Spokane wineries are receiving high praise in the national press of late. International wine critic Robert Parker spoke highly of Arbor Crest in a recent publication. Caterina Winery was featured in Wine Enthusiast’s Best Buy list. Townshend Cellars will be in an upcoming issue of Sunset Magazine. Robert Karl and Barrister were recognized as 4 star wineries by Paul Gregutt. The list goes on. Have you experienced the 18 wineries that dot the Spokane wine landscape?  

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

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

Friday, October 8

Whitestone Winery – Live music and food from 6 to 9 pm, featuring the music of Michael Dwyer and a selection of appetizers from Williams Seafood; 111 S. Cedar – Stay tuned for the release of “Scared to Pieces” the new Halloween inspired blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot

Riverpark Square Arbor Crest – Join Spokane favorite, Dan Conrad as he plays a wide variety of modern mainstream, soul and classic rock covers, as well as some originals. Stop in and listen to this incredible local musician from 6:00 to 9:00pm.

BeGin at the MAC – Enjoy BeGin at the Mac with Buffalo Death Beam, Golden Hills Brewery, Townshend Wine, Victor’s Hummus, and open galleries! This is your last chance to see Harold Balazs at BeGin! 6pm

Wine Styles – TGIF Wine tasting, ‎2 Acre Wine Company is pouring some splendid wines for everyone on Friday! Stop by for the tasting! 8801 N Indian Trail Rd

Rocket Market – Casual environment in which to taste some classic German Oktoberfest beers and a few of the current American-made versions. Relax, drink beer, and snack on some Germanic style beer food! 7pm. 343.2253; $16 726 E 43rd Ave. $16

Vino Wine Shop: Nicolas Cole Cellars along with Lullaby Winery – a double header for Friday’s tasting. 2:00-5:30pm; 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.

2nd Friday Art Walk in CDA – Every second Friday, from April – December, stroll through downtown Coeur d’Alene and visit participating art galleries, shops, and restaurants with your friends and family.  This is a family-friendly, free event! Come and join us from 5 to 8 pm.

Saturday, October 9

Huckleberry’s Wine Tasting – In the Bistro with Steve Busby from Caterina Winery. Awardwinning reds and whites! $5 per flight of 5 wines; 2-4pm; 926 S. Monroe

Oktoberfest at WineStyles – Bratwurst, German Sausage, Pretzels and Cheese with all the mustard and Saurkraut you could dream of! There is a plethora of German beers to wash it all down! Celebrate the German way in style- extra points for those who come in Leiderhosen. 12-7pm; 8801 N. Indian Trail Rd.

Bottles on Argonne – Mike Scott from Vinum Wine Importing will be pouring samples and providing a history of Rhone wines.  Rhone wines originated in France and today many winemakers from around the world enjoy producing Rhone varietal wines.  Perhaps you have sampled Rhone wines before and are a big fan or perhaps this will be your first experience with Rhones; 2-5PM; 3319 N Argonne

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 4-7pm: Wine maker Matthew Loso (Matthew Cellars) creates “magic in a bottle” for this new winery! 726 E. 43^rd Ave

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

Vino Wine Shop – Washington’s Wawawai Canyon Winery from Pullman visits to taste through some of their award winning wines. Visit anytime between 2-4:30; 222 S. Washington

Vino 15^th Anniversary Sale – EVERYTHING will be on sale Saturday – minimum 10% discount with savings up to 25%. Enjoy tastings, raffles and prizes. Celebrate 15 incredible years and THANK you for supporting Vino!

Sunday, October 10

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

• Arbor Crest and Chocolate Apothecary (October 14)– At the Cliff House enjoy pairing wine with the amazing chocolates of Chocolate Apothecary. This event is a private tasting so reservations are required. Reserve a place, please call 509-927-9463. $24 per person
• Paul Gregutt at Arbor Crest (October 17) - Seattle Times Wine Adviser, Paul Gregutt, will be visiting the Cliff House on Sunday, October 17th to sign his new book, Washington Wines & Wineries, Second Edition. 1-5pm
• Townshend Cellar at Sante Restaurant (October 24) – Nine courses guaranteed to push the envelope on food as you know it. RSVP to Anthony at Santé – Make your reservation by 10/10 and receive $30 off the dinner! 315.4613; $120; 5:30pm
• Epicurean Delight (November 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 < Nectar Wine Blog is a proud sponsor
• Cork & Keg (November 13) – Mirabeau Park Hotel; $45 http://www.spokanecorkandkeg.com/
• Save the date for Spokane Winery Association Holiday Wine Festival (Nov 19-21)

Four years ago I told my wife, “I want to open a wine and coffee bar,” a combination of retail wine, wine by the glass, and Starbucks. Money in the morning, money in the evening, a business model that combines the two things I love! While not quite that exact same vision, today marks the biggest announcement and biggest adventure I’ve embarked on.

