PORTLAND, Ore., July 3 /PRNewswire/ — The small, family-owned vineyards and artisanal wineries found throughout Oregon Wine Country have inspired many visitors and locals alike to wax poetic about the region’s unique sense of place, memorable characters and world-class wines. This love affair is the impetus behind the Capture the Spirit of Oregon Wine Country online video and photo contest, sponsored by the Oregon Wine Board. Starting July 4th, Facebook users and Oregon Wine Country fans are invited to share their experiences with creative and memorable photo essays or 60-second videos. Joining Facebook and becoming a fan of Oregon Wine Country’s page is free online. To view the fan page, click here.

“Facebook is an ideal platform to connect adventurous wine lovers with Oregon wine country,” said Ted Farthing, executive director of the Oregon Wine Board. “We’re constantly inspired by images and stories from our many visitors, and this grassroots contest will help others share an uncommonly authentic experience.”

Both fans of the Oregon Wine Country page on Facebook and the entire Facebook community will have a chance to vote for their favorite photos and videos from July 4 to August 21. Submissions will be accepted until August 21. Based on creativity, originality and fan response, six $500 cash prizes will be rewarded (three photos and three videos) – to help fans stock their cellar with Oregon wines!

Two Oregon Wine Country Weekend Grand Prizes, valued at $2,000 each, will be given to the one video winner and the one photo essay winner that receives the most public votes in the final voting phase. Grand prize voting takes place from September 4 to September 16. Grand prize winners will be announced on September 18.

Facebook, a leading social media networking site, is changing the way wine lovers access information and share their experiences about specific wines and wine country destinations, including Oregon Wine Country.

About the Oregon Wine Board
The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. For more information, visit www.oregonwine.org.

For more information or to schedule an interview with the Oregon Wine Board, please contact: Stephany Boettner, Director of Marketing & Communications, via phone at 503.228.8652 or email Stephany@oregonwine.org.