City Manager

We are all aware of the exciting growth of Oregon’s wine industry, particular here in the Land of Umpqua. Currently, Oregon is the No. 3 wine grape-producing state in the country. To respond to the growing need for education in this industry, Umpqua Community College began its viticulture program in 2008. The enology program began in the fall of 2009 to enable students to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree in Viticulture and Enology.

UCC is now embarking upon an ambitious program to provide an educational program that will blend the wine industry and community involvement into an opportunity for regional economic growth. The Southern Oregon Wine Institute will provide a broad range of uses, offering conference spaces, business and educational services, catering capabilities and state-of-the art technology. SOWI will include a living laboratory of student-cultivated vineyards, a commercial-scale winemaking facility, a private testing facility to serve all regional winemakers, a wine incubator to help new artisans plan, start and market their wineries and save the significant costs of starting a winery. The facility will also include a event center which will be available for conferences, meetings and receptions.

According to an economic impact study, Southern Oregon has the potential to realize a ten-year growth factor of 5,000 additional wine cluster related jobs and $115 million in added income to the labor market. The construction project will generate 15-25 full-time construction positions in addition to the design work and 15 sub-consultants for products, equipment and interior design.

The project will require $8 million for design, construction, site development and roads, equipment and miscellaneous costs. The UCC Foundation is spearheading fundraising efforts now. Thus far, $5.5 million has been secured for capital construction and $538,000 for operations. Numerous communities, including the City of Roseburg, and foundations have been approached to provide further funding assistance to reach the $8 million goal.

The City of Roseburg’s Economic and Development Commission has recommended a commitment of $10,000 per year over five years from the Economic Development Fund. These funds are derived solely from the Hotel/Motel taxes. It has also been suggested that a similar contribution be made from the Visitors and Convention Commission through their Hotel/Motel tax resources. The Commission will be considering a recommendation on this proposal at their next meeting. From there, ultimately, the City Council will determine the level and method of the City’s participation.

This is a great opportunity for our community. According to Lee Paterson, President of the UCC Foundation Board: “An investment in the Southern Oregon Wine Institute is an investment the future of our entire region. SOWI will be the catalyst that accelerates the growth of an exciting industry capable of transforming the economic fortunes of communities throughout Southern Oregon.” Please see the video link below.

Respectfully,