Nectar Spokane Wine Events March 2011

Wine. Social lubricant, relaxing release, medical miracle, challenging conundrum. Wine is a mysterious beverage that we seek to understand, love to analyze, and drive to discover. But, isn’t it just rotten grapes! I love watching people discover new flavors they love and uncover the subtle nuances of a carefully crafted creation. Nectar Tasting Room gives you the opportunity to explore 35+ wines from 5 wineries in one location. Located in Downtown Spokane at 120 N. Stevens (across from Sante Restaurant, Sushi.com and Aunties Book Store) Nectar is here for you to explore Washington wine.

March is Washington Wine Month. Come down to Nectar and experience some of the best that Washington wine has to offer.

March 3-6

(Yes, I realize this is in the past, but want to create an archive of events at Nectar)

• Thursday – Check in on Foursquare or Facebook places and save $1 off any glass of wine!
• Friday – Welcome to First Friday at Nectar. This month’s featured artist is Todd Sackmann. His photography provides a unique perspective on Spokane landmarks. Stop by for music from Just JoeKen. Their blend of acoustic blues, rock, classic rock and modern hits make them a Nectar favorite.
  • Join Don Phelps from Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards as he samples two new wines and has come very unique giveaways.
  • Saturday – Join Don Phelps again to taste your choice of 5 of the 8 wines at Nectar. The two new wines, 2007 Cabernet Franc and the unique 2007 Iron Bed Red Blend will amaze you. Music from the incomparable Maxie Ray Mills completes the evening

March 10- 12

• Thursday – SIN (Service Industry Night). If you work in the service industry (restaurant, hotel, bar, etc), stop by for 20% off of glasses and 10% off of all bottles.
• Friday – Music by one of my favorite local artists, Darin Hilderbrand. Darin provides the back drop to a visit from the energetic Cheryl Hodgins from Skylite Cellars. Cheryl comes to Spokane to celebrate the release of their 2008 Malbec. This smooth wine is full of blueberry flavor and a hint of earth and cigar box.
• Saturday – Join Skylite Cellars as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The local parade route goes right in front of Nectar and YOU can reserve your own private table with a view for only $69.95. Your table for four includes a bottle of wine (up to $30) and a special Irish meat and cheese appetizer plate. The parade starts at Noon. Call 509.869.1572 to secure your spot (limited to just 6 tables). Music in the evening from Karrie O’Neil.

March 17 – 19

• Thursday – Always a fun way to relax. We’re open from 2-9pm. Come by for a glass of wine. We have free wifi (for your work meetings) and meat & cheese appetizer plates to curb your appetite before dinner.
• Friday – Soulful and sweet sounds from Olivia Kintzele. Olivia’s voice is mystifying and unique. You’ve got to hear her.
• Saturday – Come enjoy Coeur d’Alene Olive Oil Company and wine at Nectar Tasting Room from Noon – 5pm. CDAOO has some amazing flavor infused olive oils that will have your taste buds begging you for more. Stay the evening for music with Colleen Rice. Don’t forget “The Final Sip” from 9-10pm – Spokane’s favorite wine party.

March 24 – 26

• Thursday – Check in on Foursquare or Facebook places and save $1 off any glass of wine.
• Friday – Your last chance to see the photography of Todd Sackmann. Music by Fawnell Gresham. Fawnell’s original acoustic folk is a mellow way to end the month.
• Saturday – New wine tasting: Taste the four new wines introduced at Nectar over the last month for only $5. Enjoy music from one of our Nectar regulars, Michael Dwyer and stay for The Final SIP. Buy a bottle during the final sip and get your FEE WAVED (one night only).

On The Radar

April is Jazz Awareness Month (J.A.M.) and Nectar is a proud supporter! Join us each Friday night for amazing local jazz music.

April brings you by the amazingly talented art from Cecile Charles. Cecile has worked on some brand new pieces just to show at Nectar. You’ll be glad you came by.

The Sweet Taste of Fulfilled Dreams

No child should die with unfulfilled dreams. The Wishing Star foundation is one of the true heroes of this world, providing hope and fulfilling dreams to children who live with the impending threat and stress of terminal illness.  These young children live their lives with thoughts of doctor’s visits, tests, pain, and medication. The Wishing Star Foundation helps to fulfill dreams of vacations, room makeovers, trips to Disneyworld, Hollywood experiences, and meeting famous people. As individuals in Spokane (and across the internet) it may seem overwhelming for us to do our part. How can we help?

