Second annual Food and Wine Festival is a feast for all your senses
Sometimes more is better, like at the second annual COEUR D’ALENE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL, April 12-14.
The weekend kicks off Friday with three events: an evening dinner cruise with J. Lohr winery ($51.50); a wine tasting social with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail competition ($59), and a dress-to-impress wine dinner at Beverly’s featuring Doubleback Winery ($225).
On Saturday, salute the sunrise with mimosas and a breakfast bar, then settle in for morning yoga or join a guided nature hike of nearby Tubbs Hill ($49). Enhance your wine-tasting knowledge with afternoon activities, including two wine tasting panels ($35), followed by either a tasting session with Walla Walla winemaker Gilles Nicault of Long Shadows or cocktail class ($35).
Saturday offers four wine tasting luncheon options ($69) in four separate and equally lovely locations: Coeur d’Alene Cellars at Cedars Floating Restaurant, Barrister Winery at Beverly’s, Amavi Cellars at the Resort, or Townshend Cellars at the Floating Green Restaurant.
Art lovers will appreciate a new artist den and Idaho wine tasting event sponsored by the Idaho Wine Commission which pairs Idaho wine with regional artists ($10). Spend a casual afternoon on a self-guided wine walk through downtown Coeur d’Alene ($20/eight pours).
Conclude your evening with one of four wine pairing dinners, each one featuring a Walla Walla vintner in an intimate setting with exclusive access to the winemaker ($175).
Start Sunday with brunch at Dockside Restaurant (prices vary), followed by a sip and signing with special guest author, Debbie Macomber ($40 single/$60 couple). Later that afternoon, enjoy a range of regional wines as you watch local chef Chad White demonstrate the culinary artistry that helped earn him a spot on Bravo TV’s Top Chef ($49).
Of course the resort has festival packages, with overnight accommodations and the opportunity to customize your weekend experience (starting at $219).
Special Events
Community Dodgeball Tournament
APRIL 5
Join North Idaho College and the Human Rights Institute for an afternoon of games to celebrate the International Day of Sports for Peace with a community dodgeball tournament. Includes concessions, kids’ activities, vendors and more. Open to teams of six. 5-8 pm: North Idaho College.
Brew Party
APRIL 6
Learn more about these North Idaho breweries, Bombastic and Radio Brewing, and enjoy $2 pints of Radio beer on tap, with Bombastic bottles for sale as well. 2-7 pm, 11100 N. Airport Rd.
ArtWalk
APRIL 12
Every second Friday from April through December, stroll through beautiful downtown Coeur d’Alene and enjoy the many galleries representing locally and nationally acclaimed artists. Visit supporting galleries, shops, restaurants and businesses for this free, family friendly event. 5-8 pm. Go to visitcda.org to download a map.
