A note from the Editor

One of the most unique things about Washington's wine country is that even with hundred of wineries, many of them award winning, it remains approachable. You don't simply drive from one large conglomerate to another to stand at a counter, pay your tasting fee and leave with a few bottles. No, you may drive up to someone's house, along a country road to what looks like a barn or utilitarian shed or down the center of a quaint downtown community, walk in to the winery and receive a variety of greetings. It could be the family dog who runs to welcome you, the winemaker peering out from a vat of grapes or one of the proprietors ready to show you around. They're happy to see you come in.

Yes, Washington's wine country is young enough to still be quaint and vast enough to feel small. What's even more unique, is that these folks often come together to celebrate their craft, lend a hand and support one another. As visitors to wine country, we have the amazing opportunity to not only witness this when we visit, but to take part in exciting events where we sit alongside some of the most amazing talent in winemaking. We can dine with them, learn about their craft while tasting their wines and go home knowing that we had a chance to enjoy the wine country lifestyle.

Don't miss this year's Wine Country Celebration to get a chance to enjoy

wine country at it's very best!


Salut!

Jackie Walsh
Editor
Washington Wine Country
jwalsh@winecountrywashington.org

The Vineyards: Washington Wine Country’s First Resort Community Offers Residents Unique Access to Wine Country

Soon Seattleites will have the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy great golf, world-class wines and 300 days of sunshine from their new resort homes in none other than the Yakima Valley. That’s right, just east of Yakima, developers from Colorado and Yakima are teaming up to build wine country’s first community resort.

The Vineyards is a Tuscan village concept that will include an array of residential options from single family homes and cottages to villas and condos along with a boutique hotel, and signature golf course. Situated on 500 acres, the resort will be surrounded by vineyards and offers buyers and guests sweeping views of both Mount Adams and Mount Ranier.

“Our research shows Seattle residents want a weekend retreat within easy reach that offers a variety of ways to unwind and good value for their investment,” said Yakima Developer Gary Scott. “The Vineyards bundles wine, recreation and relaxation in one comfortable destination.”

The Tuscan themed architecture of the Vineyards will be fully realized by utilizing natural wood and stone materials, tile roofs and wooden shutters and awnings. The magic of Italy will be further displayed though a village that will house outdoor cafes, a spa, shops and boutiques all in the midst of gardens, courtyards and plazas.

A lot of reporting has been done on this new “mega” resort along with information on both the developers and funding sources (see side bar facts). What folks have yet to discover however, are the unique wine country amenities that will accompany ownership in this exclusive community. Get a load of this.

Of course, the name says it all, as the Vineyards is definitely focusing on offering its residents a true wine country style of living. One of the most telling amenities they have to offer guests comes through their exclusive Vintner Club. The Vineyard Resort Signature Membership will offer residents the opportunity to mix and mingle with Washington’s finest winemakers and viticulturists through private wine events planned exclusively for members. They will also receive personal wine concierge service available not only at the restaurant but for their personal daily meal planning and pairings.

Vintner Club membership will also include special wine allocations from member vintners including reserves and boutique offerings along with a personal wine locker in the underground wine grotto to store their collections.


The Vineyards Signs on as Presenting Sponsor of the 5th Annual Wine Country Celebration

To display their dedication to the growth and development of Washington’s vineyard region, The Vineyards is teaming up with the nonprofit organization, Washington Wine Country, to be the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Wine Country Celebration and Grand Gala Benefit Dinner and Auction.

"Our project would not be in the process of opening its doors if it weren't for the maturation that has taken place in the wine industry," stated Scott. "This is due in part to the efforts of Washington Wine Country and its impact through organizing, promoting and stimulating public awareness of the vineyard region of our state.";

As the premier sponsor of this event, The Vineyards will be joining Washington Wine Country in taking the message to all attendees that they can be and are a part of a grass roots effort to revitalize the economies of Eastern Washington. Economic growth and development will continue by attracting wineries, tourism and industrial development into the region and these two groups are working together to "get the word out."

"We believe that supporting the efforts of Washington Wine Country to tell its story in turn is telling our story," Scott finished.

Facts & Tidbits

Washington Wine Commission Announces 500th Winery

Did you know?

The Washington Wine Commission recently announced that the Washington State Liquor Control Board licensed the 500th winery in the state of Washington. The 500th license went to Sweet Valley Winery in Walla Walla.

