Thursday Tidbits
Labor Day weekend is here, and we have a lot to share! The Gorge is buzzing with celebrations, fresh releases, peak-season produce, and plenty of food and drink specials to savor. Enjoy!
🍇 Wine & Harvest Happenings
COR Cellars will host its Harvest Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 13, with Sebastiano’s serving up decadent sandwiches to pair with COR’s fall releases. 151 Old Hwy 8, Lyle, WA.
Double Strand Wine just released its very first Cabernet Franc! Find it at the Tasting House or online. 953 Quartz Dr, Mosier.
Domaine Pouillon is pouring new wines for club members this weekend—and non-members are welcome too! Visit their downtown Lyle tasting room at 34 State Street. Hours: Thurs & Sun 11–6, Fri & Sat 11–8.
Syncline Winery is celebrating Labor Day weekend (Sat–Sun, 12–6) with an Open House featuring summer releases poured alongside food from Chef Kelly Alexander: Pork Belly Banh Mi and decadent Lobster Rolls. 111 Balch Rd, Lyle, WA.
The Pines 1852: Labor Day weekend wine sale runs Aug. 28 – Sept. 1. Plus, their Harvest Party at the Pines Estate is set for Saturday, Sept. 13 (4–8 PM) featuring tri-tip hot off the famous Darrell Barrel grill, sides from Cherry City Catering, and Linda’s legendary sweet treats. Call for deets: 541-993-8301
Aniche Cellars is releasing Hecate's Key Estate Grüner Veltliner Triptych this Sat–Mon. Explore three Wachau-style whites with a special flight highlighting pick times and winemaking practices. 71 Little Buck Creek Rd, Underwood, WA
🍕 Foodie Finds
Where to get heirloom tomatoes on pizza: Double Mountain (Downtown Hood River) & Solstice Pizza (Hood River Waterfront).
Solstice also has new Jell-O shots for Labor Day Weekend!
Brigham Fish Market has added Grilled Halibut Tacos: three tacos with cabbage-onion-cilantro mix, spicy lime cilantro sauce, chips & salsa. Cascade Lock, OR.
Grasslands Barbecue: This Friday marks their last Friday service of the year! Back to Sat & Sun only after that. Expect the full menu plus prime hanger steaks (cold-smoked and finished over coals). Hood River waterfront. (See events below for more.)
Feast Market is serving a burrata and grilled peaches special. 151 E Jewett Blvd, White Salmon, WA.
B’s Sweets Peach Caprese Focaccia! Find it and other baked goodies at the Hood River Farmer’s Market, Sat 9-1, 501 Columbia Street, Hood River.
Riverside Hood River is serving Sleeping Beauty Alfredo: fresh linguine with Cascadia Creamery’s Sleeping Beauty cheese, butter, and chili flakes. At the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn.
🍑 Peak Produce
Packer Orchards: Peak peach season—get them fresh now! Plus, Dill Pickle Kettle Corn! It’s Pickle Palooza all weekend. 3020 Thomsen Rd, Hood River.
Draper Girls: U-pick nectarines are ready—and plenty picked for you! 6200 HWY 35, Hood River.
The Fruit Company: Sweet and juicy Starkrimson pears are now available. 2900 Van Horn Drive, Hood River.
🍻 Brews & Ciders
pFriem Family Brewers just tapped their first Fresh Hop of the season: Fresh Hop Pale with Centennial hops. Flavor notes: rainbow sherbet, ripe mango, watermelon (5.4%, 35 IBU). 707 Portway Ave. Hood River.
Kings & Daughters released Form & Function Rustic Lager, brewed in collaboration with Otherlands Beer—a nod to their soon-to-open pub, The Walled Garden.
Ferment Brewery is keeping it cool with frozen cocktails: 🍒 Frozen Cherry Limeade Mule (vodka, cherry, lemon-lime soda, ginger beer, mint). 🍓 Frosé (rosé, strawberries, lemon). Plus: Queen of Persica Peach Sour Ale is back on draft and in 16oz cans. 403 Portway Ave, Hood River.
🎉 Events to Note
Grasslands Barbecue Swamplands – Saturday, Sept. 6 (12–5 PM), Hood River waterfront. All-Cajun menu plus a live zydeco band.
pFriemtoberfest – (Also with Grasslands Barbecue) Saturday, Sept. 20 (2–7 PM), Hood River waterfront.
Evoke Winery Hood River Tasting Room has moved into its new home: The Barrel Room, 1227 Industrial Loop. W-TH-Sun 12-6, F&S 12-8.
