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)

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

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

March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. With major accomplishments that led to the Polio vaccine in the 1950’s, creation of newborn intensive care units in the 70’s, treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in the 80’s, folic acid education in the 90’s and their ongoing awareness activities, March of Dimes is a champion for those that can’t stand up for themselves…babies. As a five year supporter of the March of Dimes in Spokane, I am proud to be this year’s winery chairperson for the 2010 Signature Chef event on October 2.

My wife served on the board of directors for the Spokane MOD and was a beneficiary of their efforts when her son, now 13, was nearly born several months pre-mature. If it weren’t for the education, awareness, and treatment that March of Dimes provided, that little guy may have come out only half baked (even now we still wonder…).

The Spokane Signature Chef event brings together Spokane’s top chefs and the area’s top wineries for a miracle filled evening of food, wine, auction, and charity. Previous events have risen over $50,000 to support the March of Dimes. This year’s head chef is Chef Ian Wingate of Agave Latin Bistro and Moxie. Ian is recruiting a team of local culinary artists to serve you. Ten area wineries will be pouring in support of the babies as well.

The event is being held at the Lincoln Center, 1316 N Lincoln with wine, food and silent auction from 6:00-8:30. The live auction begins at 8:30. Sponsorships are available. There are lots of great causes to support. We encourage you to consider joining us in support of the babies! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.marchofdimes.com/washington/43550_65846.asp

How Can I Help?

• Help spread the word by clicking the little ReTweet or Share buttons at the top and bottom of this page. This will help get the word out without the MOD spending tons in advertising. Sharing is caring.
• Consider attending the event or if you own a business, consider sponsoring the event. You can contact the local director, Darah at dheinemann@marchofdimes.com to learn about sponsorships.
• Contribute to the live or silent auction. If you have products or services that could be donated, please contact Darah as well.
• Stay tuned for how you can win two tickets to this fantastic evening.

Food and Wine Participants

• Moxie Restaurant – Chef Ian Wingate 
• Agave Latin Bistro – Chef Ian Wingate
• Madeleine’s Restaurant
• Hay J’s Bistro
• Glover Mansion
• Manito Country Club – Chef Jim Wolters
• Coeur d’Alene Casino & Resort - Chef Adam Hegsted

Wine (more will be added)

• Robert Karl Cellars
• Barrister Winery
• Whitestone Winery
• Desert Wind Winery
• More coming…
• Beer table provided by The Flying Goat

Spokane and wine are becoming synonymous. When was the last time you went out and explored our diverse wine scene? If you live in our great city, I challenge you to put at least ONE of the fantastic events listed below on your list of weekend activities. You may know of the old guard in our area, but chances are you’ve yet to experience newcomers like Overbluff, Barili, Liberty Lake, and Nodland Cellars. Put these guys on your list. They are all open this weekend just for you.

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 Townshend Cellars. Don Townshend has taken a little winery in Greenbluff and turned it into one of Spokane’s most respected wineries. With a big selection there is something for every palate including sweet, dry, big red and even Pinot Noir and sparkling wine. Make a day out of it pick some fresh fruit while you’re out there. Looks like Cherries are on their way, along with apricots and raspberries! Townshend is open Fri-Sun Noon – 6pm

  
   

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

Friday, August 6

First Friday Art Walk: A signature monthly event through downtown Spokane that showcases wine, art, music and more. 5-8pm (unless otherwise noted);

Barili Cellars: As the dog days of summer arrive, we hope that you will join us as we will be featuring live music and the art of E.L. Stewart. This exhibit is a mix of work, varying in size and subject, from beautiful landscape to expertly painted figure and exciting abstraction. For $5, sample each of our four wines, pick your favorite, and we’ll pour you a glass while you check out our new artwork, listen to live music, and have a few snacks.

