PALATE PRESS: The Online Wine Magazine

The official launch of PALATE PRESS: The Online Wine Magazine has arrived! PALATE PRESS seeks out and publishes the very best wine writers and writings on the internet.

PALATE PRESS is the collaboration of David Honig and W.R. "Tish" Tisherman. Honig is publisher, blogger, attorney, self-educated oenephile and the man behind the 89 Project. Known as "Tish' in the wine trade, he has been writing and speaking about wine and food for more than two decades, including former editor of Wine Enthusiast magazine from 1988 to 1998.

Last week was the official launch of the online magazine. There is a wide range of wine topics by a wide range of talented wine writers. A sampling: Randall Grahm profile, Nutritional Facts on Wine, Brettanomyces in White Wine (who knew?) Alsace Gastronomy, Spotlight on Zin and last but not least. For those of you who love Walla Walla and love the wines - - a few words about the town so nice they named it twice by - - yours truly. Check it out!

Deep Deep Roots: Walla Walla Wine Their once claim to fame was when cartoon star Bugs Bunny announced himself in one of the Looney Tunes episodes as the “Wishie-Washie-White-Washing Machine Salesman from Walla Walla Washington.” ...

Wine Blogging Wednesday #61: The Serendipitous SuLei Cellars Rousanne

Today is the 61st Wine Blogging Wednesday. And today we go back to the beginning of this project as it's being hosted by Lenn Thompson of Lenndevours who is the founder of WBW. This month Lenn has challenged us to write about a wine based on a tasting done at a winery. And “extra points” are given if we do the tasting with the winemaker. I am claiming my extra points. What do I win, Lenn?

When you live in a small wine oriented community like Walla Walla, there is bound to be serendipitous events that will lead you to a great wine.

It all started when I received an email from Tanya and Elaine, owners of a new winery, SuLei (Soo-Lay) Cellars in Walla Walla. I had just returned from the Wine Bloggers Conference in California and was playing catch-up with my emails and deadlines. The evening I had planned to tackle this project, I had also made plans to attend a wine industry event. While at the event and visiting about, I was chatting with friend Kate Bray Morrison, who commented there were a couple of people at the event she thought I should meet. Well, to make a long story short, it was Tanya and Elaine of SuLei Cellars!

Six days later, I dined at the ‘Burg Cottage (Waitsburg) of Paul and Karen Stanton-Gregutt. If you are a fan of Washington wines and live in Washington State and do not know who Paul Gregutt is, then you must be drinking your wine under a rock. Paul writes Sunday’s "Wine Adviser" column in the Seattle Times Pacific magazine and a monthly wine column in Spokane Spokesman-Review, as well as the author of the critically acclaimed book – “Washington Wines & Wineries – The Essential Guide.” The focus of the meal was Karen’s “Herbal Chicken Platter” - grilled slices of tender chicken breasts. Each piece of chicken had its own savory mixture of fresh herbs that Karen had picked from her beautiful, and very fragrant, herb and antique rose garden minutes before.

Paul brought to the table a bottle of white wine to pair with the meal. And with the label concealed by the wine chiller, he asked us to figure out what type of white grape it was. After a few wrong guesses - - it was the 2008 Roussanne from SuLei Cellars. I exclaimed that I had an appointment to visit SuLei for a private tasting! Two days later, I once again had the opportunity to taste the SuLei Cellars Roussanne, but this time with owners, Tanya Woodley, winemaker and Elaine Jomwe, Operations Manager.

SuLei Cellars Roussanne 2008 is a very friendly white wine that was far too easy for me to consume. Typically, my palate doesn’t lend itself to Roussanne, like it does to Viognier, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, but when Tanya offered me a second glass I didn’t turn it down (nor did I turn down a second glass of the SuLei Roussanne at the Gregutt Cottage).

This Roussanne is produced as single vineyard wine from the Jon Cockburn Ranch Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA. I definitely thought the wine carried an influence from the old apple orchards in the area many moons ago. The nose showed floral notes of orange blossom and honey suckle. My palate found flavors of ripe peaches and also found the wine to be dominant with notes of crisp apples. Old and new barrels were used leaving just enough oak to round out the acids, while still leaving enough acidity to enhance food pairings.

I would recommend this wine to be paired, of course with a plate of imported cheeses. Also a complimentary pairing with a buttery seasoned seafood entree or a seafood salad with a variety of crisp lettuce or even a fruit salad. And of course - - Karen Stanton-Gregutt’s "Herbal Chicken Platter."

Robison Ranch Cellars: Real Cowboys Drink Rosé

Hey Cowboy - Yeah, I'm talkin' to you. Rosés are probably one of the most food friendly wines around. And Robison Ranch Cellars aint' afraid to make this pretty pink wine their first release.

Winemaker, Brad Riordan and Jim Robison have teamed together to form Robison Ranch Cellars. Robison Ranch is a third-generation family-owned ranch located in Walla Walla County.

In the Valley, Robison Ranch has been synonymous with hard work and unremitting quality since 1918, so it's no surprise that the next step for them would be to open a winery.

This 2008 blend of Walla Walla grown Syrah, Sangiovese, Merlot and Viognier is crisp, bright, fruit-forward and we discovered it was a great food pairing with curry and Asian-influenced meals. I served it for guests and family during our Labor Day BBQ and even the most critical wine fans and professional foodies raved!

We picked up notes of strawberry, cranberry and vanilla in the finish. I'm tellin' ya, I would recommend this rosé for the Thankgiving bird - - well, if the wine lasts that long. You see, there were only 25 cases made - - and it's going fast! Check it out at the W5.

Food & Wine Magazine: Winemaker of the Year 2009!

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Recognize this rock star winemaker from Walla Walla?

Sometimes one picture says it all.

Congratulations Charles!

Back to School: WSET in Walla Walla

The WSET program is coming to town and going back to school doesn't get much better than this, when it means sitting in the class room with glasses of wine to sample.

The Wine & Spirits Educational Trust is the world's prestigious and most recognized leader in wines and spirits education and this will be the first time for this London-based program to reach Eastern Washington.

The WSET courses are ideal for anyone in the wine industry, whether working in food service, wine retail and tasting rooms, or in the fields of journalism, marketing, and education. And you don't have to be a professional to take these courses. They are perfect for the wine consumer who has a little or a lot of knowledge about wine.

WSET courses for Eastern Washington will be held at the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center in Walla Walla. Wine writer, Paul Gregutt will be teaching the comprehensive one-day Foundation Course (Level 1) Saturday, September 12 and a three-day Intermediate Course (Level 2), the weekends of October 10 and 18th. A WSET Advanced Course (Level 3) is also available, but will be scheduled for a later time.

WSET Instructor Paul Gregutt is recognized as the leading wine writer in Washington State. He appears every Sunday in the Seattle Times Pacific Magazine, the last Wednesday of each month in Spokane's Spokesman-Review, and is the Northwest editor for Wine Enthusiast magazine. Gregutt's best-selling book "Washington Wine & Wineries: The Essential Guide" is considered to be the best review of the state's wineries.

