A note from the Editor Greetings! I am happy, no ecstatic, to report that our first issue was a resounding success. I would like to thank all of you for your support and encouragement for this publication. As we approach the holiday season, I am overwhelmed with a conundrum of feelings. This will be my first Holiday season in Washington. I've never gone out to get my own Christmas tree, I've never been but a short drive from mountains and snow and, most importantly, I've never had an entire wine region to explore in preparation for the season. I've done a little bit of pre-exploration as I prepare to jaunt over the mountains. Take a look at my article to learn how you can best take in all that Washington's wine country has to offer. After that, hit the road and explore the region as you prepare for the holidays. You never know what kind of hidden treasures you will find.
Salut! Name That E-Zine" Contest . . . Still Going Last month we held a contest to name our new E-zine. We have had over 50 creative entries and enjoyed reading and exploring all of them. If you've already made a submission, do not be discouraged. We've not yet made a decision and due to recent press regarding this new publication, we've decided to extend the contest for one more month. The deadline for entries is November 30, 2004. As announced in last month's issue, the winner will receive a Washington Wine Country vintage art print. To view our prints and the rest of the Washington Wine Country merchandise visit www.winecountrywashington.org/cellar. Good luck! Holiday Treasures in Wine Country
For starters, the produce stands are packed with wonderful items to help you prepare a Thanksgiving meal to die for. Stop in Wapato at the Donald Fruit & Mercantile Heritage Apple Tree Collection adjacent to Piety Flats Winery. Visitors can view and "test bite" apples during fall harvest. You will be amazed as you walk through rows of nearly 50 different varieties. To request a Farm Products Guide along with a map of Yakima Valley's fruit and produce stands, e-mail info@guerras.com. And what better way to show someone you care than with a nice bottle of Washington wine? (Yes, I'm partial.) Whether you're at the holiday table with family or hosting a festive gathering of friends, neighbors and business associates, wine will surely be aflow. Why buy your wine at the local grocery store when you can visit a winery and bring home a memento to share? Make buying your holiday wine an experience by touring a few wineries, sampling the recent releases and taking advantage of buying by the case discounts. Mix it up for a little bit of everything this season. For maps to wineries, visit www.winecountrywashington.org.
Moving on down the road all the way to Walla Walla, there are so many great places to visit I had a hard time narrowing it down. One stop for sure is Cuigini, a family owned deli with imported Italian foods. We're talking giant salamis (a 100 year old family recipe), authentic cheeses, homemade cannoli and biscotti, beautiful frozen stuffed pastas. Stepping in the door is reminiscent of an old Italian neighborhood eatery and right in Walla Walla. Call Don or Vic at (509) 526-0809.
Wherever your journey takes you, one thing's for sure, treasures abound in Washington's wine country. Take advantage of the uniqueness and beauty of the region this holiday season. You'll be happy that you did. To learn more about Washington Wine Country and its efforts, please feel free to e-mail info@winecountrywashington.org. Facts & Tidbits - Wine Country Research
Living Wine Country The Culinary Cutting Edge
Along The Wine Road
Terra Blanca's tasting room opened in 1998 and is open 7 days a week from 11:00 to 6:00 through Christmas and then reopening again in January. To plan a visit to Terra Blanca, please visit the website at www.terrablanca.com or call (509)-588-6082 for more information. Thanksgiving in Wine Country in Yakima Valley
Holiday Barrel Tasting in Walla Walla Valley
Washington Wine Country Collection Become a Washington Wine Country Partner! There are numerous ways in which people in the community can partner with Washington Wine Country as we continue our efforts to "get the word out." We strongly encourage business and community leaders to take part. Here's how:
Washington Wine Country Consortium advocates and consultants are available for public appearance. Armed with a wonderful presentation, consultants deliver the message to rotary clubs, economic development committees, tourism and others. The presentation educates people as to the tourism and economic development opportunities associated with wine country. If you are a part of a group or know of one that should hear our message, please contact Janet Leduc, jleduc@winecountrywashington.org. 
We now have available a signature that you can place at the bottom of all of your outgoing e-mail. This is just one more way to help spread the word that you work, live or play in a region called Washington Wine Country. To obtain an electronic signature, e-mail info@winecountrywashington.org.
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. November
December
View a complete wine country calendar at www.winecountrywashington.org/eventCalendar.aspx
Forwarding of this E-zine is highly encouraged. If you are receiving this
edition from someone else and would like to subscribe, please go to
www.winecountrywashington.org/contact.aspx.
|
As you come over the mountain to enjoy the numerous "events" going on in wine country centered around the Holidays (check out our calendar to learn more) be sure to take in Washington's wine country in preparation for the season. Shopping and savoring this bountiful region is an experience in and of itself.
Looking for gift ideas? The Shopkeeper in Yakima offers a beautiful selection of Holiday décor and gifts. With 40 trimmed trees on display, you can immerse yourself in the spirit of the Holidays. Take home an entire decorated tree or choose from beautiful ornaments from around the world. The Shopkeeper also houses an amazing collection of Faberge wine stoppers, along with Baccarat crystal and intricately designed Christopher Radko ornaments. For further information, call owner Joe Simon at (509) 452-6646.
Did you know . . .
Nationally recognized Red Mountain will soon be home to a newly constructed Napa-style estate. Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyards, the first Washington producer to have barrel caves, is slated to open a new 50,000 square foot facility in Spring 2005. The winery and cave estate will house a gourmet test kitchen, banquet room facilities, expanded tasting room and beautiful outdoor terraces. The new caves will also include an underground dining room for future Winemaker dinners and touring. An amphitheatre will also be constructed that will accommodate over 2000 visitors showcasing live music with a view of the gorgeous Yakima Valley. A large pond and a beautiful landscape will complete the new facility giving visitors the opportunity to picnic and relax.
The perfect pairing of food and wine is fast becoming a new Northwest tradition. Over 40 Yakima Valley wineries open their doors the three days following Thanksgiving offering newly released wines and carefully selected culinary treats. This event offers consumers a perfectly paired recipe with a Yakima Valley wine, and education on why the two pair well together. For more information call Wine Yakima Valley at (509) 965-5201 or e-mail 
For the first time ever, the Walla Walla Wine Alliance is offering a special Backstage Pass for the 9th Annual Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend, December 3-5. Grab a pass and enjoy the unique benefits at participating wineries plus exclusive access to Opening Night, an elegant reception held Friday evening. Bid on special holiday wreaths made from local vineyards and decorated by local artists, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, music and a chance to socialize with the wine community.
Wed, 11/3 - Winemaker dinner with Bergevin Lane Vineyards at 26 brix. Call for reservations, 509-526-4075.