Newberg Notices | Feb. 3, 2026

Century Vineyards Names New Vineyard Manager

NEWBERG, Ore. — Century Vineyards has appointed Ryan Wilkinson as vineyard manager, the company announced Jan. 30.

Wilkinson brings experience in sustainable, organic, biodynamic, and regenerative viticulture and will oversee a region within Century Vineyards’ portfolio, according to the company.

“We are excited to welcome Ryan to the Century Vineyards team,” said Evan Bellingar, founder and president of Century Vineyards. Bellingar said Wilkinson is well regarded by clients and brings expertise in sustainable vineyard practices, including innovative cover cropping within vine rows.

Wilkinson has managed vineyards ranging in size from 200 acres to several thousand acres during his career with multiple vineyard management companies. He said a consistent focus of his work has been farming Oregon vineyards to high standards while maintaining clear communication with clients.

“While farming can be physically demanding and highly technical, vineyard management at its core is a service business,” Wilkinson said. “Happy clients, and a dedicated team makes for a long-term business.”

Founded in 2024 by Kim and Evan Bellingar, Century Vineyards provides vineyard management services to select clients in the northern Willamette Valley. Wilkinson joins the company’s management team alongside Kim and Evan Bellingar and Chris Hubert.

Oregon Chardonnay Celebration Returns to Newberg for 15th Year

NEWBERG, Ore. — The Oregon Chardonnay Celebration will return to Newberg for its 15th annual event on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at The Allison Inn and Spa.

The event will feature a VIP tasting from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by general admission tasting from 2 to 5 p.m. More than 60 Oregon wineries are expected to pour still and sparkling Chardonnays, organized by American Viticultural Area, allowing attendees to compare how place, climate, and winemaking style shape the varietal.

The 2026 theme, The Chardonnay Mixtape, highlights both classic and innovative expressions of Oregon Chardonnay. Wines will also be available for purchase during the event.

“We are excited to welcome wine lovers back for the Oregon Chardonnay Celebration,” said Michelle Kaufmann, vice president of communications for Stoller Wine Group and board president of the Oregon Chardonnay Celebration. Kaufmann said the 2026 event will include 13 wineries participating for the first time.

Founded in 2012 as the Oregon Chardonnay Symposium, the Oregon Chardonnay Celebration was created to educate industry members and consumers in a noncompetitive setting. It has since grown into one of Oregon’s largest varietal-focused wine events.

General admission tickets are available for purchase online. VIP tickets are sold out.

City Clarifies Rules for Memorials at Newberg Flagpole

NEWBERG, Ore. — The City of Newberg on Jan. 29 issued a statement clarifying how the Newberg Flagpole may be used as a site for memorials and public assembly.

City officials said public property, including the flagpole area at the east entrance of downtown, is intended for shared community use. The city allows residents to gather at the site to exercise their First Amendment rights and has permitted temporary memorial items to be placed there as a way for community members to process grief or disagreement related to events affecting the state, nation, or world.

According to the statement, memorial items may remain in place for up to 30 days from the initial event that prompted the memorial. A notice is posted at the site indicating the scheduled removal date. Items added after the initial installation do not extend that timeline.

The city said it does not issue permits for memorials.

Officials also emphasized public safety and accessibility, asking community members to ensure memorial items do not block sidewalks or pedestrian access. Items that fall into walkways or roadways may be removed, according to the statement.

Questions or concerns may be directed to publicaffairs@newbergoregon.gov.