Wine Events Spring to Life

• Plan Ahead. Mapping out your journey can save you hassle and headache. Try not to overdo it. Stopping by 5-6 wineries (along with breaks for lunch and driving) can fill an entire day.
• Hydrate and Eat. Nothing will ruin your day quicker than finding yourself tipsy or drunk. A good rule of thumb is to consume eight ounces of water for each tasting you participate in.
• Be Courteous. Events can be very crowded and often times tasting around a small barrel can feel claustrophobic.  Enjoy your sample, ask your question, and then politely allow the next person to enjoy.
• Learn. Opportunities to interact with the winemaker and the process are amazing times to learn about the vintage, terroir, vineyard, grape, blending, etc. While it may be cute, refrain from reverting to snickering when someone asks to sniff the “bung hole.” – FYI: The bung hole is the hole at the top of the barrel.
• Buy Wine: While wineries love hosting guests and sharing the process, they’re not in the business of giving you a free buzz. If you like the wine, purchase some. Don’t wait till you see it at the store, buying direct from the winery helps them continue events like the one you’re at. 
• Designate a Driver. No brainer. Don’t drink and drive, it’s stupid!
• Download and print this map so you can stay on coarse!

 Before you go, check out these tips from WineTastingRoomReviews.com

A guide to visit all 16

Friday:

Since you’ll probably be getting off work and won’t have a ton of time, start your wine tasting weekend at the newest winery - Overbluff Cellars. While their tasting room will be at 620 S. Washington, they’ll be presenting their Spring Barrel tasting at Hotel Lusso. Wrap up the night by dropping down Washington to Caterina Winery at 906 N. Washington (tell Jen hello).

Saturday:

Head north and celebrate with some bubbly at Mountain Dome, then stop by Greenbluff and visit Townshend Cellars. Take a pic-nic lunch and enjoy the amazing views from Townshend. Your next stop will be at Knipprath Cellars just North of Trent off Fancher. Continue your valley journey by heading back East on Trent, South on Argonne, East on Montgomery for stops at Nodland Cellars and then off to Latah Creek (13030 E Indiana). Finally, as the day draws to a close enjoy your final sip of the day overlooking views of Liberty Lake from Liberty Lake Cellars

Sunday:

For your final day of Spring Barrel tasting, you’ll spend the bulk of the day downtown. If you park somewhere around 1st and Monroe, you can walk to the first three spots. With eight wineries left, you’re going to have to stick to the game plan. Walk to Whitestone Winery (111 S. Cedar) and then make your way back to Barrister. They’re tucked in an allyway at 1213 W. Railroad Ave. (Between 1st and 2nd off Jefferson). After that you can head back past your car and stop at Grande Ronde (be sure to check out their new meeting space). Now is a good time to stop for lunch. Chances are you are near the Davenport or Post Street Ale House. Once you’ve fueled up for the afternoon. Continue the journey East to Barili Cellars and Vintage Hill (both on 2nd Ave). Your last stop IN the downtown core will be at Robert Karl. Rebecca Gunselman is such a wealth of information. Be sure to see their barrel room. Get back in your car and head East on Sprague. Take a right on Scott Ave and look for the signs to Lone Canary (109 S. Scott). If you’ve timed it right you can head back out to the valley and end your day with a majestic view of Spokane at Arbor Crest.

What’s your plan? Is there something that has you excited. Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.

Enjoy and Drink Happy!

Are You Bored With Girls Night Cocktails?

Guest blog #1 from Coryn Briggs @bstar2009

Are you bored with your girls’ night out cocktails? Has that Cosmopolitan lost its luster? Look no further than your local wine shop for wine selections and food pairing ideas. I’ve included my current list of top five favorite wines along with ideas for food pairings and girls’ night out activities.  Wines listed below are not in any kind of order– all are wonderful and need to be enjoyed in the company of good friends. 

