Featured Wineries
Every month we feature a different Washington Winery. The kick-off occurs at the First Friday Wine Tasting (during Ellensburg's First Friday Art Walk), when the winemaker is present to pour free tastes and answer questions. Our staff is well informed about the region's wines, and can help you select the perfect wine for accompany your meal, or for purchase from our wine shop.
Coming on March 6th:
Columbia Crest Reserve Wines
February Featured Winery:
Walla Walla Vintners
Walla Walla, WA
One of the premier red wine makers in Washington, with high quality wines at great values, Walla Walla Vintners was met by a large enthusiastic crowd on February 6th, and we will be featuring thier wines all month. Among the offerings: 2006 Columbia Valley Sangiovese, 2006 Merlot, 2005 Cab Sauv, and two tasty blends - the Washintgon State Cuvee 2006 and Bello Rosso.
January Featured Winery:
Here on Friday January 2nd Barnard Griffin Winery
Richland, WA
Founded in 1983 by Rob Barnard and Deborah Griffin, Barnard Griffin has been producing award winning wines for over 30 years. Named Pacific NW Winery of the year for 2006 by Wine Press NW, Barnard Griffin consistently produces quality interesting wines. Wines featured this month include the 2007 White Riesling, Chardonnay, and Syrah; a Cab-Merlot blend, and a 2007 Syrah Port.
December
Tagaris Elisio Silva Wines
Here on Friday December 5th
October
Olympic Cellars Winery
Port Angeles, WA
Washington's "Working Girl"
Boutique Winery
The winery is owned & operated by three women, known locally as the Olympic Women in Wine. Winemaker Benoit Murat crafts Olympic Cellar's award winning wines in a uniques style that blends the best of French and American winemaking techniques.
Featured wines this month include Working Girl White, a full-bodied crisp floral blend of Chardonnay & Reisling; Handyman Red, a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cab Franc; and two award winning 2005 reds- La Dolce Vida Cabernet and the La Dolce Vida Syrah.
September
Goose Ridge Estate Winery
Goose Ridge is a family-owned and operated winery that produces handcrafted wines from select estate-grown grapes. The Monson family's vineyard is planted on a south facing slope in the Columbia Valley, just south of the Red Mountain AVA, which that consistently yields rich, ripe grapes. Winemaker Charlie Hoppes is one of the most respected winemakers in the region.
Among the wines available for tasting at The Valley Cafe on September 5th, and as featured wines all month, try the 2004 Goose Ridge Estate Syrah, recognized with 91 points by Wine Spectator magazine.
August
Fairfield Estate Winery
Prosser, WA
July
Desert Wind Winery
Taste Desert Wind's wines on July 11th in the Take-out. Desert Wind's wines are made with estate grown grapes from the Wahluke Slope near Mattawa. This is truly a hot spot for wines with some of the highest heat units and best soils in the state - prime conditions for growing great cabernet sauvignon, syrah, barbera, viognier and semillon.
June
Mercer Estates, Prosser, WA.
Winemaker David Forsyth was here on June 6th to share tastes of Mercer Estates wines. Mercer Estates is a family-owned winery devoted to producing premium wines through a partnership of the Mercer and Hogue families. Most of their wines are estate-grown, bottled and produced. This month's featured wines include the
2005 Merlot (Horse Heaven Hills)
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills
2007 Riesling (Yakima Valley)
2007 Pinot Gris (Columbia Valley)
2007 Saugignon Blanc (Columbia Valley)
March
Milbrandt Vineyards from Mattawa, Wa.