The passion that event organizers Rusty Hoyle and Sherie Szubski have for their community is the secret weapon behind the popularity of The Craft Beer and Winefest of Vancouver. In its fourth year, this Washington State focused craft beverage festival continues to highlight a bounty of businesses and food options Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Esther Short Park.
Wine started it all back in 2013, but the rise of artisan brew houses cannot be denied and the scene is complemented with other craft beverages like spirits, mead and cider. In addition to being able to taste over 125 wines and 30 beers, attendees will enjoy a Washington craft Bourbon tasting room—showcasing six offerings including Battle Ground’s own Double V Distillery— and the return of last years’ debut event —Beers, Bloodys and Blues.
Set to run all day Sunday, Beers, Bloodys and Blues features a full day of blues musicians and one stellar signature drink. The Craft Beer and Winefest is so focused on the experience that a multitude of Bloody Mary recipes were tested, tweaked and perfected until a winner was chosen to showcase. Nothing but local ingredients and suppliers go into this spicy concoction sure to be the beverage to pair with some soulful Sunday tunes. Thrown into the mix at 2:30 p.m. is guest speaker Judy Bennett sharing 7 Ways Your Bloody Mary Can Make You A Hottie.
A total of 15 bands spread out over three days are slated to perform including Americana band, The Pearls, on Friday night and TLS Journey—the world’s only Filipino, female-fronted Journey tribute band—Saturday night. Hoyle said “It’s a warm, welcoming event where you can meet the makers, drink wine, eat good food and watch live music.”
Another notable change in 2016 is table seating located near several winery booths as well as the Bourbon tasting room and ever-popular Heathen Brewing fire truck— a 1956 GMC capable of dispensing seven different types of cold beer. Szubski added that people are still encouraged to “bring a lawn chair and stay a while.”
Putting people before profits is not just a tagline for The Craft Beer and Winefest. This year, in an effort to raise 10,000 pounds of food for Share House, bins will be set up at the entrance. Every bag of unexpired, nonperishable food can be traded for three tasting tickets. A portion of ticket proceeds will also go to the Evergreen School District. As in the past, IQ Credit Union will sponsor dog bowls throughout the park, making it a very dog-friendly event.
At $25 per person, general admission includes a commemorative glass, entrance, 10 tasting tickets and a weekend packed with live music. That’s right, make the wristband your bff for a few days, take good care of that souvenir glass and access throughout the weekend is another bonus.
Festival goers intending to make a day of it might consider purchasing a VIP ticket which bumps up the benefits to a meal voucher, table seating, an artisan cheese plate and 20 tasting tickets. A limited number of VIP tables, with seating for four, are also available.
“I love this festival. I love being there. People are smiling, having a good time and who doesn’t want to be a part of that?” Szubski said. Fest hours are Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm; Saturday noon to 10 pm and Sunday noon to 7 pm. For more information, visit Craft Brew and Winefest of Vancouver online.
