Wine, Chowder and Glass Floats on Central Oregon Coast with Sprawling Florence Festival

Published 01/23/25 at 6:46 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Get ready for a romantic and tasty ride through the central Oregon coast town of Florence, with a hefty side of coveted glass float finding thrown in. President’s Day Weekend in Florence heralds the Florence Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trails Weekend, on February 14 to 17. (Photo Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

There is much that is new this time around, most prominently that the whole kit 'n caboodle of the wine part is now two days, making for 72 hours of of vino, exploration, seafood and glass floats.

Here's a day-by-day look at what’s in store for this destination weekend event:

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – Discover Exquisite Glass Floats

Embark on a true Florence adventure, starting off by seeking out stunning hand-blown glass floats hidden throughout local businesses on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each discovery earns you an entry ticket for a chance to win one of over 30 glass floats during the Sunday afternoon drawing.

Saturday and Sunday – Indulge in the Region’s Finest Wines

Indulge in exceptional wines from more than ten locations on Saturday and Sunday, tasting the rich flavors from the region’s top wineries. Dionysus ain't got nothin' on Florence this weekend.

Sunday Afternoon – Be the Chowder Judge

On Sunday afternoon, sample delectable chowders from local restaurants and cast your vote for the best one! It’s a delightful way to wrap up the weekend. Be present for your chance to win one of over 30 gorgeous, locally crafted, hand-blown glass floats.

Plan Your Weekend Now – Tickets and Lodging Options Available Online

Secure your pre-sale tickets at WineAndChowderTrail.com and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of wine, chowder, art, and fun in this dune-covered part of the south Oregon coast. For lodging options, visit FlorenceChamber.com/lodging.

“Historically, the rains pretty much hold off during the event,” said Bettina Hannigan, president/CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. “We intentionally tell people that the weather in Florence is usually a little better than meteorologists say it will be and remind them that ‘there is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices.’ People are prepared and eager to get out and find their favorite new wines, chowders, and those beautiful glass floats.”

Hannigan noted that last year, over 750 people registered for the Wine Trail portion of the event, with most attendees coming from outside the Florence area. Overall, organizers estimated that more than 1,000 participants took part in the three combined trails.

Hannigan reports that last year, more than 750 people registered for the Wine Trail portion of the event, most of whom came from outside the Florence area. In all, organizers estimated that more than 1000 participated in the three combined trails.

Courtesy Florence Chamber

She said she bumped into visitors from Florida, Pennsylvania, and several other faraway places, and watched excited kids helping to find glass floats.

“I reconnected with a couple who discovered the event by driving through town a few years ago and decided to check it out. They’ve been back every year since,” said Hannigan.

On top of this, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) will host their annual A Taste of Art and Wine Festival and Juried Art Show at the Florence Events Center (715 Quince St., walking distance from Historic Old Town) on Saturday, February 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can shop and meet the artists while sampling wines from several wineries and enjoying local works of art and fine craftsmanship.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - - Where to eat - - Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted