If you’ve got the winter blues and are dreaming about a getaway that offers fine wines, elegant food and a complete change of scenery, the 2016 Savor Cannon Beach Wine & Culinary Festival from March 10-13 might be just the ticket — and it doesn’t even require a passport.

Focusing on Northwest wines and regional cuisine, the Savor Cannon Beach festival at the beautiful Oregon Coast includes nine events with specific themes combining wine tasting and educational programs. Local restaurants, galleries and shops also host related tastings, dinners and cultural events.

The Thursday Night Throwdown kicks off the festival in fighting form, offering attendees the chance to compare 12 wines of six different varietals — one from Oregon and Washington in each category. In this head-to-head battle, attendees choose their favorites in each varietal and determine which state will come out on top. Light bites from local chefs and restaurants are also served.

The festival moves into high gear on Friday with five events. The Winemaker’s Table is like speed dating for wine lovers, where they taste and learn about special reserve or library wines in a small table setting, then move on to the next winery at the sound of a bell. Two sessions of this event are offered.

Wine Paths Less Traveled educates participants about the unique characteristics of some lesser-known Northwest wine varieties, from classic Italian reds to whites with roots in France’s Rhone valley.

Eight red and white wine blends representing the wine regions of the Northwest are highlighted in the Battle of the Blends on Friday evening, with attendees voting for their favorite. The competition doesn’t end there, with local chefs being challenged to create a bite for the event that participants can also vote on.

The final event on Friday is a casual wine, cheese and art walk with several local galleries each hosting a Northwest winery and showcasing a regional cheesemaker.

Saturday starts off with Serious about Syrah. Hosted by syndicated wine writer Andy Perdue, participants will compare a classic French Syrah from the Rhone Valley to six of the Northwest’s best Syrahs.

Saturday afternoon offers the Wine Walk, with around 40 Northwest wineries pouring tastings at locations throughout Cannon Beach’s art galleries, shops, restaurants and hotels.

The festival wraps up on Sunday with the Gold Medal Wine Brunch. Attendees will sample six gold medal-winning wines from the 2016 SavorNW wine awards (which are announced at the event), and enjoy brunch bites from several Cannon Beach restaurants and bakeries.

Each event at the Savor Cannon Beach Wine & Culinary Festival is ticketed separately and costs $40 per person. Advance purchase is recommended since many events are limited in size and have sold out in previous years. Events are hosted at various venues throughout Cannon Beach and several hotels offer festival lodging packages.

Contact: www.savorcannonbeach.com or 503-717-1122.

— Reporter: 541-383-0350, khimstreet@bendbulletin.com