Bend’s favorite food and wine event is soon returning! Featuring the Walla Walla wine region, Cork & Barrel 2023 will celebrate its first two wine events in late November alongside Va Piano Vineyards. In its 11th year, Cork & Barrel returns for the main events July 20-22, 2023. In the meantime, mark your calendars for two upcoming back-to-back wine events on November 29 and 30. All proceeds from Cork and Barrel go directly to the KIDS Center, the only child abuse evaluation and treatment center in Central Oregon.
Meet the Winemakers
Cork & Barrel is more than just wine tasting; it’s about connecting with the winemakers and growers from each year’s featured region. Leading up to July’s main event, Cork & Barrel will feature several intimate winemaker dinners throughout Central Oregon. Here, attendees will enjoy five-course dinners paired with wines hand selected by the winemakers.
Additionally, the winegrowers and winemakers share stories from the vines and discuss anecdotes behind each vintage.
An Evening with Va Piano Vineyards
Cork & Barrel will officially kick off on Tuesday, November 29 at Va Piano Vineyards in the Old Mill District. Owner and Winemaker Justin Wylie will sit down with attendees for an intimate evening of wine and food. Here, you can enjoy small bites and live music as Wylie shares details about his favorite wines.
Va Piano is known for its elegant and balanced wines. They focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, as well as a very limited bottling of Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.
Cozy up in Va Piano Vineyards’ tasting room while Wylie pours and discusses interesting attributes about each vintage. Then, enter the raffle for a chance to win a magnum signed by Justin Wylie himself. However, this intimate event is limited to 40 people, and tickets will go fast.
Get tickets to An Evening with Va Piano Vineyards
Winemaker Dinner at Flights Wine Bar
Last year’s winemaker dinner at Flights Wine Bar was such a hit that they’ll be commencing this year’s winemaker dinner series featuring Va Piano Vineyards. On Wednesday, November 30, join foodies and wine lovers alike for a five-course dinner prepared by Chef Nick Ragazzo.
Each course will be paired with wine hand-selected by Justin Wylie and Chef. Sip on Va Piano’s bold red wines and learn more about the popular Walla Walla vintages.
Celebrating its 20th year in production, Va Piano Vineyards is thrilled to be joining Cork & Barrel as one of the featured wineries for 2023. Tickets to this event are limited, so don’t miss your chance to experience this inaugural Winemaker Dinner of Cork & Barrel Walla Walla!
Get Tickets to Va Piano Winemaker Dinner at Flights Wine Bar
KIDS Center
The KIDS Center in Central Oregon is a vital organization that works to prevent, evaluate, and treat child abuse. The center was built by the community for the community over 25 years ago, and provides comprehensive medical evaluations and forensic interviews in a child-friendly environment.
Additionally, KIDS Center provides a path to healing through family advocacy and therapeutic services. Because families never receive a bill from KIDS Center, the center relies heavily on the generosity of our community. Over 20% of the KIDS Center’s budget relies exclusively on Cork and Barrel events.
How You Can Help
There are so many ways to contribute to the KIDS Center, even if not monetarily. If you’re interested in contributing to Cork and Barrel, you can:
- Donate to live and silent auctions
- Become a sponsor
- Volunteer
- Make a cash donation
- Attend any Cork and Barrel event
Don’t miss out on early bird pricing and ticket announcements! Sign-up to be the first in line for event ticket sales. Follow along on social media at @corkandbarrelevent
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