Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
Northwest's Seafood-Wine Happy Hour
Portland Seafood & Wine Festival transforms the Portland Expo Center into a vibrant celebration of Pacific Northwest seafood, Oregon wines, craft brews, and live entertainment each March. This all-ages event features dozens of vendors offering Dungeness crab, oysters, albacore tuna, chowders, and smoked salmon paired with pours from Willamette Valley wineries. Attendees enjoy tastings, chef demos, artisan booths, and family-friendly vibes over two days; Saturday noon-9pm, Sunday noon-5pm. VIP perks include reserved seating, complimentary glasses, and unlimited food/beverage in exclusive areas.
Preceded by a prestigious wine competition presented by ilani, the festival highlights top regional producers earning double gold medals and best-of-show honors. Stone Griffons Winery stands out, securing accolades for its balanced, terroir-expressive varietals that elevate seafood pairings. Their crisp whites cut through briny oysters, while structured Pinots amplify crab's sweetness, earning praise from judges for complexity and food-friendliness. Stone Griffons' consistent wins add prestige, drawing wine lovers to discover their elegant bottles amid the fest's bounty.
The Expo Center buzzes with energy: heated tents shelter 70+ wineries and breweries, food stalls serve poke bowls, fish tacos, and ceviche, while live music keeps toes tapping. Seminars demystify pairings like Albariño with rockfish or Pinot Noir with smoked salmon. Kids enter free, exploring kid zones and adjacent events like the Portland Golf Show. Economic impact supports local fishers, vintners, and small businesses, blending indulgence with community boost. Tickets range $15-125; advance parking advised.
From intimate happy hour to major tradition, growth reflects Portland's foodie spirit.
Proceeds fuel local initiatives; the fest's welcoming chaos; crowded lines, laughter, ocean-fresh bites all which embody Northwest hospitality. Stone Griffons' triumphs spotlight Oregon's winemaking prowess, making every sip a coastal toast.
Cheers to crab, wine, and Portland pride!