Oklahoma Pride

Above is a photo of Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication [SOP]   Oklahoma is home to the University of Oklahoma, the Sooners and Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications.  Oklahoma is also home to grapes.  The wide variety of grapes grown in the state leads a path to a diverse selection of wines.  "Oklahomans are new wine drinkers," Gary Strebel, owner of Strebel Creek Vineyard, said.  "People start with a white wine, and go to a drier white wine. Then, many people go on to [drink] a light red wine and ultimately go to a heavier red wine."  Below is a listing of some of the grape varieties grown in the state's vineyards, according to the Oklahoma State University Viticulture and Enology web site.

Alicante Bouschet Barbera Cabernet Sauvignon [Red] Cabernet Franc Catawba Chambourcin Chardonel Chardonnay[White] Chenin Blanc Concord Gewurztraminer Merlot [Red]

Muscat Canelli Niagara Norton / Cynthiana Pinot Gris / Grigio[White] Pinot Noir[Red] Riesling (White) Sauvignon Blanc[White] Seyval Blanc Syrah / Shiraz [Red] Vidal Blanc Viognier Zinfandel

Cimarron Frontenac Villard Blanc Rubaiyat Malbec Petit Verdot Ruby Cabernet[Red] Sangiovese [Red] Vignoles

The only way to find the special wine, or wines, you like, is to try them. Many Oklahoma vineyards and wineries offer free wine tastings.   The Oklahoma Agritourism Program is sponsoring a chance to visit a few of Oklahoma's 53 vineyards and wineries, take some photos and enter monthly drawings for great giveaways during 2010.