(photo courtesy of Oregon Wine Center)

The folks tending the vineyards of Oregon have good reason to raise a glass in celebration. Besides being utterly beautiful places to visit, Oregon's wine regions are expanding.

According to a new report from Oregon State University, the planting of 1,378 new acres of grapes set a new record in in 2006, a year that saw 49 new wineries open. Over the last 10 years the number of wineries in Oregon has tripled.

Oregonian wines continue to gain respect for their premium qualities. To cite one example, the sometimes difficult Pinot Noir grape does well in the cool climate of Oregon wine country, much as it thrives in the cool weather of the Burgundy region of France.

Last year, an economic impact study by the Oregon Wine Center indicated that the wine industry provides $1.4 billion in economic activity for the state. Wine grape sales grew to $46.7 million in 2006, a record 27.6% increase over the previous year.

To learn more about Oregon's fine wines & exploring the state's beautiful wine country go to: Oregon Wine Center