Can’t Wait for 2013 – Nine events not to miss in WA, OR, BC and ID

Some of us thought we’d never make it past an apocalyptic 2012. Here are nine reasons we’re glad we did!

Sun Peaks Winter Festival of Wine || now — January 20^th || Sun Peaks, B.C

This last weekend through next, embrace the wines and recreations of midwinter when the chocolate-box ski village of Sun Peaks hosts their annual winter wine fest. Of note are the Icewines of the Okanogan Valley, perfect après-ski sippers.

 The Seattle Wine and Food Experience || February 24^th || Seattle, WA

Are you experienced? The Seattle Wine and Food Experience, in its fifth year, whisks participants on a sumptuous tour of world wines and gourmet bites. Beers, ciders and spirits will also be flowing (visit our own Distillery Square for a smorgasbord of exciting up-and-comers).

Taste Washington || March 23^rd & 24^th || Seattle, WA

After SWFE, you only have to wait a month before Seattle takes things local with Taste Washington, the nation’s largest single-region wine and food event. Don’t miss the unique opportunities for horizontal tasting.

UnWined at the Movies || March 27^th || Boise, ID

Join Idaho wine enthusiasts at Boise’s Egyptian Theater for in-venue tasting and Bottle Shock, about the ‘76 Paris tasting that launched California wine into its Cinderella story. With the splash its own wines have been making recently, who knows — Idaho may be the next Cinderella.

Orcas Island Cider & Mead Festival || May 11^th || Eastsound, WA

The San Juans gear up for summer with live music and an astonishing array of summery ciders alongside their farmer’s market. Meads and perries get a rare chance to shine, and this year the fast-growing festival welcomes local beers to its lineup. Proceeds benefit the local farm to cafeteria program.

Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine || June 20^th — 22^nd || Walla Walla, WA

Known for the past decade as Vintage Walla Walla, the event revamps its focus this summer with plans to highlight a different varietal annually (2013’s pick is Cab Sauv). Internationally acclaimed Bordeaux and Napa winemakers will be in attendance — it’s an exceptional opportunity to rub elbows with some of the giants of winemaking.

Oregon Wine Country Half-Marathon || September 1^st || Willamette Valley, OR

Whether it’s your first race or your fiftieth, runs can’t get more picturesque than in romantic Willamette Valley. Starting at sunrise, you’ll wind through miles of sleepy wine country, crossing the finish line as the celebratory wine and music festival kicks off. It’s Labor Day weekend — perfect for a getaway.

Hopworks’ BikeToBeerFest || September 21^st || Portland, OR

 In 2013, Portland will play host to more brewfests than you can shake a pint glass at — but this one is “the world’s only bike-in Oktoberfest party.” Beers, bands and bikes will all be there, but the “Huffy Huck” bike-chucking competition is sure to steal the show.

Art of the Cocktail || October 19^th–21^st  || Victoria, B.C.

 What better excuse to visit beautiful Victoria, B.C., than Canada’s premiere cocktail festival? Take a tipsy tour of the city via a mixed drink scavenger hunt, and be sure to try some uniquely Canadian concoctions — Bloody Caesars are a good bet.