2008 Erath Vineyard Pinot Gris – How do I love this wine let me count the ways…

First, I love this winery as they consistently produce wonderful quality affordable wines. I also had the great opportunity to visit the tasting room and was so pleased with the level of customer service. The second reason I love this wine is for the bright fruit aromas and flavors—it is a wonderful combination of citrus and tropical fruit. The third reason is that this wine pairs well with many different dishes, including seafood, pasta salads, roasted game birds and mild to medium flavored cheeses.  An easy and fun idea to incorporate this wine into the next girls’ night out is to have someone host a tapas party because the versatility of this pinot gris makes it great for a mix of ethnic foods and flavors. 

Black Star Farms Sirius Raspberry Dessert Wine – Anyone for dessert and a movie? This is a perfect wine for a girls’ night party themed around chocolate. This port like wine has flavors of ripe sweet raspberries, combined with the warmth of brandy. Try this wine with anything chocolate. Ideas include: fudge brownies and chocolate fondue. I instantly think of a night in with the girls and one of my favorite movies, Chocolat (staring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche). Or, try your hand at a flourless chocolate cake, host a contest and serve this wine alongside the decadent dark chocolate creations. In the end you will all be winners! 

2007 Babich Unoaked Chardonnay – Not your typical housewife’s chardonnay…this unwooded Chardonnay is bursting with flavors of citrus, fresh apple, pineapple and a crisp dry finish.  I first discovered this wine because I was on a mission to try unoaked Chardonnays from around the world. The winery I work for produces a lovely unwooded Sur Lie Chardonnay and I was looking to expand my knowledge and palate on this style. This chardonnay is perfect with creamy sauces and cheese.  Fondue party ladies? Or perhaps a pasta cooking party complete with homemade noodles, sauce and all… 

Cristalino Brut Rosé Cava– Rosé is the new Pinot Grigio, that being said, I tend to associate Rosé wines with summer and in Northern Michigan we will take anything that evokes thoughts of summer. Spring or summer this bubbly Rosé brings versatility to the table anytime of the year. Think flavors of ripe red berries followed by a refreshingly bright finish. Not too sweet or too dry this has become my favorite new bubbly.  Move over cosmopolitans…a new pink is in the house.  Try it with appetizers, white meats, salmon, and mild cheeses. For girls’ night out think pink and do something fun that will benefit breast cancer awareness.  

Shady Lane Cellars Sparkling Riesling – The party ideas are endless when it comes to this wine. It is truly a fun wine and a favorite in my house.  With aromas of fresh peach and green apple followed by a touch of sweetness and a dry finish this wine is crisp and refreshing. Pair this bubbly with appetizers or add a little apricot nectar for a quick Bellini. Sip on a glass of this bubbly and let the girls’ night out begin! Or pour a glass at the spa where you can release your inner diva in the company of good friends.

Celebrate the joys of friendship, take quality time with your friends, relax and unwind. Whether you want to stay in or go out, the wines and ideas presented give you a good start for your next night with the girls. So go ahead, wine a little and feel good about it! 

About the Author

Coryn Briggs moved to Traverse City 6 years ago and quickly immersed herself into the Michigan wine industry. She is currently the Winery Promotions Coordinator for Black Star Farms. In this role she manage the many pieces of the marketing mix including, off-site events, website content, advertising, social media, as well as graphic design. She enjoy local food, wine and the downtown Traverse City area where shes live with her husband and two young daughters.  

Black Star Farms is a unique agricultural entity that features two winery production facilities, their adjacent tasting rooms, a distillery, Inn, and equestrian facility.  The winery just celebrated its 10^th year anniversary and is proud to represent the viticultural diversity of the Northwest Michigan region, and its proximity to the 45^th parallel.

