In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th, Ora et Labora is honored to host Latinx winemakers who craft amazing wines from grapes all over the state of Oregon. Winemakers will be pouring samples of their wines in the Vinum Lounge event space on two different occasions this month (Wednesday 9/27, 4-7pm and Saturday 10/7, 1-4pm). These producers are members of Celebrating Hispanic Roots, a collective of winemakers and winery owners who share a Hispanic background.
Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door; the price includes tastings from the winemakers and small bites, and glass pours and bottles of their wines will be available for purchase. In gratitude for these winemakers and all the people whose labors go into their wines, Ora et Labora will be donating 10% of all sales to AHIVOY, an Oregon nonprofit that works to empower vineyard stewards by providing education and professional development services.
Here’s information about the winemakers who will be present on Saturday, October 7 from 1-4pm…get your tickets here!
Nueva Aventura
In the words of Adrian and Hernan Cornejo, Founders, Winemakers, and Proprietors:
Our story begins with our Father, Manuel, working as a Foreman for an organic pear & apple orchard named Pheasant Valley for about 33 years. Over time, the orchard evolved into Pheasant Valley Vineyard & Winery, and we spent well over 2 years chopping down 18+ acres of pear and apple trees to create a beautiful organic vineyard from scratch. So naturally, growing up we became farming boys thru and thru.
I (Adrian) and my bother Hernan spent much of our time caring for the land, harvesting & packing its fruit, crafting a drinkable work of art, selling that art, and everything in between.
Eventually we both worked our way into the cellar. And there we stayed, learning, shadowing and picking up all kinds of techniques from an array of different winemakers. Now working alongside Hiyu Wine Farm, we have been given an opportunity to purchase locally grown grapes from around the area to produce and present our version of quality wine.
With our extensive experience and excitement to embark on new adventures, Nueva Aventura Wines was born! Founded in 2015, we have produced over 10 different vintages in small lots using natural authentic & low intervention practices with local quality grapes. We invite you to taste the secret worth waiting for!
Alumbra Cellars
In the words of the Rodriguez family:
Our family didn't grow up in the wine industry. Our father, Baudelio planted the vineyard in 2005. He immigrated to the United States in the 1970s from Durango, Mexico. Like many immigrants, in search of a better life. He met our mother here in Oregon and they were married in 1978 and decided to raise their family in Yamhill County. In 1996 my father and mother were able to purchase a piece of property in Dayton, Oregon.
In 2004 my father was approached by a friend working in the industry who suggested he grow grapes. My father knew about farming, but vineyards were new to him - you typically don't see vineyards in this area, especially not on the valley floor where we are located.
Soon, the family farm was converted to grapes as the Willamette Valley industry started to take off in the early 2000s.
In 2014 Elena moved back to Dayton to help on the family farm and slowly took over the vineyard operations. Our operation is a unique family-owned business. A vineyard and winery operated and owned by Mexican Americans, first-generation children of immigrants.
Our commitment today is to continue to be good stewards of the environment. To care for the land responsibly by using sustainable farming practices. And to represent the most honorable qualities of the Latino culture: hard work, loyalty, and encouragement.