Featured Winery Cubanisimo Vineyards by The Grand Hotel in Salem in Salem, OR

Photo @cubanisimovineyards.com “Oregon wine, and my decision to be part of the industry, has allowed me to further join my passion for celebrating life with my passion to celebrate, and share my Cuban culture as we present all our wines at Cubanisimo Vineyards with a Cuban flair.”-Mauricio Collada Jr. As one of the Mid-Willamette Valley's top hotels, The Grand Hotel in Salem is a premier destination for travelers who wish to explore Oregon's renowned wine country. Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit this region and enjoy special tastings, vineyard tours, and more. Come spend a day or two visiting award-winning wineries in the mid-Willamette Valley while discovering some of the region's newest and undiscovered wineries. Our featured winery in this post, Cubanisimo Vineyards in Salem, is owned by local neurosurgeon (yes, you read that correctly) Mauricio Collada Jr. and his wonderful wife Debra. Cubanisimo Vineyards celebrates Willamette Valley wines while also celebrating Collada's Cuban culture. Their story is an inspiring American success story. Mauricio was born in Habana, Cuba, and moved to the United States with his parents and five siblings. “My adopted country has given me many opportunities to work hard so as to be able to reach for success,” he says. “I became a neurosurgeon, established a wonderful family, and fell in love with Oregon pinot noir, and the Oregon wine industry. Today I still enjoy the practice of neurosurgery, but also cherish the opportunity of making friends, and sharing our beautiful estate, and our fabulous wines while celebrating my ethnicity.” When choosing what to name their winery, Cubanisimo meaning “very Cuban”, was the perfect name to pay homage to their Cuban heritage. Mauricio & Debra have graciously treated guests of Bentley's Grill and The Grand Hotel in Salem to several complimentary wine tastings through the years. Guests can try their wines at Bentley's Grill or go visit them between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the months of March through Mid-December. If you're going to be in the area this Labor Day Weekend, don't miss their Cuban inspired celebration at the vineyard. This 3-day celebration features salsa dancing, live dance bands, salsa dance lessons, food, and of course, great wine. Not only has their wine earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, but visitors also rave enthusiastically about the unsurpassed views of the Mid-Willamette Valley, their generous and knowledgeable staff and the exceptional quality of their wine. A recent visitor from Vermont wrote the following in this review: “It is a beautiful drive up to the vineyard. Impressive sweeping views to the East of Hood and Jefferson. Excellently cared for grounds. Excellent service and explanation about their wines and history. We had a great experience. Wines are very nice!” Another visitor posted, “The winery, home and vineyards sit atop a hill with terrific panoramic views. The tasting room and terrazzo are delightful and sunny, with Cuban music playing quietly in the background. The staff was personable and enthusiastic, and very informative about the owner's history.” To learn more about Cubanisimo Vineyards and their unique history, visit cubanisimovineyards.com and/or watch this video.