Spokane Hosts Wine Bloggers for WBC10
Spokane is home to 16 quality wineries, including one of Washington’s original 20. From Barrister’s 90+ point Cab Franc, Latah Creek’s innovative cold fermentation, Robert Karl’s top picks (by Paul Gregutt), and Arbor Crest’s historic mansion and amazing grounds, Spokane is becoming a destination for wine.
Spokane is also known as an amazingly generous host city. Spokane is home to the largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament (Hoopfest), and one of the largest timed road races with Bloomsday (over 50,000 runners). Spokane recently hosted the 2010 USA Figure Skating Championships and will host round one of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. GO ZAGS!
As 300 wine bloggers converge on Walla Walla, Washington, Spokane offered to bring three wine writers / bloggers to our amazing city. The Spokane Visitors Bureau reached out to me with a great idea of hosting and touring bloggers that are attending WBC10. With Spokane being less than 2 hours from Walla Walla, this is the perfect opportunity to expose the great wine I experience with some of the best wine writers.
In mid-February the invitation went out for wine bloggers to come experience Spokane Wine with a hosted tour, hotel stay, and arranged transportation to Walla Walla. Response was great. Respondent’s names and information were forwarded to the Spokane CVB. After review, they chose three candidates to host.
I look forward to showing these great wine people why Spokane is the next great wine scene in Washington. Congratulations to…
@BricksofWine – Eric Hwang
@AlaWine – Ken W
@RickBakas – Rick Bakas
Have fun, guys! I think I may be flying into Spokane (cheapest flight from Atlanta), so I may have to come in early and check out some of these wineries.
Oh, please don’t forget that Spokane is the setting for Matthew Modine’s epic wrestling saga, “Vision Quest”…
Joe, if you do – I’ll give you my number and personally show you the Vision Quest, Benny and June, and event Chuck Norris’ “The Cutter” (2005)
Really looking forward to getting back there. It’s approaching quick!
It’s going to be a fantastic time! The three of you will love Spokane and its wine.
You guys are going to have a great time. The wines of RK and Barrister are quite excellent (especially Barrister Cab Franc and Syrah) and the grounds of Arbor Crest are lovely. AC has some good wines for the dollar and in fact, I have a bottle of AC Cliff House Red I will probably open this week. It’s one of those wines I keep around for my daily “heart medicine.”
Catie, thanks for the comment – next time you’re in town, please let me know. Isn’t it great that wine is not only good for the soul, it’s great for the heart and health too!
Cheers
Thanks Josh, I’m so looking forward to meeting you irl and getting to know Spokane wineries; you know how I love WAwine
BTW, my 1st visit to Spokane was for the World’s Fair (which you’re probably too young to remember) and I’ve loved the area ever since…
Ken, we moved to Spokane in 1980, so missed the World’s Fair. That event changed the landscape of Spokane so much. The city has changed tremendously in the last 35 years. For one, in 1974, there weren’t any wineries in Spokane! Life sure has changed for the better!
Cheers!
Congrats to the chosen few! What an amazing opportunity and probably a pretty damn good time! Enjoy!
You’re welcome to join us, it just won’t be paid for by the city! 😉
Sorry for not responding earlier. Thanks for this great opportunity. I have often driven through Spokane, but never stayed there. Looking forward to meeting everyone.
It’s going to be a fantastic time. Looking forward to tipping a glass (or 10) with you!