2026 Iron Sommelier and Brewmaster Event
A five-course culinary duel for a cause
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Where: Priest River Event Center | 5399 U.S. 2, Priest River, ID
The experience
Join us for an evening of gourmet indulgence and spirited competition — all in support of the Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation.
Guests will enjoy a full five-course dinner meticulously crafted by Chef Ian Dillon of Sandpoint’s Marigold Bistro.
The twist? You are the judge. For each course, you will choose between a premium wine pairing or a hand-selected craft beer pairing.
The competition: Competing sommeliers and brewmasters go head-to-head to see whose pairing best complements Chef Ian’s menu.
The gourmet meal: New to the 2026 event is a full, five-course, fine dining experience. Gone are the small bites plates from past events. This year, Chef Ian has put together a diverse-yet-unified menu sure to challenge the competitors while thrilling your taste buds.
The vote: At the end of each course, attendees cast their vote. The sommelier or brewmaster who wins the most courses is crowned champion at the end of the evening.
The atmosphere: Enjoy live acoustic entertainment by Kenny Morden and spirited pourings provided by 74 Main Public House.
The competitors
Sommeliers (Wine)
Brewmasters (Beer)
Ticketing and sponsorship
Individual tickets: $100 per person
How to purchase: Buy tickets online or call the Foundation office at 509-447-6286.
Corporate table sponsorships: This option is available for local businesses looking to support the Foundation while enjoying a premier night out. Contact the Foundation for more information, or purchase a sponsored table online.
Note: Must be 21 or older to attend. Cocktail attire suggested. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages will be available for all guests.
Funds and auction proceeds support NHHS Foundation
As part of the event, a live auction will be held to raise funds for the Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2008. The NHHS Foundation exists to support a strong rural hospital and a healthy community by:
- Funding capital projects, hospital equipment, and growth needs that expand healthcare delivery in the Pend Oreille River Valley.
- Investing in programs like Healthy Kids Snack Bags, which feeds more than 250 local children each week in both Pend Oreille and West Bonner counties.
- Promoting health and education through other programs and events.
About the chef
Chef Ian Dillon was born and raised in Sandpoint, where his appreciation for good food and community took root early on. He went on to attend culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Portland, Ore., refining his skills and grounding his cooking in classic technique.
In 2008, Ian returned home to Sandpoint, bringing his training back to the place that shaped him. Over the years, he has worked in several well-known local kitchens, including Forty-One South and The Idaho Club, building a reputation for thoughtful, consistent, and well-executed food.
Today, Ian serves as Head Chef at Marigold Bistro, where his cooking reflects both his formal training and his love for approachable, ingredient-driven dishes. His focus is on scratch cooking, seasonal flavors, and food that feels comforting, honest, and memorable — meant to be enjoyed and shared.
Live entertainment
Adding a soulful, interactive soundtrack to our evening is Elk’s Kenny Morden. Kenny’s repertoire spans over seven decades of music, from the timeless crooning of Louis Armstrong and The Beatles to the anthems of The Eagles, Garth Brooks, and Coldplay.
What truly sets the evening apart is the interactive experience: guests may text favorite song requests directly to Kenny throughout the night from his 200+ song catalog. Whether he’s performing a nostalgic classic or a modern favorite, Kenny’s versatile “human jukebox” performance ensures the music is as personalized and memorable as the menu itself.
FAQs
Will non-alcoholic beverages be available?
Absolutely. The NHHS Foundation supports alcohol-free lifestyles. A wide selection of complimentary, upscale non-alcoholic beverages will be offered at the event.
I’m coming with a group. Can we sit together?
To request seating, email [email protected] or mention the request if purchasing by phone.
Can I request a vegetarian or alternative meal?
Because this event is a curated competition centered on the precise pairing of spirits with specific flavor profiles, we are unable to offer menu substitutions or a vegetarian alternative. To maintain the integrity of the voting process and ensure each guest experiences the same “flavor duel,” Chef Dillon has designed a singular, fixed five-course menu.
Note: For those with food sensitivities, each course will be clearly marked on your menu for common allergens (such as dairy, gluten, and shellfish).
Can I participate in both the wine and beer tastings?
Each participant can choose only one. Pro tip: If you’re really interested in both options, find a willing friend or spouse you are attending with who feels the same way. Each of you choose a different option and agree in advance to share sips.
Special thanks
The Iron Sommelier and Brewmaster Event is only possible thanks to our organizing partners and sponsors. Thank you!
Sponsors
Partners
