Sunriver Resort kicks off its month-long Food & Wine Festival

(Update: adding video, comments from Executive Chef Josh Hedrick)

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -– Sunriver Resort is kicking off its second annual Sunriver Resort Food & Wine Festival, taking place all February long.

NewsChannel 21's Jillian Fortner was live from the kickoff Friday night.

The month-long gastronomic celebration showcases the region’s rich farming and food heritage, along with Executive Chef Josh Hedrick’s unique culinary vision, which emphasizes ingredients from the natural surroundings of Central Oregon and draws inspiration from family campfire gatherings on the frontiers of Oregon’s High Desert.

Hedrick told NewsChannel 21, "For me, it's about local food systems and really trying to focus on buying everything that I need for the both of the restaurants here in the Lodge within 50 miles -- which is very, very challenging, especially in the middle of winter, because we don't have a lot of growing season."

Hedrick has been working in the culinary industry for 26 years. He has spent the last five years at Sunriver Resort.

"I started in restaurants when I was 14 years old as a dishwasher. I've never done anything else in my career," he said.

Throughout the month, he'll be hosting a few cooking demos at the festival featuring chocolate and pasta.

"I just don't think enough people know how to make pasta at home," Hedrick said. "It's really easy. It's not a scary thing to do. So pasta means a lot to me. My wife specializes in handmade pasta."

The festival will also offer daily tasting events, mixology classes, and live music. Regional vintners, artisans, farmers, local craft spirits and beers from around Central Oregon will be featured.

Special stay offerings also are available, including a Valentine's Day package. For more information, visit the website or call 855-420-8206.