Oregon Wine Experience goes virtual amid COVID

This year the Oregon Wine Experience (OWE) is going virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic. The annual experience, which supports the Asante Foundation announced its new layout of the celebration today.

“Many of our sponsors are staying with us during this very unique time because the cause is so important and the auctions are going to go virtual so we may have the opportunity to reach people that we have never been able to include before,” Andrea Reeder, campaign director at the Asante Foundation said.

Prior to COVID, the OWE held a week-long program that included auctions and a medal celebration.

This year the events will take place through a live stream, which begins on Friday, August 14th, and go through Sunday, August 23rd.

2020 events schedule:

Friday, Aug. 14 – Virtual Medal Celebration: This event will be hosted via a live stream 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 using 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.

To register for the events, you can visit theoregonwineexperience.com.