry, one that started in the Willamette Valley with pioneers like David Lett and Dick Ponzi in the mid-to-late 60s. And it has grown to include virtually the whole state, from Abacela in Southern Oregon to Cathedral Ridge in the Gorge.

The state's second wave of world-class wines came from talented winemakers like Jay Somers of J. Christopher, Andrew Rich of Andrew Rich Wines, Amy Wesselman and David Autrey of Westrey, Patty Green of Patricia Green Cellars and David O'Reilly of Owen Roe, who blew the socks off of wine-lovers from all over the globe with the contents of their bottles.

And now there's an opportunity coming up this weekend to taste the fruits of what might be called the third wave of über-talented winemakers during the Portland Indie Wine Festival. In its sixth year, the festival is drawing 40 of the state's best new craft producers in what's termed a "farmers' market" setting, where guests can sample wines as well as food from a selection of the city's best restaurants.

Be sure to stop by and give a sloppy kiss to GoodStuffNW friends Clare and Brian at Big Table Farm, and be sure to ask how the boys did in the plowing competition last weekend!

Details: Portland Indie Wine Festival. Sat., May 8, 2-6 pm; $75 includes tasting glass, festival passport and wine and food samples from vendors. Tickets available on the website.