Premier wine and culinary destination event generates $1.69 million for Asante health care programs

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. (Aug. 29, 2019) — The 2019 Oregon Wine Experience is officially in the books, with a record number of 5,123 attendees. The event generated nearly $1.7 million for Asante Children’s Miracle Network and other health care programs supported by Asante Foundation. This is the third consecutive year that the Oregon Wine Experience surpassed the $1 million fundraising mark, attracting thousands to celebrate premier local wineries and top culinary talent, and helping enhance health care in Southern Oregon and Northern California. 

“Oregon Wine Experience is a joint vision of the local wine industry and Asante Foundation to create one of the top destination wine and culinary events in the country, all to benefit charity,” says Floyd Harmon, Executive Director, Asante Foundation. “This event continues to grow year-over-year, attracting people from all around the world.” 

Miracle Auction generates $455,445 for Asante health care programs 
More than 900 people gathered under the big tent at Bigham Knoll to revel in the Coquille Indian Tribe’s traditional salmon bake dinner on Saturday, August 24. Throughout the evening, attendees raised their paddles and glasses for a very worthy cause. 

Attendees sample exclusive wine thieved straight from the barrel at the Founders’ Barrel Auction
This afternoon of elegance gave guests a unique experience to taste Oregon wines that are exclusively curated for Oregon Wine Experience. 29 wineries thieved their creations straight from the barrel while attendees bid on some of their finest futures. The Founders’ Barrel Auction generated $127,680; increasing its fundraising power by 26 percent over 2018. 

World-renowned wine experts crown three Oregon wines with Best of Show medals 
Three Oregon wineries won Best of Show honors under the 30,000 square-foot tent on Thursday evening. A panel of six experienced judges individually scored more than 300 wines based on quality, typicity, balance and structure at the Oregon Wine Competition® in July. The Medal Celebration saluted all of the participating wineries, 85 of which went home with at least one medal—Silver, Gold, Double Gold or Best of Show. This year’s Best of Show honorees include: 

• Specialty:Maison Jussiaume 2016 Blanc de Blancs (Rogue Valley)
• White:Trium Wines 2018 Viognier (Rogue Valley) 
• Red:Valcan Cellars 2015 Syrah (Willamette Valley)

For event information, please visit theoregonwineexperience.com or call 541-789-5025.

The Oregon Wine Experience® is a multi-day wine and culinary event, where 100% of money raised stays local and benefits Children’s Miracle Network and other healthcare programs supported by the Asante Foundation.