Geja's Cafe Announces Three Month Oregon Wine Festival Beginning Sept. 1

Chicago fondue restaurant, Geja’s Café celebrates the upcoming fall season with the debut of its three-month wine festival, A Taste of Oregon, beginning Saturday, September 1 and running through Friday, November 30. During this time, guests will have the opportunity to sip wines from the state of Oregon.

Below is a sampling of the featured Oregon wines, available by the glass and bottle at promotional prices, including:

Newlyweds Jeff Lawler, Geja’s Café Proprietor, and his wife, Darla wanted to find out what makes Oregon a unique location for grape growing and wine making, so they decided to honeymoon there. What they found out? It’s all about location, location, location. 

Oregon’s northerly latitude means grapes in that area get extra sunlight during the growing season for even ripening, while the cool crisp nights help the grapes retain their refreshing acidity. This combination of climates creates an ideal growing situation the helps Oregon grapes naturally achieve mature, balanced flavors full of varietal character. Because of this climate, wines can be made without dramatic manipulation and therefore be sustainably grown and made naturally fresh, with lively true-to-fruit flavors. 

To celebrate, Geja’s Café put together a few events to enjoy these various wines of Oregon. On Sunday, September 16 from 1pm to 3pm, Geja’s Café will host a self-guided Taste of Oregon wine tasting. For $40 per person, guests will have the opportunity to taste the 16 featured wines of the Oregon Wine Festival and snack on Geja’s cheese and chocolate fondues, along with gourmet meats and cheeses.

In addition, Geja’s will host two winemaker dinners featuring two wineries from the festival. The first dinner, Archery Summit, will take place on Monday, October 1, and will feature Geja’s Beef Tenderloin, Gulf Shrimp and Chicken Breast Premier Dinner, perfectly paired with four of Archery Summit’s finest wines The second winemaker dinner will feature Torii Mor Wineryof the Willamette Valley and will take place on Monday, November 5. Associate Winemaker, Jon Tomaselli, will lead everyone through a lively evening of swirling, sniffing, sipping and discussing the wines of Torii Mor.

The Oregon Winery Dinners will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. dinner. The cost of the evening is $70 per person, and includes tax and gratuity. To make reservations, please call Geja’s Café at 773-281-9101. Space is limited.