Boedecker Cellars debuts “Pandemic Relief” Pinot Noir, available throughout Oregon

Portland, OR; November 12, 2020 — While the pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for small wine producers, Portland’s Boedecker Cellars is meeting the moment with ingenuity and a sense of humor. This week, the family-owned urban winery is launching its once-in-a-century (fingers crossed) wine called Pandemic Relief. This 2017 pinot noir — made from Willamette Valley-grown grapes — is available at an unheard-of price of $20.00. It is already in stock at grocery stores and wine shops throughout Oregon, including New Seasons, QFC, John’s Marketplace, Ostras Tapas & Bottle Shop in Ashland, and Eastside Liquor in Klamath Falls. Pandemic Relief is also available at Boedecker Cellars' tasting room in Northwest Portland.

“I think we all deserve a little relief at this moment — ideally, at a modest price. That’s the impetus for this wine,” said Boedecker’s co-founder and winemaker, Athena Pappas. “It’s excellent for drinking right now — no need to cellar it. Pandemic Relief pairs perfectly with fall and winter foods, such as salmon, bean soup, pizza or holiday dinners."

Pandemic Relief also pairs well with the local community. Five percent of all proceeds from the sale of this limited-release wine will be donated to Street Roots, Portland’s award-winning nonprofit newspaper. Street Roots is sold on the streets of Portland by individuals who are houseless or experiencing poverty. Each week, about 180 individual vendors purchase copies of the newspaper for 25 cents each, then sell them for $1.00, keeping the profits. Street sales of the newspaper were suspended for five months earlier this year because of the pandemic.

The creation of Pandemic Relief was inspired by the success of Pandemic Relief Blowout Boxes assembled by cofounder and winemaker Stewart Boedecker. These are mixed cases of wines offered at a steep discount with free local delivery or a flat-rate delivery of just $25.00 in the lower 48 states. Of course, all Boedecker wines are available for pick up (with hands-free check-out) from the tasting room.

Boedecker Cellars’ tasting room reopened on June 19 (the first day allowed in Multnomah County) with numerous changes to make the tasting experience fun and safe for visitors. Tables are spaced far apart in the winery’s huge production area, which features high ceilings, air purifiers and wine-barrel ambiance. Tastings are served at tables and each pour comes in a small bottle on a wood board with printed tasting notes. Outdoor tables (with blankets) will remain available as well. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Boedecker Cellars has been making internationally recognized wines from the Willamette Valley AVA since 2003. Pappas and Boedecker began by crafting wines at the Carlton Winemakers Studio — the first shared-use winery in Oregon. In 2008, they built their own sustainable urban winery in a refurbished warehouse in the heart of Northwest Portland. Boedecker Cellars offers several vintages of pinot noir, along with rosé, pinot gris, pinot blanc, and a blend of gewürztraminer and pinot gris.

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