And Paul is no stranger to Eastern Washington as he and his wife, Karen Stanton-Gregutt, have taken up a second residence in Walla Walla County. Local rumor is Paul can be found sitting on the front porch of their cottage in Waitsburg playing the guitar and singing tunes about 90 point wines.

For more information contact Paul Gregutt or see: Eastern Washington WSET

Revisiting Old Favorites: Canoe Ridge

Writing about the wines of Walla Walla is not a full time gig for me. I often get so busy with - - well - - every day life. So, it is such a pleasure when local wineries contact me to say, "Hello Catie! We're here! We haven't seen you in a while." And that's exactly what Cynthia Souder from Canoe Ridge Vineyard did! It was great to see Cindy again and happy to hear she followed her sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and David Marshall (David is with Long Shadows Vintners), to Walla Walla. The last time I saw her, she was wearing a tiara and stepping out of a limosine. Well - - after all - - it was her birthday.

Canoe Ridge, located in the historic railway engine house, was one of the first wineries in the Walla Walla Valley and John Abbott, now of Abeja Winery, was the winemaker in the early days of Canoe Ridge. The wines were always consistently solid and it was always so much fun to read John's tasting notes, as he always paired his wine with music. Dire Strait’s "Expresso Love" paired with Merlot, anyone?

After Abbott left to start up Abeja Winery, it seemed to me there was a year where the wines of Canoe Ridge weren't near as solid without Abbott, until Christophe Paubert, a native of Bordeaux and a previous winemaker for the premier Chateau d'Yquem, came to join Canoe Ridge as their winemaker. Once again, the wines of Canoe Ridge are at their finest.

It was such a treat to taste though the wines of Canoe Ridge once again. Not only have their reds received accolades, but their white wines, as well. Paubert has the right touch on Chardonnay. The focus is on the fruit and not on the oak - a wine reminiscent of old world Burgundy. The Gewürztraminer of Canoe Ridge is a classic example of this spicy white with the heady floral nose.

Available for the summer days and definitely a Turkey-Day pleaser is their Cabernet Sauvignon rosé. It was dry and crisp showing off an assortment of summer berries. The 2006 Red Table wine is certainly worth a mention. It is not only affordable at $17, but the quality is there. This 60% Merlot blend was velvetty on the palate with rich notes of cherry and chocolate. The soft tannins made it, not only an easy "sipper," so versatile with hearty foods. The Cabernets and Merlots of Canoe Ridge really show off the varietal character with a nice balance of fruit and oak. They are classic wines.

Christophe Paubert certainly brought his skills with him from Chateau d'Yquem (known for their dessert Sauternes) when it came to excuting the off-dry wines with the 2004 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, 2006 Late Harvest Chardonnay/Riesling blend and the Port Cabernet Sauvignon. I've been hearing so many good things about this particular red dessert wine, so I was excited to give this rare Walla Walla produced Port-style wine a taste. It is an elegant dark red liquid that paired well with a bite of a rich chocolate brownie. And I was surprised how it made my palate so happy when paired with a soft and buttery Camazola blue cheese.

It is worth the time to revisit this winery and if you have never visited, I recommend a stop to take advantage of their moderately priced and fine produced wines. Cindy and Jerry, tasting room staff were welcoming and friendly. The tasting room is rather cozy, but when I was there even the guests were friendly and fun to visit with!

Unfortunately, it was announced this last weekend that Paubert will be leaving Washington State and will be moving to California where he will be joining the winery of Stags' Leap in Napa. We will hold our breath with anticipation to see who will step into these big shoes of great winemakers before.

Barbera Release: CAVU Cellars

I cannot explain it, but Italian varietals are intriguing to me. Of course, I never refuse an opportunity to taste a glass and Barbera is one of those Italian grapes.

The history of Barbera has long roots (pardon the pun) and is the second most widely planted red variety in Italy, after Sangiovese. The beginnings of this acidic and low tannin grape was believed to have originated in the hills of central Piedmont (Italian: Piemonte), Italy. And to make a long story short - it has eventually found its way to Washington State and this weekend, it is the Barbera Release Weekend at CAVU Cellars!

Back in May, during Spring Release weekend, I had the opportunity to barrel sample the same 2008 Barbera that will be officially released tomorrow. And again, just last week I sampled the same, but this time out of the bottle. The CAVU Cellars Barbera, with the very fresh fruit notes, pulled my nose deeper into the glass. This fruit forward wine showed notes of cherries and blueberries. It finished with just a hint of spice, but still rather "bright" with the perfect amount of acids and a touch of oak to round it all out. There's a reason why Italians let the wines pour freely with their meals, as the CAVU Cellars Barbera is definitely a wine that will enhance a cheese plate and a meal of pasta.

I was really happy to be able to visit with Joel Waite, winemaker of CAVU, while enjoying his new release. CAVU is an acronym for the aviation term: Ceiling And Visibility Unlimted. Joel's father, James is a former pilot and the aviation reference is very appropriate when you consider their winery location at the Port of Walla Walla Incubator Wineries is located at the Walla Walla Airport.

Joel is taking the opportunity to turn this new release into a party! Tomorrow, Friday, August 21 from 11 am - 11 pm there will be, not only wine, but food and music! Also, the celebration will continue Saturday (11-6) and Sunday (11-5). And I heard a rumor that there will be some major tunes, a "Backyard Bash", being played at the Walla Walla Wine Incubators on Friday (Contact CAVU for further info: 509-540-6352).

While you're sipping on the Barbera, don't forget to visit the other wineries at the Walla Walla Wine Incubators: Adamant, Kontos Cellars, Lodmell Cellars, and Trio Vintners.

Downtown Walla Walla: Music to my ears and wine in my glass.

The combination of the two are the perfect pairing and downtown Walla Walla is alive with the sound of music (no apologies to Julie Andrews or Maria Von Trapp)!

Sapolil Cellars, located downtown Walla Walla, is a small winery cranking out big tunes. The piano, which started out as their tasting room bar, soon found its ivory being tickled by the local musicians. And Friday and Saturday nights on that block have never been the same, as they feature a line-up of the best musicians in the area. Some cover charges may apply and Sapolil’s wine is always available by the bottle or glass.

The word on the street is that particular block will soon give new meaning to “block party” as come this September, Merchants LTD Deli will keep their doors open Friday evenings featuring pourings by local winemakers. Merchants, with the best outdoor seating on the block, is just a few doors doors up from Sapolil.

But why wait until Friday to start the weekend? Every Thursday night join Walla Walla Village Winery, from 7-10 for “Open Mic Night.” Walla Walla Village Winery feels that training your nose to smell different aromas in wine is like training your ears to appreciate music. Like the difference between a Cabernet and a Chardonnay, music doesn’t matter if it’s rock, classical, or jazz…the analogy is the same. The more you concentrate on the music and the wine, the more you can pick out the different notes. So train your ears while you train your palate at Walla Walla Village Winery. The event is free and of course, wine is available for purchase.