• Twitter: @bstar2009
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blackstarfarms
• Web: www.blackstarfarms.com
• You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/corynbriggs1

Spokane’s Nodland Cellars

“That is so cool, he makes his own alcohol,” exclaimed Tim during a family reunion trip with Tracy’s extended family. That weekend in 1999 gave birth to a new Spokane winery. The journey would still take several more years, but by the fall of 1999 Tracy and Tim acquired some Walla Walla Cabernet, hit the books, talked with winemakers and began experimenting with making wine. Over the years, one wine turned into five different wines and by 2007, Nodland Cellars became Spokane’s lucky 13^th winery. Those early pre-release years were all about education and refining the process. Classes at UC Davis, Walla Walla Community College and the “school of hard knocks,” says Tracy led to their passion for “creating a small amount of the best wine we can make.”

*The need for a camera man presents itself in this video. My apologies to Tracy Nodland for cutting her close to the edge in the video. Also address at end should be 11616 E Montgomery*

Tim and Tracy focus on one red wine each year. If the vintage is right, they’ll also produce a Riesling (but it sells out almost as soon as it’s bottled). Their Red Blend is a traditional, pre 1870 style, Bordeaux blend. They drive across the state to source all six original Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and even Carmenere. In a time when wine making can be very corporate and driven by profits and business efficiencies, every cluster of grapes is hand harvested, hand sorted, crushed, barreled, racked and bottled by Tim and Tracy. The majority of their fruit comes from one acre each at Pepperbridge and Seven Hills vineyards. Their blocks are next to the same blocks used by Leonetti, Reininger, and Pepperbridge.

Both Tracy and Tim said that their favorite part of the process is blending. Once the grapes have gone through their two years in oak, each wine is tasted and then mixed together like brush strokes on a canvas. As they blend they share thoughts and ideas and the picture comes together as a beautiful work of art. It’s not about slapping together traditional blending percentages. It’s about marrying the fruit together so that each showcase their strengths without overbearing the other.

Tim is a lawyer by day. When I asked what type of law he practiced, he joked, “very little.” Actually, Tim is a hard working, defense lawyer with an amazing reputation for integrity. Tim’s primary focus is DUI defense. The irony is not lost that Tim owns a winery AND defends those who drink and drive. Tim is also an accomplished jazz musician. While he is very skilled at everything he does, you can tell from talking with him that jazz and wine are his passions. Tracy is always hard at work at the tasting room and their 1200 square foot wine making facility. She is a talented artist. “I make wine, I drink wine, and I paint wine,” says Tracy. Often times you can arrive in the tasting room and find Tracy painting something new while Tim jams on his guitar. Tracy even puts a little bit of Nodland wine into every painting. The residue sentiment is collected when they clean the barrels and that dark inky purple paste is added to anywhere wine is used in a painting.

Tim’s love of jazz and Tracy’s love of art is how the Nodland Cellars label was born. They had an artist line up that they wanted to use, but as the time drew near, she disappeared on a walk about in Australia. Scrambling, Tim and Tracy discovered artwork by Tim Rogerson. As luck (or fate) would have it, Mr. Rogerson agreed to paint the label and created a beautiful image of Tim on guitar, and Tracy on the microphone (with a glass of wine in her hand).

The Nodland’s produce 400 cases per year and self distribute almost 100% of the product through their mailing list, tasting room and restaurants like Latah Bistro, Melting Pot, Beverly’s, Wild Sage, Nikos and local stores like Vino, Rocket Market, Bottles, Huckleberry’s and Wine Styles. Tim and Tracy would love to keep production low but are always looking to expand if the fruit is special. They may even consider moving from their current location (11616 E. Montgomery, in the Spokane Valley) if the right opportunity presents itself.  The tasting room is open Noon – 4pm, until they sell out. Call ahead 509.927.7770.

The Current Line Up:

2005 Red Blend $35 (SOLD OUT)

2006 Red Blend $35

• 38% Cab Sauv, 28% Merlot, 14% Carmenere, 12% Cab Franc, 6% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot

2006 Reserve Cab (McClellan Vineyards) $45 – only 40 cases produced – REVIEWED HERE

• 94% Cab, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot

Spokane Weekend Wine Time April 23-25

I’m pretty stoked for this weekend of wine events. Two amazing wines are being released and I had the fortunate opportunity to score them before anyone else for review. In addition to these two killer juice releases, don’t miss out on a weekend of wine in Spokane.

