Welcome to a special edition dedicated to the vibrant world of beverages at Feast Portland! Last week, we delved into essential tips for navigating Feast Portland, undeniably one of the Pacific Northwest’s most phenomenal food and drink festivals. While exquisite culinary creations certainly take center stage during this four-day extravaganza, Feast Portland also presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore and savor the finest wines, craft beers, innovative ciders, and distinctive spirits crafted across our region.
As we prepare for Feast Portland 2014, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a curated selection of exceptional beverage companies pouring their passion into every sip. This guide offers a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic producers that define the Pacific Northwest’s thriving drink culture, from venerable breweries to artisanal distilleries and acclaimed wineries.
Breweries: Crafting the Northwest’s Signature Brews
The craft beer scene in the Pacific Northwest is legendary, and Feast Portland brings together some of its most celebrated innovators. Prepare to discover everything from classic styles to adventurous new creations.
Widmer Brothers Brewing
Widmer Brothers Brewing stands as a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest craft beer scene, a true pioneer whose legacy stretches back decades in Portland. As a distinguished returning title sponsor of Feast Portland, their commitment to the festival is evident in their vibrant contributions, most notably the highly anticipated Sandwich Invitational. This lively event, held on Thursday, September 18th from 6-9 pm in the picturesque Director Park, perfectly marries culinary creativity with Widmer’s exceptional brews. Attendees can expect a dynamic atmosphere where innovative sandwich pairings meet expertly crafted beers.
Last year, Widmer Brothers captivated festival-goers with Krystal Pear, the official beer of Feast Portland—a truly delightful, bright, and unfiltered wheat beer that perfectly embodied the spirit of the event. Krystal Pear, with its crisp profile and subtle fruit notes, quickly became a festival favorite, showcasing Widmer’s ability to innovate while staying true to brewing excellence. Beyond special festival releases, Widmer Brothers boasts an impressive and diverse portfolio of beers, ensuring there’s a perfect pint for every palate. From their iconic Hefeweizen, which helped define the American craft wheat beer style, to robust IPAs bursting with hop character, rich Stouts offering complex roasted flavors, and an ever-evolving selection of exciting seasonal offerings, Widmer consistently delivers quality and variety. Exploring their range at Feast Portland offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into the artistry of one of Oregon’s most beloved breweries, discovering new favorites and revisiting classic styles.
You can find Widmer Brothers Brewing showcased at these exciting Feast Portland 2014 events:
- Charles Phan and Andy Ricker at Sen Yai with Widmer Brothers Brewing
- Friday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Oregonian Media Group High Comfort at The Nines
- Saturday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Tillamook Brunch Village
- USA Pears Night Market at Zidell Yards
- Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational Presented by Dave’s Killer Bread
Fort George Brewery
Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, Fort George Brewery offers an experience as refreshing as its brews. My recent visit to their impressive facility, following a delightful Beer Pairings Dinner at Whole Foods Market, truly highlighted their mastery. Fort George is celebrated for its commitment to brewing a wide and appealing spectrum of beers, expertly balancing tradition with innovation. Their selection ranges from incredibly approachable Belgian wheat beers, like the crisp and citrusy Quick Wit, perfect for casual enjoyment, to the deep, complex, and intriguing Polish’s Walnut Stout, a brew that showcases their adventurous spirit and depth of flavor. Each beer tells a story, often inspired by the rugged beauty and maritime heritage of the Oregon Coast. Their dedication to quality ingredients and diverse styles has quickly cemented Fort George’s reputation as a must-try brewery in the Pacific Northwest, attracting both local aficionados and visiting beer enthusiasts.
Fort George Brewery will be featured in the following Feast Portland 2014 events, offering festival-goers a taste of their coastal craftsmanship:
- Friday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Saturday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Tillamook Brunch Village
Distilleries: Spirit of Innovation in the Northwest
The Pacific Northwest’s distilling scene is a vibrant testament to artisanal craftsmanship and bold experimentation. Feast Portland offers a unique opportunity to explore the refined spirits emerging from this dynamic region.