Oh hell. Why even wait for Thursday to start the weekend? Start it on Wednesday! That’s right - - Wednesday! Let your ears guide the way to Walla Walla Wine Works (formerly the Waterbrook Tasting Room) for “Music Wednesdays.” It’s exactly what my ears did. They guided the way the other night to the music as I was coming back from a fabulous meal at T. Maccarones. Walla Walla Wine Works has a lovely outdoor setting in the heart of Walla Walla at the downtown plaza area on Main Street. The tasting room features a wide selection of wines for purchase and the event is free.

Who says there is nothing to do in Walla Walla? And if it’s being said, someone needs their whiny pee pants booted. Party on, Garth.

WBW #60: I Have Zinned

First of all, many thanks to my Wine Blogging Conference '09 roomie, Megan Riley Kenney of Wannabe Wino Wine Blog for hosting the 60th edition and the 5th Birthday of Wine Blogging Wednesday! This is a milestone! And last but not least, many thanks to Lenn Thompson of Lenndevours for proposing the idea of this monthly virtual wine tasting tradition back in the summer of 2004.

This month Megan would like the world of wine bloggers to grab our favorite Zinfandel and pair it with BBQ and/or grilled foods in honor of the grilling season. Hey, I can do that! In fact, I can even give you a recipe for one of my favorite grilled foods.

If you are familiar with the wines of Walla Walla, you will know there is not a lot of Zinfandel grown or produced in the valley, let alone in Washington State. However, Forgeron Cellars has been producing the real thing (not the "white" stuff) since 2001. I refer to it as the "Original Walla Walla Zin." Forgeron Cellars Zinfandel has been an easy sell-out for the winery and I have owned every vintage. They age very well and so smooth and juicy on the palate. In fact, just Sunday evening I opened up a 2002 I had been hoarding and got a little weepy last night when I reached the end of the bottle. It was that good.

Marie-Eve Gilla, Forgeron Cellars winemaker says: "The 2005 vintage is a combination of three distinct vineyard sites, each chosen for the unique flavors and aromas they bring to the wine. Alder Ridge Vineyard is in the Horse Heaven Hills along the Columbia River and brings rich cherry jam characteristics to the wine. Clifton Vineyard is on the Wahluke Slope near Mattawa. A warmer site chosen for the white pepper and spice qualities in the fruit and the third vineyard is Les Collines in the Walla Walla Valley, which adds bold flavors and perfume to the blend."

The nose reminds me of a cherry cobbler. It is a juicy wine on the palate and leaves just a hint of spice that doesn't overtake the food pairing. I can't think of a better wine to pair with one of my favorite grilled recipes - Bulgogi.

Korean 101: "Bul" is the Korean word for "fire", and "gogi" is "meat" = "Fire Meat." Bulgogi is one of Korea's most popular beef dishes and I love using this somewhat traditional marinade for flank steak. I use the term "somewhat traditional" as by accident one day I found I didn't have any mirrin (sweet sake) and used red wine instead. I have been happy with the recipe ever since! Bulgogi is traditionally grilled, but broiling or pan-cooking is common as well. Spring onions, chopped green peppers and other vegetables can also be marinated and grilled at the same time.

• 1 pound thinly sliced steak or sometimes will use one whole flank steak that has been tenderized (by hand) well and marinated whole. Then it is sliced after grilling. Also, think beef short ribs for this marinade. It's that versatile!

• 5 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves finely chopped garlic
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 tbsp red wine (or more) - use the red wine you are drinking or plan on pairing with meal. And don't forget to pour a glass or two for yourself!
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

• 1 cup green onions (sliced lenghwise) and/or other vegetables for grilling (optional).

Mix all ingredients except vegetables. Add meat to marinade and marinate in refrigerator over night or at least 2 hours. Add optional vegetables to the marinade at any time. Grill over medium high heat until meat is just short of desired completion. Serve with rice or sometimes I like to make a traditional (and simple) "Hawaiian Lunch Truck Macaroni Salad" (elbow mac, shredded raw carrot and mayo) to serve on the side.

Thanks again Megan. This was a fun!

The Wine Century Club

Finally! The certification I had been waiting for since I applied back in April and started my Wine Century Club venture back four years ago, arrived in the mail today!

The Wine Century Club was created in 2005 for all areas of the wine community, including wine educators, wine writers and just plain wine lovers. The majority of the 590 some members not only hail from the United States, but from all over the globe.

If you've tasted at least 100 different grape varieties, you're qualified to become a member. It's not as easy as one thinks either. I started keeping track of the grape varieties I tasted for the last four years. At first it seemed to go rather slow until I was a judge at a Northwest wine show and tasted varieties I hadn't tasted before, let alone could spell them such as Kerner, Ehrenfelser, Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrebe. Along the way I was able to taste the wines of Georgia and I'm not talking wines from Atlanta, either. Native wine grapes from the Republic of Georgia included more varieties I couldn't spell, but enjoyed tasting them such Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Rachuli-Tetra and Alexandreuli. Before I knew it, I was on a quest to taste more unusual and obscure grapes and finally earlier in the year I had recounted my list and discovered I had tasted over a 100 grapes!

I can't think of a tastier way to receive a certificate!

Sex in a Bottle: TL Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

It’s bold. It's lush. Troy told me to open the heavy dark bottle ahead of time and let it breath for a couple of hours before serving. He was wrong. I should have decanted it earlier in the day! It was so bold and holding so much character, I knew I had a stunning wine in my glass especially when out of the three guests I served it to the "non-red" wine drinker said, “ I am surprised. I really like this. It doesn’t make my mouth pucker. It’s s-o-o-o sm-o-o-o-th.”

We were holding in our wine glasses, TL Cellars "Release Two" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 produced with the very distinctive grapes from Les Collines Vineyard. As the dark liquid poured from the bottle into the glass, it reminded me of black ink until I saw the red hue in the glass. My nose didn't decieve me either, as I knew this grape came from Walla Walla soil. I could smell the wonderful "wheatiness" and essence de pétrole that is often so dominant in the soil that surrounds the foothills of the Blue Mountains - the soil that is such a reminder of Walla Walla's rich farming history.

The longer I held this glass of wine in my hand, I kept picking up other aromas that were so familiar to me such as smoke from slow burning apple wood, hints of a cigar humidor, oven warm blackberry cobbler and the king of extracts - Mexican vanilla. My "non-drinking" red wine friend was right about this wine as once the wine fell on the tongue it indeed was smooth. Yet, it still danced around a bit on the palate showing off its many flavors. We picked up flavors of dark ripe cherries, hints of fresh black licorice, and blackberries. With one of the sips, a flashback from days past came to me as it reminded me of toasted whole wheat bread slathered with currant jelly made from the currants we use to pick with my grandmother.