Having an event and don’t see it on the list? Email me josh@nectarcoffeeandwine.com

All Weekend

Spokane Tasting Room Tour – Most Spokane tasting rooms are open. Check out this tasting room map for contact information, hours of operation and video reviews.

Enjoy great local wine at The Davenport, Left Bank Wine Bar, Niko’s Wine Bar

Friday, April 23

Vino Wine Shop: In store tasting with Basel Wine Cellars 3:00-5:30pm

Davenport Hotel: Live music from 8pm – midnight 20% off all food and drink if you mention you’re a Facebook fan.

Latah Creek Monarch Red Release: 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! 5:00 – 7:00pm – DrinkNectar will be here!

Left Bank Wine Bar Concert: Ladies night at Left Bank Wine Bar on Friday April 23rd at 7:30pm! Kari Maguerite will be performing her own brand of dirty jazz as Colleen Rice plays her soulful pop tunes; 7:30-10:30, no cover charge

Rocket Market: The last time we did the tour of Italy, the class was packed, and we couldn’t accommodate all who wanted to attend. Matt has selected some fantastic Italian wines from many regions of the “boot” and you will be amazed at what thousands of years of experience does for producing quality wine. Barbaresco, Ripassa, Vin Santo and perhaps even a Barolo. $25 343-2253

Saturday, April 24

Whitestone Winery: Spring barrel tasting and BBQ. Come to the Whitestone Winery tasting room in Wilbur, WA (where they make the juice) for a great BBQ, new clothing and a sneak peek at future releases. 115 NE Main, Wilbur WA, 11am – 5pm

Nodland Cellars 2006 Cab Release: 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. 4:00-9:00pm. DrinkNectar will be here!

Rocket Market – Saturday drop in tastings, complimentary pours 3-6pm

Sunday, April 25

Get out to a winery!

On the Radar

• April 30 – Barili Cellars Facebook friends and family appreciation. Barili is back in a big way with Viognier, Chardonnay, Barrelin’ Red and Cabernet Sauvignon; 4-8pm; 608 W. 2^nd Ave
• May 1 – Liberty Lake Cellars releases their newest masterpieces, Cab Franc and Syrah
• May 7-9 – Spring barrel tasting with 16 Spokane wineries including the opening of a brand new winery (Overbluff Cellars)

HR 5034 Representative Contact Information

A friend of mine took the time to research the name, phone number and social media (if applicable) for the State Representatives who are responsible for sponsoring H.R. 5034. For those that don’t know, this bill could potentially eliminate a wineries ability to directly ship to customers or self distribute. Direct to consumer is the bread and butter for a lot of small business wineries.

This friend, who we’ll call Agent X, will remain anonymous because he’s wanted by the U.S. Government (no not really). Actually, he has a valid point. In a previous article I’ve called the three tier distribution system the three tier mafia. So, there may be some validity to his fears for not posting this. Thank you, Mr. Agent X, for the research. If I end up missing, please tell my wife I love her and take care of my dog Sheba.

Take action:

1. Contact your representative. Free the Grapes has a fantastic form letter ready to go
2. Join the StopHR5034 Facebook page to show your support for the movement
3. Flood the phone, Facebook and Twitter accounts of those listed below with your disapproval of H.R. 5034.

