Outlook Inn to Hold Willamette Pinot Wine Camp

Saturday, March 10 at the Outlook Inn

By Martha Farish

Fun, food, wine and wellness will come together in a half-day combined educational course and sumptuous dinner called the “Willamette Pinot Wine Camp” at the Outlook Inn on Orcas Island on Saturday March 10.

We thought combining learning, great wine and food would make for a perfect get-away, early spring, afternoon and evening on Orcas Island” says Outlook owner and CEO Sara Farish. “My husband Adam, our New Leaf Café Chef Steve Debaste and some of our good friends with wineries in the Willamette Valley put our heads together and have come up with what we’re calling Outlook University’s “Pinot Camp.”

On Saturday afternoon “school” begins with a seminar featuring Winemaker Dave Paige of Adelshiem Winery, Raptor Ridge Winery owners Annie and Scott Schull, and Coeur de Terre Vineyard owner Scott Neal, offering sampling and commentary on 12 different wines. All wines have been selected to illustrate aspects of wine making and the wine experience that have brought recognition and fame to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. New Leaf Café executive chef Steve Debaste and banquet chef Madden Surbaugh have been collaborating with the vintners to create “tasty bites” that will serve to smooth, refresh and enliven the palette between tastings. The seminar is $30 per person including tax and gratuity.

Later Saturday evening participants will gather at 6:30 p.m. in The Victorian Room of the Outlook Inn to  “study” and enjoy a sumptuous, 5 course dinner prepared by Chefs Debaste and Madden. This time the vintners take the supporting role working to pair every course with a wine choice that supports and intensifies the quality in the meal. The dinner is $120 per person and includes tax and gratuity.

“Reservations are a must; the dress code is casual” says Farish. “We want everyone, professionals, wine enthusiasts and foodies to share information freely, enjoy each others company and have fun in the relaxed and beautiful setting that is Orcas Island.” Overnight room rates at the Outlook Inn have been deeply discounted for seminar and dinner participants to encourage walking to bed after a full day “at the university”.  For more information and reservations please call 360-376-2200; email: sara@outlookinn.com.