What’s Bastille Day without wine?
Fortunately you don’t have to find out since WillaKenzie Estate is celebrating all weekend long. On Saturday, July 14, the actual holiday, Portlanders can partake in the free festivities at Director Park in downtown Portland. With over 8000 participants expected this year, Bastille en ville (Bastille in the city) is the largest Bastille Day celebration on the West Coast.
Portland’s top chefs will be cooking up their favorite French dishes and WillaKenzie plans to pour their newly released Pinot noir wines. Local restaurants Brasserie Montmartre & Allium Bistro, together with Heathman Restaurant, St. Honore Bakery, C’est Si Bon, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Fratelli & Cocotte are all offering delicious delicacies.
Other Willamette Valley wineries; including Van Duzer Vineyards, Stoller Vineyards, Troon Vineyard and Cana’s Feast Winery, will fill the wine garden with both cool climate Burgundian and warmer climate Bordeaux varietals. Domaine Chandon and St. Germain will be making a refreshing sparkling sipper alongside Oregon-based Pfriem Family Brewers beer, Hardy Cognac and Lillet.
Kids will enjoy the many fun activities planned and live French music performed on the nearby stage. Francophiles should not miss the huge book sale hosted by Alliance Française nor the many French imports and other crafts offered by vendors. The 8th Annual Portland Waiters Race is always a crowd-pleaser as spectators watch some of the city’s best waiters balance trays while wearing traditional Parisian attire as they compete for prizes.
Where: Director Park, downtown Portland
Map to Director Park
When: Saturday, July 14 from 12-6pm
Cost: Free
The party continues on Sunday, July 15 at the WillaKenzie Estate vineyard’s Bastille au vignoble (Bastille in the wine country.) Just 40 miles from Portland, the day in the vineyard is $30, an all-inclusive per person price. Wine tasting, live music and food prepared by Brasserie Montmartre & Allium Bistro owner and chef Pascual Chureau. The admission fee is refundable with a purchase of 3 bottles of WillaKenzie wine.
The food menu includes BBQ pork 2 ways; grilled sausages and pork confit sliders, coleslaw, pasta salad, French fries, grilled corn on the cob and grilled seasonal vegetables. Cotton candy and a sundae bar where you can build your own dessert are sure to finish off a wonderful meal. The drink menu features the latest vintages of WillaKenzie wines, including the grand release of their Blanc de Pinots as well as their specialty cocktail, made with St. Germain, called the “guillotine” and Veuve Clicquot French champagne.
Participants can enjoy a friendly game of Petanque (similar to bocce ball) while listening to the French-themed live music. Hayrides, tours through the sensory garden and other French activities will entertain the entire family.
Where: WillaKenzie Estate
Map to WillaKenzie Estate
When: Sunday, July 15 from 11am-5pm
Cost: $30 per person
Buy Tickets Here for Bastille au vignoble (Bastille at the vineyard) before it sells out
Viva la France! Kick up your heels and join the Bastille Day celebrations all weekend long, one day in downtown Portland and the next at WillaKenzie Estate’s vineyard in Yamhill. Both days are sure to make anyone feel French as they soak up the culture, music, food and wines. A votre santé!