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February 2005
This e-zine has been designed to inform readers of news, facts, events and updates from Washington's wine country. We welcome your ideas, comments, questions and submissions. Please e-mail them to us at
info@winecountrywashington.org. Thank you for reading!
In This Issue:
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A note from the Editor
As we charge into the New Year, we often find ourselves eager, hopeful and full of fresh, new ideas. What exciting things might 2005 bring your way? I'm not talking about those typically soon dismissed resolutions we all make. I'm talking the smell of real opportunity. What's lying on the precipice for you this year?
I'm filled with anticipation not only for my personal prospects, but for what lies ahead for the continued growth of our wine country. As you will read in this issue, there are many exciting developments that could continue to push us into the next stage of advancement. We are continually hearing of mergers and expansions, awards and recognition, the breaking of barriers and various degrees of maturation and progress.
Get on the band wagon. Grasp the New Year with gumption as you relish in the idea of being a part of Washington's wine country. It's the greatest thing to happen in this state since Starbucks!
Salut! 
Jackie Walsh
Communications Director
Washington Wine Country
jwalsh@winecountrywashington.org
Economic Development in Washington Wine Country
Talk to any local economist and they will speak of the resounding positive effect that the wine industry has brought to our state. For more rural areas, the wine country itself, this powerful tool will prove to be the backbone of economic development. Those rural economies that have been successful in reinventing themselves have done so in key ways, one of which has to do with the notion of creating clusters of firms.
What do we mean when we speak of clustering in terms of economic development and tourism? It's bringing like industry and businesses together to create a destination for tourists. This kind of industry congealing is also very attractive to investors. Once a region has identified a unique competitive advantage, i.e. wine, it is important to capitalize on it by creating clusters.
"Clusters provide two distinct advantages: the muscle to tap domestic and global markets and the development of synergies among businesses in the region" (Drabenstott, 2003).
 More and more we are seeing this type of clustering develop within our region. Walla Walla, with its 60 some odd wineries, an increasing number of restaurants, numerous art galleries and refurbished amenities, is a perfect example. Yakima now has four downtown wineries, banners gracing the streets welcoming visitors to Washington Wine Country and downtown barrel planters meant to suggest a wine destination. They are also expecting more boutique wineries downtown in the next two to three years as well as new retail development called Vineyard's Gate. More and more wineries are cropping up on Red Mountain and with the future addition of a new Viticultural Park, they too are positioning themselves for a cluster of wine related business.
What does all this mean? As the individual communities continue to strive for a wine-centered economy, this strategy will eventually span the valleys resulting in a more knitted region. This folks is what will truly speak to tourists and investors. We will see the increase in wine tourism spill over into restaurants, lodging and retailers. The rural economy will be revitalized and thrive in what will be globally known as Washington Wine Country.
Keep your sites on the developments below. Smell the opportunity. Promote the advancement.
Red Mountain Viticultural Park
Red Mountain Estates Association, the 501(c)(3) directed by the large land owners on Red Mountain, is currently reviewing RFQ's for a new Viticultural Park. Still in the initial planning stages, the park would be a heavy concentration of wineries with surrounding wine related industry and production such as coopers, label printers, wine labs, bonded warehouse, etc. It would also contain unique shops, artist studios, specialty foods and a walking/bicycling path.
The Association wants to assure the best and highest use of Red Mountain properties as they pertain to grape growing, wine making and complimentary investments.
"We want to design [the park} the way it should be . . . to grow grapes and make great wine. The tourism will follow," stated Tom Hedges of Hedges Cellars in Red Mountain.
As Hedges and the others involved in the project envision it, they would be "creating the world of wine" by adding old world culture to a new appellation. Individuals interested in more information or investment opportunities in the Red Mountain Viticultural Park should feel free to contact Tom Hedges, Tom@hedgescellars.com.
Vineyard's Gate in Yakima
 Seattle Pacific Realty is heading up development of a new retail site in Yakima. "The intent of Vineyards' Gate is to offer visitors the quality amenities found in other strong wine areas such as Napa and Sonoma," states Jeffrey Rosen, the agent on the project. In addition to a new Marriott Fairfield Inn, they seek to offer quality dining, shopping, and personal services not currently available in Yakima. The center will have a village character with restaurants and shops opening to patios lining a central plaza all placed in a park setting designed to include water elements.
