We have all heard the stories about good people acting badly at the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival. Thousands of drunken frats boys smash wine glasses onto the floor of a crammed circus tent being whipped around by storms posing as tornados. Fun! I’m up for this.
So in late February, I jumped into my vulnerable vehicle and headed out to the coast on the Corvallis-Newport Highway.
But first, the reason normal people go to festivals – be it for wine, seafood, cheese or chocolate – is to have a mega shopping experience, see what’s new in the field and chat with vendors outside their geographic area.
Over four days, these tent walls would see more than 20,000 people cheered on by a booze-infused crowd swinging pretzel necklaces and dancing to the wear-a-groove-in-your-brain “Macarena,” “Shout” or “Sweet Caroline.” Fun! I’m sort of still up for this.
About 80 wine vendors, barricaded behind booths and stacked cases, were offering $1 taste, $5 glasses and $10-and-up bottles. Many showed up because it kick starts their year’s cash flow, puts them in front of thirsty wine drinkers and certainly beats another cold, off-season day working in the vineyard or winery.
Read about:
- Soloro Vineyard in Grants Pass
- Festival first-timers Folin Cellars in Gold Hill
- Ledger David Cellars in Talent in costume
- Valley View Winery in Jacksonville
- Misty Oaks Vineyard in Oakland
- Crater Lake Cellars in Shady Cove
Read the complete Eno Outings wine column in the Medford Mail Tribune: http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=LIFE0702
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