Meet the Five Wineries of Nectar Tasting Room
The progress continues at Nectar Tasting Room. While not much physically changed this week, we did finalize the design, map out the electrical and lighting, choose flooring and pick paint colors (all in the video). This week I hope to see paint on the walls and progress on the rest. While I still aim to be open the weekend of 11/19-20, there are several things outside of my control (liquor board, licenses, and contractors).
Today, I’d like to introduce you to the five wineries who will be participating in the shared space tasting room. The wineries represent five regions from across the state and offer visitors a chance to experience 5 wineries, 30 wines, in 1 location.
Northwest Cellars
Kirkland, WA based Northwest Cellars was founded by former software CEO Bob Delf in 2004. Northwest Cellars was started with a vision to produce quality wines at reasonable prices with unique custom-designed personalized labels. Northwest Cellars’ Syrah recently won gold at the 2010 Seattle Wine Awards and previous releases have also won gold and received 90+ point scores from Wine Enthusiast magazine. Bob and his wife Kathleen do the blending work on the wines while enlisting the help of accomplished wine makers Dave Moore and Robert Smasne.
I’m excited to have Northwest Cellars involved not only because the quality of the wine, but because of the custom labels for birthdays, weddings, holidays, business events, gifts, non-profit, and wine retailers. The possibilities are endless.
Anelare Winery
Italian for “desire,” one sip will have you yearning for more. Anelare Winery is a small family winery based in Kennewick, WA. With the help of award winning wine maker Victor Cruz, Anelare is getting critical attention with their double gold at the 2010 Seattle Wine Awards for the 2007 Ciel du Cheval Syrah. Wine Press Northwest recently named their 2007 Nonna Viola a wine of the week with an “outstanding” rating. With limited production Spokane will be introduced to four wines while supplies last.
Forrest and Kahryn Alexander are very excited to be in Spokane. Several restaurants and shops have already graciously welcomed them to the area and they are looking forward to getting to know you.
Hard Row To Hoe
I met Don and Judy Phelps on my first visit to Lake Chelan and immediately fell in love with them, their wine, and the story of the winery name. The name, Hard Row to Hoe celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of a man who ran a row boat taxi service on Lake Chelan in the 1930’s ferrying miners by rowboat to a brothel located at Point Lovely. The Phelps’ commitment to the brand and the story permeates wine names, decoration, and marketing materials. Hard Row brings some standard wines like Pinot Grigio, Cabernet and Syrah to Nectar Tasting Room, but visitors will also enjoy Primitivo, Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer, and Barbera.
Hard Row to Hoe was recently recognized by wine critic Paul Gregutt as one of Washington’s rising stars. The quality wine and playful labels will be fun and enjoyable for all visitor.
Terra Blanca Winery
Positioned high atop one of Washington’s premier grape growing regions is Red Mountain’s Terra Blanca Winery. Sitting on 300 acres, the estate winery is known for big full bodied reds, crisp whites, and a unique selection of desert wines. Keith and ReNae Pilgrim have farmed Terra Blanca for two decades producing some highly acclaimed Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling, Roussanne, and Chardonnay. Terra Blanca is one of the most beautiful spots in the state to enjoy wine with a majestic view, expansive tasting room, and manicured grounds overlooking the vineyards.
At 30,000 case production, Terra Blanca brings a long history of winemaking and energy to the tasting room and we are very honored to have them on board.
Skylite Cellars
Skylite Cellars is a small winery in Walla Walla making BIG wines with the help of winemaker Robert Smasne. Cheryl, a small town girl, and Tom Hodgins, a big city radio guy, settled in Walla Walla and in 2000 invested in Ash Hollow Vineyards. Using fruit from their home vineyard, Ash Hollow, other Walla Walla vineyards, and beyond, Skylite Cellars is creating some top notch wines. Their 2007 Malbec Received double gold at the 2010 Seattle Wine Awards and Wine & Spirits Magazine recently recognized the 2007 Walla Walla Cab as a 91 point “best buy” and “Year’s Best American Cabernet Sauvignon’s.”
In addition to the Cabernet and Malbec, Skylite Cellars brings a luscious reserve blend, Syrah, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Rose.
I hope you are as excited as I am to be welcoming these wineries to the Spokane area. Stay tuned for more updates as we lead up to the grand opening.
Next week’s update: New web site look and hopefully some progress on the building!
See the space (before the work is done) http://drinknectar.com/2010/10/12/a-sneak-peek-inside-nectar-tasting-room/
Congratulations, Josh! The Spokane wine scene will be enhanced by the wide variety of selections you’re adding. One more reason to head your way and taste Spokane!
Josh,
This is more than awesome! Congratulations on being one step closer to your dream. Glasses up in your honour! Cheers & best to you!
Margot
Thanks, Margot and Scott. You’ll definitely have to come visit!
Looks like a great line up Josh. Congrats!
I am definitely going to have to take a trip to Spokane and check it out!
Fabulous Josh, I’m so happy for you!! I look forward to tasting some old favorites and exciting new prospects in the Nectar Tasting Room very soon.
Thanks for the heads up. Hope everything irons out and you can open up soon. Cheers!
Way to go! I look forward to following your progress!!
CM
This so awesome, Josh. We are so happy for you – and for us! I am more than happy to spread the word.
Just wish you’d been open when I wrote my book. That said … I’m still genuinely looking forward to stopping by and sampling the wines you’ll have to offer.Certainly, I see you as being a vital part of the region’s wine scene … not that you haven’t already been for a very long time. Mucho congrats, Josh! Your new tasting room is coming off as fantastic.
NICE!!! My eyes are welling up with tears of pride Josh. You are the man! Maybe you should consider writing a book about where social networking has taken you in this very short year.
Barb,
I’ll add that to my list of things to do, but don’t think I haven’t thought of it.
I am so excited to visit when you get everything up and running! How exciting!! Congrats Josh!
I’m super excited to have such a variety – and all from Washington!!!
Very exciting news Josh! We can’t wait to have you back at winestyles to spread the word! This is great for Spokane!
Thanks everyone for the kind words. I can’t wait to enjoy a glass or two of wine with each of you.
Josh
Way to go josh! You have a few of my fav’s.
Cheers!
Can’t wait…looks like a great selection.
The wineries represent a great cross section of the state. Should be very fun
Best wishes Josh for great success. I look forward to visiting!
Thanks, Paul! I hope you and Mrs. G. can make it up to visit
We can discuss and pay tribute to the micro-climates and the soil classifications for each wineries varietals. That should prove interesting as one tastes the wines.
Hey, Josh, are any of these by any chance wine by Cougs? If so, let us know @WSUSpokane and we’ll pass it along. Our WSU researchers in viticulture/enology and in marketing did a lot to get the wine industry started in Washington and we love to promote the success stories.
@BarbChamberlain
I’ll check on it. I think that Skylite Cellars is a wine by Cougs