Taste your way to fulfilled dreams. Friday, March 4, at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino, you can taste your way through delicious treats and local wine knowing that with each sip and with each nibble you are making another wish come true. Last year’s event drew over 800 people and raised more than $18,000. This year promises to be even bigger.

Coordinator Taryn Erickson got involved with Wishing Star after a family friend, who was a “wish child” passed away. She watched the miracles first hand and was compelled to be involved. Spokane has 40+ active wishes including 21 year old Andrew who has a rare cancer of the bone. Andrew was diagnosed as a teenager and has given up school, college, job to fight this monster into remission. Your attendance can help fulfill his wish!

This year your $30 ticket (and any additional taste tickets you buy), go to fulfill the wishes of Adrienne, Mitchell, and Evett.

Adrienne’s wish: Adrienne is four years old and suffers from heart defects. Her wish is to have a castle playhouse. Spokane Home Builder’s Apprenticeship Program is currently building the playhouse, but funds are needed for the materials!

Mitchell’s wish: Mitchell is twelve years old and suffers from brachman de lange syndrome. His wish is to go to a NASCAR race. With your help, we are hoping to send Mitchell to a race during the next NASCAR season.

Evett’s wish: Evett is nine years old and suffers from heart complications as well. Her wish is to go to Orlando, Florida. She wants to go to Disneyworld, Universal Studios and the beach. She would like to travel on her birthday this July.

Nectar Tasting Room and Spokane Wine Magazine are proud to be a part of this event and look forward to joining several amazing tasting tables provided by:

• Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
• Chocolate Myracles
• Christ Kitchen
• Coeur d’Alene Cellars
• Dry Falls Cellars
• Dry Fly Distilling
• EMVY Cellars
• Georgetown Brewing/Manny’s
• Hay J’s Bistro
• Iron Horse Brewery
• Just American Deserts
• Marsells Cakes and Desserts
• Masselow’s at Northern Quest
• Mary Hill Winery
• MJ’s Chocolate Fountain
• Mountain Dome Winery
• Nectar Tasting Room
• Northern Lights Brewery
• NQ Banquet and Conference Services
• Pend d’Oreille Winery
• Pixie Dust Chocolates
• Rocky Mountain Chocolates
• Taste of India
• Tom Sawyer Country Coffee
• Townshend Cellars

Event Details:

When: Friday, March 4 from 6-10 p.m.

Where: Northern Quest Casino (discounted room rates available)

Cost: $30

www.tastespokane.com

www.wishingstar.org

Epic Wine Weekends are Upon Us Spokane

Occasionally a wine lover’s dream weekend comes along that requires some major preparation to ensure proper liver treatment and survival. An inexperienced wino will end up passed out just hours into the weekend while a prepared wine lover can skillfully wine their way from event to event still feeling refreshed and rejuvenated on Monday morning. Not one, but TWO such dream weekends are upon us.

They keys to survival are planning, hydration, and an ancient liver massaging technique that I’ll reveal at the end of the post.

Planning the Weekend(s)

Epicurean Delight – Where Celebration Meets Social Conscience

Friday, Nov 12, 2010

Spokane Convention Center

6pm – Midnight; $150

http://www.epicureandelight.org/

Epicurean Delight, hosted by The Inland Northwest Blood Center attracted more than 1,100 people in 2009 with record-breaking attendance and participation! Epicurean Delight 2010 will once again feature the most exquisite restaurants, paired with the finest wineries and microbreweries in the Inland Northwest!

Proceeds from Epicurean Delight 2010 will be used to advance INBC’s life saving mission with a portion of the funds designated to providing superior technologies and blood center education and training.

Wine Styles 2 Year Anniversary Celebration

Friday & Saturday, Nov 12-13, 2010

Wine Styles

8801 N Indian Trails Rd

Spokane, WA

Come enjoy all day tastings of various Washington wineries. Wine Styles will have live music, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, raffle and much more! Amazing sales for everyone! Stock up for the holidays: 10% off 3 bottles, 15% off 6 bottles, 20% off 12 bottles, 30% off 18 bottles. All premium wines (bottles valued at $50 or more) are buy one, get the 2nd 40% off.

