As a college student myself, the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival felt like Halloween night at Oregon State University. It reminded me of an over-crowded fraternity house oooozing with funky odor, hot and humid body heat, and where the only thing on people's minds were whether their cups where full (with no idea as to what concoction was in the cup). Cheering took place about every 5 minutes when someone would drop and break their glass. The attendees were young, making my 23 years of age, around the low average (reiterating the Millennial Generation as a growing wine consumption segment or typical alcohol chasing young people). People flocked from all over the state, but the consensus I heard was mainly from Portland, Salem, Corvallis and Eugene. Fortunately, a majority had hotel reservations in Newport. The "cool kid" spot seemed to be outside by the port-a-potties where people socialized only going back inside for refills- again, much like college parties. The wineries ranged from quality producers (14 Southern Oregon wineries) to value producers like Barefoot Winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Hogue Winery and Sutter Home Wines. When I first got there it seemed surprising to have Washington and California wine producers present, but then I realized that 17,000 people would attract these often entry-wine and mass-produced brands (just think, Barefoot often sells for $5 a bottle- charging 50 cents per taste and $3 for a glass- not bad return on investment). Wine tastings seem to dwindle to buying wine by the glass as the day progressed. Pourers seemed stunned when asking about their wines, because they were probably only asked a handful of times throughout the day. In most cases the line to get wines from a specific producer was too long to even get a question out before feeling the pressure of the people in line behind you.
Most off-site events do not bring in a lot of money, if at all, to wineries. The purpose is to get the brand name out there to support future sales in retail and restaurant. However, it was the opposite at this wine event, in most cases, the wineries I talked with were making money on tastes and glass sales (due to crowd size and drinking preferences), but weren't counting on attendees remembering what wines they liked. This could detract quality wineries from pouring at the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival in the future and bring in more Barefoots of the world whose target market is beginning wine drinkers.
Then there was the seafood. Food vendors were spread out sporadically through the two tents, but mainly in Tent 1. Mo's was the only restaurant I recall serving at the event and the people I was with really enjoyed their chowder. The other vendors seemed more county fair-like, lacking quality seafood. Was it weird, I never saw a whole crab throughout the day besides the mascot? It might have been odd trying to crack a crab if there was one, because I never saw seating available.Overall, it was good for me to experience the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival. I know now to avoid pouring at such events in the future. The wine and seafood got lost in the drunken crowd.
Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is in much need for a revamp. I could see why they wouldn't want to do such a thing, because the Newport Chamber of Commerce is making great money on $10-$20 admission attracting 17,000 people each year. But, for quality wineries to continue to participating and to be known as a seafood event, major repositioning will need to happen.
EDIT: It was brought to my attention that I did not discuss which wines I tasted and liked at the event. The first wine I tasted was the Hillcrest 2007 Orsatian Dry Riesling ($24) and it was my favorite white wine of the day. Its minerality and full body is a great choice for pairing with seafood. Hillcrest only sells their wines in their Roseburg tasting room and at the festivals they pour at so it was a good time to restock. My choice red from the event is a tie between the Misty Oaks 2007 Gobbler's Knob (red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Malbec) and Griffin Creek 2007 Merlot.
