Take your weekend south for the sips and savors of the Northwest.

Nearly 25,000 people “like” Portland on Facebook. The Washington Wine Commission is one of them. The state’s fearless wine leader is proving its keenness by hosting its annual food and wine experience, Taste Washington, for its first year in the city of roses with Taste Washington Portland.

The event, which took place in Seattle for its 14th year in late March, will put more than 100 Washington wineries on display alongside a dozen of Portland’s favorite fare. Held within the walls of Pure Space, a roomy 10,000 square foot venue in the Pearl District, Taste Washington will take the title as the largest wine tasting event in the city.

“We are excited to offer the city of Portland a new and unique opportunity to taste the great wines of Washington State,” said Robin Pollard, Executive Director of the commission. “Our wineries are excited for our first event [there] and look forward to showing off the diversity of Washington State wines.”

From 4pm to 7pm on Sunday, May 1^st, tasters get the opportunity for one-on-one conversations with winemakers, chefs and winery professionals, at the same time as sampling their latest releases and hottest dishes.

As an ideal justification for a weekend getaway, Taste Washington Portland can take away Seattleites’ woes of tax season and stale spring fever with only a three-hour drive and an escape that won’t cause more moths to come flapping out of empty pockets.

With rooms as low as $129 per night at the downtown host Hotel Lucia and a ticket to the event for $55, Taste Washington Portland style is just what the doctor ordered.

Tickets to the Taste offer attendees unlimited access to the food and wines of the Northwest. The event will also feature dessert, coffee bars and chances to win prizes while hub-nubbing with the biggest names in the industry.

As one of the most eclectic and renowned culinary cities in the nation, Portland seems like a perfect pairing for Washington State wines. Visit TravelPortland.com to fill your itinerary around the event and check out the style and comfort of the Hotel Lucia. Mention Tasting Washington for the discounted rates!

Leave behind your worries and stress this weekend by taking the 175 mile tour south to be there for the inaugural kickoff for Taste Washington Portland. Support Washington State wines and partake in the perks of Portland!

Tickets for Taste Washington Portland are available through Brown Paper Tickets.