There's something special about raising a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir at an Oregon event. It feels connected. Authentic. Local in the best way. Whether you're attending a conference, celebrating a wedding, hosting a fundraiser, or gathering with colleagues here at the Salem Convention Center, we will be serving wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards, a winery that's just south of Salem and is widely recognized as one of Oregon's leading Pinot Noir producers. As Oregonians rooted in our community, we enjoy bringing you partners who make our region exceptional. It's meaningful to pour wines that were grown just down the road and that have helped put the Willamette Valley on the global wine map. It's not just about adding a new label to our bar. It's about sharing a story in every glass. Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Jim Bernau, who believed Oregon could produce world-class Pinot Noir. At the time, that idea required vision and a little boldness. The winery's “secret sauce” is community ownership through preferred stock purchases. Through preferred stock offerings over the years, thousands of supporters have become Owners of the winery, drinking the wine while investing in its future. That spirit of community and shared pride still defines the winery today. Over the years, their wines have earned national and international recognition, consistently receiving top scores and praise from respected wine critics. One reason this partnership felt like such a natural fit is the winery's commitment to sustainability. For Willamette Valley Vineyards, caring for the land is a responsibility you'll find reflected in sustainable vineyards with LIVE and Salmon-Safe certification, thoughtful energy and water conservation, and lightweight glass packaging. As a venue that hosts thousands of guests each year, we value partners who share our long-term commitment to sustainability. It allows us to offer our clients the pride of hosting a sustainable event without lifting a finger. When we serve Willamette Valley Vineyards wine, we know we're supporting a company that believes in preserving Oregon's natural resources and beauty for future generations. We're honored to bring Willamette Valley Vineyards to our tables and bars, and we look forward to helping guests experience the wines that have made Oregon's Willamette Valley one of the world's great Pinot Noir regions. Here's to a great partnership, unforgettable events, and delicious, sustainable wine in the glass!
