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)

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

How do you define freedom? This weekend is a celebration of the independence of our country from the oppressive rule of the British Empire. Brave young men and women sacrificed their lives, the comfort of their homes and their way of life to ensure that we could have a country free from tyranny and ran by the people. While I have many thoughts about where we are politically in the US, I’ll reserve those for a conversation that includes a bottle of wine and a warm fire. This weekend, pop a cork on Independence Day and celebrate. 

While we live in freedom, remember our grapes who are still held in captivity. Please do your part to STOP HR5034 and contact your congress person at FreetheGrapes.com

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 of places you may have never been is Nodland Cellars. Located in a little business park off of I-90 and Montgomery, Nodland produces small lot high quality wine. Most years, Tim and Tracy make just one red blend. It is a special wine.

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

Friday, July 2

First Friday Art Walk: Downtown comes alive with music, art and wine. Don’t miss one of Spokane’s premier monthly activities. Click the link for all the venues. I’ve highlighted a few below.

• Music at Whitestone Winery: Enjoy music and the wine of Whitestone from 6-10:30pm at 111 S. Cedar. No cover – Music By Hot Club
• 2nd Floor Auditorium: 1st Annual KYRS Thin Air Community Radio Art Auction with 6 Foot Swing, food & refreshments, 5:30-8:30pm Friday. Saturday: live auction and closing of bids, 2-4pm.
• Barili Cellars 608 W. 2^nd Join Barili Cellars, 4-9pm, to try new wine releases, and view the art of Rachel Heglar. Her use of color draws you in and touches your soul. Each piece leaves you feeling peaceful, warm, and romantic. There is something very mysterious about her work
• Urbanna Natural Spa & Salon 168 S Division Showcasing Suwanee’s unique photography with a metallic dimension capturing the ancient culture of Cambodia, Thailand & Vietnam. Tours & free parking.

Vino Wine Shop: Wines for BBQ Picnics 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: Sangria, mimosas, bellinis and more. Join us as we learn to make twists on these classic recipes using wine. I guarantee it will be a night to remember…$15 343-2253

Saturday, July 3

Rocket Market: Live music at 7pm from Mark Ward

Independence Day

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

Liberty Lake Pops A Cork on Independence – Pop a cork for Independance Day at Liberty Lake Wine Cellars They will be open Sunday from 1-5 PM. After that head to Pavillion Park for a free concert and fireworks. What a great way to celebrate.

Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series – The Honeybuckets 5:30 to dusk; $5 cover

On the Radar

• 20 Under 40 Event – Come meet this year’s 20 Under 40 winners from Catalyst Magazine, enjoy wine and appetizers, try Melting Pot’s chocolate fountain, have fun and socialize like crazy! 6-9pm at Caterina Winery
• NEW Thursday’s on the Patio at Arbor Crest 5:30-7:30
• The Wine Soiree - Thursday, September 9 at Beacon Hill, the Spokane Symphony Associates presents an enchanting evening with the Kathleen Cavender Band

Hey, you, sitting there in the bathrobe. Put down the bacon and the powdered donut and get busy! Busy with what you say? There is a lot of wine to taste and you only have a few days to do it. You work hard all week, you need to treat yourself to some liquid art! I suggest a cure for the cubicle, corporate and blue collar blues is a nice glass of purple pleasure! You can thank me later.

Having an event and don’t see it on the list? Email me josh@nectarcoffeeandwine.com

All Weekend

•  June 18-20 Spokane Symphony Best Fest:  A fantastic three night event featuring the best of Spokane Symphony, wine, beer and ice cream. Tickets are available for each night and for the full three day event. www.spokanesymphony.org
  •  Friday: Best of the classics with wine tasting
  • Saturday: Best of the stage and screen with brew fest
  • Sunday: Centennial celebration of Father’s Day with Brain Freeze ice cream 

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 of places you may have never been is Nodland Cellars. Located in a little business park off of I-90 and Montgomery, Nodland produces small lot high quality wine. Most years, Tim and Tracy make just one red blend. It is a special wine.

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

Friday, June 18

Friday, June 18 – Grape and Grain: Grape & Grain is a wine and beer tasting event, along with a silent auction that benefits the American Advertising Federation of Spokane. AAF Spokane puts on a number of events each year benefiting great causes like Project Share, TASC (Teens Against Substance Abuse), and more. Lincoln Center, $40 in advance. 13 local wineries and breweries are participating.

Music at Whitestone Winery: Enjoy music and the wine of Whitestone from 6-9pm at 111 S. Cedar. No cover 

Vino Wine Shop: Mercer Estates Columbia Valley 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: 7pm Wines of Spain and Portugal (8 amazing wines, food, cheese, and bread) Reservations requested, $18 343-2253

Saturday, June 19

Angel Ball at the MAC: Join this great event to support the fight against Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes; 6:30 pm $25 per person

Vino Wine Shop: June Wine of the Month Club selections 2:00-4:30pm

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting with Whitestone Winery 3-6pm; Stay for live music at 7pm from Matt Russell

Sunday, June 20

It’s Father’s Day!

Get out to a winery! – Always a handful of Spokane wineries open. Enjoy! (Trezzi, Robert Karl, Townshend, Lone Canary, and Caterina are open)

Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series – Singlewide 5:30 to dusk; $5 cover

On the Radar

• June 21: Ghetto Gourmand Mid-Summer Night’s Dream – A food revolution is cooking in Spokane. Super exclusive, secret and limited engagement dinner parties with four course meals, music, art, performance and more. Get in on the underground!
• June 26: Soiree on the Edge - The Spokane Symphony is combining two of its most popular programs to create an exciting new event located on the stunning grounds of the historic Cliff House, home to Arbor Crest Wine Cellars.