Follow Me: She's Not Done!

For more musings from Wine Country, visit my new blog, Passementaries. It's a lifestyle blog Explore the world of an "older woman" as she stays busy writing, cooking, fluffing pillows, cooking, pruning rose bushes, cooking, decorating the home and garden, traveling, and picking up tiny dog poo.

If podcasts are more your thing, you'll find me on your favorite podcast app with more of Woman in Wine Country. 

WBC 2018: The Last Hurrah

It was a walk back in time. It was a walk I thought I would never do again. Walla Walla received another visit from 350 wine bloggers, writers, and marketers to attend the Wine Bloggers Conference the weekend, October 4-7.  And like the last visit in 2010, the Marcus Whitman Hotel was the blogging home for the busy weekend.   

For me it wasn't so much about the content and workshops of the conference, it was more about seeing familiar faces such as Michael Wangbickler of  Balzac Communications, David and Margot Sinclair Savell of Write for Wine, Chris Nishiwaki (Seattle-based wine journalist), Craig Camp of Wine Camp, and even some of the Walla Walla locals I don't see as often as I use to. 

I also met some new faces Carrie and Jen from Woodinville Wine Blog, Dave Adams and Sandra Everingham from Decanted: The Wannabe Wine Snobs Podcast, and Earle Dutton from Spitbucket

What to choose - what to choose? As always there were many good wine discovery workshops to check into. I love Spanish whites so the wine tastings and education of Rias Baixas were an excellent choice. 

Did someone mention bubbles?  The Gloria Ferrer Bubbles and Bites tasting from California both provided in-depth information on the wines, region, history, and food pairings. The speaker called this an "exercise." My kind of exercise!

They forced me to eat cheese and drink wine. The Wine and Cheese Pairing with the Cheeses of Europe led by the Cheese Twins was great fun, tasty, and oh-so informative. 

One of my favorite things at the WBC's has always been the live wine blogging also known as "speed tasting." It's kind of like speed dating, but better because you're drinking good wine. There are typically two-speed tastings during the conference weekend with one of the two occurring at the end of each day just before dinner.  One day is focused on all white wines and the next day is all reds. It's kind of a happy hour just before dinner. A winery rep pours one of their wines to a table of eight to 10 bloggers. They pour the wine, explain the wine they're pouring, answer questions, pose for photos and this all happens in five minutes... the buzzer rings "time is up" and the winery rep rotates to the next table and does it all over again. Each table of wine bloggers has an average of 12 visits from the wineries represented. A live Twitter feed is shown on a large screen, which is fun to check out and see what your neighbor across the room has posted. 

By the time Sunday rolled around I was supposed to attend a wine tasting tour and lunch rolling around the Walla Walla Valley. This ol' grey mare ain't' what she use to be. Her palate was spent, her body ached and it was raining outside. So I slowly sipped my morning coffee and stayed home. 

This weekend was my last hurrah and even though I chose to miss out on the day's event, it was okay. I had done all of these things before - - and on my own time, I will do it again.

I have been wine blogging since 2005. I have tasted some of the best wines in the world. Met fascinating and interesting content creators, and even some famous people in the world of wine. My years of wine blogging was a success and I had a good run... 

THE END. 

Pacific Crest Wine Company

Founded in 2008, Wine Trees, LLC is a  collection of thirty-some wine brands highlighting some of the world’s most exciting regions. And the Pacific Crest Trail wines is one of those collections. 

The Pacific Crest Trail is named after its namesake that spans over 2,600 miles, trekking up the United States west coast, and crosses some of the area's best wine growing regions. In Washington State, east of this trail is the rugged and fertile lands of Washington wine country producing wine grapes in elevations of up to 3,000 feet. It's Pacific Crest Wine Co. quest to capture the essence with single vineyards that defines the Pacific Northwest - and with affordable prices.

"Centennial Trail" Chardonnay - 2015: From the Columbia Valley there is a range of  Chardonnay vineyards with profiles ranging from bright tropical fruits to fruits from the orchard. This is a wine that resembles notes from the orchards such as those located in the middle of the state. There are luscious notes of apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, and buttery, but light brioche with a long finish. Easy to drink, especially in the summertime. I would recommend this with substantial salads, seafood, and light chicken dishes - and let's not forget the cheese and fruit platter.