 "The patrons will find this a place to spend time, enjoy the surroundings, browse, play, eat and drink. This will become a convenient destination location that benefits from and exposes the culture of its surroundings," Rosen added. He also mentioned that there is a special space reserved with hopes of a unique wine shop or tasting room once again placing the emphasis of this development on the wine industry and tourism.
Just a short walk from the downtown hotels and Convention Center, the location is convenient to the neighborhoods as well as the Visitor Information Center. For more information on Vineyards' Gate, contact Jeffrey Rosen with Seattle Pacific Realty at (206) 682-3100 or rosen@seapac.com.
SEATAC Washington Wine Shop Opportunity
SEATAC International Airport's new Central Terminal is slated to open in Spring 2005 with a large Washington retail presence. Of the 17 locations, nine are already reserved for such places as Iver's, Anthony's Seafood, Made in Washington, Fireworks, Discover Puget Sound and Dilettante.
Amy Shaw, Manager of Aviation Commercial Business, would love to see a wine retail shop and tasting room come into the terminal. Interested parties can contact her at shaw.a@portseattle.org or (206) 835-7672.
Drabenstott, M. (2002). Top Ten Ways to Reinvent Rural Regions. The Main Street Economist: Commentary on the Rural Economy. Retrieved February 1, 2005, from http://www.kc.frb.org/RuralCenter/mainstreet/MSE_1103.pdf
Facts & Tidbits
Wine Country Research
Did you know . . .
Tourists traveling into various counties within Washington Wine Country are spending approximately $574 million a year. This is a combined totaled of Yakima, Benton, Walla Walla and Franklin counties with Yakima leading at $248 million.
Furthermore, the number one tourist activity among 79% of visitors is touring a winery.
From Washington State County Travel Impacts, 1991-2003 and
The Washington Wine Country Visitor Profile, 2003.
Living Wine Country
Romance in Washington Wine Country
Looking for a completely kissable getaway for you and yours this Valentine's Day? Taken from "The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest", below is a list of some of the favorite destinations in Washington Wine Country deemed as "romantic."
Romantic Wineries
Bonair Winery, 500 S. Bonair Rd., Zillah, 509-829-6027
Columbia Crest, Hwy 221, Columbia Crest Dr., Patterson, 509-875-2061
L'Ecole No. 41, 41 Lowden School Rd., Lowden, 509-525-0940
Sagelands, 71 Gangl Rd., Wapato, 509-877-2112
Silver Lake at Roza Hills, 1500 Vintage Rd., Zillah, 509-829-6235
Terra Blanca Vintners, 34715 N. DeMoss Rd., Benton City, 509-588-6082
Three Rivers Winery, 5641 W. Hwy 12, Walla Walla, 509-526-9463
Romantic Restaurants
A Touch of Europe B&B, 220 N. 16th Ave., Yakima, 509-454-9775
Café Melange, 7 N. Front St., Yakima, 509-453-0571
Gasperetti's Restaurant, 1013 N. 1st St., 509-248-0628
Patit Creek Restaurant, 725 E. Dayton Ave., Dayton, 509-382-2625
Whitehouse-Crawford, 55 W. Cherry St., Walla Walla, 509-525-2222
Romantic Lodgings
A Touch of Europe B&B, 220 N. 16th Ave., Yakima, 509-454-9775
Birchfield Manor, 2018 Birchfield Rd., Yakima, 509-452-1960
Cozy Rose Inn Bed and Breakfast, 1220 Forsell Rd., Grandview, 800-575-8381
Green Gables Inn, 922 Bonsella St., Walla Walla, 888-525-5501
The Inn at Abeja, 2014 Mill Creek Rd., Walla Walla, 509-522-1234
Inn at Blackberry Creek, 1126 Pleasant St., Walla Walla, 509-522-5233
Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center, 6 W. Rose St., Walla Walla, 509-525-2200
Get a Taste of The Destination
Wine Yakima Valley Presents Red Wine and Chocolate, February 19 - 21, 2005
Searching for that perfect Valentine's Day outing to share with your sweetie? Enjoy complimentary wine tasting and chocolate desserts during Wine Yakima Valley's Red Wine and Chocolate. The event weekend will include world-renowned chocolates from the Brigittine Monks in Amity, Oregon. These chocolates will be paired with the valley's newest winery, Kana Winery in downtown Yakima, pairing their 2002 Garnacha with Brigittine Monks' Chocolate Fudge Royale. They will also feature Kana Winery's 2002 Dark Star with Brigittine Monks' Dark Chocolate Truffles.