Last year, I started this blog with the intention of reaching out to wine lovers in the Spokane area for an eventual business opening. I distinctly remember saying, “If I can open a business in a few years with 200-300 people that know who I am, I’ll be way better off than the guy starting from scratch.” Over the last 11 months, I’ve been blown away by the amazing local and national support of DrinkNectar.com. It is because of you, that I am excited to announce the next steps.

In November, Nectar Tasting Room will open in Downtown Spokane. Five Washington wineries will share one space offering thirty wines in one satellite tasting room. Over the next six weeks you’ll see several changes on this site.

• Branding will change from DrinkNectar.com to Nectar Tasting Room and Nectar Wine Blog (links to previous posts will remain intact) Links from nectartastingroom.com and nectarwineblog.com will redirect to one site.
• A new template will be introduced that will separate postings related to the tasting room and other wine blog posts
• Daily posts will continue around wine reviews, wine business, and general wine topics
• Spokane wine event news will move to www.spokanewinemagazine.com; As part of the Spokane wine scene, Nectar Tasting Room will promote and support all wine activities in Spokane
• As contracts are signed, I’ll reveal the five participating wineries

November 11, 2009, friends on Twitter and Facebook welcomed me to the virtual world. One year later, I ask your continued support as I embark on this new venture. You can help be a brand ambassador by sharing this announcement on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you! Please stay tuned as I share the progress and adventure of opening a brick and mortar business. Can someone go from nothing, to wine blogger, to successful wine business in a year? I’m counting on it!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIVE WASHINGTON STATE WINERIES TO OPEN SATELLITE TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN SPOKANE

Nectar Tasting Room is opening on the corner of Stevens and Main and will house the operations of five Washington winery satellite tasting rooms.

Spokane is home to 18 quality wineries that include some of the states oldest, Latah Creek and Arbor Crest. The region’s continued thirst for wine has encouraged the recent growth of 5 new wineries in the last four years. Growing wine interest has generated attention in Spokane among wineries across the state. 

“Spokane has established itself as a wine tasting destination,” says Josh Wade of Nectar Wine Blog (aka DrinkNectar.com) and creator of Spokane Wine Magazine. “The addition of other regional wineries will enhance the wine experience for local residents and increase the spotlight on the quality Spokane wine producers.” The 2000 square foot space will be a place to taste wine and also enjoy wine by the glass. Nectar Tasting Room will be open Thursday through Saturday and plans on live music for the weekends. “This will be a unique wine tasting room experience with iPads as menus, a comfortable urban vibe, and activities that promote interactive wine education as an extension of the participating winery’s main location,” says owner Josh Wade.

Final negotiations are still in progress but wineries from Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Lake Chelan, Tri-Cities, and Woodinville are joining in. Wade is working with local restaurant designer Josh Hissong to build out the space and expects the tasting room to open in mid to late November.

Josh built his business model over the last year strictly using social media sites Twitter and Facebook. The DrinkNectar.com wine blog has been viewed nearly 100,000 times in the last year, with a strong emphasis on promoting the area wine scene, now at a national level. The site is among the top wine blogs in the country in traffic and engagement. With the upcoming changes, DrinkNectar.com is becoming Nectar Wine Blog and will house the information for the tasting room, national wine news, and ongoing wine and social media education.

For updates and information visit www.nectartastingroom.com or www.nectarwineblog.com or contact info@nectartastingroom.com

Ahhh, Cabaret…what’s not to love about a good French Cabaret? Singing, dancing, fishnet stocking…some Cabarets even tease with a hint of nudity…the whole thing can be quite a fun experience…

What? Cabernet…oh…that’s a completely different thing! Let’s try this again!

