Hello. Hope you are enjoying your summer. We sure are having a great time at Nectar. Fun and sun on the patio, great wine deals, music, painting classes, wine pairing dinners, Groupon deals, and so much more. If you haven’t been down in a while, take a look at all the upcoming August events.

ALL MONTH: Thirsty Thursday discounts. Take 15% off any bottle of wine purchased.

ALL MONTH: Friday Funday. Bring in a group of 4 or more work friends and get a FREE large appetizer plate (reg $14) from 4-7pm (except First Friday)

ALL MONTH: Rent Nectar (Barrel Room or Main Space) on Monday or Tuesday for just $50 per hour.

AUGUST 1-4

• Wednesday – Wine Down Wednesday dinner (SOLD OUT)
• Thursday – Enjoy the cool indoors or the shaded patio. Free wifi, great appetizer plates and over 45 wines by the glass to choose from. 1/2 price appetizer plate with the purchase of a bottle of wine. TANGO with us from 7-9pm. Watch, learn and dance with some of Spokane’s most talented tango teachers and dancers.
• First Friday – We have a very special First Friday lined up with an interactive live art creation from Kirsten Stobie. Kirsten will paint live during the night while talented musician Karrie O’Neill sings for you. Guest winery Anelare will be on hand sharing their newest releases and offering some great specials. Don’t miss this one of a kind First Friday. Call 509.869.1572 to reserve a table.
• Saturday – Nectar is hosting the 30th High School Reunion for East Valley High School and will be closing around 7pm. Come by in the afternoon for all your wine needs.

AUGUST 8-11

• Wednesday – Wine Down Wednesday dinner (SOLD OUT)
• Thursday – Thirsty Thursday continues. 15% off any bottle of wine. Stock up, the weekend is coming.
• Friday – Nectar is a great downtown spot to hang out after work. Bring in your work crew (4 or more) and we’ll treat you to a free large appetizer plate from 4-7pm. Join us for live music from Eric Neuhauser from 6:30-9:30. He’s full of awesomeness…
• Saturday – A fun Saturday activity is the Downtown Wine Walk. Enjoy wine at 4 downtown wineries for only $10 (reg $20). Stop by and ask for the pass at Nectar. It is a fun way to enjoy downtown with friends.

AUGUST 15-18

• Wednesday – Women of the Vine. We are excited to welcome the Women of the Vine for the first time. If you’re a member, join us from 6-8pm for a fun wine tasting experience.
• Thursday – More Thirsty Thursday with 15% off wine bottles, 1/2 price appetizer plates with the purchase of a bottle
• Friday – Enjoy music from Maxie Ray Mills from 6:30-9:30
• Saturday – Wine. That’s all the excuse you need to join us.

AUGUST 22-26

• Wednesday – Wine Down Wednesday dinner (SOLD OUT)
• Thursday – The shenanigans continue with more Thirsty Thursday 15% off bottles and 1/2 price appetizer plates with the purchase of a bottle.
• Friday – Join us for live music from Ron Criscione 6:30-9:30. Bring a group of 4 friends from work and get a FREE appetizer plate from 4-7pm.
• Saturday – We welcome back the Van Gogh and Merlot painting class. For $40 get a guided painting class, wine tasting, and all the painting supplies. RSVP at this Facebook page or email vangoghandmerlot@gmail.com. Class is 1-4pm and is limited to 30 people.
• Sunday – BLEND is going to be a fun and educational event where YOU get to be the WINEMAKER. Each guest winemaker will be given five single varietal wines, with an explanation of each from Josh Wade and Ben Hilzinger. After learning about the wine, you will mix and blend until you create the wine that YOU love. This will be a unique wine tasting class unlike any other. Register here. Space is limited.

August 29-31

• Wednesday – Wine Down Wednesday dinner (SOLD OUT)
• Thursday – $1 from every glass (or bottle) purchased will be donated to the Spokane Wishing Star foundation for their Sipping For Stars promotion. Come down and help support a great cause. Check out more information here.
• Friday – Live music from 6:30-9:30 and the final week of our Friday Funday promotion. Bring in a group of 4 work friends and get a FREE appetizer plate from 4-7pm.

Bring on the hot days of summer. The patio is waiting, the air conditioning will blowin’ and the wine will be flowin’. Before you escape each weekend for your recreational activities, come down to Nectar and stock up on your deck wine and boat wine. Every Thursday in July and August, get 15% off ANY Nectar favorite (members get 20% off). Stop by and stock up for your weekends.

Also, don’t forget, if you have a need to host an event in July or August we’re offering every Monday and Tuesday at just $50 per hour. Book your private party in The Barrel Room or the main room now.

July 5-7

Benny is off playing in Wisconsin and Josh will be manning the shop.

