NEW WINERY ASSOCIATION APPROVED IN OREGON

ALOHA, OREGON – Eight wineries of Washington County recently elected officers and created a new association to promote the county’s wine industry during a March 10 meeting at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha. The by-laws of "The Wineries of Washington County" (the association’s formal name), are aimed at increasing consumer awareness, participating with appropriate government agencies, and enhancing brand value and awareness of the wineries and their products throughout Oregon and the United States. Elected as president of the Wineries of Washington County was Dewey Weddington, Marketing Manager at Cooper Mountain Vineyards.

"For almost two decades, our wineries have come together to promote our fine wines during the Memorial Day and Thanksgiving holidays, and to exchange information about our growing industry," stated Weddington. "We believe now is an appropriate time to formalize our relationship and promote the qualities that make Washington County wineries unique in Oregon and throughout the Nation."

"Our wineries are the hidden treasures of the metropolitan area. We offer a broad selection of award-winning wines, beautiful open space, and personal attention just minutes from downtown Portland. Our association even includes Oregon’s only sakery, Sake’One," said Weddington.

"We also intend to cement our relationships with existing support organizations such as the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Washington County, Oregon and the Community Action Organization, as well as include the voices of other non-profits and businesses interested in our industry through a new membership structure," said Weddington. We will also nurture the positive relationships we have established with our namesake: Washington County, Oregon

Representatives of Beran Vineyards, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Freja Cellars, David Hill Winery, Helvetia Vineyards, Oak Knoll Winery, Raptor Ridge Winery, and Sake’One were present at the meeting to unanimously approve the by-laws. In addition to Weddington, officers include Vice-President Annie Shull (Raptor Ridge), Secretary John Platt (Helvetia), and Treasurer Greg Lint (Oak Knoll).