Attention, cows! Run in fear! Thursday, September 2 is the official international Cabernet Day. For 24 hours thousands of people across the world will celebrate with the king grape of Bordeaux. Left Bank lovers will longingly lap up the thick juice and their food accompaniment of choice will be a perfect cut of filet mignon or NY strip steak.

Cabernet Day is happening wherever you and Cabernet Sauvignon can be found. You can join at hundreds of Morton’s Steak Houses, dozens of participating wineries, or open your favorite Cabernet and join the online conversation using Twitter or Facebook. Visit the event site for specifics and additional information.

Participate using Twitter:

• Sign in to Twitter
• Talk about your wine
• Make sure your tweet uses the #cabernet hashtag
• Follow the conversation by using http://search.twitter.com/ ( or a program like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck) and search the hashtag #cabernet
• Engage, connect, learn, and have fun

Participate using Facebook:

• Sign in to Facebook
• Go to www.facebook.com/tasteandtweet “like it”
• Talk about your wine by writing on the wall and commenting on others wall posts
• Engage, connect, learn and have fun

Cabernet is so much fun. If you have enough you just might end up with some singing, dancing, fishnet stockings and a chance of nudity too…

Spokane Cabernet Sauvignon

For those of you in the Spokane area, 12 of our local wineries have you covered with 16 different big full bodies Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve had the privilege of enjoying 13 of these wines and Spokane does Cabernet right! I encourage you to drink local for #Cabernet day and together we can show the world what Spokane winemakers are doing! If, for some reason you need another reason, check out “Eleven Reasons to Participate in #Cabernet Day” from my friend Ben Simons of Vinotology.

ARBOR CREST

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $20 – This complex and full-bodied Cab is a delicious blend from five unique vineyard sites in the Columbia Valley. A great value at $20. 3+/5

2007 Sillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon; $32 – Fruit from the well- regarded Stillwater Creek Vineyard lends intense concentration and depth to this wine’s black cherry, current, chocolate and cedar flavors. A nicely layered wine that doesn’t go over the top with tannin and pairs well with full bodied food. 4/5 (Recommend)

2006 Kipsun Cabernet Sauvignon; $32 – From one of the warmest, driest and most respected vineyards in Washington State. Sadly I have not experienced this wine.

*This wine is on Paul Gregutt’s “Best Varietally Labeled Cabernet Sauvignon” for Washington State list.

BARILI CELLARS

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $22 – Made from grapes from Dineen Vineyards and Seth Ryan Estate Vineyards, this 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is the good blend of fruit and structure. Boasting chocolate, black raspberry, and a hint of cracked pepper, this wine delivers. Enjoyed this wine during release weekend. Comes across as a big sipper would recommend with food. 3+/5

BARRISTER WINERY

2007 Sagemoor Cabernet Sauvignon; $33 – This Cab is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon from  Sagemoor’s Weinbau Vineyard blended with 15% Merlot and 10% Syrah, both from Sagemoor’s Bacchus Vineyard. The wine has a nose of black cherry, red raspberry and dark cocoa with a hint of vanilla in the background. The Cab has a soft but full mouth feel, a nice mid palate and a finish that will last until your next sip. One of my favorite Cabernet offerings. 4/5 (Strongly Recommend)

*This wine is on Paul Gregutt’s “Best Varietally Labeled Cabernet Sauvignon” for Washington State list.

CATERINA WINERY

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $19.95 – This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon sets out a smorgasbord of flavors: plum, cassis, smoke, loam, a hint of the barnyard. It’s nicely balanced, with polished but astringent tannins that carry the flavors into a lingering finish (Wine Enthusiast 90 pts). An incredible Cabernet value. Open and decant to smooth out the finish and aroma. 3+/5 (Value buy)

*This wine is on Paul Gregutt’s “Best Varietally Labeled Cabernet Sauvignon” for Washington State list.

GRANDE RONDE

2008 Bridgepress Cabernet Sauvignon; $39.99 – Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley. 60% New French Oak, 40% one year old French barrels. I have not had the opportunity to try this wine.

