The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival returns in-person on February 24 – 27, 2022, produced by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and presented by Chinook Winds Casino Resort. This year’s theme is “Long Time No Sea.”
The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is requiring attendees to provide proof of a negative COVID test (within the week prior to the event) or proof of vaccination. The State of Oregon is also requiring the wearing of face coverings at indoor and outdoor public places where six feet of physical distancing is not possible. This requirement will be effective within the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival tents when not actively drinking or eating per the Oregon state guidelines. If guidelines change by the festival date, event guidelines will follow.
The Newport Chamber has made this policy in following with the protocol of other large events in Oregon. The choice to require a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination is intended to increase safety for community members in Newport, as well as the safety of attendees, volunteers, and staff. The Chamber is returning this festival in-person because of its benefits during the winter season when tourism is low. The economic impact of the event brings visitors to the community and supports local businesses during a time when they need it. A number of local non-profits also rely on the event each year to raise funds.
This year, the setup of the festival will be a little different, with a smaller tent setup and time slot tickets sold on Saturday to reduce the number of attendees in the event at one time. This new setup will also include food trucks and a center stage, where demonstrations and entertainment will be held throughout the weekend. Stage presentations will include:
A regional wine growers’ panel with a focus on the top varietals for each region
Blind wine tastings led by wine makers with tasting tips
Wine aging: barrel selections, how long and why
Chef demonstrations from local culinary experts
Cheese and wine pairings, seafood and wine pairings, and more
Another change coming to the event this year is a reduction of waste. The festival will be going “green” and require compostable items from vendors and provide waste sorting volunteers to reduce the amount of waste.
Tickets are now available online at www.seafoodandwine.com.