Big Bottom Whiskey
Big Bottom Whiskey has carved out a distinct niche in the Oregon craft spirits landscape, celebrated for its bold character and impeccably smooth finish. Each of their whiskeys is meticulously proofed at 90°, ensuring a robust yet balanced drinking experience. A defining characteristic of their portfolio is the consistent inclusion of 36% rye bourbon, which contributes significantly to their signature spicy kick and complex flavor profile. The American Straight Bourbon Whiskey, in particular, is a testament to their dedication to quality; it shines whether served neat, allowing its nuanced flavors to unfold gracefully, over ice for a refreshing chill, or as the foundational spirit in your favorite whiskey cocktail. Big Bottom Whiskey represents the best of Oregon’s adventurous distilling spirit, offering a memorable sip for both connoisseurs and those new to craft spirits. For a deeper dive into their story and offerings, you can explore more about Big Bottom Whiskey in my comprehensive post on Oregon Craft Beverages.
Big Bottom Whiskey will be featured this year at the highly anticipated USA Pears Night Market at Zidell Yards, an ideal setting to experience their distinctive spirits.
Bull Run Distillery
Since its inception in 2010, Bull Run Distillery has been a beacon of small-batch spirit production in Portland, Oregon, gaining renown for its diverse and exceptionally crafted portfolio. Their dedication to quality and distinctive character is evident across their impressive lineup, which includes the rich and complex Temperance Trader Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the exceptionally pure Medoyeff Vodka, the aromatic and botanical-forward Aria Portland Gin, and the smooth, nuanced Pacific Rum. What makes Bull Run Distillery truly remarkable is the sheer versatility of their offerings. Imagining a small home bar stocked exclusively with Bull Run Distillery spirits isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a practical and delightful reality. With their range, you would genuinely be well-equipped for any occasion, from crafting classic cocktails to enjoying a refined spirit neat. Their commitment to small-batch production ensures meticulous attention to detail and a consistently high standard of quality that shines through in every bottle, making them a standout in the Pacific Northwest’s thriving craft spirits movement.
Bull Run Distillery will be featured at the USA Pears Night Market at Zidell Yards this year, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore their exceptional range of spirits.
Wineries: The Terroir of the Pacific Northwest in Every Glass
Oregon’s wine country is globally recognized for its exceptional Pinot Noir and a growing variety of other distinguished varietals. Feast Portland provides a magnificent showcase for these celebrated producers.
Union Wine Company
Union Wine Company embodies a refreshingly unconventional approach to winemaking, daring to be different in a traditionally classic industry. Their philosophy revolves around making quality wine accessible and enjoyable for every occasion, challenging conventional perceptions with innovative packaging and a vibrant brand identity. A prime example of their groundbreaking spirit is their decision to serve wine in a can—specifically, a wonderfully smooth Pinot Noir. This innovative packaging makes their wines incredibly portable and perfect for adventures, picnics, or simply enjoying a glass without the formality of a bottle. At last year’s Feast Portland, Union Wine Company elevated this concept by serving their canned wines from a charming, vintage 1972 French Citroën H Van, creating a memorable and engaging experience for festival-goers. This playful yet sophisticated approach reflects their belief that great wine should be enjoyed without pretension.
Union Wine Company operates as an umbrella for three distinct and equally exciting wine series: Underwood, known for its approachable and popular canned wines; King’s Ridge, offering more traditional bottled selections; and Alchemist, representing their more experimental and limited releases. Each series reflects Union’s commitment to quality and their desire to make fine wine available to a broader audience. Their presence at Feast Portland promises an engaging and delicious experience, inviting attendees to rethink how they enjoy wine.
You’ll find Union Wine Company showcasing their innovative spirit at the following Feast Portland 2014 events:
- Friday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Oregonian Media Group High Comfort at The Nines
- Saturday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Tillamook Brunch Village
- USA Pears Night Market at Zidell Yards
- Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational Presented by Dave’s Killer Bread
Hawks View Cellars
My first encounter with Hawks View Cellars at Feast Portland 2013 was nothing short of magical—it was there I tasted what I affectionately call a “unicorn”: their exquisite 2012 White Pinot Noir. From that moment, I was captivated, falling completely in love with this singular wine and, by extension, with Hawks View Cellars itself. This winery dares to challenge conventional winemaking by fearlessly combining the finest grapes from Oregon, Washington, and California. This unique, multi-regional sourcing strategy allows them to consistently achieve the exceptional quality and distinctive character that their wines are renowned for. Their commitment to crafting outstanding vintages shines through in every bottle.
