Frequently Asked Questions about Cork & Barrel
Where should I stay for Cork & Barrel in Bend?
There are lots of Bend, Oregon hotels to choose from…the key is booking early. Hotels in Bend fill up fast for summer! Check out our hotel partner: The Element Hotel in downtown Bend.
Where should I park for Sip and Grand Cru?
Our Sip and Grand Cru Cork & Barrel events are held at Central Oregon Community College, which has ample parking. There are two large parking lots (on either side of College Way) that are close to the athletic field, where our event takes place. Signage will direct you to guest parking areas. Golf cart shuttles circle these parking areas and can give you a ride to the Check-In Tent. We also have a shaded tent where guests can wait for the next shuttle.
Can I use a ride share service like Lyft or Uber?
We want to help you get home safely. Thanks to our Safe Rides sponsor, your Cork and Barrel ticket includes a ride credit from Lyft, which you can use for a safe ride to and from the event. We’ll email you the code for the ride credit prior to the event, via the email address you used to purchase tickets.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your giving heart, your appetite and your smile! You’ll also need your credit card, which we’ll record at check in for Sip and Grand Cru. Then you can simply flash your bid number to bid on silent auction items and the Live Auction at Grand Cru. You’ll also use your bid number to purchase Raffle tickets and Party tickets, and more.
Can I use a payment method other than a credit card?
Yes! Just tell us at event check-in if you would like to pay for your purchases by check instead of credit card. If you are raising your paddle at Grand Cru to make a tax-deductible donation to KIDS Center, you can arrange for your donation to come through stock, an advised fund, or other means. Just let us know at check-in.
What is the dress code at Sip and Grand Cru?
In general, Central Oregon leans casual. The dress code for Cork & Barrel is “Country Club Festive” which really just means Business Casual...think capris, sundresses, nice slacks, shorts, collared shirts, etc. Our Sip and Grand Cru events will be on the grassy athletic field at Central Oregon Community College, so we encourage guests to avoid spiky heels and opt for flats or platform shoes. Grand Cru tends to be dressier, with guests wearing linen suits, flowy dresses and gowns. Take a look at our Photo Gallery for inspiration!
What if I have a food allergy?
If you’re coming to a Winemaker Dinner or Grand Cru and you have a food allergy, please send an email at least 2 weeks prior to the event to info@corkandbarrel.org. We will try our best to accommodate you. If you are joining us for Sip, signs will indicate which small bites are gluten-free, dairy-free, and/or vegan. You can also ask representatives from the local eateries about the ingredients in their food.
Is Cork & Barrel rain or shine?
Yes! Although Central Oregon is famous for its sunny skies, our event can function in the rain! Our Sip and Grand Cru events are staged in a large tent. (Our Winemaker Dinners are always indoors.) The only part of our event that is not covered is the parking lot and the walkway up to the entrance. If rain is in the forecast, bring an umbrella or raincoat to keep you dry coming and going from your car. Once inside the event, you will be dry!
If an event is cancelled, ticket holders will be offered their choice of the following: a refund, a comparable ticket, a ticket to next year’s event, or the option to turn their ticket into a donation for KIDS Center.
Are children allowed at Cork & Barrel?
Alcohol is served at all of our Cork & Barrel events, so all guests must be 21 and over (sorry, that includes babies and toddlers too!). We do have some opportunities for kids to help as volunteers before and after the event. Please contact info@corkandbarrel.org to learn more.
What does Cork & Barrel support?
Cork & Barrel supports hope and healing for Central Oregon children and families impacted by abuse. Cork & Barrel raises money for KIDS Center, a local nonprofit and Central Oregon’s only Children’s Advocacy Center. KIDS Center was built by the community to lead our region’s response to child abuse. When law enforcement or child welfare launch an investigation into a suspected case of abuse, that child and family are referred to KIDS Center. KIDS Center serves more than 500 children and families each year and provides child-friendly medical exams, forensic interviews, family support, advocacy, and therapy at no cost. Cork & Barrel raises 20% of KIDS Center’s annual budget.
Does Cork & Barrel support more than one organization?
No, Cork & Barrel is a dedicated benefit for KIDS Center. Launched in 2012, Cork & Barrel is KIDS Center’s largest fundraising event. In order to meet the community need for child abuse evaluations, Cork & Barrel is committed to raising more than $500,000 annually to provide essential services for children and families impacted by child abuse.
How will my donation be used?
To see the impact of your donation, take a look at KIDS Center’s annual reports. Thanks for giving!
Can I come to a Cork & Barrel event and volunteer too?
Yes! If you want to volunteer and attend Cork & Barrel, you can—because we have multiple days of events! Simply decide which event you want to attend, and then sign up to volunteer on a different day! It is so fun to do both, and many people do! Visit our Volunteer page for more information.