McNary Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 2015: The McNary Vineyard is located in the Southeast corner of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, a sub AVA in the larger Columbia Valley AVA. I could be wrong, but my palate can often tell the difference between a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot from the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla AVA. Walla Walla always shows off dark cherry notes, while those from the Columbia Valley showcase dark berries. Yup, with one sip I could tell this was a red wine from the Columbia Valley region with the notes of blackberry, a hint of mocha, and spice such as cloves and nutmeg in the long finish. With a price of under $20, this is the perfect wine for casual entertaining or movie night in front of the television. Give me a good ol' American burger for this wine - then again, perhaps a piece of prime rib during the holidays. 

The Oregon Trails Wine Company is another one of the branches of the Wine Trees, LLC.  This example of pinot noir represents the fertile hills of Willamette Valley, as well as saluting the brave explorers who traveled west on the Oregon Trail during the 1830s.

OTWC Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - 2016: It's a pretty color of garnets that flows into the glass. With a deep nose in the glass, it brings aromas of cranberry, currant jelly, and freshly baked cherry pie. On the palate, there are notes of fresh raspberries and strawberries - which are so typical of the Willamette Valley. The finish leaves behind spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg - and more cherry - reminiscent of cherry jam. It's a wine perfect for fall dining, such as with pork and turkey dishes, or even roasted vegetables. 

Again, I cannot stress the affordability of these wines which are perfect for entertaining or a quiet evening for one - or two. 

(Wines sent to me by Balzac Communications and Wine Marketing). 
 

Witchy Women Sleuths Loving Washington and Oregon Wines.

Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman blog has slowed down a bit, but that's okay.  I also own another blog, Passementaries that let's me be creative and share things I enjoy beyond wine - and most of all, there is no pressure.  It's certainly not a barn burner in readers like my original W5 blog that went off the charts, but I love the freedom of Passementaries. 


Soon to be released is the Lost Restaurants of Walla Walla published by Arcadia Publishing and History Press.  This press also published my Wines of the Walla Walla Valley: A Deep-Rooted History.

And - - I took on another project. A "cozy" murder mystery series by "Catherine Wright." Witch Way to Amethyst Bay is a very different style of writing for me - it's fiction. In these crazy upside-down times, it's been a nice escape to visit the little town of "Amethyst Bay, Oregon."

So why would a wine lover want to read a fictional book about women sleuths who has a bit of power under their sleeves? Well, these women happen to love drinking wine. One of the sleuths owns a deli/grocery which has a wonderful wine selection and hangs with a wine distributor. Wine shows up at every meal and special dinners. 

Currently the book, Witch Way to Amethyst Bay? is on Kindle e-book (no problem if you don't have a Kindle, as the apps are free and easy to download on phones, tablets, and lap and desktops). Hopefully in the next five to 10 days, the book will be available in paperback. If you enjoy the read, please kindly leave me a review. Thanks ahead of time. 

Pursued By Bear

When you receive an invitation to attend a special wine tasting with actor Kyle MacLachlan and winery owner, you pay attention. This event also happened to be close to my "Kid Sister's" birthday - so I impressed her with a birthday present to meet one of her favorite actors.

Kyle MacLachlan, known to many as his role as  Special Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks, Paul Atreides in the movie Dune, Jeffrey Beaumont in Blue Velvet,  Trey MacDougal in Sex and the City, Orson Hodge in Desperate Housewives,  the Mayor of Portland in Portlandia to name a few... as well as winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama. 

However, in Walla Walla he has another role as owner of Pursued By Bear - a winery featuring small lots of limited production of red wine and a lovely blushing rosé. Kyle grew up in Yakima, Washington, 90-miles from the Walla Walla Valley. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he is only too familiar with the agriculture surrounding Yakima and Walla Walla. Also, this is more than just a vanity wine by some Hollywood resident, as Kyle actually gets out in the vineyards and is involved as much as possible with his winemaker, Daniel Wampfler. The winery gives him another opportunity to come home and visit family

The name of the winery is only too fitting considering it goes back to the early form of theater making reference to Shakespeare's A Winter’s Tale, in which the character Antigonus is directed to exit, "pursued by a bear."

How do I casually say, "Wine tasting with Kyle?"

Okay, so how are the wines?

Can I just be honest and not do the usual boring and predictable tasting notes? Oh my gawd! First off, the wines showed off their unique characters that we should expect in each variety. They were not muddied and there were no guessing games. Each grape's distinctive personality came through.