Beyond my personal favorite, the estate produces an impressive array of wines that cater to diverse palates. Their Syrah consistently ranks as my husband’s top choice, celebrated for its robust flavors and elegant structure. Of course, their White Pinot Noir remains my perennial favorite, a wine that truly stands out for its unique profile and refreshing finish. Additionally, their La Baleine is another amazing offering, showcasing the depth and breadth of their winemaking prowess. Hawks View Cellars is not just about producing excellent wine; it’s about crafting an experience, a journey through exceptional terroir and thoughtful winemaking.
Hawks View Cellars will be delighting attendees at the following Feast Portland 2014 events:
- Friday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Oregonian Media Group High Comfort at The Nines
- Paul Kahan and Jason French at Ned Ludd with Hawks View Cellars
- Saturday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Tillamook Brunch Village
- Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational Presented by Dave’s Killer Bread
Adelsheim Vineyards
For over 40 years, Adelsheim Vineyards has been an innovative and respected leader in the Oregon wine industry, playing a pivotal role in establishing the Willamette Valley’s global reputation for world-class wines. Their commitment to sustainable practices, meticulous viticulture, and precise winemaking has earned them an outstanding reputation that is truly commensurate with the quality of their exceptional wines. Adelsheim is particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir, a varietal that thrives in Oregon’s unique climate and soil. Among their distinguished offerings, Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir stands out as a personal favorite. This wine is more than just a drink; it’s an experience in itself—rich, complex, and beautifully balanced, making it the perfect choice for commemorating special occasions or simply savoring a moment of refined indulgence. Adelsheim Vineyards consistently delivers wines that reflect the elegance and distinctiveness of Oregon’s terroir, setting a benchmark for quality and innovation in the region.
Adelsheim Vineyards will be featured at the following Feast Portland 2014 events, offering attendees the chance to experience their esteemed collection:
- Friday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Oregonian Media Group High Comfort at The Nines
- Saturday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- State of the Art with Adelsheim Vineyard and Willamette Valley Vineyards
Ponzi Vineyards
Since 1970, the Ponzi family has been a foundational pillar of the Oregon wine industry, sharing their profound commitment and love for viticulture with the world. Their dedication is beautifully expressed through their renowned Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay—varietals that have come to define Oregon’s exceptional winemaking reputation. Beyond these classics, the Ponzi family also delights in cultivating fun, playful, and rarer Italian varietals like Arneis and Dolcetto, showcasing their adventurous spirit and deep understanding of grape cultivation. These unique offerings add another layer of excitement to their already impressive portfolio.
Last year marked a significant milestone for Ponzi Vineyards as they expanded their operations into a stunning new production and wine tasting facility located in Sherwood, Oregon. This state-of-the-art facility is not merely an expansion; it’s a testament to their enduring legacy, their vision for the future, and their commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts. The new tasting room, with its elegant design and breathtaking views, offers visitors an immersive journey into the heart of Ponzi’s winemaking philosophy. You can discover all the details and explore captivating photos of their magnificent new facility in my dedicated blog post: Ponzi Winery’s New Tasting Room.
Among their celebrated offerings, the Ponzi Pinot Blanc continues to be one of my absolute favorite white wines, especially perfect for enjoying on warm summer days. Its crisp acidity, vibrant fruit notes, and elegant finish make it an ideal companion for relaxation and culinary pairing. Ponzi Vineyards consistently delivers wines that are both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-thinking in their execution, making them an indispensable part of the Pacific Northwest wine story.
Ponzi Vineyards wines will be featured at the following Feast Portland 2014 events, offering a taste of their distinguished portfolio:
- Friday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
- Oregonian Media Group High Comfort at The Nines
- Pop Stars with Elk Cove Vineyards and Ponzi Vineyards
- Saturday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented by Alaska Airlines
Feast Portland 2014 is more than just a food festival; it’s a comprehensive celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s rich and diverse beverage landscape. From the bold craft beers of Widmer Brothers and Fort George, to the refined spirits of Big Bottom Whiskey and Bull Run Distillery, and the world-class wines from Union Wine Company, Hawks View Cellars, Adelsheim Vineyards, and Ponzi Vineyards, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore, taste, and appreciate the incredible talent within our region. Prepare your palate for an unforgettable journey through the best of Oregon’s breweries, distilleries, and wineries. We look forward to raising a glass with you!