Livin' in the Blurbs: InFarmation and Wine

With the goal of supporting Oregon's family farmers and promoting socially responsible agriculture, Friends of Family Farmers was started in 2005. This last year they began a database of Oregon farmers at iFarm Oregon, and what they're calling a Facebook for farmers to provide social networking opportunities for farmers around the state. In Portland they've been holding InFARMation meetings for farmers and those interested in becoming farmers, as well as for food advocates and the general public, and presenting speakers who address issues and answer questions about family farming. The next meeting features third generation dairy farmer Jon Bansen of Double J Jersey farm in Monmouth, so plan to drop by!

Details: InFARMation (and Beer!) with Dairyman Jon Bansen of Double J Jersey Farm. Tues., April 14, 5:30-6:30 reception, 6:30-8:00 speaker; free with no-host food and drink. Roots Organic Brewing, 1520 SE 7th Ave. 503-759-3276.

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It's all about spring this month at Castagna. They're celebrating the return of tender green things with a series of Thursday Night Flights featuring favorite lesser-known wine regions, with a focus on small organic and biodynamic winemakers who apply modern methods to traditional grape varieties. They'll pair each of them with a dish highlighting their region’s ingredients and culinary traditions for a memorable four-course meal. The schedule so far looks like this:

• April 9: Wines of France's Loire Valley
• April 16: Wines of France's Jura region

Details: Thursday Night Flights at Castagna. Four course meal with a flight of three wines, $45. Also available a la carte. Castagna Restaurant, 1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd. at the corner of 18th. 503-231-7373.

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And speaking of spring and the avalanche of fresh produce that is about to come our way, you can help provide health care for the workers who harvest this bounty and get a gift for yourself or a friend by buying a copy of Oregon: The Taste of Wine by photographer Janis Miglavs. The book, a great behind-the-scenes look at wine and the people of the vineyards, was sponsored by Willamette Valley Vineyards and the proceeds go toward ¡Salud!, an organization that provides health care to Oregon's seasonal workers.

Details: Click Oregon: The Taste of Wine to order your copy!