Baby Bear Syrah - 2014:  When it comes to Syrahs, I want to taste notes of "breakfast," and what do I mean by that? I want notes of dark berries, coffee, and toast - and all of those notes were there, including a bit of licorice and some "funk." How do I explain the notes of "funk?" It's funk in a good way - think lovely Old World French wine.

Pursued By Bear Cabernet Sauvignon - 2014: I am a fan of a good Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, and especially those with prominent notes of dark cherries, which this wine showed off. Also, I picked up a few hints of lavender and cassis. So how can you go wrong? Therefore, this wine didn't disappoint. The tannins were well balanced with a long finish on the palate. This is a wine that would enhance any special dinner, especially those meals served with beef, bold roasted meats, wild mushrooms, and I am thinking with sweet potatoes - actually any root vegetable.

Blushing Bear Rosé - 2017: Give me a glass of this wine without telling me where it's from and I would thank you for giving me a lovely glass of rosé from Provence. Crafted with the traditional French blend of Grenache, Mouvedre, and Cinsault. The pale pink wine was an elegant nose of rose petals, and to the palate it was crisp, with fruity notes of stone fruit, a bit of citrus, and ending with hints of rosemary. Just a luscious wine that you want to drink all summer long - besides saving a few bottles for the Thanksgiving table.

Yes, needless to say I was impressed with the wine, but also the host of the day - Kyle MacLachlan - and that he was - every bit of a welcoming host. As I stood in line waiting for an opportunity to speak with him, I couldn't help notice how personable he was, and how much time he spent with each one of his guests: to visiting with them and even helping setting their camera's to the right distance and light. It was also very Happy Birthday for my sister as she finally got to meet, "Special Agent Dale Cooper." 

Photo Credit: Seattle Times 

Merlot: the little black bird

Named after a little black bird in France, merle or merlau, it was only fitting this dark blue-colored wine grape variety the little bird enjoyed dining on would be referred to as “merlot.”

As early as 1824, the name merlot referred to the second most popular grape grown in the Bordeaux region of France - following after its cousin cabernet sauvignon - a heartier and richer grape than merlot. In Bordeaux, the Left Bank region blends cabernet sauvignon as the dominant wine joining its cousin merlot, and at the Right Bank merlot is the featured wine blend.  

            

This French grape with notes of cherries, violets, and cigar box finally arrived in California in the mid-nineteenth century where it was shown off as a single bottled varietal instead of being traditionally blended with its French cousin cabernet sauvignon.

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Label her "Mom"

Humans have been creating images of mothers since men, and of course women, who crudely etched with a jagged rock on the walls of caves. Through the centuries European artists like Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Claude Monet, and Gustav Klimpt to American artists such as James Whistler to Norman Rockwell painted portraits of mothers.                                                            

Dorothea Lange’s camera lens captured the destitution in the iconic 1936 black and white photo of Florence Thompson, known as the Migrant Mother; and Annie Leibovitz shocked the public with her controversial photos of pregnant celebrities posing in the nude.

   

And of course, last but certainly not least the many renditions of the most famous mom of all, the Virgin Mary’s images discovered from the early centuries in Rome and Syria.  

   

Images of mothers continue and today are lovingly and respectfully honored on bottles of fine wine. 

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Wine-and-chocolate pairing: Love them, love them not!

The verdict is in: Some wine lovers enjoy a bite of chocolate with a sip of red wine, and others do not. Opinions by winemakers and wine writers for loving or not loving these two luxurious “food groups” can be as contentious as ... well ... as the recent presidential election.

There are numerous articles claiming one must stop the “silliness” of pairing chocolate confections with wine, while other reviewers celebrate the union of these rich mates on the palate.

Some critics of wine-and-chocolate pairings even go as far as picking on the red-foil heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolate gooey centers, nuts and chews. (I must admit, I rather love the tacky, nostalgic heart-shaped boxes.)

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Story in a Bottle

Wine is personal. It’s personal when it comes to favored tastes and aromas, but there are often personal stories in a bottle of wine. Sometimes the stories are from the winemaker, and sometimes there are new stories and memories to be made by the collector of the bottle. Today, wine consumers want to know everything about a bottle of wine – and they want to hear the story.                           

In the Walla Walla Valley, there are many stories, and many wine labels reminiscent of memories right out of an old family scrapbook. One of these labels tell a story about a man who would eventually blaze a trail of history - - literally. 