2005 Pepperbridge Cabernet Sauvignon; $29.99 – An intense Cabernet that competes with the big boys from Walla Walla. I really enjoyed the full bodied fruit on this wine. It is aging nicely and could see an additional 2-3 years in the bottle before reaching its prime. Recommend decanting. 3+/5

LIBERTY LAKE WINE CELLARS

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $28 – This bold Red Mountain Cabernet is loaded with blueberries, plums and cherries. Ample acidity and tannins of green tea strike balance and there is a finish of milk chocolate and more cherries. Love Red Mountain fruit. Big and bold with a little bit of chewiness on the finish. 3+/5 (Recommend)

NODLAND CELLARS

2006 Walla Walla Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $45 – This is a classic Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon with big upfront fruit, an amazing mouth feel, and a long finish. Two years in French oak. Only 50 cases made. Limited quantities remain available. One of the finest offerings out of Spokane. It may be pricy for most, be definitely worth it. Drinking well now but will drink even better in 5-10 years. 4+/5 (Strongly Recommend)

OVERBLUFF CELLARS

2007 LaTour Cabernet Sauvignon; $24 – This is a single vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Made in the new world style, your palate will sense cherry, caramel, chocolate and spice. Exhibits bold front and mid-palate with an elegant and lingering finish. Nicely done. 3+/5

2007 Duality Cabernet; $31 – The Walla Walla Valley terroir shines through in this incredibly complex 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Chocolate, coffee, cherry, spice, toffee and blackberry notes in perfect balance. A well made wine that is still showing a little young. If opening now, decant for 30 minutes or buy and hold for 3-5 years. 3+/5 (Recommend)

ROBERT KARL CELLARS

2006 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon; $30 – Pure varietal, this captures the house style perfectly, with a ripe blend of brambly berries set against crisp natural acids. Almond candy and chocolate graham cracker flavors appear, reflecting 28 months in 75% new oak barrels. The transition to the silky finish brings a refreshing minerality. -P.G. (Wine Enthusiast, 92pts). Loved this wine. 4/5 (Highly Recommend)

*This wine is on Paul Gregutt’s “Best Varietally Labeled Cabernet Sauvignon” for Washington State list.

TOWNSHEND CELLARS

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon; $27.95 – Aromas of black cherry cola & blackberry introduce flavors of bright plum, blackberry & cherry with an earthy, smokey lingering finish. The oldest “new release” I’ve had. After spending 30 months in oak and FIVE years in the bottle the wine is showing beautifully with several years of life still to come. 4/5 (Recommend)

VINTAGE HILL CELLARS 

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $25 – I have not had the privilege of having this wine.

WHITESTONE WINERY

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $28 – Spokane’s only fully estate vineyard operation, Michael Haig grows and produces a well balanced Cab that offers medium body, dark cherry fruit, coffee, and a slight minerality. The wine reminds me of an old world presentation of Cab. 3+/5

What the heck are you up to? Why do you spend so much time blogging? Where is this thing going? These are questions I often hear about my DrinkNectar.com adventure. To be honest with you, I’m going wherever it takes me. I do it because I’m branding a future brick and mortar business (originally intended to be a wine and coffee bar, but now who knows). Today marks the first of three major steps that I’ll take in 2010. Look for other announcements during the summer. I spend so much time at it for three reasons: 

1. I love it – the connections are cool and the people I’ve met are truly amazing
2. It’s addicting – I’m a self confessed addict to stats. The desire to one up, improve, see more traffic, analyze and refine is fun
3. Passion – It doesn’t feel like work because I’m passionate about my future, the wine, the Washington wine industry and succeeding!

Today, I’m excited to announce the next step in the mission. I’m a firm believer in niche marketing. It is soooo much harder to be a little voice in a big crowd, but being a big voice in a little crowd can draw attention (as long as people care about your message). I live in Spokane, WA, population 350,000 (give or take). Spokane is the underdog city in the state. Even with the second largest population base in the state we are often overlooked as all the attention focuses on West side. When it comes to wine, Spokane has quietly grown into a community of boutique wineries and medium production reputable companies. I love this town. I think that it’s about time Spokane Washington becomes a destination for wine.

Spokane is known as a host city. We’ve successfully hosted the 2010 Figure Skating Championships and several NCAA basketball tournament games. Spokane is home to one of the largest timed road races in the country (Bloomsday, 50,000 strong) and the largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the U.S. (Hoopfest). We know how to throw a party. It’s now time to show the world Spokane Wine.

DrinkNectar is PROUD to launch the first ever dedicated Spokane wine magazine. I hope you’ll join us on our journey to bring attention to Spokane wine.

