Oregon Seafood And Wine Festival

by Brier Chung
(Portland, Oregon)

The Fourth Annual Oregon Seafood and Wine Festival is this Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24. If you haven't been, it's great fun. It's held at the Oregon Convention Center and is open 2-10 Friday and noon-9 Saturday. Friday afternoon is a great time to go - not terribly crowded so you can talk to the wine producers and food purveyors one-on-one.

The seafood is fresh with the Oregon commissions of albacore, dungeness crab, salmon and trawling in attendance with information and often samples! Pick your favorite wine to pair with your seafood or ask one of the winemakers for their suggestions.

I like this festival better than the others; the crowds tend to be a little lighter, it doesn't have the "fraternity party" atmosphere that the Newport festival has, it's on the MAX line, and the exhibitors are top notch. The wine folks are very friendly and are happy to talk with you about the different samples they are offering.

Cost is $12, ($2 off if you go in the first two hours each day) and the first 500 through the door each day get free tasting glasses. Tasting fees vary but are generally reasonable. Food vendors have a variety of offerings (including some non-seafood items)Oh, and don't miss taking your picture with the Giant Inflatable Crab!

I'm going to Sel Gris after the festival on Friday evening, so will be sure and write about that next!