The 15 wineries of Washington County and the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Washington County have teamed up on a new marketing initiative to expand offerings for visitors during the busy Thanksgiving tasting weekend.

Debuting Nov. 26-28 over Thanksgiving weekend, the inaugural "Wineology Weekend" features a series of educational classes for all levels of wine enthusiasts that focus on wine knowledge and fun. While Washington County wineries have offered individual programs during Thanksgiving weekend for more than 20 years, the group was looking for a new approach for the popular holiday tasting weekend.

"We're finding growing interest from visitors in an 'experiential approach' that offers hands-on, educational experiences that are also fun," said Brian Harney, director of marketing of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Washington County. "As one of Washington County's busiest weekends for wine visitors, the Thanksgiving holiday seemed like a great opportunity to launch our new offering."

Featured classes include the impact of organic vineyard practices at Cooper Mountain Vineyards and Oregon wine industry history at Ponzi Vineyards. The wineries also will be participating in the "Oregon Bounty" program offering tastings of local cheeses, pears and hazelnuts.

For $20, "Wineology Weekend" participants receive a course syllabus, tastes at each participating winery, a free Riedel "O" glass, and access to eight half-hour classes throughout the weekend. Classes, begin on the hour starting at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For a list of participating wineries and directions, visit www.gatewaytooregonwines.com or call 800-537-3149.