What do you love about Spokane? For me, I love the green hills and mountains that stand in majestic contrast with the brilliant blue sky during the summer! While no city is perfect, Spokane is near nature and near perfect (hence the city tag line). Our mid-size metropolitan area runs at a peaceful slow pace while offering the culture of a larger urban hub. How many cities afford you the location to get in a round of golf, spend the afternoon on the lake, hike in the mountains, and enjoy world class restaurants, shopping and wine without driving all over the place?

This weekend two local wineries have very special announcements listed below. Stay connected to all things wine in the Spokane Weekend Wine Events listing that now includes “My Daily Wine” (a list of other wine activities that happen every day).

All Weekend  

Take a tour of the local wineries. Most are open. Visit this link for hours, reviews, wine recommendations, videos and more. http://drinknectar.com/spokane-wine-tour/ 

• This week’s highlight winery is Barrister Winery. Greg Lipsker and Michael White have expanded their hours and announce a very cool new partnership with local restaurants to encourage wine local and dine local. Visit Spokane Wine Magazine for all the details and a brief video interview with Greg.

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

Friday, July 30

Wine Styles and Wings – Flamin’ Joe’s is co-sponsoring this event. You definitely have to be here! For $15 you get to try 5 different wings (Joe’s top 5 sellers) and 5 different wines to compliment each flavor; 6pm-9pm (Wine Club members $12.50) 8801 N Indian Trail Rd

Bottles on Argonne – Sleeping Dog Wines is a boutique winery located in Benton City, Washington.  Larry overseas all aspects of the wine production from vine to bottle.  He prefers wines that are robust and have intense berry flavors. 5-8pm 3319 N Argonne 

Vino Wine Shop: Wine tasting with Buried Cane Wine from Washington 3:00-5:30pm; 222 S. Washington

Davenport Hotel: Live music from 8pm – midnight

Left Bank Wine Bar: Live music every Friday starting at 8pm, no cover – This week, enjoy music from Mark Ward. Left Bank is located at 108 N Washington.

Huckleberry’s Natural Market will be featuring Latah Creek winery from 5-7pm 926 S. Monroe

Saturday, July 31

Nodland Cellars: A lost case of Bebop Riesling is discovered ($25); only 2 cases of Walla Walla Cab remain ($40 for DrinkNectar fans); and a contest to win a bottle of 2006 Reserve Blend. Nodland is only open from Noon – 4pm Saturday. This wine will not last long! 11616 E Montgomery

Vino Wine: Saturday wine tasting Wine Finds under $9 (wow, great deals here) 2-4:30; 222 S. Washington

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 3-6pm: Direct import Chilean wine values with representative, Joel Cook! 726 E. 43^rd Ave

Rocket Market: Live music at 7pm – Bill and Kathy Kostelec are known for their progressive folk group, with songs steeped in social commentary, along with love songs, children’s songs and instrumentals. 726 E. 43^rd Ave

Left Bank Wine Bar – Live music with Michael Lenke. While you’re there ask Jen to make you a special wine flight. She’ll surprise your taste buds. 108 N. Washington

Huckleberry’s Natural Market: Featuring Grande Ronde winery 2-4pm for their bi-weekly wine tastings. 926 S. Monroe

Liberty Lake and Vintage Hill are all open. Why do I post this…well, because these guys are only open seasonally or until they sell out!

Sunday, August 1

Get out to a winery! – Always a handful of Spokane wineries open. Enjoy! Call first because of the holiday. (Trezzi, Townshend, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome and Caterina are open)

Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series – The Ryan Larson Band will perform 5:30 to dusk; $5 cover. Arbor Crest has 2007 Sauvignon Blanc on sale for 50% off and wine club members now get 30% off of the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines pair perfectly with Spokane summer.

NEW FEATURE: My Daily Wine

I realize it can be tough to wait until the weekend to wine. Thankfully there are wine events happening the other days of the week too. Take a look at what is happening with My Daily Wine. 

