Each year, oenophiles from all over the world come together in Oregon’s wine country for a long weekend packed with all things pinot noir. The International Pinot Noir Celebration, taking place for the 28th year from July 25-27, allows pinot producers and enthusiasts to gather for outdoor tastings, seminars, open air dinners, a salmon bake, vineyard tours, and so much more—all on the beautiful campus of Linfield College in McMinnville. 

But for those of us who can’t commit to three days of pinot immersion (or afford the hefty price tag that comes with it), there’s an alternative that allows you to partake in the fun for a fraction of the time and price.

As has become tradition, on the Thursday prior to the wine-filled weekend, July 24, many local wineries host pre-IPNC dinners featuring some of the best chefs in the Pacific Northwest and, of course, some of the regions finest pinots.

We’ve assembled a list of some of the weekend’s most exciting Pre-IPNC events, but better hurry if you plan to partake in the fun. Tickets to the events sell out almost as quickly as the IPNC itself! For the complete list of Pre-IPNC events, visit the IPNC website.

Summertime ¡Salud!

Relax at this al fresco pre-dinner wine tasting, featuring 18 wineries from Oregon and beyond, and indulge during a family-style dinner prepared by JORY’s executive chef Sunny Jin. And, as if that weren’t already enough, you can feel good about your participation in this event, which helps support ¡Salud!’s mission of providing healthcare outreach to Oregon’s seasonal vineyard workers.

Where: Stoller Family Estate, 16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton
When: 5:30 pm
How Much: $175
To Purchase Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online.

Dinner & a Movie at Evergreen

Sit back and relax at the perfect date night dinner and a movie event. The evening will include the IPNC premier of American Wine Story, a documentary featuring the passion of winemaking and artisan distillery, and a wandering feast prepared by Ned Ludd chef/owner Jason French that will be scattered throughout the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.

Where: Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, 500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville
When: 5:30 pm
How Much: $85
To Purchase Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online.

Eyrie Vineyards Aromas Dinner

Inhale the scents of the estate vineyards with your nose and your mouth at Eyrie’s first pre-IPNC dinner. Eyrie, along with Chef Jason Barwikowski and Carly Laws (Woodsman Tavern, Olympic Provisions), will capture the scents of the vines and pair them with a 5-course dinner, eaten al fresco in the estate vineyard.

Where: The Eyrie Vineyards, 4450 Breyman Orchard Road, Dayton
When: 6:30 pm
How Much: $150
To Purchase Tickets: Contact Paloma Dale at 503-472-6315 or [email protected]

Counter Culture 2014 at Anne Amie Vineyards

Anne Amie’s Counter Culture, a pre-IPNC staple, celebrates the coming together of urban street food and international wines. Each year the vineyard hosts diners for a feast from local restaurants and food carts and paired with wines from all around the world.

Where: Anne Amie Vineyards, 6580 NE Mineral Springs Road, Carlton
When: 6 pm to 10 pm
How Much: $75
To Purchase Tickets: Contact Luke Mathews at 503-864-2991 or [email protected]

Utopia Vineyard’s Dinner Under the Stars

Utopia Vineyard will host an al fresco dinner set under the stars featuring local bounty. The dinner will be prepared from a wood-fired oven by chefs Jody Kropf and Shiloh Ficek of Red Hills Market and guests will have the opportunity to interact with Utopia winemaker Daniel Warnshuis as well taste wines from guest winery Folin Vineyard & Cellars.

Where: Utopia Estate Vineyard
When: 6 pm
How Much: $120 (gratuity included)
To Purchase Tickets: Contact Daniel Warnshuis at 503-687-1671 or [email protected]