THURSDAY we Tango. Join the Spokane and CDA Tango club from 6-9pm  for a night of dancing and fun. Come watch, come learn, come dance!

Stop by for First Friday with abstract art from Leah Crowley and music from a crowd favorite, Maxie Ray Mills. Nectar is always a hot spot so call for large group reservations 509.869.1572

July 12-14

Don’t forget about our Thirsty Thursday sale, 15% off any bottles (20% for members).

FRIDAY: Music from Ron Criscione at 6:30

SATURDAY: Purchase the downtown wine walk and taste at 4 downtown wineries for 50% off. Enjoy wine tasting at Arbor Crest, Cougar Crest, Whitestone Winery and Nectar for only $10. Join us for The Final Sip fro 9-10pm. Help us finish off all the open bottles of wine before they get dumped down the drain. Save the grapes!

July 19-22

FRIDAY: Music from Eric Neuhauser at 6:30

SUNDAY: Want to know more about wine? Whether you’re new to wine or just want to know more about how it is made and what characteristics are found in the wines you buy, TASTE will give you the knowledge. There is no better way to learn than with hands on (or in this case, tastebuds on) training.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE >> http://tastenectar.eventbrite.com/

July 26-28

THURSDAY: 1/2 price appetizer plates with the purchase of a bottle AND 15% off any bottles purchased (20% for members) Stock up for your summer escape to the lake.

FRIDAY: The amazing Traveling Vagabonds return. These two ladies (and gent) provide a high energy show that will surely get your toes tapping and maybe even dancing. Music starts at 6:30

P.S. Thank you for another record breaking month. June marked our third consecutive record sales month. We owe it all to you, Spokane! Help us keep the momentum going through the summer.

Have you heard the news? Wine lovers everywhere are rejoicing with the announcement that Vintage Spokane is coming back to Spokane for a 2nd year. Last year’s inaugural event at The Lincoln Center was a smashing success. Spokane wine lovers came in large numbers forcing the event to move to the larger Northern Quest Resort and Casino. Now we can sip, taste, stay and play! Want more good news? The event costs less, only $45. Want more good news? The event length has been extended. Want more good news? You can buy the wines you like at the event. You can purchase VIP tickets for only $60 and get an extra hour of less crowded tasting and interacting with winery owners and wine makers.

Visit http://www.vintagespokane.com for all the information. The event is Sunday June 24, 2012

WIN TICKETS! IT’S EASY

Entry is easy, we need YOU to help spread the word. Post the following as your Facebook status (or as a tweet) and then leave a comment on this blog so we know you did it. One winner will be selected on June 15 and will receive 2 tickets to the event. While you’re here, go “like” the Vintage Spokane Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.

SAMPLE FACEBOOK POST

Wine lovers rejoice. Vintage Spokane returns to Northern Quest. Over 60 wineries, amazing food, and a fun wine experience. Sip, Taste, Stay, Play http://www.vintagespokane.com on June 24. Win Tickets here – http://drinknectar.com/2012/06/05/vintage-spokane-2012/

SAMPLE TWEET:

Go to @vintagespokane @northernquest 60+ wineries. Sip, taste, stay, play http://bit.ly/jGrZxa  Win Tix HERE> http://bit.ly/L7JAOn

*Nectar Tasting Room is a sponsor and participant in this event

Looking for something to wine about in Spokane? Look no further, we are your Spokane wine headquarters…okay, we are one of 24 amazing wineries you can visit across the Lilac City but we proudly boast 45 different Washington wines on the menu (22 of which recently received medals at the Seattle Wine Awards). The sun is shining (mostly) and the patio is open, so check out all of our upcoming events, music and more! We would love to see you soon. THANK YOU for an amazing May. Another record month. YOU, Spokane, are the very best.

BREAKING NEWS: Host an event at Nectar on Monday or Tuesday in July or August for only $50 per hour

MORE BREAKING NEWS: 1/2 price Wine Down Wednesday dinners through GROUPON

WIN TICKETS to Vintage Spokane: DETAILS HERE

JUNE 1-3

• FRIDAY – TGIFF (Thank God it’s First Friday); we’ve got a grape line up for you! Come see ELEVEN – A STUDENT EXHIBIT: Eleven of Kathleen Cavender’s art students will be showing their paintings. Reception 6-8pm. Enjoy music by Karrie O’Neill. Northwest Cellars visits with THREE brand new wines including two newly anointed GOLD MEDAL winners at the Seattle Wine Awards. All NWC wines are 10% off and 20% off for any mix/match case.

See all the First Friday spots here

• SATURDAY/SUNDAY – The sale continues. Enjoy a sample of 8 NWC wines for only $5 (members taste free) The Final Sip is Saturday from 9-10pm!

