Wine Country Picnic at Brooks; Chenin Blanc Fest

PICNIC AT BROOKS — Saturday, June 6, soak up the glorious sun with a picnic in the wine country without having to lift a finger. Portland food writers Jen Stevenson, Marnie Hanel and Andrea Slonecker, authors of the brand-new cookbook "The Picnic Book" (Artisan Books), have partnered with Brooks Winery to create fully loaded picnic baskets that will be ready and waiting when you arrive, anytime between noon and 4 p.m. Just shoot the winery an email to reserve your basket, which will be filled with locally produced salumi, cheese, crackers, olives, chocolates, hazelnuts and honey, plus a signed copy of cookbook and "some special Brooks surprises." There will be lawn games, gorgeous views and wine, of course. In fact, with each basket purchased ($60) you'll get 30% off any bottle of Brooks wine. To reserve a basket, email Jess@brookswine.com

CHENIN DAY — On Friday, June 12, winemakers, restaurants, and wine bars around the country are celebrating the versatile chenin blanc grape with ##DrinkChenin Day. And Tom and Kate Monroe of Division Winemaking and SE Wine Collective are getting in on the action with a "Chenin Takeover" from 4 to 7 p.m. at their winebar off SE Division. They'll help you dive deep into this food-friendly wine with a selection of  more than 15 domestic and French chenin blancs available by the taste, half-glass, or glass. The Heathman, Le Pigeon and Little Bird Bistro are all offering special chenin blancs by the glass that day, too.

BARREL TOURS — The South Willamette Wineries Association is kicking off three weekends of special barrel tours starting this weekend. On Saturday June 6, it's the "Urban Route," with Eugene Wine Cellars, Capitello Wines, J. Scott, Oregon Wine Lab and more. June 13 it's the "Northern Barrel Tour" with wineries like Pfeiffer Vineyards, and Brigadoon. The "Southern Route" is June 20. At each winery you get three wines paired with three appetizers. Tickets cost $60. Get yours, plus a full list of participating wineries here.