Willamette Valley Vineyard “Elves” help tidy up local wine aisles

This December, some Willamette Valley Vineyard volunteers are getting in the holiday spirit by acting as “elves” in the community.

Volunteers team up with members of Willamette’s National Sales Department and visit local stores to stock shelves and displays, tidy up the wine aisle, dust bottles, fill wines in the cold box and more. The program started as a way to support our community partners by providing them with some extra hands during a busy time of year.

Industry Relations Manager Suzanne Shultz said a little help can go a long way during the holidays. She added that many clients have expressed their gratitude for the annual outing.

“We get a lot of responses,” Suzanne said. “There’s a lot of confusion and shock, and they ask if we’re really there just to help them. It’s terrific and a great act of goodwill.”

The volunteers don’t just tidy up our winery’s bottles — they clean up the entire wine section and help customers pick out bottles, too. 

Willamette Owners Aurora and Gary Clabaugh said acting as elves is a great way to connect with the community.

“It’s a way to volunteer, get out there and meet people,” Gary said. “We can share our experiences with others too.”

Owners looking to volunteer next year can apply through Oregon Wine Enthusiasts or email  stock.offering@wvv.com for more information. The elves usually go out on the days before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. 

“It’s nice to try to spread some Christmas cheer and have fun,” Aurora said. She added that it’s great meeting other owners, too. 

The yearly tradition is one way Willamette Valley Vineyards aims to positively impact the community.

“It’s about supporting those who are supporting us throughout the year,” Suzanne said. “It’s not much, but it’s a little something we can do to say thank you.”