As a fan of Tournant, I was beyond enamored of the announcement of their Full Moon Dinner Series for this year. For these dinner experiences, they would bring together “nature, food, art and ceremony as the full moon rises over Oregon’s wine country”. The series selected four full moons to celebrate: the pink moon in April, strawberry moon in June, sturgeon moon in August, and harvest moon in September. The pink moon in April was the one that resonated with me, and I attended the inaugural dinner of the series, the pink moon dinner on April 16.
Tournant is well known for their partnership with fisherman (particularly for signature fresh shucking of oysters by for you), farmers, foragers, and combining peak seasonal ingredients with open fire cooking over an outdoor fire pit. I’ve enjoyed every multi-course feast they have prepared over the years and many meals, never been disappointed, and frequently wonder at how they keep coming up with new recipes and ideas to highlight ingredients time and time again. So the fact they don’t announce the exact location of the dinner until closer to the event didn’t bother me at all – note that the dinner settings will vary. For the Pink Moon Dinner, about a week before the dinner they announced in email to those with tickets the venue would be at Dominio IV in Carlton, inside their historic and renovated red barn.
We were warned ahead of time to dress warmly as historic barn is not insulated, as well as bring proof of vaccination. I know Tournant has set up their long dinner tables totally open in the elements before – in fields, in the woods, along the sands of the ocean or rocks of a river, even on the snow directly – breathtakingly beautiful events every one (you should look at the photos in the link). But still I was just grateful there would be cover in case there were April showers, and cold winds since literally earlier in the week Portland area had been experiencing snow and random hailstorms.
Reception
After a 6pm check-in we enjoyed a reception for the first 45 minutes. Fresh Hama Hama oysters were being shucked expertly while a board of crudites, grilled pink flatbread, and smoked mussels in tins were available to whet the appetite. Some of the tables offered hazelnuts and olives. Halfway through the reception adorable mini mugs of creamy borscht echoed the pink moon theme again with the pink cherry blossoms.
Emily Mistell of Hey Love was welcoming us all with the cocktail Paschal Collins crafted using Westward American Single Malt infused with rose and Genmaicha, Meyer Lemon, Raspberry, Bianco Vermouth, Bubbly Water. What a delightful drink visually and so refreshing and light. 
Another bar area hosted tastings with partner Westward Whiskey portfolio of American Single Malt, Stout Cask, Pinot Noir Cask and Cask Strength, and the special edition with Domino IV Tempranillo barrel. This latter was a suggested pairing with a fresh oyster, so I had to take the recommendation, naturally. Westward is one of the main partners for the full moon dinner series, so there’s more whiskey to come.
In the back of the barn an open outdoor kitchen was created using wooden planks and a fire pit and open grill – keep in mind as you see the courses to come that it was all prepared out here. Tournant always has the best kitchen views.
We were all given a warm welcome by Jaret and Mona, the proprietors of Tournant, included how this full moon dinner series had been initially planned but then rudely interrupted by the pandemic. For them now to see it realized now in 2022 was so heartwarming to be able to do what they love, feeding people and featuring their land and sea partners. Jaret and Mona met working the Portland Farmers Market, and shared their first kiss under the full moon, and also were celebrating their 6 year anniversary of Tournant this same weekend. All the happiness!
We also were welcomed (left to right) by owner/winemaker for Domino IV Patrick Reuter, who told us incredible history of the barn previously such as a dance hall where ladies would have 2 outfits – the initial one for the evening and then a second for when things really got down into the late night/early morning! Bringing some pink sparkling for the evening and taking the baton for the next moon dinner is Soter Vineyards winemaker Chris Fladwood. Westward Whiskey master distiller Christian Krogstad, who many of us already had chatted with during the whiskey tasting, is similarly excited to see us see the creative ways to highlight whiskey with the Pink Moon Dinner.
The cherry blossom decor
The grand reveal of the dining room upstairs as we ascended the cherry-trunk stairs (wood sourced right from these grounds) to the hayloft of the 100 years old barn was like something out of a fairytale. Boughs of cherry blossoms along the wall and sprigs on the table, and a dramatic hay claw held a light fixture above us. I sat near the side where three square windows let us peek down into the open kitchen below. The floral decor for this event was designed by floral design studio Flora Kultur PDX and event space design by Great Jones NW.
Dinner
The multi course Pink Moon dinner started with a Full moon blini, smoked trout, crème fraiche, roe. Paired with Soter Vineyards 2017 Brut Rosé, which comes from their Mineral Springs Ranch, and is certified organic biodynamic. A perfect bite to start the evening and sparkling start! 
Next were the greens. Pink appeared again with a Wild salad, pink and pickled things, salted plum vinaigrette, flowers: the first of the next three courses to be served family style. This also came with Grilled toast topped with fresh cheese, spring vegetable riot, and Cobram Estate first harvest olive oil drizzled freely. I love the way it was called a spring vegetable riot, and the olive oil was also offered at the table for additional drizzling on the salad or bread. Both of these were paired with Dominio IV 2021 “Inverse” Viognier/Syrah, where they start with a Viognier base and add Syrah to co-ferment for a short period of time (I think it might have been 6 hours?) to add just the highlight of flavors and color.
Fish was next with Krogstad Aquavit cured arctic char, white asparagus, nettle walnut purée, pickled ramp raita paired with Dominio IV 2017 “Rain on Leaves” Pinot Noir. The smoked artic char was just so tender it barely needed the sauce – but I also really dug the raita providing a creamy coolness.
Moon is cheese? was a precious presentation of crescent moon shaped crackers with cheese. A cocktail pairing came with this dessert, called Are You The One?. The drink was concocted with Westward Pinot Noir Cask Finish, Apple, Palo Cortado Sherry, Chinato Vermouth, Apricot, and garnished with a Fried Green Almond.
A surprise musical performance of Pink Moon and Jolene by the gorgeous voice of Leigh Jones @shmeebones who performs as Eugenia Riot and accompanied by Banjo Pilgrim Austin _quattlebaum took the full moon celebration just over the top incredible.
Rhubarb moon pie with ruby chocolate were the last of this multicourse dinner, passed out along with thoughtfully, little plastic bags in case we were not ready to finish the moon pie right then and there and could enjoy it later.
One final sweet note with a last cocktail downstairs, called Little Dreamer. This was crafted with Westward American Single Malt Stout Cask Finish, Strawberry, Cold Brew, Marshmallow Honey, Sea Salt. 
We also received a parting gift bag with a bottle of Cobram Estate EVOO and coupon for an additional bottle, Proud Mary Ghost Rider coffee beans, mints and a pin fro Westward Whiskey, and more to remember the full moon dinner celebration.
Tournant plans to do more of their own events besides the private ones they execute as a catering and events company. If you want to know when they announce their next events, sign up for their mailing list and follow them on social media so you can be among the first to know.
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