Ever wonder why Oregon is considered a mecca for grape growing?  The great Missoula Floods of 18,000 and 15,000 years ago swept down top soil that, in turn, would create a world-class wine growing region.  Now scientists are able to re-create the floods via a computer imaging system that help us understand how the floods formed much of Oregon.  This got us thinking about how the flood waters brought in fertile soil like the Jory, prevalent in the Willamette Valley.  The soil, along with a climate similar to the Burgundy growing regions of France, created a winning combination.  The area has since become one of the most fertile places to grow grapes in the entire world! 

Can you name some of the other types of grape-growing soil found in the Willamette Valley? 

Images by Eric Baker of The Oregonian