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Mother Earth: Vines, Wines, and Moms

Studies have shown a mother’s impulse to love and protect her child appears to be hard-wired. This impulse is often referred to as “maternal instinct.” Is there a mother’s impulse to love and protect the wines and vines, as well?  In the Walla Walla Valley, it is certainly true. 
                                       
There are at least 1,200 people employed in the Walla Walla Valley wine industry. This number includes winemakers, production, hospitality, retail, and administration. Women are still under-represented in this industry, but they are certainly not excluded. 

In the U.S. there are roughly 10 percent of wineries that have female winemakers, yet the number is growing. In the Walla Walla Valley there are over a dozen women winemakers that are also mothers who wear that “purple badge” of honor on their hands – it’s the lingering stain of the grape that tends to make a mess of a new manicure or a favorite article of clothing.           

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Keepers of the Vines

After a very long and unusually hard winter’s nap, the grapevines of the Walla Walla Valley are beginning to come alive.                                                                                                             

The Valley is home to 116 vineyards with a total combined of 3,100 acres of wine grapes. SeVein Vineyards, home of the original Seven Hills Vineyard first planted in 1980, is one of the first commercial vineyards in the area and is located on the southern border of the Walla Walla AVA in Oregon State.

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Rose': The Drink of Kings

Often known as a girlie drink because it's so pretty in pink... 

It was the drink fit for kings and aristocrats.

Provence is a historical province of southeastern France. It is known for its vast fields of lavender, as well as known for being the oldest wine growing region in France. It was in 600 B.C. when the Greeks founded the area and introduced the first grape vines. 

The first wines to be made in Provence were Rosés, and by the end of the 20^th century, that lovely blushing wine would find its way to Walla Walla.                                                                                                       

Rosé – Rosato - Rosado, no matter in France, Italy, or Spain; the meanings are the same – pink. French-inspired Rosé wines are made from red grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, and Syrah; to name a few of the red grapes often used for Rosé wines, and even Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio), a white fleshed grape with a pinkish gray skin. In Italy their Rosato’s are typically produced from the popular red grapes, Sangiovese or Nebbiolo; and in Spain their Rosados are often produced from their widely grown red grape, Tempranillo.

And yes – to those who were entranced with the creation of “White Zinfandel,” a pink off-dry “blush” wine introduced in the mid-1970’s that would technically be considered a Rosé, and yes – it is made from the very dark red grape, Zinfandel. There are no pink or white Zinfandel grapes growing on the vines in California. 

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Bring Out Some Elder Vintages

“Out with the old and in with the new” is a concept many people celebrate as December ends and a new year begins. However, it isn’t always accurate when it comes to wine; there, it’s more about “out with the oldest, and in with the old.”

Many a wine-lover can quote lines from the movie “The Jerk,” starring Steve Martin. His character, Navin Johnson, is dining, and when the waiter asks if Navin would like another bottle of Chateau Latour, from a prominent 18th-century French winery, Navin exclaims, “Ah yes, but no more 1966. Let’s splurge! Bring us some fresh wine! The freshest you’ve got — this year! No more of this old stuff.”

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Go West, Pinot Noir Lovers

The following appeared in the Yakima Magazine, a monthly publication of the Yakima Herald News.

In 1865, Horace Greeley, an American author was quoted in the New York Tribune encouraging America’s expansion westward, “Go West, Young Man, Go West…” Who knew that a little detour to the south of the Columbia River, to the now abundant Willamette Valley, would pay off? 

The Cayuse War of 1847, an armed conflict between the Cayuse people of the Walla Walla region and the United States Army, resulted in most of Eastern Washington being closed off to possible settlements in the Walla Walla and Yakima areas. 

In the mean time, before the Cayuse treaty was established in 1859, new settlements had been channeled around the area of conflict further west to the Puget Sound area, and especially to southern Oregon near the Willamette Valley. Among one of the settlers was Henderson Luelling, a horticulturist who traveled to the area and planted the first known grapes in the Oregon Territory in 1847. 

Similar to the regions of Washington Territory near the great Columbia River, the European and French-Canadian presence was also known among the “French Prairie” at Champoeg located in the Willamette Valley. The immigrants brought with them grape stock from their European homes and experimented with many wine grape varieties, until the Prohibition era banned all alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933. 