The finish was lingering and juicy leaving the palate wanting for more. This is a wine that will no doubt just keep getting better and always showing something new. It's been quoted by the winemaker this wine is "sex in a bottle." If "sex in a bottle" means being satiated and content, but greedily wanting more? Then it is - - sex in a bottle.

I would be lying if I said the character of the wine surprised me, but my instincts told me it was going to be an elegant, yet bold wine. I mean - how could it not be? Troy Ledwick, owner and winemaker of TL Cellars attended the Walla Walla Institute for Enology and Viticulture and it was there he had the good fortune to be mentored by the late and very great Stan Clarke. Stan assisted Troy with finding jobs during the seasonal "crush." And while working at some of the finest wineries in the valley such as Forgeron Cellars, Basel Cellars, and Long Shadows, Troy was often presented with opportunities to learn some of the winemaking styles from these winemakers.

There were only 792 bottles produced of the TL Cellars Second Release Cabernet Sauvignon and rightly so. This is truly such a special wine that there shouldn't be that much "sex in a bottle" being taken for granted.

Wine Bloggers Conference 2009: One picture is worth a thousand words

And my last blog on the WBC 2009 - -

Take one Beer Wench Blogger by the name of Ashley “Wenchie” Routson.

And one serious Pinot Blogger from the Russian River Valley, CA by the name of Josh Hermsmeyer.

Toss in one rubber chicken by the name of "Don Quixote" compliments of Twisted Oak Winery

Walla Walla get ready for the Wine Blogger's Conference 2010!

17 Things I Learned at the WBC 2009!

1. I learned when people tell me how difficult it is to fly into Walla Walla to stand up and tell those naysayers to "buck up!"

If Lewis & Clark didn't have any problems finding the place on foot, neither should they have a problem finding Walla Walla via planes, trains or automobiles.
After listening to criticism after criticism of why Walla Walla wouldn't make the best place to have a Wine Bloggers Convention in regards to our small airport, extra miles, etc., to all of those critics, I wanted to cast a spell that all of the wines in their cellar turn to boxed white zin!

You can almost place six Sonoma County/Santa Rosa Airports (aka Charles M. Schultz Airport - you know, Snoopy's Dad?) into one Walla Walla Regional Airport. Then there is the $40 cab ride to destination Flamingo Hotel, Santa Rosa - WBC 09! Umm...the Marcus Whitman Hotel will complimentary shuttle your butt to their hotel, destination WBC 2010.

2. Once I finally arrived at destination WBC 2009, I learned that the Flamingo Resort Hotel has a lot of history. It was very glamorous and well appointed with the 1950's Hollywood/Las Vegas style. I kept wondering when Luci and Ricky Ricardo would check in.

3. Friday morning I discovered that I will never become an Ambassador for the Secret Sherry Society. Even the expensive stuff tastes like the cheap stuff, with the exception of the Fino style - the driest and palest of all Sherry varieties. I enjoyed the Fino very much and can see myself purchasing a few bottles.

4. Friday afternoon I learned I really liked "Live Wine Blogging" (aka "Speed Dating"). After lunch every table is "romanced" by several winemakers as they pour you a glass of their wines. You taste and then blog or twitter about it on your laptop or phone to get the message to your readers about the experience. However, even though I loved this, I failed miserably as I was too busy chatting with my lunch companions.

5. I learned I should have gotten my liver in better shape before I headed to California!

On Friday, somewhere between registration check-in and visiting the sponsors who welcomed us with glasses of wine, along with "Speed Dating," the "Grand Tasting of Sonoma" located at the pool patio before dinner, including wine tasting during dinner, that by the time I made it to the "After Hours Party" hosted by the Russian River Valley Wine Growers, my palate was fatigued! So I sat by the pool for awhile under the stars waiting for the ghost of Jayne Mansfield, who use to frequent the Flamingo Hotel pool. She didn't show.

6. Saturday morning I was delighted to learn that the former Christian Brother's Brandy Distillery was now the home of the CIA - Greystone.

The Culinary Institute of America was our host for the morning, complete with a continental breakfast. The last time I drove by the former distillery in St Helena, the distillery had moved out and the old building was not what she could be. The buildings and the gardens are now gorgeous!

Our key note speakers at the CIA were guests were Barry Schuler - former CEO of AOL and Jim Gordon, Executive Director of the Symposium of Professional Wine Writers and Current Editor of Wines & Vines magazine.

7. I learned from Barry Schuler that he and Al Gore created the internet while smoking pot one evening and their creation of the internet was with us wine bloggers in mind.

8. I learned from Jim Gordon how important it is to spell correctly when blogging. He reminded me of my junior high writing instructor as he told us, not once, but several times the importance of spelling or at least using some kind of spell check. Yeesss Mr. Gordon.

But more than that, Gordon also touched on an important issue brought on by last year's California wildfires. With wildfires, there is the potential the smoke can effect the actual grape's physiology, as the smoke can effect not just on the skin surface, but the smoke can permeate the pulp, as well. With that said, there certainly is the potential for serious smoke taint in Washington State since we have been known to have our share of wildfires, especially in the North and through the greater Columbia Valley AVA.

9. I learned that sitting in the back of a bus for two hours on twisty Napa Valley roads and digesting bus exhaust makes me nauseous. Even too nauseous to taste wine.

10. I learned a new road trip song. Sung to the tune of Do-Re-Mi (from Sound of Music). "Do is what I buy my wine with. Re is who I buy my wine from! Mi is who I buy my wine for. Fa - lalalalala..."

11. I learned the importance of "Green" in the Napa Valley.

It's difficult to fit 277 wine bloggers and their tools into one bus, so we were split up into seven buses and taken to different wineries in the valley. Our bus (#4) was sent to Cuvaison Estate Winery, where we met with Jay Schuppert, President. We were treated to a beautiful lunch prepared with local produce, while Jay informed us of their remarkable green program - from solar panels to staff carpooling. Not only was Jay informative, but he and his staff were hospitable and extremely generous.

Later on the bus someone raised the question if we thought Napa Valley was really that into "green" as they professed. Questions were raised if perhaps "green" was really only a trend or maybe a marketing ploy. My contribution to the question is I totally believe that overall, Napa and Sonoma actually live "green." I base that on several trips to Northern California visiting friends and peers and they really do "walk the walk." Remember, we are talking an area where the original "hippy" movement evolved.

12. I learned that even I can share my blogging knowledge with long standing wineries from California.

Our bus visited Staglin Family Vineyards/Winery and was met by Shari Staglin (remember Shari and Garen from the movie, "Mondovino"?) Joining Shari and Garen Staglin were representatives from other wineries, including Russell Weis, General Manager of Silverado Vineyards. We all gathered around the table for a panel discussion of "Does Size Matter?" No we didn't talk about an article from a Cosmopolitan magazine - - we talked about the sizes of wineries and why a owners, winemakers choose them. Eventually, the discussion came back to us - - the wine bloggers.

