Oregon’s 8th Annual Zwickelmania Returns On February 13

PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 22, 2016) — What is Zwickelmania? Discover for yourself, and go behind the scenes at your favorite breweries, during Zwickelmania on Saturday, February 13th from 11a.m. to 4p.m.  It’s the one day every year when breweries throughout Oregon open their doors to beer novices and aficionados alike for this annual Presidents’ Day weekend tradition. This year, Valentine’s Day happens to fall on the same weekend, giving even more reason to celebrate. More than 120 breweries, both big and small, participate with meet-the-brewer events, tours and beer tastings.

Zwickelmania guests can also experience Oregon beers paired with another Oregon favorite — chocolate! For the first time, look for special chocolate pop-ups with members of the Portland Chocolate Mob at select breweries in the Portland metro area. The Oregon Brewers Guild is partnering with Christian DeBenedetti and Andrea Slonecker, the experts and authors behind the new cookbook, Beer Bites (Chronicle, 2015), to provide exclusive beer and chocolate pairing tip cards — available at participating breweries.

Oregon Brewers Guild executive director Brian Butenschoen says, “With more than 120 breweries open across nearly 30 cities, it is the best time to visit Oregon and check out your favorite brewery this Valentine’s Day Weekend.”

For those planning a special holiday weekend getaway, be sure to check out the Zwickelmania event page for participating breweries in one of Oregon’s seven brewing regions. The Oregon Brewers Guild lays out maps, brewery listings and itineraries that you can view online or print out for Bend, Eugene, the Portland metro area, Salem and Southern Oregon.

Last year, more than 32,500 people toured 115 participating breweries statewide and the Oregon Brewers Guild expects that number to increase in 2016 with many beer fans enjoying a long holiday weekend.

For more information, head to Oregoncraftbeer.org, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the hashtag #Zwickel16.

About The Oregon Brewers Guild
The Oregon Brewers Guild is Oregon’s non-profit trade association for the state’s independent breweries. The Guild, which receives no state funding, comprises 147 brewing companies, 117 associate or supplier members and more than 3,500 enthusiast members or S.N.O.B.s (Supporters of Native Oregon Beer). For more information, see http://oregoncraftbeer.org/.

About Zwickelmania
Zwickelmania, created by the Oregon Brewers Guild, celebrated its inaugural year in 2009. It takes its name from the zwickel, or sample port which mounts on the outside of fermentation or conditioning tanks and allows brewers to sample for quality assurance and control. Similarly, Zwickelmania offers a unique opportunity to taste beers where they were produced and interact with the brewers who created them.

About the Portland Chocolate Mob
The Portland Chocolate Mob is a passionate group of Chocolate Makers and Chocolatiers on a collective mission to share quality chocolate with the world. They are excited to work with local brewers to spread cocoa awareness and celebrate their love for chocolate. To learn more, check out http://portlandchocolatemob.com/.