Give watermelon wheat a try
JULY 23-26
PORTLAND, ORE.
Oregon Brewers Festival: This extravaganza dedicated to unusual brews and small makers promises to be the hit of the year for beer lovers. More than 80 handcrafted beers will be on tap at the 22d annual brew fest on the banks of the Willamette River. The festivities will feature such brews as 21st Amendment Brewery’s Hell or High Watermelon Wheat, Laughing Dog Brewing’s Alpha Dog Imperial IPA, Marin Brewing’s Bluebeery Ale, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s Festina Pêche, and Chuckanut Brewery’s Chuckanut Dortmunder Lager. Music, food from local restaurants, and lots of beer talk round out the four-day festival. Admission is free. A souvenir mug is part of tasting packages. 503-778-5917, www.oregonbrew fest.com.
JULY 18-19
MENLO PARK, CALIF.
Connoisseurs’ Marketplace: Food samples from restaurants, stores, and stands will be offered in this two-day celebration of summer. Specialties include tamales, teriyaki grilled chicken, Barrett’s hand-shaken lemonade, and margaritas. There will also be an organic food showcase, live music, and stands of artisan-produced food and craft items. Admission is free. www.mira marevents.com.
MESA VERDE, COLO.
Mesa Verde Country Food, Wine & Arts Festival: Set amid the beautiful Rockies, this festival features the wines of Colorado, and such regional delicacies as elk. Chefs from area restaurants such as the Metate Room in Mesa Verde will hold demonstrations, and there will be wine seminars and talks on regional sustainability. Tickets for some events are about $20; a winemakers’ dinner is $100; and a full package including lodging and a guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park is $539. www.mesa verdecountry.com.
AUG. 28-30
MASHANTUCKET, CONN.
Foxwoods Food & Wine Festival: Forty chefs and food personalities, wine and beer specialists, and gala dinners distinguish this 4th annual event. Participating chefs include Michael Schlow of Radius in Boston and Alta Strada in Wellesley and at MGM Grand, Foxwoods; Kevin Long of Shrine at MGM Grand, Foxwoods, and Tosca in Hingham; and Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter in New York and the Food Network’s “Cooking Loft’’ show. Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV will lead a seminar. Dinner events range from an opening dinner for $250; a grand tasting for $125, and a chef and winemakers dinner for $175. 800-200-2882, www.foxwoodsfoodandwine .com.
PLAN AHEAD
SEPT. 23-27
SANTA FE
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta: The 19th annual festival in this idyllic setting in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains features food from some of the city’s most beloved restaurants. Nationally-known eateries such as the Coyote Café and the Pink Adobe will be joined by newer places such as Zia Diner, Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill, and Luminaria at the Inn and Spa at Loretto. US and global wineries will provide tastings. Wine seminars, guest chef lunches, and spicy cuisine are promised. Ticket prices and schedules will be available July 6. 505-438-8060, www.santafe wineandchile.org.
ALISON ARNETT
Events are sometimes canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; check online. Alison Arnett can be reached at alacarte59@aol.com. 