The history of wine is largely the history of Europe.

Conquering Romans planted the first vineyards in the Loire Valley in the first century A.D., and the wines there became the most-desired wines in Europe by the High Middle Ages. In Alsace, wines alternately took on characteristics of French and German wines as the region changed hands — particularly Pinot Noir, originally from Burgundy, but taking on many of the white wine characteristics predominant in Alsace. And of course, the Italians lead the way with big red wines, with regional variations that have held for centuries.

But here in Oregon, the history of wine is much more recent, with the first vines planted here in the mid-1960s. And since its inception, the Oregon wine community has tried to mimic the old world wines all the while putting an Oregon spin on them.

This month, we’re celebrating winemakers that produce Old World varietals with a New World style. Our first red is a big bold Bordeaux style blend from club favorites Kriselle Cellars. Our second is a Gamay reminiscent of Beaujolais from Stedt Wines. Our first white is a popular French varietal, Roussanne, from Southern Oregon’s Weisinger Family Wines. Our second white is a Bordeaux style white blend from Gersing Cellars.