Portland, Ore. (July 19, 2012) -- Oregon wine is coming to San Francisco in mid-September. Following popular road show events in Seattle and New York, Pinot in the City by the Bay will feature more than 60 Willamette Valley producers. The day-long showcase is sponsored by the Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA).

On September 13th, winemakers and winery owners from Oregon’s leading viticultural region will assemble in San Francisco’s stunning Golden Gate Club in The Presidio. The afternoon is devoted to trade, while a consumer event commences during the evening hours.

“We’re eager to feature the Willamette Valley’s winemaking talent in San Francisco,” said Sue Horstmann, Executive Director of the WVWA and San Francisco native. “The Bay Area is no stranger to wine, and it seems so appropriate for some of Oregon’s best producers to present their world-class Pinot Noir in this kind of knowledgeable and appreciative environment.”

The WVWA’s past road show events have drawn hundreds of attendees. Two New York events sold out, as did the WVWA Block Party in Seattle’s SoDo Park. Pinot in the City by the Bay marks the first California trek for the association.

The winemakers and owners will pour their celebrated Pinot Noir, along with other award-winning white varietals including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Most Willamette Valley wineries have a relatively small case production, and will feature small-batch, handcrafted wines from Oregon’s cool-climate region.

“Oregon Wine Country is known for its intimacy and great hospitality,” continued Horstmann. “This event brings the much talked about Willamette Valley tasting experience to the wine admirers of San Francisco.”

Event name: Pinot in the City by the Bay

When: Sept. 13th, 2012. Trade event: 12-4 PM. Consumer event: 6-9 PM.

Where: Golden Gate Club at The Presidio

What: Over 60 Willamette Valley wineries are heading to San Francisco to provide a taste of Oregon’s storied wine country and a chance to meet the faces behind it.

Tickets: $65 - interested consumers can purchase online at www.willamettewines.com

Trade Tasting: advance registration is required. Please register at www.willamettewines.com Media: please contact emily@ekpmedia.com for a press pass.

About the Willamette Valley Wineries Association:

The WVWA is a non-profit industry association dedicated to achieving recognition for Oregon’s acclaimed Willamette Valley as a premier Pinot Noir producing region. Currently, the WVWA has 194 members representing wineries and tasting rooms throughout the Willamette Valley region – from Portland to Eugene. Memorial Weekend in Wine Country and Wine Country Thanksgiving are the two oldest WVWA sponsored touring events in Oregon. The WVWA also publishes an annual guide to wineries with a touring map. For more information or to request a wine touring map, please visit www.willamettewines.com, call 503-646-2985, or follow on Twitter: @wvwines and on Facebook.

About the Golden Gate Club:

The historic Golden Gate Club was erected in 1949, set against San Francisco Bay with tremendous views of Alcatraz and the Presidio Forest. Originally an enlisted men’s service club, the building now hosts receptions, dinners, and other events. It is maintained by the Presidio Trust, a cultural preservation group that works to restore and secure municipal landmarks. More info at www.presidio.gov/venues/Pages/Golden-Gate-Club.aspx.