Summer has arrived, bringing with it a variety of activities to get us out of the house and enjoy events held all over the country. One of these popular events during the Spring and Summer is Wine Festivals. With the increasing number of wineries across the country, wine events can now be found almost everywhere. In the past, it was a given that visiting Wine Country meant a trip to Napa or Sonoma for “good wine.” But today, things have changed.
North America has developed wine regions in nearly every state, and the trend continues to grow. From California, where grape production and wine became a trend, to Oregon, Washington, Texas, the Great Lakes region, New York State, Virginia, and many other states—and let’s not forget our neighbors in Canada—there are plenty of wine regions to explore. I’ve attended events in all of these locations, and I can tell you that wine festivals are the best venues for discovering new “favorites” and enjoying them.
Discovering New Wines and Culinary Pairings
Wine and food festivals offer a wide range of venue options, from formal “limited attendance” events to those held in museums, large tents, or hotels. Some events even pair specific wines with certain foods, like the Astoria Oregon Crab, Seafood, and Wine Festival I attended this past April. There, I had the chance to enjoy fresh crab, oysters, scallops, and shrimp, paired with a variety of white and red wines, all while chatting with the winemakers behind the wines.
Today’s wine industry recognizes the advantages of pairing wine with food, not just as a marketing tool, but as a way to enhance the experience. If you’ve ever taken wine seriously, you know that sipping wine at the proper temperature helps release the flavors it was meant to offer. The same goes for pairing wine with food that enhances its flavor and helps uncover hidden notes. There’s nothing better than savoring fresh Dungeness Oregon crab and then taking a sip of a crisp, bright, buttery Chardonnay—you’ll realize the crab needs no butter, as it’s already in the wine.
With hundreds of wines to sample, it can sometimes be overwhelming to decide where to start. These events are social by nature, so you’ll find that attendees are more than willing to share their wine discoveries. At the Astoria event, for instance, I had at least twenty fellow wine enthusiasts recommend specific winery booths and wines they enjoyed. What’s even more impressive is that some winery owners, staff, and winemakers even pointed me to wines from other wineries, a rare and refreshing occurrence in business.
While some of these events can get a bit crowded—especially with the younger crowd that often attends—you can always expect great security and a fun, lively atmosphere. Just be prepared for the possibility of a close encounter with another body, especially if you’re holding onto a glass of wine or an oyster, which may end up on someone’s white blouse!
Some tips to ensure an enjoyable experience at a food and wine festival: wear comfortable shoes and clothes, unless you’re attending to meet someone special. I’ve noticed young women in high heels and glamorous dresses at these events, but I’ve also seen them trip over tent cords and spill wine while distracted by “the hunks in attendance.” Just something to consider!
You’ll find that water bottles are available for purchase at these events, and in some cases, they’re even given away for free. Staying hydrated is key when drinking wine. If allowed, bring your own bottle of water or buy a bottle holder with a cord that can be worn around your neck. The general rule is to drink as much water as wine. This helps prolong your fun and ensures you wake up the next day without a screaming headache (or worse).
A note that may upset some people, but one that most will agree with: when tasting wine in a wine sipping environment, wearing perfume or cologne is a “no-no.” Much of what we “taste” comes from our sense of smell, so the scents we pick up when swirling and sniffing the wine help develop the flavor profile. If you’re next to someone wearing heavy perfume or cologne, it can impair your senses. That said, I’ve found that most attendees at wine festivals aren’t there for professional wine tastings but simply to enjoy the wine. It’s not an environment for structured tastings; it’s a place to explore what you like.
It’s also a great opportunity for beginners to discover new wines or for seasoned wine lovers to find something unique. One such wine I’ve come to enjoy is Grüner Veltliner from Austria. It pairs wonderfully with seafood and light fish like Halibut. Many people have never heard of this wine, and few realize it’s also grown in the U.S. in several states, including Oregon. Another underrated gem is Malbec, originally from foreign countries but increasingly produced in the U.S. and gaining fame from Argentina.
These wine events are also a fantastic way to get excellent wines at discounted “Event Prices.” Wineries often offer their wines for less than the regular price, as they want to introduce you to their wines and don’t want to haul bottles back home. On the last day of the event, you’ll be amazed at the deals and can stock up for your next wine gathering.
So, next time you’re planning a vacation or even a weekend getaway, consider looking up “wine events” in your destination area. The world of wine is rapidly expanding, and with it, a whole new world of exciting events. From standalone wine festivals to wine tasting tents at state fairs and even “Crab Fests” and “Grape Stomps” at local wineries, there’s a whole world of wine events waiting for you to explore.