After the Prohibition era, there wasn’t much of a presence of wine grapes in the State of Oregon, especially not much wine, other than the occasional “country” wines made with the local Oregon fruit sources, such as Marionberry, pear, and other orchard fruit-style wines — or at least not until the 1960’s when the first Pinot Noir grape vines were planted in Oregon. 

Pinot Noir is a red grape variety with a reputation for being finicky in the vineyard and finicky in the vat. The thin-skinned grape in its tightly packed cluster and shaped like a pine cone, is grown all around the world yet takes comfort in cool regions, and particularly thrives in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. It’s a temperamental grape that viticulturist and winemakers alike, love to hate and hate to love, but the consumer has fallen in love with this historic grape with roots as deep as its vines, dating back to 100 AD in the Burgundy region of France. The grape is known to produce some of the finest wines in the world with its flavor notes and essences of cherries, strawberries, and herbs. 

Today in the Willamette Valley, and all through Oregon, there are a total of over 20,000 acres planted in Pinot Noir and over 500 wineries with many producing Pinot Noir. The Willamette Valley is designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), with a total of six sub-AVA’s. American Viticultural Areas are known as designated wine grape-growing regions in the United States. They are distinguishable by geographic features and their boundaries are defined by the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The following sub-AVA’s within the Willamette Valley are: Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, and Yamhill-Carlton. 

The wine country of the Willamette Valley area is vibrant — and not just with wineries. There is great farm-to-table dining, lodging, shopping, tourist attractions, annual Pinot Noir celebrations, and a scenic jaunt of around 60 miles to the Pacific Ocean. Here are three, not to be missed wineries of the Willamette Valley… 

Domaine Drouhin

Domaine Drouhin - Oregon

Domaine Drouhin Oregon (DDO) in Dayton, may be a state-of-the art winery, but it brings with it deep historic roots from France. The DDO vineyards and wines are known for their “French soul” — produced with Oregon soil. The Drouhin Family has been making wine since its early days in France when it first established Joseph Drouhin wines back in 1880. 

Across the globe in 1961, the third generation of the Drouhin family “discovered” Oregon, and by 1987, Drouhin purchased land in the Willamette Valley. Two years later the Domaine Drouhin Oregon winery was opened with an emphasis on Pinot Noir. This was a perfect partnership as the Willamette Valley is at the same latitude as the Burgundy region of France, as well as a similar climate, making it the perfect home for the finicky Pinot Noir grapes to thrive. 

Today the fourth-generation Drouhin family is behind the beautiful French-inspired wines that come out of Oregon. Don’t just stop at tasting their Pinot Noir, but take a moment for a worthy sip of their Chardonnay as well. 

Stoller Family Estate 

Stoller Family Estate

It started as a turkey farm in the 1940’s by the Stoller family, located in the farm land of the Dundee Hills. Throughout the next five decades, the turkey farm would grow from a small family farm to one of Oregon’s largest poultry operations. When the farm closed in 1993, Bill Stoller, whose father and uncle originally started the farm, took the opportunity to purchase the land from a cousin. The old farm buildings and property would be alive once again keeping with its agriculture roots; however this time the only turkey to be found would be on the label of a bottle of wine. 

Staying true to Bill Stoller’s rural Oregon upbringing, Stoller’s quest for sustainability earned the vineyard the first-ever LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification in the world. At this time their vineyard is the largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon’s Dundee Hills. The property spans 373 acres, with approximately 190 acres dedicated to growing vines at elevations ranging from 220 to 640 feet, and over 120 acres dedicated to Pinot Noir. The winery grounds are peaceful with views of the vineyards from all around. Melissa Burr, head winemaker has been with Stoller since 2003. Once again, don’t stop at the Pinot Noir, but if in season, seek out their cool crisp and mouth watering Pinot Noir Rosé. It’s pretty and it’s pink. 

WillaKenzie Estate 

WillaKenzie Winery

If you are a fan of Pinot Noir then you have definitely struck gold when you reach the doors of WillaKenzie, with at least 10 different Pinot Noirs to sample from their variety of Pinot Noir clones, to the various elevations from which the vines are grown. There’s a French term used in agriculture known as “terroir,” meaning a “sense of place.” Indeed, WillaKenzie Estate Wines gives meaning to “sense of place” with the distinct elevations and various soils on the one parcel of land. Owner and winemaker of WillaKenzie, Bernard Lacroute grew up in a small village in the Burgundy region of France. Accepting a fellowship to study in America, he eventually found his way to Oregon. In 1991 Lacroute and his partner, Ronni Lacroute purchased the 420 acre cattle farm in the Yamhill area and began planting the vines. In 1995, the winery was ready for business. 

