Alba Alba: A Celebration of Oregon Albacore & Albariño
Saturday, August 1 - Sunday, June 2, 2026 McMinnville + Newport, Oregon
Named for the first four letters of Albacore and Albariño, Alba Alba is a first of its kind festival dedicated to the pairing of Oregon-caught Albacore tuna and Albariño wine. With its bright acidity, citrus notes, and coastal character, Albariño is a natural match for delicate, buttery Oregon Albacore. Across two days, guests will enjoy exceptional food and wine, meet fishermen and winemakers, and discover why these two belong together.
Events
Alba Alba: La Gran Tasting
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 5-8pm - Mac Market, McMinnville
On Saturday, Alba-Alba: La Gran Tasting brings together 14 Albariño producers from Oregon, Washington, California, Spain, Portugal, and Japan for an afternoon celebrating one of the world's most seafood-friendly wines alongside Oregon's iconic Albacore tuna fishery.
Guests will have the opportunity to taste a diverse range of Albariños from across the globe, meet the winemakers behind the bottles, and discover how regional differences, climate, and winemaking styles shape this vibrant coastal grape. Whether you're a longtime Albariño enthusiast or tasting it for the first time, La Gran Tasting offers a rare chance to explore the variety side by side in a relaxed and approachable setting.
Oregon Albacore takes center stage throughout the event. Representatives from the Oregon Albacore Commission and local fishermen will be on hand to share stories from the fishery, answer questions, and offer insight into the sustainable practices that have made Oregon-caught Albacore one of the West Coast's most celebrated seafoods.
Chef Jeff Kim of Aji Fish Butchery will serve a featured Oregon Albacore bite available for purchase, while Mac Market favorites Alea Bakery and Honeypie offer additional food options throughout the afternoon. Guests are encouraged to grab a glass of wine, explore the market, and build their own pairings while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Mac Market.
At 5pm, Chef Jeff Kim of Aji Fish Butchery will present a free live demonstration showcasing Japanese fish butchery techniques and the art of breaking down dry-aged Oregon Albacore. This unique presentation offers a closer look at the craftsmanship, care, and culinary potential of one of Oregon's most prized catches.
Casual, welcoming, and designed for curious food and wine lovers, Alba Alba: La Gran Tasting is an invitation to discover why Albariño and Oregon Albacore may just be the pairing of the summer.
Winter Waters Presents: a Tuna-tastic Field Trip
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 12-4pm - Newport, Oregon
On Sunday, continue the Alba Alba experience with a small-group field trip to Newport, Oregon, led by Rachelle Hacmac of Winter Waters and representatives from the Oregon Albacore Commission. Limited to just 15 participants, this immersive day offers a behind-the-scenes look at Oregon's working waterfront .
Guests will have the opportunity to walk the docks, meet local fishermen, and learn firsthand about Oregon's sustainable Albacore fishery during the height of the season. Watch fish cutting demonstrations, hear stories from the fleet, and gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship, knowledge, and dedication behind this fishery.
One of the highlights of the day is the opportunity to purchase fresh Oregon Albacore directly from fishermen. Bring a cooler to take home tuna loins for your freezer, or stock up on canned Oregon Albacore that can easily travel home in your luggage. It's a rare chance to buy directly from the source while supporting the fishing families who make the fishery possible.
The day also includes lunch at Local Ocean Seafoods, one of the nation's most celebrated seafood restaurants and markets. Known for its commitment to traceability, local sourcing, and innovative whole-fish utilization, Local Ocean offers the perfect setting to continue exploring the flavors and stories of Oregon seafood.
Guests are also welcome to arrive early for an optional morning beach walk and low tide exploration along the Oregon coast before the waterfront activities begin.
Part educational tour, part seafood adventure, and part coastal road trip, the Newport Field Trip is designed for curious eaters, seafood lovers, and anyone eager to experience Oregon's Albacore fishery up close.
$85 per person, including lunch. Transportation is not provided. Guests are encouraged to carpool. Newport is approximately two hours from the Willamette Valley.
