Springtime brings with it some of the country’s best wine and food festivals, more than a few of them with roots in Oregon’s rich, fertile soil. Here are a couple competing culinary conclaves you need to know about that are coming up fairly soon:
Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival. April 27 though 29 are the dates, and the breathtaking Pacific Northwest is the place. Sample local wines, wondrously-prepared crab dishes, and the sort of catch-fresh seafood you’re not apt to find in abundance in Kansas. All the feasting comes with a musical score Friday night it’s the husband and wife duo Makani E performing Hawaiian tunes – and not just the traditional kind. There are unmistakable undertones of jazz, blues and even flamenco. Saturday, carve out some time for the Summit Express Jazz Band. This is one of those Dixieland-plus groups. Want to buy some wine? The festival provides free parcel pick-up at wine vendors’ booths. The vintages will be waiting for you after the shows at the Parcel Pick up Booth in the Exhibit Hall.
Artsy Ashland is the home of this year’s much-anticipated A Taste of Ashland. April 28 and 29 are the dates here, meaning you’ll probably want to choose ‘twixt Astoria and Ashland’s offerings. Ashland is serious culinary territory – fine Pacific Northwest wines, restaurant pairings, and galleries galore. Dial back your pace precipitously and stroll the streets of one of the most laid-back places in America. The number 17 stands out this year: 17 unique art galleries, 17 first-rate restaurants, and 17 regional wineries. This isn’t the sort of thing you can’t do decently in a day.
Ashland is located on Interstate 5, midway between San Francisco and Portland. The local aerodrome is Rogue Valley International. It’s served by Alaska and United Express.
Story by Jerry Chandler
