Ten Can’t Miss Wine Events on the West Coast
No one does wine quite like the west coast, and these festivals are here to prove it. From the verdant, Pacific northwest down to sunny, southern California, celebrations of all-things-wine can be found year around. This guide highlights just a few of these events. So, whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast or a connoisseur, you’re bound to love these festivals.
1. Kirkland Uncorked
Kirkland Uncorked is the ultimate summer wine festival in Washington State. Renowned wineries come from all over the Evergreen state to take part in this event at Marina Park in Kirkland. Moreover, it’s all for a good cause. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Homeward Pet Adoption Center, a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter. Kirkland Uncorked includes a tasting garden for adults with live music and food trucks, as well as an all ages street fair featuring the Uncorked Market and Citydog dog modeling contest. TBA in July 2024. https://kirklanduncorked.com/
2. Taste Washington
Taste Washington, hosted by the Washington State Wine Commission, is the largest single-region wine event in the nation. This festival has been taking place for 23 years, and it just keeps growing. The Grand Tasting offers samples from hundreds of wineries, and includes dinner pairings, classes, and events led by celebrity chefs. This springtime, multi-day event is any oenophile’s dream. Make a vacation out of visiting this festival. The Grand Tasting is scheduled for March 16-17 https://tastewashington.org/
3. Savor Idaho
Savor Idaho, the state’s premier wine event, will be held on Sunday, June 9th, 2024 at the beautiful Idaho Botanical Garden. Held during Idaho Wine and Cider Month, come sample from over 30 wineries and cideries from around the state and get a taste of Idaho’s welcoming and approachable wine community. Stroll through the garden, sip Idaho wine and cider, enjoy live music, visit local exhibitors, sponsors and food trucks and participate in a painting class by Wine and Design. https://idahowines.org/event/savor-idaho-2024-2/
4. International Pinot Noir Celebration
In Oregon, Pinot Noir reigns supreme. The International Pinot Noir festival in McMinnville is a celebration of the Beaver State’s favorite wine. Each summer, Pinot lovers from all over the world come to enjoy some of the best red wine in the Pacific Northwest. Not to mention local, farm-to-table cuisine. Guests get to take part in seminars taught by professionals, and can tour one of the nearby vineyards in the Willamette Valley. Linfield University hosts this event, and this college knows wine so well, they even offer a degree in wine studies. https://ipnc.org/
5. Oregon Alternative Wine Festival
The Alt Wine Festival in Carlton, Oregon is proud to have an unconventional vibe. The Oregon based wine club Sunday School Wine puts on this event, which organizers describe as “unstuffy” and “unpretentious.” That’s because this unique festival aims to introduce attendees to other varieties of grapes besides pinot noir. The Alt Wine festival takes place at the idyllic Abbey Road farm, and includes lawn games and a dance party hosted by a local DJ. Usually taking place in July, 2024 dates not yet released. https://www.altwinefest.com/
6. Oregon Wine Experience
Each year, thousands of wine enthusiasts turn up for the Oregon Wine Experience in Jacksonville, Oregon. This makes it one of the largest wine festivals in the state. Here, participants can try samples from over 100 Oregon wineries, eat gourmet regional food, take classes hosted by Oregon Wine University, and vote in wine competitions. This five day long event is also famous for its miracle auction, which sells exclusive wines found nowhere else. 2024 dates to be announced. https://www.theoregonwineexperience.com/
7. Sherwood Wine Fest
Anyone interested in a family-friendly wine festival in Oregon should look no further than Sherwood Wine Fest. This event has something for participants of all ages, as it offers artisan booths, live music and myriad other activities. Festival-goers will get to experience the best of Willamette Valley wineries, as well as special dinner and wine pairings. This is a two-day event, and proceeds go to philanthropic projects supported by the Sherwood Rotary Club. Festival takes place in August and dates for 2024 have not yet been announced. https://www.sherwoodwinefestival.com/
8. Bottlerock Napa Valley
Napa Valley is the pinnacle of wine country, so it’s no wonder the region is home to amazing wine events. However, Bottlerock is no ordinary wine festival. This weekend long party is a wine-themed music festival, drawing some of the biggest acts in the country. The 2023 lineup included Post Malone, Lizzo, and Lil Nas X. Some of Napa Valley’s finest wineries come to provide wine to guests. Festival-goers also get to experience an on-site spa, nightclub, silent disco, and even more, guaranteeing they’ll never run out of things to do. Next years festival is slated for May 24-26, 2024 https://www.bottlerocknapavalley.com/
9. Pebble Beach Food and Wine
You won’t want to miss one of Californias biggest food and wine festivals. Returning April 4-7, 2024, 100s of celebrity chefs prepare their food to match over 250 fabulous CA wines. From cooking demos to wine seminars, grand tastings and exclusive parties, this wine event is one impressive experience you won’t want to miss. More information about next year’s Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival, including ticketing and updates, can be found at https://www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com/
10. Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival
If it’s not clear from the name, the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival includes a unique attraction: balloons. During this SoCal event, participants can experience morning hot air balloon flights, and a “balloon glow” show in the evenings. Meanwhile, they can taste local wine, food and craft beer. The festival also features two stages for live music and begins May 17-19, 2024
In sum, at these west-coast wine festivals, wine is just the beginning. What better way to experience the delectable culture of Washington, Oregon and California than to attend one of these events? Come for the wine, but stay for the fun and camaraderie. https://www.tvbwf.com/