• MONDAY – FRIDAY: Happy Hour at Nikos with Pauline $2 Glass of Wine (1 red, 1 white), $2 off any glass, $2 off any flight and $2 beer. Happy Hour is 4-6pm and 9-close.
• MONDAY: Always Mimosa Monday at Wine Styles 8801 N Indian Trail Rd
• TUESDAY: Davenport Hotel $12 Tuesday Wine tasting from 5-7pm in the Historic Lobby. All paired with appetizers from the Palm Court Grill! Also ½ price bottles of wine in the Peacock room and Palm Court.
• WEDNESDAY: It’s “Wine Down Wednesday!” 50% off wines at The Melting Pot
• THURSDAY: Arbor Crest free music Thursday. No cover charge, enjoy wine and music every Thursday with one of Spokane’s best views. 5:30-7:30 at the Cliff House. 

Wine Radar

• Wine Styles Yakima Valley Red Mountain Tour – August 1st and 2nd (Sunday and Monday) we will be bussing down to Prosser for an incredible Wine Tour! For $130 you get transportation, lodging at the Best Western Inn at Horse Heaven, and over 15 tasting rooms and wineries within walking distance. Monday, we will head to Desert Wind Vineyard, Kiona Vineyards Winery for a catered lunch and then off to Hedges Family Estates Winery. This is a great time to enjoy some great wine and meet wine enthusiasts like yourself! Call 509-468-WINE for more details. Sign up soon!
• First Friday Art Walk: A signature monthly event through downtown Spokane that showcases wine, art, music and more. 5-8pm (unless otherwise noted)
• Painting With Spirits: Liberty Lake Wine Cellars hosts this popular program where you can learn to paint while sipping some wine. For $55 participants enjoy three hours of painting lessons with wine and the great views of Liberty Lake. Call to sign up; 255-9205 Aug 7 1-4pm
• Ghetto Gourmand – August 27; The underground food scene gets hot with Hot Summer Nights featuring Sante Chef / Owner Jeremy Hansen.  Don’t miss this fun and unique food experience. $125 each
• The Wine Soiree - September 9 at Beacon Hill, the Spokane Symphony Associates presents an enchanting evening with the Kathleen Cavender Band
• Vino Wine Dinner with Masselow’s at Northern Quest Resort and Casino – September 19; 5:30 PM – Contact www.vinowine.com 800.826.5674
• Valley Fest: A celebration in the valley that includes a parade, entertainment, wine/beer garden, a fun run, classic car show and “Taste of the Valley” on Saturday night! – September 24-26
• March of Dimes Signature Chef – Enjoy an intimate dinner with local celebrity chefs and wine. This elegant evening includes one of a kind auction items that benefit the local March of Dimes efforts to help save babies from pre-mature birth. October 2, 6-10pm at the Lincoln Center, $100
• Save the date for Cork & Keg (Nov 13) and Holiday Wine Festival (Nov 19-21)

Nodland Cellars is making some really cool stuff! In this blogger’s opinion, you would be hard pressed to find a better traditional Bordeaux style blend than the 2006 Red Blend from Nodland Cellars. The wine caught my attention at Taste Washington (Seattle) and I sent 3 of my fellow wine writing friends over to try it. It made two of their “top lists” for the day.  When I was in Walla Walla for the 2010 Wine Blogger’s Conference, I chose one wine to share with friends, the 2006 Nodland Private Blend. After a long day of tasting I opened the bottle at a party with some very discriminating palates. The result, “This is the most well balance wine I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

There is no doubt about it; Tim and Tracy Nodland are making some killer juice. Chances are you haven’t tried it.  You now have an exclusive opportunity to try some very limited wine.

