What’s being billed as summer’s biggest wine tasting party in Central Oregon is happening July 18. Representatives from more than 20 wineries in the Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge wine regions will gather on the athletic field of Central Oregon Community College. Organizers rent the largest tent in the state which stretches nearly the entire length of the athletic field. It’s the 13th year for the event which raises money for a good cause. The KIDS Center’s board of directors and staff launched the event to help fund essential services for Central Oregon children and families impacted by abuse, Dawn Boone with the KIDS Center told the Source.
In the past, the event highlighted wine from Napa Valley, Walla Walla and Southern Oregon. This year, it’s closer to home. Wineries this year include Alexana, Aniche, The Four Graces, Hawkins Cellars, L’Angolo Estate, McCollum Heritage 91, Penner-Ash, Prince Hill, Project M, Ruby, Solena Estate, The Pines 1852, Toil, Van Duzer and many more. In addition to wine, there will be three local breweries, two local cideries and two distilleries pouring tastes. Nine local eateries will also provide savory and sweet small bites. Games, raffles and an auction are also part of the evening. Tickets are $125. The Sip event raises about half a million dollars, which is roughly 20% of KIDS Center’s annual budget. Last year, KIDS Center served 489 children. The nonprofit provides therapy and advocacy at no charge to children and families in a six-county region. The Sip event was voted “Central Oregon’s Best Fundraiser” in the 2022 Source “Best Of” issue.
It’s part of a winemaker dinner series curated by Cork and Barrel that kicks off on July 17. Two multi-course dinners are scheduled for that date. One is at Jackalope Grill. That will feature wine from Sokol Blosser. The other dinner on July 17 will be held at Tetherow. It features Prince Hill Vineyards and Silver Oak. Tickets are $150. Each dinner features a specially crafted menu to specifically pair with the selected wine, to be experienced in an intimate venue.
On Nov. 1, a winemaker dinner will be held at Brasada Ranch. It will feature Domaine Serene Vineyards & Winery. A multi-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Karl Holl will be paired with the wine.
This article appears in Source Weekly July 3, 2025.
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