Nodland Cellars New Bad Attitude Release

Friday, Nov. 12, 2010

Nodland Cellars

11611 E Montgomery

Spokane Valley, WA

6-9pm, special event pricing of $18

http://www.nodlandcellars.com

The event of the year at Nodland Cellars! We release the new Rock and Roll series with our new Merlot/Malbec blend, BAD ATTITUDE! Regular $20 btl/special event price $18 btl. Wine, food and song! $5 tasting fee refundable with purchase. Come and rock out with us! Put on some Bad Attitude!

17th Annual Spokane Cork & Keg Festival

Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010

Mirabeau Park Hotel

1100 N. Sullivan Rd.Spokane Valley, WA 7-10 p.m. $45 per person

Buy tickets online or find the ticket outlet closest to you:

www.spokanecorkandkeg.com

Sample more than 100 wines and 30 handcrafted beers from the Northwest and beyond. Souvenir wine glass, yummy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Curtis Smith and the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy, silent auction and discount wine store (wine is 20% less than retail with no sales tax!).  Enjoy live music by the Martini Brothers! 

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars Special Release

Sunday,  Nov 14, 2010

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars

1018 S. Garry Rd.

Liberty Lake, WA

1-5 p.m.

http://www.libertylakewinecellars.com

Every once in a while people enter our lives that make a significant impact and change the way we live. They leave a legacy. Liberty Lake is celebrating the legacy of Shelly’s father, Gary, who passed away last year, with the release of a special legacy third generation blend. Celebrate Gary’s birthday with the release of Gary’s Legacy Red.

Spokane Winery Association Holiday Wine Festival

Friday – Sunday, Nov. 19-12, 2010

17 Spokane Wineries

VIEW THE MAP

11 am – 5pm – tasting fees vary.

http://spokanewineries.net

In the spirit of holiday celebration, 17 local wineries will host a special celebration of wine, gourmet food and fun as part of the Spokane Winery Association’s Annual Holiday Wine Festival.

Take a break from the bustle of the holiday season and enjoy special moments with friends savoring all that the Annual Holiday Wine Festival has to offer. Also, consider kicking off this holiday season’s shopping with the unique and tasteful gift options at your favorite local wineries.

Join in the celebration with exclusive wine tasting at each winery, gourmet food sampling and discounts at select locations. The individual wineries, each with trademarks and specialties, invite the public to celebrate the season and to talk personally with winemakers and aficionados about production, wines and more during the event.

Liver Massage

As I mentioned earlier, the keys to surviving an epic wine weekend are planning, hydration and liver massage. Don’t forget to drink lots of water. Alcohol dehydrates the brain (that’s what causes the headaches by the way). Also, try this ancient liver massage technique to rid your body of the alcohol toxins quicker. *

*Liver massage techniques are not proven. The claims of this blog are purely satirical and to make you laugh. No medical claims are inferred.

Spokane Weekend Wine Events Oct 1-3

It has been an amazing Fall so far. The warm weather we were robbed of in June has made an appearance 4 months later. Grape harvest is several weeks delayed in Washington and this extended warm weather is helping to ease the anxiety that many grape farmers were experiencing. This weekend’s weather report is bright and sunny (with Sunday taking a cooler turn). I hope you enjoy your weekend with wine and friends, cause after all, life is meant to be enjoyed with friends, drink happy!

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/ 

Crush Rush 2010: The Spokane Winery Association invites you to join the CRUSH RUSH. Join the fun with a wine scavenger hunt across all 17 Spokane association wineries. The hunt continues through October 17. Details available at Spokane Wine Magazine; download the map and scavenger hunt list >> http://bit.ly/clIAGB

Latah Creeks Annual Oktoberfest – October 2-3 from 11AM- 5PM with wine specials, events, and more. Always a fun time. Mike and Ellena put on a fantastic shindig.

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

Friday, October 1

FIRST FRIDAY: Celebrate the first Friday of the month with the Downtown partnership art walk. With 40+ businesses participating, there is something for everyone. Enjoy live music with Michael Dwyer at Whitestone or just hang out with a glass of wine at Barrister, Caterina or Barili Cellars!

Wine Styles – TGIF Wine tasting, 4-5 different red and white wines, LIVE MUSIC and lots of fun! 6pm. $10 / $7.50 for Club Members 8801 N Indian Trail Rd

Rocket Market – A Syrah showdown from around the globe. Syrah is a wine that showcases terroir, put 9 Syrah to the test and pick the winner 7pm. 343.2253; $16 726 E 43rd Ave. $18

Vino Wine Shop: Selections from Cavatappi Distributor 3:00-5:30pm; 222 S. Washington

Davenport Hotel: Live music from 8pm – midnight

Left Bank Wine Bar: Live music starting at 8pm, no cover –60 wines by the glass and a wonderfully eclectic atmosphere – 108 N Washington.

