In the Skagit Valley the warm, sunny spring days entice green tulip to sprout from the ground and within days a colorful array of vibrant reds, deep purples, brilliant yellows, jazzy oranges and delicate pinks dazzle they eye. The Skagit Tulip Festival honors this flowering event the entire month of April, marking its 30th year.
Visitors come from all over the United States and the world to see the tulips in bloom. There are plenty of ways to take in the 100's of acres of colorful fields. Visitors can drive, take tours and participate in a plethora of activities and events.
The event getting lots of attention is the fifth annual Spring Wine Festival on April 13th, from 12-4:30 pm at the Port's Transit Shed warehouse at the foot of Commercial Ave.
At the festival guests smell the bouquet and note the colors of another kind, wine. Reds, whites, blends, all wait to be sampled from 30 knowledgeable wineries that love to share their affinity for the glorious grape. The range of flavors and varieties will peak any palate with hints of vanilla, spice, tobacco, or the delightful flavor of floral, butter and berry. Taste and mark down the finishes that grab you. Then, buy a bottle or a case at a special discounted price for attendees.
Between tastings sway to the upbeat and mellow guitar artist Joachim Nordensson whose eclectic style and meaningful lyrics embody a skilled third generation musician. In 2012, Nordensson's track "When I Say" was nominated for Best Male Artist at the 8th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards. Between guitar strums and wine samples, nibble savory bites from Le Crema Cakes, Frida's Gourmet Mexican Cuisine, Gere-a-deli, Dad's Diner, 13 Moons and 5th Street Bistro. Anacortes restaurants match flavors and spices for wine.
The weekend doesn't have to end there. Afterward, waltz through historic downtown Anacortes, peruse shops, enjoy the majestic views and top off the day dining in one of our many fine restaurants and pubs. Want to learn more about Washington wines? Local restaurants are featuring wine events. On Friday, April 12, The Nantucket Inn is hosting an appetizers and wine pairing with Michael Florentino. On Sunday, April 14, Adrift is hosting an intimate winemaker dinner with a four-course meal paired with Chinnok Wines. Then, wrap up the evening relaxing at one of our many hotels.
Tickets can be purchased at the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce or Brown Paper Tickets.
- $40 Advanced wine-venture tickets includes: Wine tasting, keepsake glass, food tastes and entertainment
- $20 Advanced designated driver ticket includes: Food and entertainment
- $45/$25 Can't decide tickets: At the door
Featured festival wines may also be purchased at these locations: Michael Florentino wines at The Store, Finnriver Cidery at RockfishGrill/H2O, Chinnok Yakima Valley Wines at Adrift and Whidbey Island Winery at 13 Moons.