When visiting the WillaKenzie tasting room, a three or a five flight of Pinot Noir is encouraged. Discover the differences, especially to focus on the uniqueness and even the similarities that each distinguished Pinot Noir brings to the palate. 

This is just a short day or perhaps a long afternoon of the bounty of Pinot Noir to be found in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. No, you won’t make it to all of the wineries, but you can come back for another visit or two, right? 

Catie McIntyre Walker - Author

It started with an Apple… Apple Pie Moonshine

The following appeared in the Yakima Magazine, a monthly publication of the Yakima Herald News. 

We have been told for centuries that it started with an apple. After all, it was Eve who was tempted by the luscious red orb and plucked the first forbidden fruit from the tree. It started once again in Washington State when the oldest state’s apple tree was brought from England and planted in 1826 by the Hudson Bay Company. In the 1900’s, Swedish immigrants settled in the Yakima Valley and contributed to the first orchards in the valley — an area now known as Swede Hill.

Photo By Grit City Photography

Once again it started with an apple when Kevin and Pamela Milford’s mission was to create a product out of this popular fruit. It made sense from a business standpoint, being this raw material was plentiful, living in the heart of apple country. It made sense from a regional standpoint, since Washington State is known for apples around the world, and it made sense on a personal level since Pamela’s grandparents were among the immigrants who planted the orchards — making it a perfect area for Swede Hill Distilling to settle, and call home. 

Kevin started his journey into the home beverage business when he first became a student at Washington State University. With the knowledge he obtained at the library, Kevin stored that information, and would later apply it to building his own still, and distilling in his kitchen. Long story short, the Milford’s can boast their attention to detail from the apples picked from their family orchards to the hand labeling on every finished bottle of Swede Hill Apple Pie Moonshine. 

Today, the Milford’s join the growing group of micro-distilleries that are all the rage in Washington State. In the beginning of 2008, there were no craft distilleries in the state, and now there are over 100. Market Watch Magazine reported earlier this year that according to the American Distilling Institute (ADI) in 2003 there were only 60 craft distillers operating in the United States. Today there are around 760 in the U.S.,   with at least 200 craft distillers currently under construction. 

Do you drink your Swede Hill Apple Pie Moonshine straight or on the rocks? The answer is, “Yes.” There are many ways you can serve up a “helping” of Apple Pie Moonshine. A splash of bourbon here or a few shots of caramel vodka there — it is almost endless. In fact, when it comes time for dessert, with several scoops of vanilla ice cream and a blended dollop of peanut butter, you can enjoy your Apple Pie ala Mode. Cheers to your health, “An apple a day… ”

Catie McIntyre Walker - Author

Happy New Year - Year of the Monkey

Yeah, I missed the traditional American calendar New Year, so how about celebrating the Lunar New Year? Here is what's ahead for you and me in the year of the Monkey - 2016.

The positive and negative quality of the Monkey Year 2016 culminate in a year that anything can happen. There is little point in storing up goods or planning one’s life. The influence of the Monkey puts everything into flux. Things will get accomplished, but largely through personal and individual efforts. Group movements, such as political upheaval or revolutions, will not make a mark during this year.

This cheeky animal bursts with exuberance, bringing a lightening fast pace and fantastical motivation. The Monkey increases communication, humor and wit, helping us get through stressful times with grace and ease. Business flourishes and risks tend to pan out. The Monkey’s gift is the ability to find unconventional solutions to old problems. Daring to be different can lead to success.

For myself I am going to try and keep my humor and wit, and will muster up any grace that I can find - - when necessary. I know I have a bit of grace left in me for the deserving. Thankful to hear my risks in life will pan out. 

First of all, I appreciate my readers who have stayed with me through the last 10 years. I appreciate it more than you know, as well as always surprised when someone reaches out they are a reader of this blog. Last year I did change up the ol' blog a bit, and instead of the 99.99% concentration of all wines of Walla Walla, I have added wines from other regions, as well. These changes to the blog also assists me in research and wine education beyond where I live. 