Saturday, October 2

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 4-7pm: Join winery rep Paul Samson of Two Acre wines as he showcases boutique Washington wineries from Walla Walla and Woodinville. 726 E. 43^rd Ave

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 < DrinkNectar is a proud sponsor.

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

Sunday, October 3

Get out to a winery! – Always a handful of Spokane wineries open. Enjoy! Trezzi, Townshend, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome, Latah Creek, Arbor Crest, Knipprath and Caterina are open.

Wine Radar

• Epicurean Delight (Nov 12) – One of the signature events of the year. More than 1000 people enjoyed last years event to benefit the Inland Northwest Blood Center. Enjoy fine dining, wine and microbrews at the Spokane Convention Center < DrinkNectar is a proud sponsor
• Cork & Keg (Nov 13) – Mirabeau Park Hotel; $45 http://www.spokanecorkandkeg.com/
• Save the date for Spokane Winery Association Holiday Wine Festival (Nov 19-21)

Spokane Weekend Wine Events Sept 17-19

Does life ever feel like such a whirlwind that you are just caught up in the swirl moving in circles from activity to activity? You need to step out of the storm and relax! Grab some friends and go wine tasting. Your friends can help you decompress and the wine is a liquid elixir for the soul. Enjoy and drink happy!

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/ 

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

Friday, September 17

Live Music at Whitestone Winery: Enjoy the acoustic R&B, blues style of Mike Dwyer as you sip on some Lake Roosevelt Red or Cabernet Franc; 6-9pm; 111 S. Cedar

Wine Styles – TGIF Wine tasting, 4-5 different red and white wines, LIVE MUSIC and lots of fun! 6pm. $10 / $7.50 for Club Members 8801 N Indian Trail Rd

Rocket Market – Tuscany…ahhh, need we say more! 343.2253; $19 726 E 43rd Ave.

Vino Wine Shop: Classic wines of California 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 –60 wines by the glass and a wonderfully eclectic atmosphere – 108 N Washington.

Saturday, September 18

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars is Closed Today

CRUSH Party at Nodland: A unique opportunity to see the winemaking process in action. Nodland is receiving their Seven Hills Merlot. Come taste the fresh grapes and sample some of the current releases! 12-4pm. (509) 927-7770. Nodlandcellars.com; 11616 E Montgomery

Vino Wine: September Sale Wines Part 2 2-4:30; 222 S. Washington

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 4-7pm: Join Spokane’s own Greg Lipsker from Barrister winery as he shares some BIG new release! 726 E. 43^rd Ave

Rocket Market: Live music at 7pm w/ Jerin Falkner– With a smoky voice and slow-burning piano melodies that have garnered national attention, former Spokie Jerin Falkner’s sound is as rich as her lyrics are compelling. 726 E. 43^rd Ave

Huckleberry’s Bistro: Live music and pasta with Wide River, 7pm; 926 S. Monroe

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

Sunday, September 19

Get out to a winery! – Always a handful of Spokane wineries open. Enjoy! Trezzi, Townshend, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome, Latah Creek, Arbor Crest, Knipprath and Caterina are open.

Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series – Grab a picnic dinner and make your way to one of the last Sunday concerts at Arbor Crest. Common Ground will play adult contemporary and pop hits from 90’s and today – from 5:00 till dusk.

Vino Wine Dinner with Masselow’s at Northern Quest Resort and Casino –5:30 PM – Contact www.vinowine.com 800.826.5674

