DAYTON, Oregon — Oregon’s grape harvest is underway, and after a challenging year marked by tariffs, ICE arrests , and declining alcohol consumption, winemakers are taking stock of the ups and downs.

“2025 is going to be a fantastic vintage,” said Alex Sokol Blosser, president of Sokol Blosser Winery in Dayton, referring to the high quality of grapes already arriving at the winery.

Wednesday morning, as Sokol Blosser discussed the state of Oregon’s wine industry, forklifts moved bins of Müller-Thurgau grapes to be destemmed and crushed.

“It’s been a challenging year for Oregon grape growers and winemakers, especially with pickers and staff members worried about possible ICE raids,” he said. “All of our workers are working a little bit more with a higher stress level.”

Sokol Blosser

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