I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to ask Shari and Russell if they blogged. Neither one did and of course, I had to ask why? Shari said she didn't know what to say and Russell said he was scared. Well, I said, "Do it! Don't procrastinate! Do it now or you never will!" Then I got off of my soap box and ran to the bathroom.

13. I learned at the Grand Tasting of Napa Wines held at Quintessa Winery, that I was really home sick for wines from Walla Walla!

Though I will say the Cabernet from Cakebread made friends with my palate. But the high point for me at the tasting was the 1996 and 2006 Cornerstone Winery Cabernet Sauvignon that friend, fellow wine blogger and General Manager, Craig Camp poured for us! Beautiful Craig!

14. I learned that one of the best times of the day in the Napa area is at Conn Creek Winery just as the sun is setting. Bus #4 was taken there for dinner. As the sun set around their beautiful gardens we were treated to a delicious, fresh and colorful dinner! The Napa-style is all about loca-vore and loca-pour.

The other treat at Conn Creek Winery is their AVA Room Barrel Blending Experience where our dinner was held. Conn Creek was very generous and gave us the opportunity to blend our own wines from the various barrels representing the terroir from their unique AVA's.

15. Sunday morning I learned how to use social media, monetization and crazy videos on my blog.

16. I learned that I can no longer party like it's 1999.

17. I learned that all of favorite winebloggers are not the size of 80 x 80 pixels after all!

And if I never learned a thing at the WBC 2009, it was still worth the trip and the time to finally meet, break bread, drink wine, hug, laugh, discuss "blogging politics" with all of my wine blogging colleagues who I have been emailing, Twittering and linking with now for the last five years.

Live! KUJ (1420 AM) Wine Bloggers - Destination Walla Walla!

When Jim Bock, News Director of KUJ Radio located in Walla Walla, asked me if I would consider a live interview and suggested that if I was shy, he would make it easy...

Shy? Are you kidding? Where's the mic?

Turn the dial to Jim Bock on radio KUJ (1420 AM) at 7:30 this Thursday morning (July 30)! Jim will interview me about the upcoming Wine Bloggers Conference scheduled for June of 2010 in Walla Walla, WA!

The Faces of 2009 Wine Bloggers Convention

These are just some of the 277 faces that gathered this year in Napa/Sonoma for the Wine Bloggers Convention 2009. In June of 2010 we will see these wonderful faces once again, but this time in Walla Walla, WA. I can hardley wait! These are my wine blogging homies - my online wine peeps and they will get to see what I have been blogging about now for over five years.

Wine bloggers are a curious bunch - wherever one goes, several follow. We migrate to other wine bloggers like ourselves, those who are ever faithful and have dedicated themselves to their craft.

Wine Bloggers Convention 2010: Destination Walla Walla!

It's official! The Wine Bloggers Convention will be moved out of California to Walla Walla for 2010! The votes were cast, collected and counted and it's destination Walla Walla, June 25-27! The organizers of this event have lined up an incredible team of supporters including the Washington Wine Commission, Chateau St. Michelle Winery, and the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. The convention will be held at our beautiful and historic Marcus Whitman. Check out this link for more info:http://winebloggersconference.org/america/2010-wbc-location-poll/

And a note to all of you WBC 09 convention wine peeps here at Santa Rosa/Flamingo Hotel - come see me and pick up your Welcome To Walla Walla token gifted by Tumac Outdoor Equipment and arranged by Michael Mettler, Marketing Consultant/Graphic Design and PR Hustler!!! And if you time it right - I'll pour you a taste of wine from Forgeron Cellars in Walla Walla! Welcome to Walla Walla WBC '10!!!

Wine Bloggers Conference 2009: Sonoma, CA

This Thursday morning I will be flying out of Walla Walla to attend the Second Annual North American Wine Bloggers Conference held in Sonoma and Napa Counties, CA. on Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26th. I will be joining 2oo+ wine bloggers from all over the United States and even a few from Europe, as well as new media innovators, and wine industry leaders.

The conference will be filled with meet and greets, keynote speakers, panel discussions, vineyard walks, break-out sessions regarding wine blogging and social media, Grand Tastings of Sonoma and Napa Valley Wines and even a Live Wine Blogging gathering on Friday scheduled for 2:30 pm PDT! Oh, and one more thing - -

For over a year now, I have been throwing hissy-fits at WBC organizer’s Joel Vincent (what a saint!) about moving the WBC 2010 out of California and into Washington State. At times it’s been a bit controversial whether the WBC 2010 should be held at Woodinville or Walla Walla. Well, after much discussion, the votes have been cast, collected and counted. Stay tuned and follow me on Twitter, as Sunday morning the announcement will be made regarding the WBC 2010 Washington State destination - Woodinville or Walla Walla?

I will soon post a Twitter widget so you can follow me for live updates on my wine blogging journey!

Listen Up Gaming Geeks and Millennials: 8-Bit Vintners is here!

The story of Michael James and his wine project in Walla Walla is a great example of what I love about the Internet. You can find stories of interest just as close as your "own back yard." I couldn't wait to get ahold of Mike to find out the scoop of his up-and-coming wine project, named 8-Bit Vintners.

W5: Mike, I first heard about your wine project on my daily subscription to Google Alert. However, the website I checked out was not about wine. For me, it seemed a rather obscure website - - a gamer’s board named, Kotaku.com. I have to admit, I am rather clueless about gaming, even though I've been known to whoop some butts during a mean game of Ms. Pacman. But what was so surprising, and of course the most interesting to me about this website is you were listed as a finalist in a contest as having the "Most Unique Job" (a vintner)! So how did the contest end up?

Mike: It makes me so happy that you found me the way you did. It illustrates how the Internet can be such a great tool to promote a new or existing product with little or no marketing budget.

Anyway, so yeah, I'm a geek. I'm really into video games and I always have been. I remember the first time I picked up a controller to play Super Mario Bros. for Nintendo and I was mesmerized. I had a good buddy who lived down the street from me and when we weren't at school or playing sports, we were in his basement, or mine, trying to beat the newest game. I really cherish those times. I used to love reading the newest gaming magazines every month. Seeing all the upcoming games and picking the ones I just had to have. Unfortunately, most of those magazines have either gone under or web sites have replaced them. The site you found, the story about me on Kotaku is one of the most visited and well respected video game news sites on the web. When I found out that I was a finalist for their most unique job contest, I was pretty excited! To me, the best part was thinking of all the people that would see what I was doing with my wine. But, after three days of collecting votes, I came out on top and won a $1400 gaming laptop from Dell. It was a cool experience!

W5: I understand you just graduated from the Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla. What was the driving force that sent you to the school? Your background?

