December 18, 2018

Oregon Members Announce AVA Designation for Van Duzer Corridor

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05), along with Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), announced the designation of Oregon’s Van Duzer Corridor as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) this month.

“Receiving the AVA designation is huge for our Oregon wineries and vineyards in their ability to grow in and beyond the region,” said Schrader. “This kind of recognition helps solidify the Corridor’s place on the map. I’d like to congratulate our communities and small businesses across the Van Duzer Corridor and express my appreciation to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for moving this process along this year.”

“This great news for our state’s wineries and vineyards will allow them to build on their well-deserved national and international renown,” Wyden said. “Willamette Valley communities throughout the Van Duzer Corridor can share a celebratory toast this holiday season to earning an AVA designation that will help to create jobs and economic activity in one of Oregon’s signature industries.”

“This designation is a huge step forward for businesses and communities in the Van Duzer Corridor region of Oregon’s beautiful, productive wine country,” Merkley said. “Our delicious pinots, Rieslings and more create jobs and fuel our tourist economy, and tools that make their business stronger should never be held up by bureaucracy. I will continue to work to be a strong federal partner to Oregon’s small businesses.”

“Oregon’s winegrowers and winemakers have truly transformed this region and have demonstrated an incredible ethic and understanding of the land,” said Blumenauer. “This designation recognizes the unique qualities of the Van Duzer Corridor and its importance to Oregon’s wine industry, which is distinctive, delicious, and world-renowned. I’m proud to support the Van Duzer area in finally receiving this important recognition, a critical addition to one of our state’s most exciting industries.”

“Oregon winemakers produce world-class wines and are a vital part of our economy,” said Bonamici. “I’m thrilled that the Van Duzer Corridor will be one of Oregon’s recognized American Viticultural Areas, further establishing our reputation as a producer of fine wines. This designation will help winemakers in the area get the recognition they deserve.”

The Members sent a letter earlier this year to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau on behalf of several vineyard and winery owners that expressed the value AVA designation brings to an area writing that “an AVA designation bestows tremendous advantage to the small businesses established in that area. Operating under the AVA umbrella confers a certain amount of stature that enables businesses to better promote their products at the marketplace and stabilize the financial longevity of their wine endeavors. The success that flows is good for businesses and the economic health of the state.”