Oregon Wine Experience® Pivots to Virtual Events in 2020

This year’s Medal Celebration, Miracle program and auctions will become virtual celebrations in support of Asante health care programs and the Oregon wine industry

Oregon Wine Experience® (OWE), one of the top destination charity wine and culinary events, debuted a unique event infrastructure for its 2020 signature celebration. In response to COVID-19, OWE will shift to offer virtual opportunities for individuals to participate in the comfort of their homes beginning Friday, Aug. 14.

“Our top priority is the health and well-being of our guests, wineries and the greater community. After careful consideration with leaders, winery partners and our team, we made the decision to create unique experiences that anyone can enjoy from home and in intimate settings,” said Floyd Harmon, executive director of Asante Foundation.

Traditionally, OWE consists of a weeklong celebration that includes events such as the Medal Celebration, Founders’ Barrel Auction, Miracle Auction & Salmon Bake and Grand Tasting. This year, Medal Celebration and Miracle Auction programs will move to virtual platforms. Additionally, Founders’ Barrel Auction and Miracle Auction lots will be available for online bidding between Aug. 14 and Aug. 23, and registration is now open.

2020 Main Events Schedule

• Friday, Aug. 14 – Virtual Medal Celebration: This event will be hosted via a livestream showing for anyone to tune in virtually beginning at 6 p.m. PT. Viewers will have a front row seat as the 2020 Oregon Wine Competition results are announced. Sponsors have access to exclusive “Medal Celebration in a box” packages to enjoy the award-winning wine and culinary bites. The general public can also purchase these for $75 while supplies last.

• Friday, Aug. 14 to Saturday, Aug. 22 – Online Miracle Auction: One-of-a-kind experiences and lots will be available for anyone to participate and bid from their phone, tablet or computer. Registration is open and online bidding begins Aug. 14 and ends Aug. 22 at 10 p.m. PT.

• Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 23 – Online Founders’ Barrel Auction: Bid on a chance to win exclusive wine curated specifically for OWE from all corners of the state. Registration is open and bidding on these unique wines, which will be bottled over the next several months, begins Aug. 14 and ends on Aug. 23 at 12 p.m. PT.

• Saturday, Aug. 22 – Virtual Miracle Auction program: This program begins at 7 p.m. PT and will showcase the brave story of a local pediatric cancer patient, and the vast impact of community support through OWE. The master of ceremonies and auctioneer will take viewers on an engaging ride, previewing coveted auction items and cuing a digital Paddle Raise. Sponsors can set their “virtual tables” from home with a “Miracle Auction in a box” bundle, which encases this year’s award-winning wine and opulent culinary creations curated by local partners.

“We’re grateful for the continued generosity of our sponsors and donors during this unique year, and hopeful that these virtual opportunities will continue the all-important support for Asante health care programs, as well as our wine and culinary partners,” Harmon said.

Small, intimate gatherings that traditionally surround Oregon Wine Experience, including Ultimate Vintner Dinners, will take place throughout August for top-tier sponsors. A variety of virtual and small-scale Oregon Wine University® classes will occur during the month as well. For more details on the events, including how to register to bid, view auction lots and tune into the livestream programs, please visit theoregonwineexperience.com or call (541) 789-5025.

Media contact:
Desirae MacGillivray Myers, Communications and Marketing manager
Asante Foundation
(541) 789-2843
Desirae.Myers@asante.org