Event: First Taste Oregon – Jan. 25 and 26

Formerly known as the Oregon Wine, Food and Brew Fest, First Taste of Oregon, as the new name indicates, is the first festival of its kind in the new year. On Friday, January 25, and Saturday, January 26, the First Taste Oregon event will be taking place at the Oregon State Fair Exposition Center in Salem. On Friday from 4-10 pm and Saturday from noon to 10 pm, visitors will have an opportunity to taste Oregon foods, spirits, wines and brews. There will also be featured Oregon art work and live music.

Over thirty wineries and twenty breweries and distilleries will be showcasing their products from across the state; along with, about fifty food, culinary, art and commercial exhibits – a great example of the many artisan products produced in Oregon. Select chefs will have demo stages at set times throughout the festival, and there’s even a wine tasting 101 class. A full schedule of events is provided on the First Taste Oregon website. All ages are welcome, and children 6 and under are free. Adult admission is $10 dollars per day, seniors 60+ are $8 dollars per day, and VIP passes are available for $30 dollars for both days, and $20 dollars for 1 day. VIP includes admission, event glass, VIP seating area, and 2 tastes of the festivals choosing per day. Purchase tickets on-line through the First Taste Oregon website.