For Bloom and Blush, organizers say there will be no limit on the number of people who can attend. They have arranged for 36 wine booths that will offer at least 100 wines, plus seven microbreweries that will pour 14 beers. Mid-Columbia charities and service organizations will do the pouring and serving of foods, ranging from smoked salmon to chocolates. The proceeds will go to charities, ranging from the Tri-Cities Cancer Center to Goodwill Industries. The wine and food booths will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 5 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 6.
Admission includes a wine glass.
The event is modeled after the hugely successful Newport, Ore., festival. While the Tri-City event can't hope to match Newport's seafood category, it won't take a back seat in the wine offerings, with the Pacific Northwest's best being served. For no extra charge Saturday, there will be fashion shows and speakers, including yours truly, talking at 1 p.m. on the history of wine. I promise to keep my talk brief so it won't get in the way of sampling of the wine, beer and food - three of my favorite things. Michelle and Caterina Winery.