Mike: I did just graduate. I had a great two years at the college. Next to marrying my wife, it was the best decision I (we) ever made. I graduated college in 2005 with a business degree and had been working various sales jobs and was really unsatisfied. I had been really passionate about wine for about three years at that point and decided it was time to make a change. I visited Walla Walla once before on a road trip around the western U.S. I loved the wine and the people of Walla Walla and remembered someone talking about a two-year Enology/Viticulture program. So, I applied. We moved up before the following new fall semester. I have always loved history and hand crafted things, so grape growing and wine making were an instant attraction. I worked my first harvest in 2007 for Bergevin Lane under Steffan Jorgensen (who makes fantastic wine). Then I was offered a tasting room position at Seven Hills Winery. That position turned into a sales/production position and I currently am the national sales rep for Seven Hills Winery as well as starting my own label, "8-Bit Vintners."

W5: Tell me more about your new winery project, "8-Bit Vintners" and your soon-to-be released wine named, "Player 1." Also, how about your gaming and how it ended up blending with viticulture?

Mike: "8-Bit Vintners" is a concept that I came up with when I was driving wheat truck for a local family in Walla Walla the first summer we moved here. You get a lot of time to think when you're up in those hills. I really wanted to do something different in the industry. Something that was totally unique and niche driven. I knew it had to be something that represented me and my passions, or people would see right through it. First however, and above all else, the wine should over deliver on both quality and price. I feel like you can go one of two ways when creating a wine label. You can either be incredibly broad and try to reach every demographic or be incredibly focused on reaching a very specific one.

I obviously chose to be specific. Incorporating my love of games and the nostalgia I have for the games of my youth seemed liked a no brainer. I feel like there is this untapped amount of people who grew up playing Mario, MegaMan and Contra, who now get zero attention in the wine industry. I hear all this stuff about marketing to Millennials and I struggle to find one wine label that does it effectively. Anyway, I knew it was incredibly risky, but with so much wine sitting on store shelves, I figured it was better to stand out than get lost in the shuffle. Currently, 8-Bit Vintners is producing wine in collaboration with Casey McClellan of Seven Hills Winery. My first wine, "Player 1" is a red blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Tempranillo, 10% Cab Sauv, and 5% of Carmenere and 5% Malbec. "Player 1" will be around a 250 case production. And next spring, I have plans to create a white wine called "Player 2."

W5: And what will the future hold for 8-Bit Vintners?

Mike: My dream, is that this is only the begining. I am working with a very limited budget and a lot of prayer. I would love to have my own facility one day and create a place that is carried on by my kids. I'm realistic to the challenges of starting a new label, but I never want to look back and say I should have. Oh, and I want to be the first to have a Pacman machine in my tasting room.

For more information about Mike James and to stay tuned to the lastest news about 8-Bit Vintners, check out:

facebook.com/8bitvintners

twitter.com/8BitVintner

Glencorrie Winery: History Making History

Glencorrie is a fitting name for a winery that's tucked away in a small glen. The south facing slope reminds us of the corries that were left behind by the result of the historic Missoula floods which shaped our celebrated area, so many years ago.

The timing of my visit to this new winery could not have been any better, as the liquor board had just left a few hours before and leaving their seal of approval. It was official! On June 5th, Glencorrie Winery was open for business and it was just in time for the Vintage Walla Walla weekend!

It’s quite picturesque – the winery grounds has yards of blue sky above, framed with a view of the Blue Mountains from the south and in a lush countryside surrounding. At the end of the long drive-way you are met with a custom designed 3,000 sq. foot horse barn positioned in the middle of a 13-acre parcel along Highway 12, west of Walla Walla.

Ronn Coldiron, co-owner of Glencorrie greeted my guest, Sue Tarver and me, as we arrived from the drive. However, Sue wasn't really a "guest," as she was coming back to a place she use to refer to as "home." Sue was the former owner who established the barn and would eventually sell it and the parcel to Ronn and his brother, Dean. At this point, I was the observer, who not only learned about the exciting future for the winery and vineyards, but also learned about the wonderful history and the thoughtful craftsmanship that went into the structure and the land.

In 2002, brothers, Ronn and Dean Coldiron planted a small 150-vine experimental vineyard in California and started their search of the perfect location for an estate vineyard and winery setting in the Walla Walla Valley. They will tell you that they could not believe their good fortune when they discovered the custom built pole building with the monitor-style roof. The traditional barn red colored building holds six stalls with a center aisle. Pine tongue-and-groove paneling is lined on the stall fronts and the interior. The center aisle holds a unique part of Walla Walla history as it is paved from used brick that was salvaged from the demolition of the old St. Patricks Catholic School dated back to the 1860's. Sue told us how she painstakingly cleaned each brick by hand.

The land, which features a good, but slight elevation with a south facing slope, also has its share of Walla Walla history. It was owned by an early French Canadian resident of the valley who was married to a local Native American woman. The land had been awarded to them in the mid-1800's under the Donation Land Claim Act, which preceeded the Homestead Act.

There have been some new additions to the barn structure in keeping with a working winery environment. The former open hay storage is now the enclosed tasting room. The new tasting room features a compass-like map on the floor showing that all good wines from all around the world, lead to and from the Walla Walla Valley. Some of the stall area is currently holding barrels and eventually some of the actual stalls will be part of a barrel room.


Once the Coldirons had the land and the building, they also needed the wine. Again, with their good fortune, they were able to commission Charlie Hoppes, owner and winemaker of Fidelitas Wines at Red Mountain to make their inaugural releases. Charlie is no stranger to wineries on Walla Walla West Highway 12, as he was the original winemaker at Three Rivers Winery when they also opened their doors on Highway 12. Hoppes's approach to wine is a style the Coldirons want to identify with for their winery - acknowledging that wine is food and meant to compliment a meal. Production will be limited to 500-600 cases of premium Bordeaux-influenced varietals and blends.

The Glencorrie Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon - 2006 had all of the components I look for in a Walla Walla cab. It was dark and rich as if I had just popped a chocolate covered cherry in my mouth. The nose hinted of those crisp Autumn evenings in the Walla Walla Valley. This Walla Walla wine made my Walla Walla Wine Woman palate swoon!

Glencorrie Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 2006 released notes and flavors of juicy blackberries, with just a hint of spice. Even by itself, I could tell this wine was going to compliment a rich dining experience - - say steak au poivre or a steak with a wine redux of the same.

Glencorrie Cuvee Marquis - 2006, a tribute to the Coldiron's mother’s maiden name, Marquis, this is a distinguished blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Malbec. It was rich, leaving a mouthful of currant jelly, anisette, and juicy brambleberries - - with just a playful touch of graham cracker.

These wines are rich, smooth and very well balanced. The fruits are allowed to shine through showing their true character by being aged in 50% new French and American oak including 50% one year old barrels. And while these wines are made to compliment food, they complimented my palate even without the food. I look forward to Glencorrie making their own history in the Walla Walla Valley.

