Spring is a beautiful time to be a wine lover in Spokane. The city seems to come alive with events. As the buds are breaking from Walla Walla to Wahluke Slope, the blossoms are blooming on the cherry trees across the Inland Northwest. Spring usually marks a wineries new release season as well. This is a chance to try red wines that have been aging for 1-3 years in beautiful oak barrels and white wines that were just plucked from the vine the previous fall. Below are the HIGHLIGHTS of three events that you MUST mark on your calendar.

Latah Creek Monarch Red Release

April 23: 5-7pm at 13030 E. Indiana

Mike Conway is a pioneer in Washington Wine. Latah Creek was one of the first 20 wineries in the state (see my interview with Mike here). I’ve noticed a new direction with Latah Creek forming over the last 3 years with the release of their Vinosity blend, and Petit Verdot. Now, Latah Creek is excited to announce the release of their Monarch Red. This potential flagship red is a bold blend of 50% Zinfandel, and 25% each of Syrah and Cabernet. In addition to the wine, the bottle is adorned with the first “new” Latah Creek label in nearly 30 years. In a partnership with Spokane Artist Edward Gilmore, Latah Creek departs from their wildlife label with bold modern art as big as the wine!

Experience the art that is Monarch Red

Nodland Cellars Walla Walla Reserve Release

April 24: 4-9pm at 11616 E Montgomery

Mike and Tracy Nodland typically release only two wines per year, a red blend and a divine Riesling. They sell out quickly. The quality is top notch. Last year a wine developed in the barrel that had such stunning quality and character that they held back from using it in their proprietors blend to save for a special release. This wine is the 2006 McClellan Vineyards Cabernet. With only 40 cases produced this extremely limited production will be made available ONLY to people on their mailing list. Here is your chance to drink something truly amazing. The party is April 24, but to be invited, YOU MUST be on their mailing list. “How do I get on the mailing list,” you ask? Get yourself to their tasting room Saturday, April 17 from Noon – 4pm.

Spring Barrel Tasting

May 7-9: 11pm – 5pm daily

Making wine is hard work. It’s farming, crushing, racking, bottling, sweat work. Spring barrel tasting is a way to experience the romantic side of winemaking. Mother’s day weekend is a rare opportunity to learn about the winemaking process, sample new wine, and in some cases sample wine that is still in the barrel waiting for it’s magical time to enter the world. Sixteen Spokane wineries are participating, including the brand new Overbluff Cellars and the return of Barilli Cellars. See a complete list of Spokane Wineries including an interactive map here.

Download the PDF map http://www.spokanewineries.net/SWA_map.pdf