“Load management”

 has become a popular term

in the context of sports.

Load management refers to

pacing yourself in the short term

so you can successfully compete long term.

 For those of us who appreciate wine,

this could be a “load management” week. 

When that once-a-year bounty

is spread before us on Thursday, 

it would be criminal not to have a glass…or two…

of pinot or riesling or sparkling wine, etc.

After which,   

  you have the rest of the weekend when,

 you could shop (ugh) or watch even more football (ugh again).

  But wineries in the northwest

have another suggestion.

The Thanksgiving weekend is prime tasting room time. 

Knowing you have three days

before you have to return to reality,

many wineries…and entire wine regions…

roll out the red, white and rosé carpet

with special pours, special foods and special events

all weekend long.

In eastern Washington, the Yakima Valley Wineries

host “Thanksgiving in Wine Country”. 

Further north, the Lake Chelan wineries

have their Fall Barrel Tasting event. 

The Columbia Gorge wineries

on both the Oregon and Washington side

will hold their “Thanksgiving Wine Weekend”.

The largest weekend celebration in the country

(as far as my research indicates)

takes place in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

More than 140 wineries and tasting rooms welcome one and all

Friday through Sunday for “Wine Country Thanksgiving”. 

For several, it’s one of the few times during the year

when they open their doors…no appointment necessary. 

Wine Country Thanksgiving has become quite the tradition. 

This will be the 37th consecutive year of the event.

  And they’re very good at it. 

Last year, my wife and I dropped in at

Vista Hills (now Coppola’s Domaine de Broglie),

Winderlea, Furioso and Argyle. 

We had a great time. 

 We loved the contrast in tasting room vibe

from one winery to the next. 

With over 140 wineries available,

there’s almost too much to pick from.

I suggest you come up with a game plan…

or at least a route…before you hit the road. 

For more information about the weekend festivities,

here’s the link:

  https://willamettewines.com/wine-country-thanksgiving/

Have a great Thanksgiving

and a great Thanksgiving weekend!