Wine Country's Holiday Top Ten

Wondering what to do for the holidays this year or where to find those special gifts? I say avoid the easy road of department stores and malls and find unique and hidden wine country treasures that will make your holidays sparkle. This year in wine country, you'll find joyful events for you and your loved ones, unique gifts items and delicious accompaniments for all your festivities. Not only will you be offering up a bit of wine country, you will mostly likely be supporting the hard work of local artisans, business owners and feasting on local ingredients and wines. Check out our Holiday Top Ten (in no particular order) and then head to Wine Country to celebrate, stock up and enjoy!

1. Sunnyside's 12th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade - This is a true wine country favorite and not your typical parade. You may have seen Sunnyside’s Country Christmas Lighted Farm Implement Parade in Sunset Magazine or on national television, named one of the top 10 in the nation by A&E. This spectacular event captures the spirit of rural Christmas past and the Yakima Valley’s outstanding agricultural heritage. The parade features lighted farm implements decorated with hundreds, even thousands, of lights. Among them are tractors, combines, harrow beds, swathers, grape pickers, semi-trucks with flatbeds, horse drawn entries, and a variety of unique Christmas floats. The parade route starts in downtown Sunnyside and goes 1.5 miles through the downtown area across Yakima Valley Highway and ends at the west end of the Mid Valley Mall parking area. Approximately 25,000 people are expected to view this year’s parade on December 1st.

2. Break out the Bubbly - What’s more festive than bubbles? Now’s the time to break out the sparkling wines! Nothing brightens the mood better than the tinkling of champagne flutes and the toasting to good friends. For those weekend brunch meals, try a little Domaine Ste. Michelle Frizzante, fruity and slightly sweet, it’s a great way to start the day with waffles and bacon. For that evening cheer, perhaps a chardonnay from Cave B and their Blanc de Blancs where winemaker Rusty Figgins has captured “stars in the glass” with this bright, crisp and citrus “methode traditionelle” offering. (from Christopher Chan, Wine Director, The Rainier Club)

3. Wine Club Memberships Make Great Holiday Gifts - Does your friend or loved one have a favorite Washington wine or winery? Give the gift that keeps on giving. With a one year membership to their (or your) favorite wineries' wine club, they will receive quarterly wine allotments as well as discounts on purchases, first dibs on new releases and very likely a special invitation to a "members only" event or two. Contact the winery of your choice and get the details on their wine club. They all have a little something special to offer.

4. Carriage Rides on Red Mountain - Red Mountain Country Carriages is kicking off a new way to visit your favorite wineries and to experience the relaxed, laid back charm of yesteryear. Using turn of the century replica surreys pulled by their "gentle giants," you can be quickly transported away from the stress and grind of everyday life. The tours focus on small intimate groups, so the pace is slow, the atmosphere friendly and the conversations relaxed. Visit www.redmtcountrycarriages.com for more information on tour times and starting points.

5. Shopping! Treasures Abound in Wine Country - So many of Washington's wineries have gifts shops and whether they are large and grand or cute and quaint, you're sure to find a few treasures for helping with your holiday shopping. Just a few favorites are the gift shops at Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla, Piety Flats in Wapato and Maryhill Winery in Goldendale. This year Three Rivers is carrying fine Garnier Thiebaut French linens and Claude Dozorme cheese knives and spreaders as well as festive Italian pottery from Vietri. They also had a big batch of special Chardonnay infused peanut brittle made just up for the holidays.

6. Christmas Lighted Boat Parade on the Columbia River - The Tri-Cities are located at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake and Columbia Rivers, so it is only natural that you will find one of the best evening lighted boat parades in the Northwest. Just past dusk, the Columbia River comes alive with dozens of boats competing for best of show in this fabulous water-parade of lights. The banks of the Columbia are lined with spectators, cars and coaches eagerly awaiting their first glimpse; and many restaurants and hotels offer special viewing rooms and discount packages. This year's parade is December 7 & 8. Go to www.visittri-cities.com for more information.

7. Cheeses & Chocolates - Washington wineries are very aware that cheese and chocolate are the ultimate holiday wine accompaniments. That's why you'll find many of these two indulgents throughout wine country. Some wineries such as Kestrel Vineyards in Prosser import artisan cheeses from around the world while others stick with Washington favorites like Beecher's handmade cheeses and the local favorite, Darigold. In fact, the Darigold plant in Sunnyside offers special holiday tours for wine country visitors. As for chocolate, you'll find delicious chocolates at wineries from Seattle and beyond; however, one special thing you'll find at a few of the wineries is chocolate sauce. These signature chocolate sauces made with merlot, cabernet and even syrah are yummy toppings for ice cream, fruit or poured over a wedge of brie. A few who have them are Desert Wind Winery in Prosser and L'Ecole No. 41 in Walla Walla.

8. Washington Wine Country Posters & Maps - This holiday season, give a piece of wine country to your favorite wine lover. Washington Wine Country is offering free shipping on unique wine country art prints. Choose from one of four prints or buy the whole set. Their rich colors and beautiful designs are great for many households and offices. Also available are the fantastic new Winery Touring maps buy one get one free. Not only are these a great comprehensive wine touring tool for the avid wine country visitor, they are beautiful enough to frame. To order your Washington Wine Country prints and maps, visit www.winecountrywashington.org/cellar.

9. New Year's Masquerade Ball at Chateau Faire le Pont - Just over the mountains in Wenatchee, Chateau Faire le Pont winery and vineyard is hosting a New Year's Eve Masque Ball. This extraordinary evening features a gourmet dinner with both a seafood and carving station, imported and domestic cheeses, hot dishes and an array of delicious desserts. You also enjoy a champagne toast, a personalized bottle of wine for each couple and live entertainment with Seattle pianist and vocalist, Lush. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by December 15th to the winery at (509) 667-9463.

10. Toast at the Top of Badger Mountain New Year's Day - At 11:00 am on New Year's Day on the Badger Mountain Skyline Trail near the Tri-Cities, you and yours could take in a breath taking hike to kick of your New year. This traditional hike and trail was initiated 60 years ago by the Inter-Mountain Alpine Club. This year’s hike on the newest trail built by Friends of Badger Mountain rises 800‘ on a moderate incline for 2.2 miles. Pack your wine and head to the top of Badger Mountain with established trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horse back riders. From the top, enjoy views of the Columbia, Yakima and Snake rivers, Mt Adams, Mt Rainier, Wallula Gap, Ice Harbor Dam and, on the clearest days, even Mt Hood. Badger Mountain offers unique opportunities for experiencing the Ice Age floods, which broke out behind an ice dam holding back Glacial Lake Missoula as recently as 15,000 years ago. Contact Olaf Rasmussen, (509) 375-3460 or www.friendsofbadger.org for directions and information on ride sharing and parking.