Limited Bebop Riesling

• Last week, Tim e-mailed me and wanted to let DrinkNectar fans know that he discovered a lost case of 2005 Bebop Riesling. The previous vintages have sold out in short order and this vintage has been off the books for over a year. With less than 12 bottles remaining, you have a great opportunity to get a true hand crafted masterpiece that is aging very well! Nodland is offering this highly collectible wine at the same price it was released at, only $25.

A DrinkNectar Deal for Everyone

• Earlier in the year, DrinkNectar shared the exclusive release of the 2006 Walla Walla Reserve Cabernet Sauvigon. With a case production of under 40, this is a truly special wine! Less than 24 bottles remain of this amazing wine. Originally released at $45, DrinkNectar has subsidized a deal just for you! Mention DrinkNectar and you can have the wine for only $40! Pays to be a fan, eh?

Be A Nodland Fan and You Could Win

• Finally, you can win the amazing 2006 Private Blend. Here is how it works, go to the Nodland Cellars Facebook page and become their fan. Since Facebook is a weird animal, let us know you “fanned” them by emailing me at josh@nectarcoffeeandwine.com  (or you can comment on this blog because your email is added here). One lucky DrinkNectar fan will walk away with an amazing bottle of wine. Everyone else…you get a great deal on other Nodland wine.

The Riesling won’t last long (neither will the 2006 Reserve Cabernet). Nodland Cellars will be open from Noon – 4PM. This will most likely be the last weekend ever for both of these amazing wines. Please, for the sake of all things wine – go be a Nodland fan, sign up to win and go get your wine! 

• Nodland on Facebook
• 11616 E Montgomery (Off the Pines Exit)
• www.nodlandcellars.com
• 509.927.7770

It’s hot and I love it! It seems that the wine scene in Spokane is hot hot hotter than ever. Now you can wine 7 days a week. All new this week is the new feature, My Daily Wine. This is a perfect way to unwined (yep spelled it wrong for a reason) at the end of your busy day. Experience Spokane wine, one sip at a time. I guarantee you’ll discover something amazing!

Want to know what’s happening in and around the Spokane wine scene? Stay connected with the most complete listing of information around!

All Weekend 

Take a tour of the local wineries. Most are open. Visit this link for hours, reviews, wine recommendations, videos and more. http://drinknectar.com/spokane-wine-tour/ 

• This week’s highlight winery is Liberty Lake Wine Cellars. Doug and Shelly Smith are celebrating their second vintage and have a fantastic new Quixotic Rose. They are open seasonally on Saturday from 1pm – 6pm. I say make a day of it. Go cool off in the lake, stop by for an afternoon refresher and then head to Pavilion park for live music that starts at 6pm.

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

Friday, July 23

Vino Wine Shop: Wine tasting with Summer Sippers Under $20 3:00-5:30pm

Davenport Hotel: Live music from 8pm – midnight

Left Bank Wine Bar: Live music every Friday starting at 8pm, no cover – This week, enjoy music from Mike Dwyer. Left Bank is located at 108 N Washington.

Rocket Market: By popular demand, were going back to Iberian peninsula! This time, visit the Ribera del Duero and Calatayud regions of Spain, revisit Portugal and compare ruby and tawny porto…food, fashion and fun! Call to make reservations 7PM $18 343-2253

Saturday, July 24

Whitestone Winery – Annual Cajun and Cab in the vineyard – SOLD OUT

Vino Wine: Saturday wine tasting through the July wine club of the month selections 2-4:30

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 3-6pm with Walla Walla Village Winery

Rocket Market: Live music at 7pm – Sidhe European-American finger style guitar and lush vocals at the edge of the songwriting tradition: that’s the music of Sidhe. With honesty and an easy, unstuffy virtuosity, Michael and Keleran Milhelm merge the worlds of pop, classical, folk and world music into a passionate, yet accessible, blend of sophisticated soundscapes and ethereal melodies. < They played at our wedding reception and are absolutely divine! Rocket Market is located at 43^rd and Grand.