ON THE WEB: www.spokanewinemagazine.com

ON TWITTER: @spowinemag

ON FACEBOOK: Spokane Wine Magazine

For more information about the magazine email info@spokanewinemagazine.com or visit the web page and click the Media Kit link on the left.

Press Release: DrinkNectar.com launches Spokane Wine Magazine

Spokane Wine Magazine is a new project from the creators of DrinkNectar wine blog. The magazine tells the story of each of Spokane’s 17 wineries with interviews and high quality photography. The Spokane wine scene is receiving statewide attention with consistent quality wines. As the number of wineries grow, more and more eyes turn to Spokane for serious wine.

 The magazine is distributed at each of the 17 wineries, local restaurants, wine bars, hotels, and more. Wine lovers are passionate about wine and love learning about winery history and the newest vintage. This magazine will help bring cohesive awareness to the entire wine scene in Spokane.

 Spokane Wine Magazine seeks to be a resource to share the amazing quality of the growing wine region that Spokane is becoming. The magazine will get in the hands of local tourists and business people and will solidify Spokane as a destination for wine. DrinkNectar.com brings national awareness and advertising strength to the distribution.

 A single focused magazine with wide distribution provides great awareness and revenue for advertisers. The magazine has an expected 9-12 month shelf life and is written in such a way to not be date sensitive, but to be held as a resource and reference for wine lovers in the Inland Northwest. Accompanying the magazine launch is a web site featuring regular updates on Spokane wineries, events, tasting room activities and wine releases.

One part Italian food, one part Italian wine, mix in a country hillside and a dash of vineyard, round it out with a large helping of family and love, you have Trezzi Farm Food and Wine. No other tasting room in Spokane offers helpings of Polenta, Lasagna, and Pasta along with estate grown wine. You had me at Italian food. Davide and Stephanie Trezzi moved to Spokane in 2005 on a friends insisting and fell in love with the Greenbluff area. There, they bought 20 acres of land and began their new adventure.

Trezzi makes food that is simple, full of flavor, and expresses what he grew up eating. “We’re simple people, we make simple food that is full of flavor,” says Davide. After opening the catering business, the Trezzi’s (pronounced with the same ‘zz’ as pizza), planted a vineyard. A vineyard in Spokane, “what the heck was I thinking,” Davide recalls. This adventure in farming explored the planting of Italian grapes Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Dolcetto. In 2008, Davide and Stephanie finally saw the fruits of their labor as they collected their first harvest of Barbera. Recently the Trezzi’s planted additional acreage of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir). Weather permitting we should see this experiment in Spokane winegrowing produce a harvest.

Times were tough. Growing grapes in Spokane is not an easy task. The Trezzi’s battle the short growing season, unpredictable frosts not to mention the deer, birds and wind. One day a fierce wind threatened their dream of estate vineyards with gusts that knocked the canopy off the trestle. Davide was faced with the choice to leave the newly planted vines to lay windblown and useless or work to reattach the vines to ensure a future harvest. “They become like your children,” Stephanie said as we drank from the result of Davide’s decision to work late into the night.

As if to honor the release of their first vintage, Davide and Stephanie transformed their old tractor barn into a beautiful tasting room complete with a panoramic view of the hillside beyond. The 2008 Barbera is a youthful medium bodied wine that complements the strong acidic pasta dishes perfectly. The wine is meant to be paired with the food. The food is meant to be paired with the wine. Both are meant to paired with life. Trezzi Farms caters with their fantastic Italian menu of pasta, polenta, lasagna, meatballs, rustic chicken and tri-tip beef. On any given day people can be seen picking up pre-packaged meals to take home. Now, there is a wine to pair with those meals.

Trezzi, along with winemaker Don Townshend, created 289 cases of estate grown Barbera (the only vintage grown estate fruit in Spokane), and a Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc. 100% of the wines are sold out of the tasting room. Do yourself a favor and plan a trip to Greenbluff. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some wine. Buy a bottle or two of Barbera and some lasagna, and enjoy a meal that is completely created here in Spokane.

The Stats:

• Web Site: www.trezzifarm.com
• Address: 17700 N Dunn Rd (Greenbluff) MAP
• Retail Store Hours: 10-6 daily
• Tasting Room Hours: Noon-6pm Friday-Sunday

Call to use Trezzi for catering your small or large event 509-238-2276