(Ronn Coldiron with Heidi Harrison, Tasting Room Manager)

Righteous! Up Close and Personal with Josh McDaniels of Sweet Valley Wines

Sweet Valley Wines, in Walla Walla, was labeled by the press as Washington State's 500th winery. The winery project was established in 2004 and started out as simply with a father and a uncle wanting to showcase their young winemaker's talent. Their first release in 2007 was 105 cases of their signature Double Barrel Red Blend which completely sold out.

Josh McDaniels was that young winemaker and along with his talent, Sweet Valley Wines has seen their winery grow. In fact, a lot is happening at Sweet Valley right now: they have opened a new tasting room downtown Walla Walla at 12 N. Second and have developed a second label. And on a personal note, Josh just graduated from the Center for Enology and Viticulture in Walla Walla, and Josh finally turned 21 on May 4th, right after his third release! With all of this great news for Sweet Valley Wines and Josh, I knew I had to visit with this very ambitious winemaker.

W5: "Okay Josh, I know there is a story here. I understand that Don Redman of Mannina Cellars and Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar exposed you to the world of wine. Why wine? What was it about the grapes that intrigued you?"

Josh: "Luckily Don and Chris did expose me to wine and I could not have asked for two better people. I grew up in Walla Walla and remember Gary (Figgins of Leonetti) and my Dad working at the local cannery together. I remember my sisters and I picking peas off of what is now the Loess Vineyard, so I have been around for the growth of the valley to expose me, in ways, to itself.

It had to be wine because of the true beauty, competitive lifestyle, the personal challenge, and the allure that quality and Walla Walla wine has going for it. I guess I have always been attracted to these things, and after hours of working for Don, with no pay, I knew I had to like it, right? I tend to get bored with monotonous work, and the number of hats I can wear in this industry has definitely been a plus too.

W5: "Josh, I 'heard through the grape vine,' actually it was from your father David, who told me you weren't even 21 years of age when you first started on your venture of cellar rat. How old were you and did any of your underage friends think it was cool that you were in an alcohol environment?"

Josh: "My parents were definitely aware of my age at the time (especially my mom), so I am sure he let you know (I turned 21 a few weeks ago, so no more worries!)… I believe I was 15 when I started volunteering for Don as his 'cellar rat.' That soon turned into, with Chris’s (Figgins) help, a small vineyard in my parents backyard, and the beginnings of Sweet Valley.

It was my senior year of high school that we bottled our first vintage of Sweet Valley, the 2005 Double Barrel. A lot of my friends did think it was cool, but that didn’t help me get them out to the winery to help me work. I think at that time, the focus was more on Keystone Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon than premium red wine - - imagine that!

As the winery has gotten more serious, a lot of friends have been there for me, and not just for the alcohol!"

W5: "What is your favorite place to be? In the cellar or out in the vineyards and why?"

Josh: "There’s nothing like being in the vineyard at 6 in the morning with the Hispanic radio stations blaring out of the tractor, and on the other hand, seeing the winemaking process in the winery is amazing too (usually a different music choice though). I could not put a 'favorite' on either of the two, but they do have their moments, for sure."

W5: "Josh, tell me about Sweet Valley Wine's new label, 'Righteous.' I had an opportunity to taste the Righteous Malbec at the Vintage Walla Walla's Pavilion Pour. And it was well - - - righteous! The name and the label are so different from the traditional Sweet Valley label and in fact, it expresses youth. I am betting this is your conception?"

Josh: "The new Righteous label (malbec, red blend and rose') has been a lot of fun for me and yes, it was my conception. And sometimes it really reflects on the lifestyle that I live, in respect to extreme sports, being at the beach, on the mountain, drinking wine, friends, family, God, food, and a lot more. The debut, in this down economy, has been perfect, too. With lower prices and different winemaking styles, it has allowed us to branch out from our typical Sweet Valley customers and reach a whole new demographic- for the most part.

As the label says, I try to bring the class of the Last Supper, and the savvy of surfer dudes into each glass of Righteous Wine. I agree that it does express a sense of youth, but with all of the millennials out there drinking wine, and the baby boomers retiring and wishing they were still young, how could we go wrong? "

W5: "I couldn't agree more with your thoughts on the millennials and us baby boomers wishing we were still young - at least when it comes to the creaking joints.

So, tell me - - what does the future hold for Josh McDaniels?"

Josh: "Lately, my Dad and I have been very busy getting into a vineyard, drawing up our new winery plans, and working on our own private wine label, which have all been our own personal long term goals since the beginning. All of this is being taken very seriously with no hurry, in order to preserve the quality of the grapes and the wine experience. Along with that, I am continuing my education in wine, with plans to move on to my next degree which, as of right now, will be business related. Lastly, I have been building my winery and vineyard consulting company up (j.d. mcdaniels consulting) to be able to hopefully take on more clients upon graduation of college.

Ultimately, the future will be trying to enjoy the life I lead as much as possible."

Wine Blogging Wednesday #58: Wine & Music

Katie Pizzuto of Gonzo Gastronomy has challenged us to put forth a little more effort on this month's WBW than just finding a nice wine to write about. Instead Katie wants us to enjoy a wine or two, while playing different types of music, and taking notes on how our experiences changes with each wine and song.

(I am going to have to tell the truth here - - as I already had my wine and music notes (excuse the pun) completed a few months ago due to a recent article I wrote for a local wine and food magazine about the exact same topic.)

I haven't exactly found that playing different types of music will change the experience of the wines, but what I have found there are certain wines that pair well with certain songs and musicians. And I also base the music and song according to my day. Good day? Bad day? Or maybe a flatline of a day and I need a bit of a spark to get going? In my sanctuary, which holds my collection of wine and eclectic music, and where I hide from the elements of ring tones and gab, I find a bold, yet supple cabernet sauvignon with layers of black ripe fruit and cocoa is completed with Luciano Pavarotti belting out the aria, Nessun Dorma, from the final act of Puccini's opera Turandot.

Any sultry song sung by Patsy Kline or the 1970's girl rock band, Heart goes well with a locally produced merlot that shows flavor notes of chocolate-covered cherries, nutmeg and a deep nose of autumn leaves. I play Annie Lennox's Little Bird or Whiter Shade of Pale as I sip on a viognier with its nose of fresh pears and a long finish of cotton candy. A Bordeaux-style rose'? Nothing else will do but the warbling of the little French sparrow Edith Piaf.

A well-chilled, crisp and grassy-toned sauvignon blanc makes me yearn for some honky-tonk from country artist Alan Jackson. Yee-Haw! When the album Laundry Service by Colombian/Lebanese singer-songwriter-belly-dancer Shakira comes up, I have been known to reach for the zills (finger cymbals) and shake and shimmy while balancing a glass of spicy and inky-colored syrah.

Which wine pairs the best with the dark and gothic heavy-metal riffs of Brian Hugh Warner, also known as Marilyn Manson? Well, that's a wine pairing I haven't decided on yet. Instead, I skip the wine and make a Bloody Mary. That's when I know I have had a really bad day.

