April 2010 enewsletter

One of Burgundy’s renowned winemakers makes his Oregon debut! Evening Land Vineyards (which is part of Seven Springs Vineyard) asked Dominique Lafon to consult on their wines and the result is the creamy textured 2008 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir with floral aromatics and earthy tones, exclusively available at Ponzi Wine Bar. Lafon’s selective tastes illustrate how prized the Oregon wine region truly is. When asked if he would consult on projects in California, he responded, “I only have interest in making wine in one other place than Burgundy, [and that is] Oregon.” Take that, Napa Valley! And, at $25 a bottle – this is the steal of the century! Purchase a bottle now—or get a case with a 10% discount.

The Columbia River Gorge is celebrating their bountiful wine region for an entire week this spring! Experience the unique Columbia Gorge Winegrowers region during Gorge Wine Week. See and taste a “World of Wine” within 40 miles from April 5-11, culminating with the second annual Passport Weekend from April 9-11. The week kicks off with a tasting at Hotel Monaco in downtown Portland, where guests get a sneak peak of the varietals to choose from and travel ideas throughout the region. Special events continue throughout the week in the Gorge, with local restaurants and wineries presenting exciting epicurean pairings.

The classic and highly acclaimed performance troupe, Cirque Du Soleil, is back in the city and front and center on the South Waterfront in their signature blue-and-yellow tent. This year’s performance of Kooza is a return to the origins, combining awe-inspiring acrobatics with the art of clowning. The performance group has evolved over 25 years from a group of 20 street performers to an internationally-acclaimed theater troupe that draws thousands of spectators from all over the globe.

April 2nd

Get your race on at the Portland International Raceway! The track opens April 2nd and will host a myriad of races, including bicycles, motocross, dragsters, sports cars, motorcycles and karts. Drag racing happens Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with Motocross every Thursday night and a full road-course race every weekend.

April 9-10

Celebrate McMenamins Edgefield Winery’s 9th Annual Celebration of Syrah! The weekend kicks off with a gourmet dinner on Friday night, followed by barrel sampling and a BBQ lunch the next day. All proceeds benefit Salud!.

April 10-11

The Annual North Willamette Wine Trail is back! Treat yourself to wine tastings, food, entertainment and activities at participating wineries. Try all-new releases, reserve labels or barrel tastings while enjoying specially paired food and desserts. In addition to a weekend full of fun, each ticket holder (a full Wine Trail ticket is only $35 and entitles guests to exclusive access to all participating wineries) will receive a commemorative 2010 wine glass and a reusable wine tote filled with discounts and special offers.

April 10-11

See, ride and learn at Pedal Nation at the Oregon Convention Center. The weekend is filled with all things two-wheels, including more than 100 bike companies, a fashion show, BMX jam sessions and a hand-built bike competition.

April 10-18

Don’t miss Texture: The Art of Paper and Fiber Show and Sale at the Portland Japanese Garden. The show consists of a special presentation of paper and fiber arts & crafts created by more than 25 different artists whose work reflects the influence of Eastern traditions. With a deep appreciation for the exquisite texture and beauty of fine paper and handmade textiles, these artists employ Japanese motifs and pursue traditional techniques, such as kiri-e (cut paper pictures) and kata-zome (stencil dyeing).

April 13th

Tour the Oregon Zoo for the discounted price of $2 per person! Children under 3 years of age will, as always, be admitted free of charge.

April 17-18

The Oregon Symphony is celebrating the Fabulous Forties in a concert that features the best tunes of the 1940s.

April 17th & 24th

All aboard the mystery train! The Mt. Hood Railroad & Dinner Train features a “who dun it” theater and four-course meal. Suitable for 13 years and older.

April 28th

Treat yourself to an exciting night out, child-free, at OMSI After Dark. From 6-10 p.m. check out live demonstrations, a planetarium show and OMSI’s latest exhibits. Sample tasty snacks and sweets along with beer, wine and craft soda, and talk to regional food and beverage artisans about the science behind them. The OMSI Market Cafe will be open with a special dinner.

Through May 30th

Don’t miss the Portland Art Museum’s More Than a Pretty Face: 150 Years of the Portrait Print. The exhibit will feature 70 works by artists ranging from James McNeill Whistler to Chuck Close and focuses on the portrait print from the late 19th to the early 21st century.