Left Bank Wine Bar – Live music with Fly Right. While you’re there ask Jen to make you a special wine flight to go along with Fly Right.

Huckleberry’s Natural Market: Live music with Convestess at 7pm. Enjoy a glass of wine, some dessert at this fun natural market on 9^th and Monroe.

Nodland, Liberty Lake and Vintage Hill are all open. Why do I post this…well, because these guys are only open seasonally or until they sell out!

Sunday, July 25

Get out to a winery! – Always a handful of Spokane wineries open. Enjoy! Call first because of the holiday. (Trezzi, Townshend, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome and Caterina are open)

Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series – Nobody Famous (yep that is the band’s name) will perform 5:30 to dusk; $5 cover. Biggest variety band around. High class! High energy! Top Forty-classic Rock n’ Roll! Arbor Crest has 2007 Sauvignon Blanc on sale for 50% off and wine club members now get 30% off of the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines pair perfectly with Spokane summer.

NEW FEATURE: My Daily Wine

I realize it can be tough to wait until the weekend to wine. Thankfully there are wine events happening the other days of the week too. Take a look at what is happening with My Daily Wine. 

• MONDAY – FRIDAY: Happy Hour at Nikos with Pauline $2 Glass of Wine (1 red, 1 white), $2 off any glass, $2 off any flight and $2 beer. Happy Hour is 4-6pm and 9-close.
• TUESDAY: Davenport Hotel $12 Tuesday Wine tasting from 5-7pm in the Historic Lobby. All paired with appetizers from the Palm Court Grill! Also ½ price bottles of wine in the Peacock room and Palm Court.
• WEDNESDAY: It’s “Wine Down Wednesday!” 50% off wines at The Melting Pot
• THURSDAY: Arbor Crest free music Thursday. No cover charge, enjoy wine and music every Thursday with one of Spokane’s best views. 5:30-7:30 at the Cliff House. 

On the Radar

• Huckleberry’s Natural Market will be featuring Latah Creek and Grande Ronde winery July 30 5-7pm and July 31, 2-4pm for their bi-weekly wine tastings.
• Wine Styles and Wines – July 30 Flamin’ Joe’s is co-sponsoring this event. You definitely have to be here! For $15 you get to try 5 different wings (Joe’s top 5 sellers) and 5 different wines to compliment each flavor. Friday July 30th 6pm-9pm (Wine Club members $12.50)
• Wine Styles Yakima Valley Red Mountain Tour – August 1st and 2nd (Sunday and Monday) we will be bussing down to Prosser for an incredible Wine Tour! For $130 you get transportation, lodging at the Best Western Inn at Horse Heaven, and over 15 tasting rooms and wineries within walking distance. Monday, we will head to Desert Wind Vineyard, Kiona Vineyards Winery for a catered lunch and then off to Hedges Family Estates Winery. This is a great time to enjoy some great wine and meet wine enthusiasts like yourself! Call 509-468-WINE for more details. Sign up soon!
• Ghetto Gourmand – August 27; The underground food scene gets hot with Hot Summer Nights featuring Sante Chef / Owner Jeremy Hansen.  Don’t miss this fun and unique food experience.
• The Wine Soiree - September 9 at Beacon Hill, the Spokane Symphony Associates presents an enchanting evening with the Kathleen Cavender Band
• Vino Wine Dinner with Masselow’s at Northern Quest Resort and Casino – September 19; 5:30 PM – Contact www.vinowine.com 800.826.5674
• March of Dimes Signature Chef – Enjoy an intimate dinner with local celebrity chefs and wine. This elegant evening includes one of a kind auction items that benefit the local March of Dimes efforts to help save babies from pre-mature birth. October 2, 6-10pm at the Lincoln Center, $100

Spokane is blessed this time of year. Blessed with lakes to swim in, mountains to hike in, and wineries to sip in, we’re in a truly remarkable region. If you haven’t experienced Spokane wine, you are missing out on one of the area’s finest showcases of art, passion and creativity. Listen to what wine writer Ben Simons has to say about the Lone Canary Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc,

This is one of the most interesting dessert wines that I’ve tasted, and at an extremely reasonable price ($15). I would absolutely buy this wine again, and would certainly recommend it to anyone who is able to get their hands on it.