As you may know in November 2014 I released my first book, "Wines of the Walla Walla Valley: A Deep-Rooted History." It's been a lot of fun being a guest at various book shops, wineries, and even public lectures about the rich wine history of the Walla Walla Valley. And the book writing continues, as just before the end of 2015, I signed another contract to write my second book about the history of the Walla Walla Valley. This time the emphasis will be on the agriculture and the food scene - - and there are already negotiations in the works to write a third book. I've also been taking a few creative writing classes to perhaps write a murder mystery some day. I figure my years of working in funeral homes, law firms, and wineries should be put to creative use.  

I have also returned to some freelance writing with the emphasis of wine and food for local and regional lifestyle publications. It is almost writing 24/7 at my household. In the mean time, I do get asked if I still sell wine. No, that is a chapter that is behind me. The only thing I sell at this time are non-alcoholic items  where I am in charge of being the creative producer, such as books and a logo. The Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman blog has always been of its own creative entity and not legally affiliated with the The Grape Vine LLC which was a LLC partnership. The name and art, Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman," was lent to that corporation. 

Since I first started writing my blog in 2005, there has been a lot of growth in the wine blogging community. Many former bloggers, such as myself, have moved on to other wine writing or wine-related projects. However, there are still many new wine blogs popping up to enjoy. Critics like to say that wine blogging is not relevant anymore, but if that is so, why such success for so many new and current wine bloggers? 

Today I cannot even begin to mention all of the wine blogs out there to view, and I have resigned myself to not bother keeping up. However, I can share that each wine blog has their own opinion and characteristics - something for everyone. I recommend to find a few you enjoy, but please remember to keep your mind and your palate open. Stop taking the wine world so serious, unless of course you have a few million bucks invested in it. As a consumer, just relax, discover, and enjoy. If you like a buttery oaky Chardonnay, then enjoy it no matter if I or another blogger tells you that over-oaked and diacetyl-laden wines suck. We're just asking you to keep an open mind, keep tasting wines, and once in awhile try a blended steel-fermented/two year-old barrel Chardonnay with clean notes of citrus and mango. Remember our palates change like our hair color - - or at least for some of us our hair color changes.   

Let me make a recommendation to you, and especially to the male readers. Reach out beyond the male perspective of wine and check out some of the many wine blogs by women, if you haven't already. Wine writer, Jo Diaz of Diaz Communications keeps a list of women wine bloggers. You may just find a different approach, as well as remove some of the gender stereotypes. We like other wines than just "Chardonnay and White Zinfandel." Some women wine writers also like beer. Aghast! One may even discover that there are women winemakers in the world, as well. (ahem)

Unfortunately, there are wine blogs who are rather dismal and their only motive is to harm and figuratively maim other wine bloggers. They bitch and bully when a prominent wine blogger gives out information they don't agree with. Instead of clarifying or giving their own professional opinion, they call out names instead. Seriously, to call people names and try to ruin their reputation is very sophomoric, "my love," besides missing out on an opportunity to assist and share your own professional opinion. It's important to share the wealth of knowledge in a wine blog instead of using others in a nonconstructive way to gain an audience. 

To sum it up, as an old friend use to say about men who were bullies or drove small trucks with noisy exhausts and big monster tires, "Sorry about your penis ... "  

A sympathy card is on the way. 

Over all, this is just a long way to get around to let my readers know that I appreciate all of you very much. Any success I have been blessed with started here due to my readers. Thank you, and here's to a healthy and profitable New Year for all. 

African Passion: Passionate About Chenin Blanc

Right. I know. I live in Walla Walla and typically write about Walla Walla and other wines from Washington State, but once in awhile one must "think" outside the box, or more like go beyond the border. Many of us locals have cut our teeth on the wines of the Walla Walla Valley, but as we explore in our pursuit to become knowledgeable about wines, it's important to explore beyond. 

The African Passion lines of New World wine were first debuted in the United States back in 2013, and created in the KWV Cellar from Paarl, Western Cape. The grapes as well are also sourced from the Western Cape of Africa where Chenin Blanc is currently the country’s most widely planted grape.

In 1918, the year Nelson Mandela was born, South African wine farmers founded KWV with the aim of stabilizing, supporting and structuring a young, struggling industry. Until the early 1990s, when world markets opened to South African wine, KWV played a central role in regulating the industry. Since then, KWV has transformed itself into a commercial player, exporting award-winning wines and brandies from its main cellar complex in Paarl all over the world.

