This Weekend: NW Cider Summit and PDX Urban Wineries Premier

The diversity of events going on at any given time in Portland never ceases to amaze me. This weekend, I'll be headed to not one, but two unique festivals that you shouldn't pass up.



I know what you're thinking. Yes, our header clearly states that we're enthusiasts of wine, beer, and spirits. To that, I say incredibly unique events such as a festival of cider are exactly why we have a "whatever" category!

Alyssa has really been into trying ciders lately and I have to admit I've become quite fascinated. While I've begun to really enjoy what I'm drinking, I have to admit I really don't know much about the genre. My mission for Cider Summit NW is to drastically change that and report my findings.

(Seattle, WA) May 12, 2011 SBS Imports and the Seattle Beer Collective are pleased to announce the expansion of their successful Cider Summit NW Festival to Portland, OR. The inaugural Portland event will be on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 11am‐7pm at Elizabeth Caruthers Park in the emerging South Waterfront neighborhood along the Willamette River. The event is presented by Barbur World Foods & Bushwhacker Cider.

The owners and cidermakers will be on hand to inform and guide guests through the samplings which will be available in 3‐ounce and 6‐ounce portions. Each featured cider is made from 100% pressed apples (or pears) and is made without concentrates or other additives. In addition to the superb range of ciders, the event will feature food from SE Portland’s Ya Halah restaurant, ongoing demonstrations of apple pressing courtesy of Bushwhacker and Ryan’s Juice, and non‐alcoholic beverages from Maletis Beverage. The Portland Aerial Tram will be offering 2‐ for‐1 rides to event attendees and Cider Summit NW encourages use of the Portland Streetcar to the event

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 (cash only) at the door and are available online via Brown Paper tickets and at many of the area’s leading bottle shops. Admission includes a tasting glass and 10 drink tickets. From 11a‐12n arriving guests will receive 2 additional “happy hour” tickets. Additional drink tickets will be available for sale onsite at $2 per ticket. The event is 21 and over only. Dogs will be allowed on event grounds. For more information including a list of participating ciders please visit www.cidersummitnw.com.

The fun doesn't stop there! On Sunday, I'll be attending the PDX Urban Wineries Premier at The Slate hotel. Six of Portland's urban wineries (Enso, Hip Chicks Do Wine, Vincent Cellars, Grochau Cellars, Seven Bridges, and Helioterra) will be pouring a selection of their wines accompanies by appetizers and great company.

“We are all very excited about making these wineries more accessible to the general public. Most people don’t know they can have a winery experience right here in Portland without having to drive to and from Wine Country. We all feel that wine should be more understandable and accessible to the consumer,” said John Grochau, owner of Grochau Cellars. “We all have great locations in the City, with easy access to anyone living within our urban boundaries. We want to encourage Oregonians to explore not only Pinot Noir, but other grape varieties that grow well in Oregon and the Northwest. Engaging with the Portland community in the location where the wine is made, helps to make them feel a part of the process and not just purchasing a product.”

The event itself will be going from 3pm-6pm and tickets are still available. Click here for more info on the event as well as a link to order tickets. See you there!