JUNE 7-9

• THURSDAY – Tango. Come watch, come learn, come tango with Tango Milonga from 7-9pm. Glass and bottle specials for tango dancers.
• FRIDAY – SATURDAY: We welcome visiting winery, Skylite Cellars to the space. Fresh off of their 4 Seattle Wine Award medals, Skylite is introducing their brand new 2008 Walla Walla Cabernet. The 2007 Cab was our best selling wine and is now SOLD OUT. Cheryl is bringing 2 cases. Club Nectar members can come down and get the final bottles before it’s gone. THIS WON’T LAST. Be one of the first to try the spectacular 2008 vintage. All wines will be 15% off and 25% off of 6 packs or more.

Don’t forget about The Final Sip (9-10pm). For only $10 come taste up to 8 samples from all the wines remaining open from the weekend.

JUNE 14-16

• FRIDAY – We welcome for the first time, Nick Grow. I first saw Nick at an open mic night and was blown away. He is truly one of the most talented performers in Spokane. Come hear him play and give this new artist your support (6:30-9:30)
• SATURDAY – Port for pops. We’ve got FREE sips of our popular port and FREE chocolate for all the dads who come down to Nectar.

THE POUR – Benefiting Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Center (June 16)

JUNE 21-24

• FRIDAY – Music from Daniel Mills (Son of Brad). Dave Matthew’s says, “He’s organized, that’s a good thing.” Come hear the hits from today. Daniel is super fun and we hope to continue to introduce our Nectar fans to him.
• SATURDAY – Wine tasting all day and night. Taste through 5 DOUBLE GOLD winning wines from the Seattle Wine Awards for only $5. These are wines that were voted the best of their category. Join us for music from Olivia Brownlee from 6:30-9:30

VINTAGE SPOKANE – Over 60 wineries, delicious cuisine, Viking Chef Demos, and fun wine experience activities. Join the 2nd annual event at Northern Quest Resort and Casino where you can Sip, Taste, Stay and Play. Tickets are only $45 ($60 for limited VIP entrance). Get your tickets here.

JUNE 28-30

Welcome Hoopfest players and spectators. Need a place to unwind, relax, get a glass of wine or a bite of food. We’ll be here all day 9am – 6pm Saturday and Sunday with drink specials, food from Just a Couple of Moms and a full stock of sports drinks and water. Win your bracket? Come in for a glass of complimentary CHAMPAGNE to celebrate.

The Seattle Wine Awards is the largest independent judging competition of Washington wine. The tasting panel consists of Master Sommeliers, Master of Wine, wine merchants, professors and prestigious wine writers from across the state. Hundreds of wines are submitted and only the best of the best are awarded with medals. We are excited to announce that all five Nectar Tasting Room wineries, Cougar Crest and four Spokane wineries were awarded with medals.

In total, 22 of the 42 wines stocked at Nectar received awards!

Congratulations – view the full winners list at the Seattle Wine Awards web site

Anelare (Benton City, WA)

• 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon – SILVER (Cabernet over $35)
• 2009 Syrah – GOLD (Syrah over $35)
• 2009 Nonna Viola – GOLD (Red Blend $20-$35)

Hard Row to Hoe (Chelan, WA)

• 2010 Good in Bed Sparkling – DOUBLE GOLD (Sparkling wine)
• 2011 Nauti Buoy – SILVER (White blend $20-$35)
• 2011 Viogner/Rousanne – DOUBLE GOLD (White Rhone style)
• 2010 Marsanne – GOLD (White Rhone style)
• 2011 Dry Rose – SILVER (Rose blend)
• 2009 Cabernet Franc – SILVER (Cabernet Franc $20-$35)

Northwest Cellars (Kirkland, WA)

• 2010 Viognier – GOLD (Viognier $20-$35)
• 2009 Sonatina – GOLD (White Blend under $20)
• 2008 Petit Verdot – GOLD (Red Varietal $35 and over)
• 2009 Cadenza – GOLD (Red Blends $20-$35)
• 2008 Intrigue – GOLD (Red Blends $20-$35)

Skylite Cellars (Walla Walla, WA)

• 2008 Soiree – SILVER (Red Blends under $20)
• 2007 Cabernet – SILVER (Cabernet $20-$35)
• 2007 Merlot – SILVER (Merlot $20-$35)

Terra Blanca (Benton City, WA)

• 2008 Onyx – GOLD (Red Blends over $35)
• 2008 AT Cabernet -BRONZE (Cabernet under $20)
• 2007 Signature Series Cabernet – DOUBLE GOLD (Cabernet $20-$35)
• 2008 AT Merlot – BRONZE (Merlot under $20)
• 2007 AT Syrah – DOUBLE GOLD (Syrah under $20)
• 2007 Block 8 Syrah – DOUBLE GOLD (Syrah over $35)