Most of the 54 participating wineries are open from 10am - 5pm, Saturday - Monday. Guests are asked to purchase a wineglass at the first winery which can be used throughout the weekend at any participating winery. For more information on the event, contact www.wineyakimavalley.org or 1-800-258-7270.
An even better idea . . . Journey to the Yakima Valley for Red Wine & Chocolate aboard a deluxe motorcoach with one of the Victoria Clipper weekend getaways. For more on this fun-loving trip, visit www.victoriaclipper.com/wine_chocolate_excursion.
Creektown Cafe - Walla Walla
Creektown Cafe is in its third year of business in the Walla Walla Valley. Owners Bill Pancake and Tom Uberuaga wanted to create a small, comfortable restaurant that focuses on the bounty of the Valley; coupling regional Northwest cuisine with the superb wines produced there. They pride themselves in making their own pastas, desserts and soups with the best ingredients from our area. Chefs Greg Schnorr and Jose Meza bring style and creativity to the table, making Creektown popular with the locals and visitors alike. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, lunch from 11 am to 2:30 pm and dinner 5 pm to 9 pm. Reservations are appreciated.
Chocolate Mousse Creme Brulee
from Bill Pancake of Creektown Cafe
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Ingredients:
For the creme brulee:
1 pint heavy cream
1/3 cup of whole milk
1 vanilla bean
1/3 cup of sugar
6 egg yolks
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For the chocolate mousse:
6 oz. dark chocolate
2 oz. butter
1 oz. brandy
3 egg yolks & 2 egg whites
1/4 C of sugar
1/2 C of heavy cream
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For the creme brulee:
Infuse the heavy cream, milk, half of the sugar and vanilla bean on low heat for 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Add remaining sugar to the egg yolks and temper with the cream. Place creme brulee dishes in a deep baking pan. Strain the mixture and pour into your dishes, filling halfway. Pour water on the outside of the dishes, halfway up the side of the pan. Do not get water in the custard. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and poke a dozen holes in it. Carefully place the pan in the oven at 300º for 45 minutes or until the custard has set. Take out of the water bath and rest in the refrigerator.
For the chocolate mousse:
Simmer water in a pot with a bowl on top to create a bain marie. Melt the chocolate, butter, milk, and brandy in the bowl. Beat in the egg yolks until the mixture is smooth. Set aside, off of the heat. Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Sprinkle in the sugar until shiny, stiff peaks are formed. Set aside. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks are formed. Set aside.
To finish: First combine the chocolate and the egg whites with a rubber spatula. Making sure all the sides of the bowls are clean. Then fold in the whipped cream, until the chocolate, egg whites, and cream, have become one. Pour the mousse on top of the set creme brulee, and rest in the fridge for four hours. Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a propane torch. Yields 6 to 8 servings.
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Washington
Wine Country Collection
A Private Investment in Signing Washington Wine Country
Mark
Your Calendar
Please submit your upcoming special events or regional events that you are
aware of to events@winecountrywashington.org
and we will post them in our next issue.
February
2/12 Evening of Elegance, Walla Walla Hospice Dance & Auction. www.wallawallawine.com/events.
2/14 Treat Your Sweetheart at 26 brix, 26 brix is featuring a special five-course, prix-fixe menu, which includes Champagne and Chocolate. Dinner from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Cost is $65, which includes wine pairings (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Call (509) 526-4075 for reservations. www.twentysixbrix.com.
2/19 - 2/21 Red Wine and Chocolate - A chocolate lovers weekend! Wines throughout the Yakima Valley pair sumptuous, chocolate desserts with their own remarkable red wines. www.wineyakimavalley.org/events.
2/19 Winter Port & Cigar Dinner - An evening of decadence at The Vintner's Inn with Hinzerling Winery. www.hinzerling.com.
2/25 & 2/26 Winemaker's Weekend Series - Featuring: Russell Creek Winery. For more information or to make your reservation, contact the Marcus Whitman Hotel by calling 866-826-9422 ext. 5110.
2/26 Washington Wines Festival, Columbia Tower Club. The 14th annual tasting, dinner and auction benefiting the Yakima Valley's Farm Workers Clinic. Contact 206-386-5036.
View a complete wine country calendar at www.winecountrywashington.org/eventCalendar.aspx.
Formed in 2003, Washington Wine Country is a non-profit association of Eastern Washington businesses promoting wine-related tourism, economic development and recognition of the world-class wine-growing region comprising the Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley and Red Mountain appellations. www.winecountrywashington.org
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