Coos Bay, OR – The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) at Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to our inaugural Oregon Coast Food & Wine Celebration. This is a new community event bringing together exceptional wineries, artisan vendors, and supporters of the culinary arts from across Oregon. This warm and vibrant gathering will take place on July 18th, 2026, at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 1988 Newmark, Ave., Coos Bay, inside the beautiful Umpqua Hall Health & Science Building from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
This year’s celebration holds special significance. We are honoring the memory of our cherished colleague, Chef Instructor Laura Williams, who passed away last year. Laura was passionate about food, wine, and teaching, and it’s fitting to create an event that brings those passions together. In her honor, this inaugural celebration will serve as a fundraiser to establish a scholarship in Laura’s name, awarded annually to a student attending the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. Our hope is to continue this event in the future – growing it into a beloved annual tradition that draws guests from up and down the coast.
This is a ticketed event, with each patron receiving sampling tokens upon entry. Guests may use these tokens for food or wine tastings with the option to purchase additional tokens. All proceeds from ticket and token sales will contribute directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship. Live music, artisan vendors, and a curated selection of Oregon wineries will help create a lively, welcoming atmosphere for attendees to enjoy.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase wine (bottles or cases) directly from participating wineries. A silent auction will offer exciting experiences, fun gifts, and coastal treats going to the highest bidder.
If attendees desire to contribute directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship there will be a drop box at the event to leave a donation, or they may donate online.
A huge thank you to our major sponsors for making this inaugural event possible: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bradford McKeown (Financial Advisor for Morgan Stanley), Ko-Kwel Casino Resort, Rogue Credit Union, and Three Rivers Casino Resort.
TICKETS & EVENT DETAILS:
- Date/Time: Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Location: SWOCC Coos Campus, Umpqua Hall (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay)
- Tickets: $35 per person in advance. $40 at the door. With this entry fee, you will receive 3 wine tokens and 2 food tokens for tastings. Click button below to purchase!
- 21 and older only
- Service Animals only
- Purchase tickets in advance!
PARTICIPATING WINERIES:
- Abacela
- Melrose
- Eola
- Whitetail Ridge
- J Scott
- Richwine
GUEST CHEFS:
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Alfonzo Mendoza, Senior Operations Manager, Culinary Factor
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Maddie Sharp, Chef Instructor, Riverview Christian School
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Rob Chester, Executive Chef, Kismet Landing
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Edalyn Garcia, Executive Sous Chef, The Village Pub, Woodside
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Bryan Elam, Executive Chef, Ko-Kwel Resort Casino
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Robert Mumford, Plank House Chef, Ko-Kwel Resort Casino
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Chelsea Gaudette, Chef Owner
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OCCI Bake Shop
LIVE MUSIC:
- Dace Gregory is a cellist who has performed as a soloist throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe. Born in Riga, Latvia and educated at the Moscow Conservatory, she is known for expressive performances that bring depth and emotion to every piece. She now lives in Langlois on Oregon’s South Coast.
- Uncorked Duo, featuring Douglas Jones and Candace Kreitlow, brings together seasoned multi-instrumentalists and vocalists for an eclectic mix of Americana, pop, blues, Celtic, light jazz, and more. Their easy-listening style features Celtic harp, keyboard, guitars, and dulcimer, creating the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of food, wine, and community.
DONATE TO LAURA WILLIAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
If you wish to donate directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship please click below:
Donate to Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship
VENDOR APPLICATION:
To participate as a vendor, please complete the below form.
Vendor Application Form
For more information or if you have other specific questions regarding the event, please contact Lena Chester at 541-888-7309 or lena.chester@socc.edu.
For information about the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI), visit: www.socc.edu/occi