Chenin Blanc is a favorite of mine, and there are times I cannot get enough of it. It's not a plentiful white grape in the US, such as Chardonnay. We see a few Chenin Blancs in Washington State, and especially a couple of producers in the Walla Walla Valley. Whenever I see a bottle of French Vouvray, from the  Loire valley - the birth place of Chenin Blanc, I cannot leave the bottle on the shelf. 

The beauty of this white grape is that it is so easy to sip, but also one of the best white wines to pair with food. Even now, I am thinking how well it pairs with the Thanksgiving turkey, and sage and onion dressing. It's endless - the crisp acids pairs well with the charcuterie and cheese platters. Fish, seafood, poultry and creamy cheesy pasta dishes - from the basic fish and chips to lobster, and mac and cheese to a creamy primavera Alfredo.

African Passion Chenin Blanc - 2012: Juicy! Crisp! Fresh!  Pretty! So typical of a well made Chenin Blanc. Orange blossom and melon on the nose. It's a bite of the fruit orchard, especially Granny Smith apples, ripe pears, and peaches. A hint of honeydew melon and lemon curd gives it a smooth mouth feel, with a sprinkle of nutmeg for spice.  

One of the noticeable things of the African Passion line, it comes with a screw cap. Especially important if you are often a party of one, as I was able to enjoy about three days worth of this tasty wine. It's important to note that about 10% from the sales of the African Passion wines will be contributed to the TransAfrica Forum in order to support human rights and social justice in Africa. (Received free sample) 

Tall Sage

“Find a Tall Sage and you have found a place that will sustain superior grape vines.” - Dr. Walter Clore, "Father of Washington Wine."

Goose Ridge Estate Winery in the Columbia Valley at Richland, Washington is located in the center of their 2,200 acre vineyard. Founded by the Monson Family in 1999, they have diversified with growth of their vineyard, as well as a new label, Tall Sage. Tall Sage is exclusively sold through Vintage Point, a small wholesale portfolio featuring small luxury wines. These wines made their first appearance around three months ago. 

Tall Sage is the Monson Family's tribute to the founder of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards, Arvid Monson. Arvid was an entrepreneur in the Yakima Valley, as well as an orchardist, cattle rancher, and in the fall of 1997 he started the development of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards with the guidance of Dr. Walter Clore. Arvid died last year, December 1, 2014. 

Sunrise over Goose Ridge 

Andrew Wilson is the winemaker for Goose Ridge Estate Winery, and with his 12 years winemaking experience (and we were in a few eno/vit classes together) has been a familiar face in the Walla Walla Valley. Andrew has worked for Forgeron Cellars, Long Shadow's Vintners and Artifex Wine Company; which are all located in Walla Walla. 

Tall Sage Chardonnay - 2014: With my nose deep in the glass, I immediately knew this was a Chardonnay. It presented a clean and bright aromas, with a bit of honeysuckle and pineapple. With a sip, or two, this wine brought to my palate a hint of apple, more pineapple, and also just a hint of sweetness. It wasn't a cloying sweetness, but just a kiss. The finish was bright, yet with mineral-like quality. 

That little hint of sweetness from the Chardonnay is quite perfect for the beginner wine drinker. It also makes it perfect for food, such as spicy dishes with an Asian-influence, curry dishes, as well as spicy Mexican shrimp and chicken dishes. Also, with a good chill, a perfect porch sipper. 

Tall Sage Cabernet Sauvignon - 2014: 100% Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Syrah and 3% Malbec. Distinctive. Bold. A wine meant for food - "big" food. The nose was a bit on the smoky side. On the palate big cherry and dark berry, and other dark fruits, such as plums comes through. More smoke is showing off possibly from the barrel, and even the Syrah. 

There was also just a hint of sweetness in the finish, perhaps from the Malbec. Again, this "fruity" presence makes it a wine for the beginner who wants to tackle a bold red wine. And the boldness from this wine, pleads for a big meal of big roasted meats, and even grilled slightly charred vegetables. Also, I keep thinking about a big grilled portobello mushroom burger with melted Swiss or Fontina cheese on whole wheat bun.  Ooey-gooey with lots of smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, and even a light herbal-mayonnaise spread, and a sip of Tall Sage Cabernet Sauvignon between each bite.  

The price point of Tall Sage wines are an attractive around the $10 range. At this price it makes these wines important as a reminder to drink local - drink Washington State. 

(Wines received as samples)