Send Walla Walla Homegrown Thomas Thompson to Healdsburg!

This is one of the many good things I love about the internet. Murphy-Goode Winery in Healdsburg, CA got to thinking about the new age of communications and figured it was a pretty good thing, too!

They are looking to hire a “Murphy-Goode Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent” (a social media whiz) who knows how to use Web 2.0 and the social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and all sorts of good stuff like that - - to tell the world about their wines, winemaking and the place where their winery is located: the Sonoma County Wine Country. It's a wine country dream job!

In exchange, for this “Really Goode Job” at Murphy-Goode, the chosen person will receive a six-month job paying $10,000 a month plus accommodations. And note, they are not asking for your typical hard copy resume. Applicants are asked to send a 60 second video and Murphy- Goode is asking us to vote for our favorite!

So won't you help my friend and former winery co-worker, local homegrown Walla Wallan Thomas Thompson? Thomas is more than a social techie, he is very familiar with wineries and vineyards as he is a grad of the Institute of Enology and Viticulture of Walla Walla. Let's all give Thomas our vote and send him to Sonoma! Vote Thomas applicant #836 on the Murphy-Goode website or at this link:
Thomas Thompson #836

Applications close on Friday, June 19 - - so vote soon!

A Vintage Wine Weekend in Walla Walla

It’s so appropriate that the weekend of Vintage Walla Walla is also the weekend for me to celebrate my very vintage birthday. Believe it or not, I have finally reached a point in my life where I am comfortable with my age. And thankfully, I can always lean towards the old quote of “Women are like fine wine. They all start out fresh, fruity and intoxicating to the mind and then turn full-bodied with age...” However, I will skip the rest of that old quote. Of course, it doesn't pertain to me (she said in denial) “...until they go all sour and vinegary and give you a headache."

Anywhooo - The seventh annual nation's premier vintage tasting experience, Vintage Walla Walla is once again upon us! And besides a weekend of great wines flowing in abundance, there will also be wine education. Now, don't be all groaning when you read the word, "education." Let’s face it, how tough is it anyways to sit in a class room knowing you'll be sipping on a glass of wine? Contact Walla Walla Wine Alliance for more information on how you can be part of a terroir tour (Wear those comfy shoes. Seriously, we don’t care how glamorous you think your legs look with heels - - and I’m not just talking to the women, either), a panel discussion on vintage syrah, and even a wine tailgating party to a vineyard complete with a session on blending your own wines and a picnic brunch with the winemakers!

The Walla Walla Wine Alliance plans on keep you busy in the evenings, too! Friday, June 5 is an evening of “Vintage Pour” held at the Marcus Whitman Hotel Renaissance Ballroom. Over twenty Walla Walla winemakers are going to peruse through their private libraries and bring out their finest releases from 2002 or earlier for you to taste! Amuse your palate with culinary treats by guest chefs from the Northwest. And take a chance by bidding on exclusive rare wines, not available anywhere else in the world, besides an opportunity for a chauffeured wine tasting planned just for you the next day!

"Dinner with the Wineries" package is also available. Dine and have conversation with the proprietors, winemakers, and growers of the Walla Walla Valley. Arrive to-and-from in chauffeured transportation to the world of the vintner’s own “pad.”

And last but not least, Saturday, June 6 is the Grand Pavilion Pour on the creek side lawns of the Whitman College Campus. Featuring an opportunity to taste the current releases of the valley from 50 wineries all in one convenient location. You’ll be entertained with a “battle of the grills” between regional guest chefs (and of course, with a sampling). And don’t forget to check out the silent auction with a special focus on large format bottles. After all that wine tasting, can you say, “Methuselah”?

Of course, the Walla Walla Wine Alliance’s Vintage Walla Walla events are going to drive you to wanting more of Walla Walla, so check out the new tasting room of Sweet Valley Wines. They will hopefully open their doors for the first time this weekend (upon clearance of the liquor board and a new dishwasher) at their new location at 12 N. Second St. (Right in the middle of Vintage Cellars and Ash Hollow tasting room). Or as winemaker, Josh McDaniel points out “Granted I get the dishwasher put in!”

Also, take the opportunity to visit the new Waterbrook Winery, located on 10518 West Hwy 12, just west of Walla Walla for their Grand Opening weekend. Check out their 53,000 sq. ft. wine making facility and 5,000 sq. ft. tasting room. Sip wine on the patio. Tasting fee is $5 and visitors will receive a souvenir wine glass.

And once you are out on the highway, listen up pardners. there’s a new winery in the valley. Friday, June 5, Glencorrie Winery will be opening its tasting room at 8052 West Highway 12. Glencorrie will be featuring small lots (645 cases) of 2006 Bordeaux-style varietals from Walla Walla and Columbia Valley. Stay tuned next week for my blog about Glencorrie Winery, as I will be visiting tomorrow with Ronn Coldiron, co-owner of Glencorrie Winery and the Coldiron Family Vineyards of California and Washington State.

As the spokeswoman from Overstock.com use to purr, "It's all about the 'O'." Well, in Walla Walla, this weekend it's all about "Vintage." Welcome to Walla Walla and our Vintage Wine Walla wine events! Welcome to our Vintage downtown! If you see me out and about, say "hello." I'll be at the Vintage Pour and the Grand Pavilion Pour - - tasting wine, and taking notes of course!

Over and out from your soon-to-be Vintage Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman!

Be Heard from Your Keyboard!

Blogging and Social Networking For Wineries!

Monday, June 15, 2009

9:00 am - Noon
Center for Enology & Viticulture Room 1608
500 Tausick Way - Walla Walla
Cost: $30.00

If you own a winery and you are not blogging, you should be! Give your winery a voice in the blogosphere, whether you are a new or an established winery. Increase your sales and keep the ones you have. Discover the basics of getting your winery blog online, finding your niche, reaching out to other bloggers and adding tools that can enhance your winery’s blog and readership.

There’s a new generation of wine drinkers who spend a lot of time on the internet via computers and cell phones. Podcasting and online videos are another way to blog your wines. Discover how to tie your winery’s blog to Twitter, Facebook, My Space and other social media and networking tools.

This seminar will be lead by Catie McIntyre Walker (me!)

In 2005, Catie McIntyre Walker started Through the Walla Walla Grape Vine, a wine blog. She was the first to author a wine blog in the Walla Walla area and had no idea of where the project would take her. Eventually, it would lead her to her own column, The Grape Vine in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin’s Lifestyle magazine. Catie also blogs about wine for Tourism Walla Walla. After eight years of working in wine retail, she hung up her corkscrew to open her own online wine store, Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman. She is a graduate of the Walla Walla Institute for Enology and Viticulture. When Catie isn’t writing, she keeps in contact with other wine bloggers and organizations for the latest tools in blogging and social networking.

For more information: http://www.campusce.net/wwcc/course/course.aspx?C=327&pc=60&mc=&sc=