This is truly remarkable growth. Consider these facts:  The industry entered the 1980s with fewer than 20 wineries. By 1990, the number grew to 64, and by 2000 to 155.

Source:  Washington Wine Commission
 

Living Wine Country

Along The Wine Road

Prosser’s New Desert Wind Winery Offers It All:  Wine Tasting, Dining, Lodging & Events

Located just off of Wine Country Road in Prosser, the new Desert Wind Winery offers visitors much more than a taste of their award winning wines. This two story, 34,515 square foot mega winery is bringing wine country visitors and residents the opportunity to dine, stay and celebrate in an atmosphere that is truly representative of wine country.

The early pueblo style facility houses a 2,200 square foot tasting room with French doors leading to a 6,000 square foot stone patio. Just inside the Patio is a 3,200 square foot banquet room perfect for public and private parties. Guests can flow onto the patio for receptions taking in the view of the Yakima River and breathtaking wine country sunsets.

The banquet facilities will be available for a variety of private events but the winery is definitely catering to weddings. Located upstairs are four beautifully and individually decorated guest rooms, one of which is a 1,200 square foot bridal suite. There are also bridal party changing rooms upstairs with floor to floor mirrors and a dressing pedestal.

Next to the tasting room is a commercial kitchen and dining room that will be soon be home to a plethora of dining options. Currently the dining room is open for lunch Thursday through Sunday. As time goes on, patronage increases and the kitchen is fully staffed, The Restaurant at Desert Wind will be open for dinner as well. They will also be using the commercial to cater the private events and special winemaker dinners. One of the first of these events will be as part of this year's Wine Country Celebration on Friday, June 22nd and will be co-hosted by their Prosser winery neighbors, Kestrel Vintners and Thurston Wolfe.

So, who is behind the Desert Wind name and winery? In case you haven’t heard, it’s the family owners of Duck Pond Cellars in Dundee Oregon. Doug and Jo Ann Fries manage the vineyards while their son Greg serves as Winemaker. Daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Scott Jenkins are managing the sales and marketing of the winery.

A few local wine country personalities have also stepped up to join the Desert Wind team including Carlos Trevino formerly of Hogue Cellars who is managing the facility and the aforementioned Waggoner who hails all the way from Walla Walla and Dunham Cellars. To learn all about Desert Wind’s culinary leadership by Chef Gene Soto, read on to discover his style and intention for The Restaurant at Desert Wind.

For more information, visit www.desertwindwinery.com.



Get a Taste of the Destination

Chef Gene Soto of The Restaurant at Desert Wind

After a seven year stint with Deschutes Brewery in Oregon, Chef Gene Soto has joined Desert Wind Winery as Executive Chef, a return to his Eastern Washington roots.

Gene was Born and raised in Sunnyside Washington and graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1991. In 1992 he met Jim Graves, who purchased the Sunnyside Bed and Breakfast, and was offering cooking classes.

“I spent as much time as I could talking with him about his experiences in the culinary industry, which fed my already growing desire to become a chef.”

In 1994 Gene moved to the Oregon coast. There destiny took the wheel and he met two of the most influential industry people in his life, Rob Pounding and Jeff James, Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef at Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach. The two instilled a love and understanding of the now trendy farm to table concept,

After a brief but educational detour to Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Gene and his family landed in Bend, Oregon where he was Executive Chef for Deschutes Brewery from 2000 to 2007. Here he was fortunate enough to be involved in Central Oregon’s premiere food event, the Sagebrush Classic. This annual event attracts celebrity chefs from around the world. Many have become close personal friends of Genes and he has promised to recruit them on occasion for special appearances, guest chef spots and cooking classes.

“They want to help me bring my passion for food and wine pairings that was initially sparked back on the coast here to Prosser,” Soto stated proudly.

Now overseeing all culinary facets of Prosser’s new Desert Wind winery, Gene once again finds himself back in Sunnyside. When not in the kitchen, Gene hopes to also bring his green thumb and gardening hobbies to Desert Wind with a small herb garden located on the winery grounds.

