House Spirits Cocktail Dinner at Wildwood

What: House Spirits' distiller Colin Howard is teaming up with Wildwood chef Dustin Clark and bartender Ryan Csanky for a special four-course pairing dinner. Cocktails include specialty concoctions using Aviation gin, Krogstad Aquavit, Stillhouse Rum, and Stillhouse Coffee Liqueur.
When: Friday, September 28th at 7 pm.
Where: Wildwood 1221 Northwest 21st
How Much: $60 for food, drinks, and gratuity. 

9th Annual Hood River Hops Fest 

What: A celebration of the world's largest collection of Fresh Hop beers, featuring more than 50 different wet-hopped brews from over 37 breweries in Downtown Hood River. The event will also feature the best nosh from Hood River's restaurants, arts and crafts vendors, a selection of wines from the Gorge, and an all-day lineup of live music. 
When: Saturday, September 29th from noon to 9 pm
Where: Between 5th & 7th Streets and Cascade and Columbia Streets in downtown Hood River, Oregon.
How Much:  $6 adult admission includes commemorative stein, and tasting tokens are each $1. Admission is $4 for wine drinkers and Designated drivers. Guests aged 20 and under are free until 5:30 pm. Proceeds support the programs of the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce. 

Montinore 2012 Crush Party

What: A good old-fashioned harvest party at Montinore vineyard, including vineyard tours via hayride, a grape stomp competition, live bluegrass from GTM String Band, nosh from Portland cart The Fried Onion, and plenty of wine. 
When: Saturday, September 29th from noon to 4 pm
Where: Montinore Estate 3663 SW Dilley Road in Forest Grove, Oregon
How much: Free!

3rd Annual Harvest Dinner at Red Ridge Farms

What: A four-course meal from Vitaly Paley of Paley’s Place and upcoming Imperial Restaurant paired with wines from Durant Vineyards to celebrate the beginning of grape and olive harvest season. Red Ridge Farm is home to the Oregon Olive Mill.
When: Saturday, September 29th from 6 to 9 pm.
Where: Oregon Olive Mill, an intimate event space at Red Ridge Farms overlooking the Willamette Valley (5700 NE Breyman Orchards Rd in Dayton, Oregon)
How Much: $135 per person including four courses, wine, and gratuity. For reservations, please call 503-864-8502 or email [email protected].

Be a Vintner for a Day along the North Willamette Harvest Trail

What: A hands-on harvest experience and grand tasting alongside winemakers and vineyard managers at three different North Willamette Wineries. Guests will learn about the winemaking process, walk through the vines, sort grapes, and sample juice straight from the press, culminating with a Grand Tasting at Garden Vineyards featuring all members of the North Willamette Vintners. 
When: Saturday, October 6th from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Buses depart from Garden Vineyards (12960 Northwest Dick Road in Hillsboro) for the tours and return for the Grand Tasting. Tour routes TBD based on status of harvest.
How Much: Full trail tickets are $79, including transportation between wineries, guided tours, lunch, wine tastings and food pairings, wine glass, and canvas tote bag. Grand Tasting Only tickets are available for $35. Click here for tickets and more information. 

Know about a great event coming up that should be on our radar? Shoot me an email at [email protected] or give me a shout over on Twitter at @allisonejones. Now get out there and start eating!