Wine Radar

• Cathedral Wine Festival – Enjoy hors d’oeuvres while tasting over 30 wines from Europe and the Western United States. September 24, 7-10 PM Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 W. Riverside Ave. $50, $35 65 and older. (509) 358-4290.
• Liberty Lake Heritage Release – September 25 from Noon – 5pm: This luscious blend of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Syrah was hand-crafted from the best barrel of each wine. With plenty of dark fruit and a hint of spice, this is the perfect wine for fall. Joins them for wine tasting, appetizers and conversation with the winemaker, as they celebrate the release of Heritage. $5.00 tasting fee/refunded with purchase.
• 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 < DrinkNectar is a proud sponsor.
• Riedel Glassware Comparative Demonstration – Open to the public, you’ll be led by family & company representative Maximilian Riedel through a comparative tasting, PLUS you’ll take home 4 “Vinum XL” glasses valued at $122.00. The event is a sit down style tasting which compares Riedel glassware to more conventional restaurant wine glasses lasting approximately 1 ½ hours. – Call Vino! – 838-1229; $65 at the Spokane Club
• Latah Creeks Annual Oktoberfest – October 1-3 from 8AM- 5PM with wine specials, events, and more. Always a fun time. Mike and Ellena put on a fantastic shindig.
• 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 < DrinkNectar is a proud sponsor.
• Cork & Keg (Nov 13) – Mirabeau Park Hotel; $45 http://www.spokanecorkandkeg.com/
• Save the date for Spokane Winery Association Holiday Wine Festival (Nov 19-21)

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: Designer Jeans Party at WineStyles; 6-8pm 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.
• TUESDAY: Live music at the Rocket Market 726 E 43^rd Ave. This week enjoy Mon Cheri at 7pm
• WEDNESDAY: It’s “Wine Down Wednesday!” 50% off wines at The Melting Pot
• THURSDAY: Huckleberry’s on Monroe – Class on Spanish and Portuguese wines. $20; 7-9pm

Spokane ValleyFest Taste of the Valley

Taste. Savor. Enjoy. I’m a valley boy; spent 23 of my years in the Spokane Valley. Went to Sunrise Elementary, Evergreen Middle School and am a proud graduate of Central Valley High School (class of 1990 thank you very much). Valley Fest was always an annual event to look forward to. Last year, the event got even better with the addition of Taste of the Valley wine tasting. This year, the event is coming together as one of the biggest Spokane wine bargains of the year!

Value! $30 gets you catered food from Red Rock catering, music from Kathleen Cavender and the Hot Club of Spokane on the CenterPlace outdoor stage. The evening continues with a spectacular hot air balloon night glow illuminating the Spokane Valley skies against the picturesque surrounding mountains. Sounds like quite a deal!

But wait, there’s more…if you act now you can double your…

Hold it…this is starting to sound like an infomercial or something. Actually there is more, a lot more. We haven’t even talked about the fact that $30 gives you access to taste wine from 20+ award winning Washington wineries. At a cost of just over $1 per winery, this is starting to sound like quite a deal. To top it off, if you find a wine you like you can actually BUY it. Most wine tasting events you go to are “pour only” events. Taste of the Valley has now become the perfect place to test drive some wine you’ve always wanted to AND take it home with you if you like it.

WINES  AT THE EVENT:

• Caterina Winery Chardonnay
• Caternia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
• Caterina Winery Merlot
• Arbor Crest Syrah
• Arbor Crest Sauvignon Blanc
• Arbor Crest Red Blend
• Chateau St. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet
• Chateau St. Michelle Dry Riesling
• Chateau St. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc
• Mountain Dome Chardonnay
• Mountain Dome Pinot Noir
• Mountain Dome Sparkling Wine
• Goose Ridge Chardonnay
• Goose Ridge G3 Red Blend
• Goose Ridge Merlot
• MaryHill Winery Winemakers Red Blend
• MaryHill Winery Sauvignon Blanc
• MaryHill Winery Pinot Gris
• Amavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
• Amavi Winery Syrah
• Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay
• Columbia Crest H3 Merlot
• Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Masquerade (3 wines)

$30 is quite the bargain for this little soiree. Tickets are limited, so don’t delay in getting in on the action. The event is Saturday, September 25 from 6-8pm. YOU MUST be 21 and have a valid ID to enter…duh. Join us at Mirabeau Point Park, CenterPlace event facility. Tickets will be available at the door, but I wouldn’t take your chances. Contact 509.922.3299 or visit www.valleyfest.org for tickets.

WANT TO GO FOR FREE?!?

O.K. Here is the deal. We need your help to spread the word about the event. We know you love wine (or you wouldn’t be here reading this), and we know you are on Facebook (who isn’t). To qualify for 2 FREE TICKETS to Taste of the Valley click the little tiny SHARE icon that is at the top and bottom of this post. Leave a comment to let me know you did it and you’ll be entered to win. Our goal is to have 100 people share the event so Valley Fest can save some money on advertising. Will you do it? THANKS!

Valleyfest on the web www.valleyfest.org and on Facebook

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