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Record-breaking Wine Experience cements charitable reputation By Paula Bandy Aug 31, 2022 12:15 AM A A Asante Foundation’s Oregon Wine Experience was a smashing success! I’m going to try to not use too many exclamation points in this column. So just understand this celebratory and giving event was one big exclamation point! Many of us in the wine industry have seen each other in the past couple of years, but this was an event not just celebrating Oregon wines but of celebrating community — in person — at the same time, in the same place! The event’s return to in-person introduced the new Stage Pass site, just outside of Jacksonville, with the iconic big white tent even bigger at 38,000 square feet. This additional 8,000 square feet offered spacious breathing room and allowed for more breeze. The red carpet beckoned the way in, where a smiling face stood handing out a glass of Oregon wine. Tables, for both sitting and standing, were arranged for easy conversation, and cushy sofas invited lounging. Fresh flowers bloomed in vases, sun sails shaded outdoor sitting spots next to Stage Pass vineyards and green grass cushioned each step. Corks popped; wines flowed. Award winners from all over Oregon showcased the wildly and wonderfully diverse grape varietals that Oregon has the ability to not just grow, but make into delicious, award-winning, world-renowned wines. This event, previously known as World of Wine (WOW), marked its 19th year with two of the original founders, Joe Ginet of Plaisance Ranch and Cal Schmidt of Schmidt Family Vineyards, taking home three double golds and four silvers between them. In 2014 Asante Foundation partnered with WOW, and the $300,000 proceeds from that year benefited Children’s Miracle Network and Asante Foundation. Eight years later, the festivities featured a new invitation-only event: Collector’s Tasting, culinary treats from chefs around the state and a surprise $1 million donation(!), which caused a momentary silence under the big tent before thunderous applause and cheering began. This generous gift from Southern Oregon Cardiology pushed the record-breaking donation total for 2022 to over $3 million(!). OWE is solidly on the map as a destination wine and charity event, bringing people from around the country to Southern Oregon. A hundred percent of proceeds go to Asante Children’s Miracle Network, along with other health care programs through Asante Foundation. For children receiving vital, state-of-the-art health care like this year’s Miracle Kid, Miles, OWE provides substantial funding that may otherwise go unrealized. Miles and his family spoke with courage about the impact his illness has had on their lives, along with their gratitude for the responsive care and support they’ve received. Miles, along with his sprightly Goldendoodle service dog, Charlie, stole hearts. After the Miracle Auction, Miles showed the lucky people who stayed for dancing his stage presence as he joyfully sang into the night. OWE is a beautifully cultivated event with far-reaching benefits for specialized health care, Oregon’s dynamic wine industry and the Southern Oregon community. If you didn’t make it this year, put it on your calendar for next. They also offer classes and workshops year-round through Oregon Wine University. For the full award list, information on the competition and additional information on Asante Children’s Miracle Network, see theoregonwineexperience.com Reach Paula Bandy at [email protected] and connect with her on Instagram at @pbthroughthegrapevine