Experience Spokane wine, one sip at a time. I guarantee you’ll discover something amazing!

Want to know what’s happening in and around the Spokane wine scene? Stay connected with the most complete listing of information around!

All Weekend 

Take a tour of the local wineries. Most are open. Visit this link for hours, reviews, wine recommendations, videos and more. http://drinknectar.com/spokane-wine-tour/ 

• This week’s highlight winery is Mountain Dome. Erik Manz continues the legacy of his father by providing sparkling wine to help you celebrate all of life’s special occasions. Every day is a reason to celebrate! Cheers! Open Saturday and Sunday from 11-4.

Happy Birthday to Latah Creek winery! Celebrating 28 years, Latah Creek is releasing their first Pinot Gris, just in time for the warm weather. Stop by for 20% off mix & match cases and 35% off select wines. The party goes all weekend from 9am – 5pm!

Bach Fest in Lake Chelan: Just a short 3 hour drive to Central Washington brings you to an amazing getaway with breathtaking views, pristine waters and glorious wine. Enjoy Bach and Mozart while you sip some estate wine from fine wineries like Benson, Hard Row, Tunnel Hill, Nefarious and more.

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

Friday, July 16

Barili Cellars at Wine Styles: Check out one of Spokane’s more elusive wineries at a great little wine shop at Indian Trail. Tasting is from 6-9pm; cost is $10; 8101 N. Indian Trail Rd. < DrinkNectar will be there, will you?

Vino Wine Shop: Wine tasting with Jones of Washington 3:00-5:30pm

Davenport Hotel: Live music from 8pm – midnight

Left Bank Wine Bar: Live music every Friday starting at 8pm, no cover

Rocket Market: Small vineyards, Italian direct imports. An amazing opportunity to taste some limited distribution Italian wine. 7-9 wines, cheese and bread; 7PM $18 343-2253

Huckleberry’s Natural Market: Enjoy a selection of dry Rose perfect for summer; $5 5-7pm

BeGin at the MAC - Mon Cheri + Outdoor Amphitheatre + 80’s Theme + Food & Booze & Culture = The Perfect Way to Spend a Summer’s Eve. 6pm Museum of Arts and Culture

Saturday, July 17

Vino Wine: Saturday wine tasting through the July sale wines part II 2-4:30

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 3-6pm with our very own Caterina Winery!

Rocket Market: Live music at 7pm – Laddie Ray Melvin writes and performs songs that are image-rich evocations of life. His music is deeply rooted in the contemporary folk tradition. He is uniquely influenced in his originality by popular musical idioms such as gospel, folk,blues, country and rock.

Huckleberry’s Natural Market: Italian wines from small vineyard imports. 5 wines $5, 2-4pm

Bottles: 2-5pm stop by for a sampling of some amazing under $10 wines. Bottles, at 3319 N Argonne will be sampling a Washington Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewürztraminer.  

Nodland, Liberty Lake and Vintage Hill are all open. Why do I post this…well, because these guys are only open seasonally or until they sell out!

Sunday, July 18

Get out to a winery! – Always a handful of Spokane wineries open. Enjoy! Call first because of the holiday. (Trezzi, Townshend, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome and Caterina are open)

Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series – Sammy Eubanks will perform 5:30 to dusk; $5 cover. Arbor Crest has 2007 Sauvignon Blanc on sale for 50% off and wine club members now get 30% off of the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines pair perfectly with Spokane summer.

