Partnership establishes a strong foundation for the future of IPNC and Oregon wine storytelling
May 26, 2026, Willamette Valley, Oregon— The International Pinot Noir Association (IPNA), parent organization of the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) and Oregon Chardonnay Celebration, has formed a strategic agreement with the Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA).
The agreement brings together two cornerstone organizations within Oregon’s wine industry, aligning their shared missions to promote, support, and elevate Pinot noir and Chardonnay on a global stage. Under the terms of the agreement, WVWA will assume stewardship of IPNA’s programs and assets, ensuring long-term sustainability and strategic alignment across initiatives.
“This partnership ensures that the spirit and legacy of IPNC will not only endure but have the opportunity to evolve in meaningful and relevant ways,” said Michelle Kaufmann, IPNA Board President. “We are incredibly proud of what IPNC has represented for nearly four decades, and are confident that in partnership with WVWA, we can thoughtfully reimagine its next chapter.”
Founded in 1987, the International Pinot Noir Celebration has long served as a premier gathering for winemakers, chefs, and wine enthusiasts from around the world, helping to establish Oregon’s reputation as a leading producer of Pinot noir. The Oregon Chardonnay Celebration further expanded that legacy, highlighting the region’s growing acclaim for Chardonnay.
“The International Pinot Noir Celebration has long been a defining part of Oregon’s global wine identity,” said Morgen McLaughlin, Executive Director of WVWA. “We are grateful for the care and vision of the many people who built IPNA over the years, and we take this next chapter seriously. Our immediate focus is on a thoughtful transition and on continuing to support the Oregon Chardonnay Celebration, scheduled for February 2027. While WVWA has no immediate plans to relaunch IPNC, this agreement ensures the event’s name, history, and future possibilities are protected for the Oregon wine community.”
While there are no immediate plans to relaunch IPNC, WVWA will lead a deliberate and collaborative process with industry stakeholders to reimagine the event. Any future iteration will prioritize thoughtful execution, with a potential return anticipated no earlier than 2029. Everyone is encouraged to save the date for another successful Oregon Chardonnay Celebration at The Allison Inn & Spa on February 27, 2027.
About the International Pinot Noir Association (IPNA)
The International Pinot Noir Association is the parent organization of the International Pinot Noir Celebration and Oregon Chardonnay Celebration, dedicated to fostering global appreciation for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay through immersive, world-class events.
About the Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA)
The Willamette Valley Wineries Association is the leading trade organization representing wineries across Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The WVWA works to elevate the region’s global reputation through strategic marketing, media relations, education, advocacy, and industry collaboration.
