This Thursday, March 11, the Willamette Valley is coming to Seattle for a tasting event that will showcase more than fifty different wineries from Oregon. The line up of producers attending this first-time event is strong, for there are many of my favorite wineries from the valley pouring a broad selection of their wines.

While pinot noir easily comes to mind when thinking of Oregon wine, this state is becoming more and more renowned for the quality of its chardonnay, gamay noir, pinot blanc, and riesling. In fact, when looking for food friendly wines that are enjoyable now or in years to come, Oregon is the place I turn to most often when shopping for high quality wines.

But don't take my word for it, as there are others that are discovering and embracing Oregon wines for the first time.

Just the other night I was having dinner with some business associates when I was given the task of selecting the wine. After looking at a long list of overpriced cocktail wines, I chose an Oregon chardonnay to kick off our meal. While some admitted to having given up on this variety long ago, all became instant fans of the quality of fruit and style of winemaking that comprised this Oregon chardonnay. And it didn't end there, for the Oregon pinot noir become the next hit at the table.

Even amongst friends who have yet to experience an Oregon wine, many are now evangelizing Willamette Valley fruit for its quality and food friendly nature. It's been a rare occasion at my table when a guest does not come away impressed (if not immediately smitten) with an Oregon pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot blanc, or riesling. Nothing is more telling than when I show up at their house for dinner and am served an Oregon wine that they are hooked on.

Clearly, these stories have repeated themselves many times over here in Seattle, as evidenced by this Thursday's tasting event being sold out. For those fortunate enough to have secured a ticket, I encourage you to experience all that the Willamette Valley has to offer in wine, both red and white. And for those who are not able to attend, I encourage you to follow my coverage in the days that follow as well as my ever-increasing list of Oregon wine recommendations.

Whether as a result of the tasting event or from a list of recommendations, now is the time to experience an Oregon wine. Go ahead, try different varieties, vintages, and vineyards. Experience chardonnay in a manner that allows the fruit, not the barrel, to truly reveal itself. Enjoy a crisp riesling that expresses a combination of acidity and sweetness that will keep you sipping again and again. Taste a gamay noir and be swept away by its bright fruit and intriguing earthiness.

In these and other bottles, you'll find a diverse portfolio of unique, quality wines waiting to be experienced. There is no better time than now to enjoy Oregon wine.