Come Celebrate With Us at the 5th Annual Wine Country Celebration and Grand Gala

June 22nd & 23rd, 2007

Limited Tickets on Sale Now



Celebration Jazz Concert

Join a select few with VIP tickets to the new Seasons Performance Hall in Yakima for a night of musical romance with The Bill Charlap Trio. The benefit concert features the pianist and his longstanding trio of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, a brilliant rhythm team of three of the most informed musicians of our time. Charlap known as a lyrical repository, has absorbed every pianist worth listening to in the past fifty years. Included with your VIP tickets are a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception, meet and greet with Bill Charlap, and front row seating.

“Charlap knocks out his musical contemporaries and his musical elders, some of whom are almost twice his age.”
- The New Yorker
 
Winemaker Dinners in the Vineyards

Andrew Will Winery and Cadence at Sheridan Vineyard in Zillah
Join the big three for a night of big red decadence as they showcase the best of the Yakima Valley! Andrew Will and Cadence come to Sheridan Vineyards for a synergistic night in Zillah. Discover the skillful blending of these three famed winemakers as they join forces with the culinary talent of Chef Jason Wilson from Seattle’s Madison Valley restaurant Crush. Wilson will be pairing his “Modern American Cuisine” with each superb vintage as you delight in the tremendous density and sweet black fruits of Sheridan, Cadence and Andrew Will wines. Cast your cares away as you take in the vineyard views of the Yakima Valley with a spectacular sunset as your evening nightcap.

Kestrel Vintners and Thurston Wolfe at Desert Wind Vineyard in Prosser
Experience the tried and true “old vines” of Kestrel Vintners, the unique varietals of Dr. Wade Wolfe of Thurston Wolfe and the warmth and grandeur of the new Desert Wind Winery at a classic European evening in Prosser. Delight your senses with rich reds and food friendly whites as Desert Wind’s in-house Chef, Gene Soto, hailing from Bend, Oregon creates a menu of divine tastes. Kestrel brings in Old Vine varietals and their Lady in Red to wow you while Thurston Wolfe pleases the palette with varietals like Zinfandel and their famed JTW port. Top it off with Bordeaux style Ruah from Desert Wind in their new southwest style winery and you’ll spend an evening in pure delight.

Reininger at Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla featuring Blues Attitude
A quartet of Chefs and a fantastic Walla Walla winery duo will dazzle you as you rock the night away to a concert on the lawn at Three Rivers Winery featuring blues sensation, Blues Attitude. Reininger Winery joins Three Rivers to treat you to a sensational Winemaker Dinner with their winemakers along with four of Walla Walla’s best Chefs. Join Chefs Sara Guerin, Jamie Guerin of Whitehouse Crawford, Michael Kline of CreekTown Café and Matt Zack of Colville St. Patisserie as they lead you through a culinary journey of wine country. Mark Rypien, ex MVP Quarterback of the Redskins, will be on hand along with Chuck Reininger and Holly Turner to display their winemaking talents before sending you off to the concert in style.

DeLille Cellars and Hightower Cellars at Hedges Family Estate on Red Mountain
Exclusive Tour and Tasting at Col Solare
Try on the crown jewels of Red Mountain as you begin your evening at an exclusive tour and tasting of the new Col Solare winery, the collaborative winery of Italy’s Antinori family and Washington’s own Chateau Ste. Michelle. Next, cross the vineyards to the chateau at Hedges Family Estate where they will host you to an evening of Red Mountain’s hottest vintages along with co-hosts DeLille Cellars and Hightower Cellars. Adding another illustrious gem to this evening is the imaginative talent of Chef Andrew Wichmann and his American artisan cuisine. Prominent vintages from DeLille’s Doyenne, Hightower’s Red Mountain collection and Hedges Red Mountain Reserve will make this an evening of unparalleled quality on Red Mountain.

Grand Gala Benefit Dinner and Auction


Join your friends and fellow wine lovers as we celebrate the richness and vitality of the vineyard region of Washington wine country at the infamous Grand Gala Benefit Dinner and Auction. Take in the breathtaking scene from the veranda of the DeAtley Estate with the mountains and Yakima Valley as your backdrop to a dazzling evening. Sample wines from Washington’s most exquisite vineyards and dine in style as Chef Vicky McCaffree of the Yarrow Bay Grill entices you with her fresh Northwest artisan cuisine. Enjoy a spectacular bidding frenzy as you swoon over our limited, must have auction items and end your evening dancing under the stars to the ever popular sounds of Type A. This event is always a sell out, RSVP today.

For more information about these exciting events, visit www.winecountrycelebration.com.