Oregon Wine Awards - About Us

What makes the Oregon Wine Awards so prestigious?

The wines, of course! The wines that earn recognition in the Oregon Wine Awards should be considered Oregon's finest because we maintain the highest level of integrity in our evaluation. Oregon Wine Awards - Prestige This means we recognize the Oregon wines that are truly outstanding!

Please note that wines must achieve a minimum scoring consensus to earn an award and those that finish at the top (1st, 2nd and 3rd) are recognized as the Gold, Silver and Bronze Grand Awards of Excellence winners in their respective price/wine categories. The wines that qualify but do not receive one of the top three awards, will receive our Vintner's Honor ~ Outstanding Oregon Wine Award.

Who is on our Tasting Panel?

Oregon's most prominent wine professionals are represented on our Tasting Panel. These are knowledgeable and respected Wine Directors, Buyers, Distributors, Educators and Portland's top Oregon Wine Awards - Wine Evaluation Sommeliers who know what world-class Oregon wine is all about.

Our panel evaluates wine in a single-blind format (meaning they know only the varietal and not the price nor producer). Please visit our Tasting Panel page to learn more.

How are the wines evaluated?

Our experienced Tasting Panel employs a modified 20-point system to score each wine. Wines are reviewed in flights consistent with price and varietal categories. Each wine is tasted and considered on the following criteria:

Color / Aroma / Flavor & Palate / Balance / Finish / Overall Impression

Meet Executive Director Christopher Chan

Oregon Wine Awards Executive Director Christopher Chan is a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers and has served as the Director of Wine & Spirits at Seattle's historic Rainier Club since 1997. In addition, Christopher serves as the Executive Director of the Seattle Wine Awards ~ Washington's most prestigious wine recognition program. His 25 years in Hospitality, Communications degree from the University of Washington and his background in both television promotions and sports/special event marketing have helped him develop a world-class wine event that the entire Oregon wine industry can be proud of.

Thank you for visiting

We hope you will browse our site to learn more about our history, our tasting panel and past award winners. Please share us with a fellow wine friend!