UCC student studies winemaking in Roseburg’s sister city

Photo courtesy of Matt Cates Southern Oregon Wine Institute student Matt Cates samples grapes at a vineyard in Aranda de Duero, Spain, during a two-month visit to Roseburg's sister city.

Expand Photo

Photo courtesy of Matt Cates Matt Cates samples wine out of barrels in Roseburg's Spanish sister city, Aranda de Duero. Cates, who is studying at Umpqua Community College's Southern Oregon Wine Institute, worked at a winery there as part of a two-month exchange.

Expand Photo

Courtesy of Matt Cates Southern Oregon Wine Institute student Matt Cates is seen in Roseburg's Spanish sister city, Aranda de Duero. Cates spent two months working at a winery there to learn about the region's winemaking techniques.

Expand Photo

Photo courtesy of Matt Cates Southern Oregon Wine Institute student Matt Cates sorts grapes at a winery in Roseburg's Spanish sister city, Aranda de Duero. Cates spent two months working at the winery to learn about Spanish winemaking techniques.

Expand Photo

Photo courtesy of Matt Cates Matt Cates tests wine samples at a winery in Roseburg's Spanish sister city, Aranda de Duero. Cates, who is studying at Umpqua Community College's Southern Oregon Wine Institute, spent two months working at the winery to learn about Spanish winemaking techniques.

Expand Photo

Photo courtesy of Matt Cates Grapevines that are about 80 years old grow in Roseburg's Spanish sister city, Aranda de Duero. Like Roseburg, Aranda de Duero is in a wine-growing region, but the industry was established there centuries ago.

Expand Photo

Courtesy of Matt Cates Entrances to underground "bodegas" where wine is stored and served are seen during an annual town festival in Roseburg's Spanish sister city, Aranda de Duero.

Expand Photo

Photo courtesy of Matt Cates Matt Cates kneels among grapevines in Roseburg's Spanish sister city, Aranda de Duero. Cates, who is studying at Umpqua Community College's Southern Oregon Wine Institute, spent two months working at a winery there to learn about Spanish winemaking techniques.

Expand Photo

MICHAEL SULLIVAN/The News-Review Douglas County Fire District 2 Lt. Josh Waechter, left, and firefighter Jeff Cole load a truck with Christmas toys and holiday food items in Green Dec. 15. The items were being prepared for delivery to local families as part of the Douglas County Professional Firefighters Union Local 2091 Gift Basket Program.

Matt Cates arrived in Roseburg’s Spanish sister city, Aranda de Duero, just in time for the town’s weeklong party featuring lots of free wine. It was a perfect introduction for the Umpqua Community College student to the region’s wine, which he sampled in underground cave cellars called “bodegas.” After the festivities ended, he helped make more wine. Cates, 28, who is in his second year at UCC’s Southern Oregon Wine Institute, spent two months working in an Aranda de Duero winery. He returned home to Eagle Point this month. Immersing himself in Spanish culture and winemaking traditions was a thrilling …