(Maragas Winery, decked out for the holidays | Photo courtesy of Maragas Winery)
Harvest and winemaking — An amazing year. Doug Maragas, vineyard manager and winemaker for Maragas winery, found “this year’s harvest and winemaking ended later than any other time in our 20+ years here in Central Oregon. With a few reds and our Fresh Pinot Gris still finishing fermentation, this season is a record breaker by approximately three weeks.”
So what does that mean to the wine industry and wine consumer? Maragas explained, “It’s a twofold dynamic — we had the longest growing season and the latest winemaking in our history.” Long growing seasons can translate into riper and more complex fruit. For us, “this year’s fruit is bound to be a hallmark year if you like European style wines.” Maragas harvested into the first week of November without a frost or freeze. A record in itself. Additionally, the sugar and acid content of the grapes mimicked what you would have expected from France 30 to 40 years ago. “The alcohol will be lower, and the wines will have more varietally definable flavors, and complexity.” So, if you’ve heard the expression “that’s was a great vintage”, you’re first aware that naturally made wines are not the same from vintage to vintage, and this vintage is bound to be excellent according to all the markers that define optimal growing conditions.
Maragas said that “it has been a privilege to be able to gamble years ago, being the first to plant traditional European wine grapes in Central Oregon, and literally watching them thrive, more and more over the years.” “When you’re harvesting vitis vinifera red grapes with 24 brix of sugar and a pH of 3.65, as we did here at both Maragas vineyards in Central Oregon, you’ve made it to the finish line.” Time to celebrate.
The only downside for Maragas was dealing with grapes and winemaking conditions outside when the temperatures finally plummeted in November. “It takes developed core muscles to keep from falling when constantly working on ice.” Rinsing grape bins, fermenters, and barrels – when temperatures are below freezing — creates a slick of ice virtually everywhere during the 15 hour work days during the winemaking months of November-December.
Continually winning awards for their wines, Maragas’ efforts over the decades has paid off. With winning four gold medals this year in the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Maragas’ has brought world class wines to Central Oregon.
Due to production of just 2,000 cases annually, Maragas wines are rarely distributed. To get these fabulous local wines, you can visit Maragas Winery this holiday season. They’re open every day but Tuesday through Christmas Eve. It’s a treat to visit, taste, and enjoy the cozy environment within their Winery, currently decked out for the Holidays.
Maragas will have two special events this Holiday season. Barrel Tasting December 10-11 from 12-5pm, and their Christmas Eve Open House from 12-3:30pm featuring 16-year-old Samantha Maragas singing holiday classics. Just because she’s 16, don’t take it lightly. Samantha has already performed multiple times at famous music halls in New York and Europe.
Holiday Season Food Drive
Benefiting NeighborImpact — Central Oregon’s Food Bank
For all our Holiday events, please bring food for the food bank or give a donation when you arrive that will be given to NeighborImpact.
Here is our schedule of events:
- December 10, 12-5pm
Barrel Tasting Estate Grown Legal Zin - December 11, 12-5pm
Barrel Tasting and Holiday Live Jazz – Dae Trio - December 24, 12-3:30pm
Christmas Eve Open House and Live Holiday Favorites
Look forward to seeing you this Holiday season!
Maragas Winery is located a mile north of the Terrebonne high bridge at 15523 SW Hwy. 97, Culver, Oregon.
maragaswinery.com • 541-546-5464 • info@maragaswinery.com
