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Not to boast, but Oregon has a world-renowned reputation for both seafood and wine. So much so that flocks of seafood and wine enthusiasts from all over the country will gather in Newport from February 23rd – 26th for a taste of the best of the Northwest. Click here to view room availability at Hallmark Resort Newport to ensure that you have an ocean-view seat to the biggest celebration on the Oregon coast.
The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is Back In-Person!
Being mostly virtual the past few years, it’s been a “Long Time no Sea” for the fest. In honor of this year’s festival theme, grab your best Gilligan’s Island or Cast Away costumes, your appetites and wine palates, and join us back under the big white tent adjacent to the Rogue brewery in South Beach.
What’s So Special About Oregon’s Seafood & Wines?
Oregon Seafood
Oregon’s commercial fishing industry brings in over 318 million pounds of fish each year, which ranks in the top five states for total fish caught and has a significant impact on the state’s economy. The Oregon Dungeness crab industry is our most valuable fishery as Oregon is literally the top producer of Dungeness crab in the world! Other fish industries in the state include tuna, salmon, pink shrimp, clams, sardines, Pacific whiting and several other species of groundfish. Newport is one of the state’s most important fishing ports, which is why you can go down to the old Bayfront to see working fishing vessels on most days when you visit.
Oregon Wines
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is home to more than 600 wineries. Despite only making up approximately 0.15% of wines sold across the world, our state pretty consistently accounts for about 5% of Wine Spectator’s top 100 Global Wine List. Those are some impressive numbers!
Our Pinot Noirs receive critical acclaim from wine connoisseurs and critics everywhere, and our own Willamette Valley is regarded as one of the premier Pinot-producing regions in the world. We’re also really good at Pinot Gris, Chardonnays, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Oregon also produces fruit wine, sparkling wine, late harvest wine, ice wine, and dessert wine.
And what do you get if you combine Oregon seafood and wine?
One of the most delicious and educational experiences on the beautiful Oregon coast!
The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival started in 1977 as a way to help boost the local economy during a traditionally slower time of year while simultaneously promoting our state’s richest bounties. The following year, Mo Niemi of the famous Mo’s Restaurants, helped grow the event to include thirteen wineries, musicians, arts and craft booths.
This year, the event will include over 125 vendors, including seafood vendors; craftspeople and Northwest wineries.
Newport Seafood and Wine Festival 2023 Information
Seafood Vendors
Using fresh local ingredients and famous Oregon seafood, this year’s Seafood and food vendors will provide an array of options. Some of this year’s Seafood and food Vendors include:
Waldport Boosters – You’ll love their open faced Crab and Shrimp melts!
Pat E. Mac’s BBQ – 50 year old Southern hospitality recipes from grandmother Clariece Mac and their “Just Damn good BBQ” will be on-hand from Newport’s favorite BBQ spot.
Asiatico Asian Kitchen – This local Newport family business includes an innovative Sushi & Raw Bar menu, along with Asian street food favorites such as dumplings, bao sandwiches and ramen sets.
The Drift Inn – Located in Yachats (just 23 miles away from Hallmark Resort Newport,) is a coastal favorite family spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu features include Dungeness crab cakes, oyster shooters, steamer clams and other Oregon favorites.
Canby Asparagus Farm / Casa de Tamales – Fresh ingredients are grown locally to make their outstanding tamales, mole and chili rellenos. All dishes and ingredients are gluten-free, with no MG and no preservatives.
Wine Competitions – Commercial and Amateur
The longest-running wine competition in the Northwest is open to all participating wine vendors at the festival. Judged by a team of five distinguished wine experts in early February, awards include bronze, silver and gold medals, and one Best in Show award. Medal winning wines are included in the official festival guide so that attendees can purchase these wines at the event. Click here for a list of 2021 award winners.
An Amateur Wine Competition is also featured, where amateur winemakers can submit their wines for judging and feedback. Several Amateur medal winners have even gone on to start their own commercial wineries after entering this competition. 2022 Amateur winners are listed here.
Welcome to Center Stage!
For the first time, this year’s event will add a center stage for wine talks, chef demonstrations and live entertainment, and will also include a beer garden. Organizers are additionally starting a “Newport Seafood & Wine Festival Wine Club” as a way to enjoy the Festival all year long. Members will receive quarterly wine boxes with featured event wines, including Gold medal winners from the wine competition. Visit the Newport Chamber of Commerce website to view a schedule of Center Stage events.
Going Green in 2023
If you care about our beautiful coastal environment, you’ll be happy to know that the festival has implemented a zero-waste initiative this year and will be requiring all vendors to use either compostable or biodegradable serviceware. Members of our Green Team will also be available to help ensure that your waste and compost are disposed of in their proper bins.
47 years later, no wonder the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is called “the Original, and Still the Best!” Buy your tickets now to join the biggest celebration on the coast! Or if you’re interested in volunteering at the event, click here to submit your application.
Can’t make it the weekend of the 23rd? No problem! Have your own mini Seafood and Wine Festival by making a reservation at Georgie’s. (Insider tip: our clam chowder is an award-winning favorite!)