On the Radar

• NEW Thursday’s on the Patio at Arbor Crest 5:30-7:30
• Latin Vines – Benefiting the Spokane Public Radio, Latin food prepared by Chef Romeo Hererra and Catered for You, live music by guitarist Michael Millham (of Sidhe) and silent auction. Dance to Hot Club of Spokane in the pavilion. July 22. 6-10pm $40
• Whitestone Winery – Annual Cajun and Cab in the vineyard – July 24 (tickets are 1/2 sold out) Contact the winery for details. 838.2427
• Ghetto Gourmand – Eat Pray Love. Join in the ultimate secret dinner and wellness experience experience; $80 space is limited
• The Wine Soiree - Thursday, September 9 at Beacon Hill, the Spokane Symphony Associates presents an enchanting evening with the Kathleen Cavender Band
• March of Dimes Signature Chef – Enjoy an intimate dinner with local celebrity chefs and wine. This elegant evening includes one of a kind auction items that benefit the local March of Dimes efforts to help save babies from pre-mature birth. October 2, 6-10pm at the Lincoln Center, $100

The sun has finally decided to arrive for summer. Better to make a dramatic entrance to the party than to never show up at all. I know you’re dying to get out and explore, shop, go boating and more. While you’re enjoying the beautiful Inland Northwest, put some of these amazing wine events on the list. This is my 24^th week of putting this list together and it is obvious that Spokane wine is bursting at the barrels with 17 wineries open (and one more on the way). There is bound to be at least one you haven’t tried.

All Weekend 

Take a tour of the local wineries. Most are open. Visit this link for hours, reviews, wine recommendations and more. http://drinknectar.com/2010/01/24/spokane-wine-tour/  

• This week’s highlight is Robert Karl. Located just off Division on Pacific is the tasting room and production facility for one of Spokane’s greatest treasures. They’ll be open Friday and Saturday until 5pm. Try their Rose, perfect for summer.

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

Friday, July 9

Second Friday Art Walk: Ever walked through the beautiful streets of Coeur d’Alene on a warm summer night? The smell of the lake and the cool breeze make for a magical time. Enjoy the sights and sounds for the Second Friday Art Walk from 5-8pm

Vino Wine Shop: Wine tasting with Owen Roe 3:00-5:30pm

Davenport Hotel: Live music from 8pm – midnight

Left Bank Wine Bar: Live music every Friday starting at 8pm, no cover

Rocket Market: Get the dirt on biodynamic wine. 7-9 wines, cheese and bread; 7PM $15 343-2253

Saturday, July 10

Vino Wine: Saturday wine tasting through the July sale wines 2-4:30

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 3-6pm with Three Horse Rance

Rocket Market: Live music at 7pm from acoustic pop musician Ron Greene

Sunday, July 11

Get out to a winery! – Always a handful of Spokane wineries open. Enjoy! Call first because of the holiday. (Trezzi, Townshend, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome and Caterina are open)

Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series – 18 piece band Men of Rhythm will perform 5:30 to dusk; $5 cover

On the Radar

• NEW Thursday’s on the Patio at Arbor Crest 5:30-7:30
• Grande Ronde Storm the Cellar Celebration – The annual celebration in honor of Bastille Day, Grande Ronde has specials on their Cellar Red and Cellar White blends. This year a very small release of Star View (a blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Malbec). Only 25 cases of this wine are being released. The event is from 5-8pm at their 906 W 2^nd Tasting Room. Call 455.8161 to reserve your spot. $10 includes tasting and food.
• Latah Creek 28^th Anniversary Celebration – Mike Conway started Latah Creek in 1982. Celebrate all weekend, July 16-18, with fantastic deals and events at their tasting room in the Valley.
• Whitestone Winery – Annual Cajun and Cab in the vineyard – July 24 (tickets are 1/2 sold out) Contact the winery for details. 838.2427
• The Wine Soiree - Thursday, September 9 at Beacon Hill, the Spokane Symphony Associates presents an enchanting evening with the Kathleen Cavender Band