Taste Café: Right next door to Barili, you’ll enjoy some amazing delicious treats and great artwork on display

Wine Styles – Wine Tasting Friday Be sure to check out the new selections! Bring your friends and come early to save a table on our beautiful patio! If you buy a 6 for $60 case of wine, we will cover your tasting! $10 8801 N Indian Trail Rd

Rocket Market - Nine Pinot Noirs from around the world will compete for your love…and we all know that love is blind so we will bag the wines and taste them blind. Excellent wines and you equal excellent times. 9 wines, reservations requested. 343.2253; $18 726 E 43rd Ave.

Vino Wine Shop: Wine tasting with Linda Lowe of Wine Glass Cellars 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 Kari Marguerite. Left Bank is located at 108 N Washington.

Saturday, August 7

Knipprath Cellars: As an FYI, Knipprath will be closed for a private event on Saturday but will be open again on Sunday from Noon-5pm

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars: Painting With Spirits: 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

Vino Wine: August Sale Wine Part 1 2-4:30; 222 S. Washington

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 3-6pm: If you’ve never enjoyed one of these tasty, hand-crafted brews from Sandpoint get in here! If you have, you know how great they are! 726 E. 43^rd Ave

Rocket Market: Live music at 7pm – Lyle Mores has been captivated with the acoustic guitar since a young teen. Over the years he has developed a driving and original guitar technique, that when coupled with his soaring expressive vocals, makes for a completely unique listening experience. 726 E. 43^rd Ave

Left Bank Wine Bar – Live music with Bob Melvin. While you’re there ask Jen to make you a special wine flight. She’ll surprise your taste buds. 108 N. Washington – Say congrats to Jen, she just got married!

Bottles on Argonne – August feature wine of the month is a Viognier and Pinot Gris blend from Cavatappi Winery in Mattawa, WA. At only $8.99 this is a great wine to celebrate the hot days of August.  3319 N Argonne 11am-7pm

Huckleberry’s Natural Market: Featuring music with Brad Keeler at 7pm 926 S. Monroe

Sunday, August 8

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, Latah Creek, Arbor Crest, Knipprath and Caterina are open)

Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series – Tuxedo Junction; This 19 piece big band plays the extremes. From luscious ballads to full sounding shout choruses to delicate shuffle music, the foundation of this band’s repertoire is based firmly in the classic swing era of the 1930′s and 1940′s. 5:30 to dusk; $5 cover.

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.
• TUESDAY: Live music at the Rocket Market 726 E 43^rd Ave. This week enjoy Mark Ward at 7pm
• 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.  This week artist Lee Baughman Pepper Mills and music by The Doghouse Boyz

Wine Radar

• Robert Karl Winemaker Dinner: Villagio 2013 E 29th. Enjoy amazing food and wine pairings with Joe and Rebecca Gunselman of Robert Karl Cellars. Seating is limited. Please RSVP with this link; August 16, 6-10pm
• Barrister Winemaker Dinner: Luna’s First “Dinner in the Garden…” Featuring a seasonal, five course menu by our own Chef Brian Hutchins and brilliantly paired with beautiful wines by Barrister winery~ Tuesday Evening, August 17th at 6:30 pm in Luna’s unique garden setting. $75 per person, limited seating; Please phone 509.448.2383.
• Pixie Dust Chocolates Tastings: Come be introduced to a local business that is pursuing their dream…chocolate.  They will be at WineStyles on Friday, August 20 at 6pm. (Tasting fee $15) and Rocket Market on Saturday, August 21  4-6pm…yum.
• Art and Glass Fest at Arbor Crest:
  • Saturday Aug 21: 53 Local Artists from 11 AM to 7 PM. Band from 1 PM to 6 PM. Sidetrack: Acoustic, electric, eclectic mix of country, rock and rockabilly.
  • Sunday Aug 22: 53 Local Artists from 11 AM to 7 PM. Band from 1 – 4 PM, 5:30 PM – Dusk. Singlewide: “Roots” rock band playing songs reminiscent of Tom Petty. Come dance to solid American Rock music!
• 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)
• Save the date for Spokane Winery Association Holiday Wine Festival (Nov 19-21)