Name	R/D	State	Phone	Facebook	Twitter
Robert Andrews	D	NJ-1	202-225-6501	Robert Andrews
Jason Chaffetz	R	UT-3	202-225-7751 or  801-755-0827	Jason Chaffetz	@jasoninthehouse
Howard Coble	R	NC-6		Howard Coble	@coble4congress
Henry Cuellar	D	TX-28	202-225-1640	Henry Cuellar
Lincoln Davis	D	TN-4	202-226-5172	Lincoln Davis
Bill Foster	D	IL-14	202-225-2976	Bill Foster
Raymond Green	D	TX-29	202-225-1688
Ruben Hinojosa	D	TX-15	202-225-2531	Ruben Hinojosa
Paul Hodes	D	NH-2	202-225-5206	Paul Hodes
Jesse L Jackson Jr.	D	IL-2	202-225-0773	Jesse Jackson Jr
Walter Jones	R	NC-2	202-225-3415	Walter Jones
Dale Kildee	D	MI-5	202-225-3611	Dale Kildee
Connie Mack	R	FL-14	202-225-2536	Connie Mack	@repconniemack
Michael McMahon	D	NY-13	718-351-1062	Michael McMahon	@repmikemcmahon
Harry Mitchell	D	AZ	202-225-2190	Harry Mitchell	@harrymitchell
Randy Neugebauer	R	TX-19	202-225-4005	Randy Neugebauer	@randyneugebauer
William Pascrell	D	NJ-8	202-225-4061	William Pascrell
Mike Quigley	D	IL-5	202-225-4061	Mike Quigley	@repmikequigley
Thomas Rooney	R	FL-16	202-225-5792	Thomas Rooney	@tomrooney
Timothy Ryan	D	OH-17	202-225-5261	Tim Ryan	@timryan
David Scott	D	GA-13	202-225-2939	David Scott	@gaunfiltered
Clifford Stearns	R	FL-6	202-225-5744	Cliff Stearns	@repcliffstearns
Betty Sutton	D	OH-13	202-225-5876	Betty Sutton
Bennie Thompson	D	MS-2		Bennie Thompson
Addison Wilson	R	SC-2	202-225-2452	Joe Wilson	@congjoewilson
Bruce Braley	R	IA-1	319-287-3233	Bruce Braley	@brucebraley
Phil Hare	D	IL-17	309-793-5760	Phil Hare
Ted Poe	R	TX-2	281-446-0242	Ted Poe	@judgetedpoe
Edolphus Towns	D	NY-10	718-855-8018	Ed Towns	@edtowns
Rush Holt	D	NJ-10	609-750-9365	Rush Holt

 Join the revolution. The collective wine community is making a difference!

Other Amazing Posts

• On Tom Warks Fermentation
• On Palate Press
• On Corkd

Corkd: Are Twitter Tasting Events Worth It?

Today’s DrinkNectar post is featured on Cork’d. Head over there and check out the story about Twitter wine tasting events. Cork’d is becoming a fantastic resource for wine news and I’m proud to be a part of it.

 

Twitter wine tasting events are changing the wine community. I had the honor of co-sponsoring #WAMerlot and saw firsthand the power of the online community. As a wine brand, these events offer little or no cost opportunities for brand impressions, building your customer base and interacting with your existing customers. As a wine consumer, they provide an opportunity learn, engage and connect.

Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the following Taste and Tweet events.

Taste Live – The premier web site for online wine and beer tastings

Community Wine Tastings on Twitter – A Facebook community to compliment the Taste and Tweet events on Twitter

Upcoming Taste and Tweet Events

May 6: #Chardonnay – 24 hours of Chardonnay; Join host Rick Bakas as we explore one of the most widely planted grapes in the world – Click for more info

May 13: #TasteTexas – Everything is big in Texas; Join host Ben Simons as we round up the Mandola Estate Winery – Click for more info

May 17: #TTMI – The third installment of Tweet and Taste Michigan; Join hosts Shannon and Courtney Casey as they promote several Lake Michigan Shore wineries – Click for more info

June ??:  Shhhh don’t tell, but a very special #WAWine tasting event will help bloggers get their palate primed for Washington wine before they converge upon Walla Walla. Hosted by NectarWine and several other amazing Washington ambassadors – Details coming on May 7!

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