I recently visited Mercer Estates in Prosser, WA and chatted with Jenna Hannan, Director of Hospitality. Relatively new, Mercer Estates is a delightful facility with cool and comfortable barrel stave furniture on the patio (built by the wine maker’s 16 year old son) and a more refined finish on the interior. Definitely check out the vintage black and white photos of the Mercers and the Hogues that adorn the walls.

They do things a little differently at Mercer, beginning with the tasting options. You have a choice of either tasting at the bar or doing a sit down tasting flight at the well appointed tables. The sit down tasting is a great idea and very popular, allowing groups to sit and relax while tasting the wines side by side. Very relaxing with the added bonus of being able to go back and forth comparing the different wines.

Mercer Estates is a collaboration between the Hogues and the Mercers, both families with deep agricultural roots in the area. Yes, we are talking about the same Hogues from Hogue Cellars, one of the oldest wineries in the state. In fact, the wine maker is David Forsythe, the man responsible for many of Hogues finest efforts.

We tasted many wines and my favorite of the afternoon was the ’07 Merlot, followed closely by the ’07 Syrah, which is only available to Wine Club Members at this point. The ’08 is due to be released soon and I am looking forward to tasting it. I don’t want to get caught short on that one!

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Wow, is this cool or what! An actual B-17 bomber, the Sentimental Journey, is coming to Walla Walla, WA the weekend of July 31-August 2. It is coming courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing and is part of a larger event taking place at the airport called the Aviation Festival Weekend. Many of the businesses at the airport are taking part, including the wineries, the brewery, the bakery, the coffee shop and the art galleries. There will also be food vendors, music and other activities for the whole family. Be sure and get your “Passport” stamped to be eligible for the drawings for lots of cool prizes. Click here for more info.

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I had an absolute blast hanging out with Bill and Abigail Schwerin, the father / daughter winemaking team at Sapolil Cellars in Walla Walla, WA. Bill can usually be found in the tasting room on Main St., pouring wine for a group gathered round the 100 yr old grand piano that serves as their tasting bar. And if you are in town on a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to stop in for the live music. I was there a couple of weeks ago and heard the band “Papa Loves Mambo”. Best night out I have had in ages. Check their website for the schedule of performers.

I sampled their proprietary red blend (they refer to it as an inverted Super Tuscan) named after the band, with a commemorative label done by artist Jeffrey Hill. Last I heard there were less than 10 cases left of Papa Loves Mambo, so don’t wait too long to get yours. It will sell out very soon. They plan to release the next in the series this December, and they are currently leaning toward calling it “Gandydancer”. I am really looking forward to that one!

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I had a great time chatting with wine maker Joe Forest of Patit Creek Cellars. They have a great spot out at the Walla Walla Airport, with a cozy fireplace lounge inside for the winter, and a relaxing outdoor patio for this time of year. We tasted their ’08 Riesling and the ’06 Trinite, both of which I enjoyed.

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Bark Avenue Press is a great company that makes photo books, calendars, cards, etc of pets and their people. They are sponsoring a Dog Days of Summer contest from June 21 – September 22. Just design a book using their software and you can enter to win. The Top Dog Winner will receive $1200 and Bark Avenue Press is also donating the same amount to pet welfare related charities. 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive $600 and $300, with Bark Avenue Press again donating an equal amount to pet charities.

And believe it or not, you don’t have to purchase the book to enter! However, if you do choose to purchase the book you design, Bark Avenue Press will donate 25% of the purchase price to pet charities.

This year’s pet charities are ASPCA, Canine Health Foundation and Petfinder.

For full details, go to their website at www.bapit.com

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I had a great time chatting with Denise and Steve from Trio Vintners in Walla Walla, WA. Their partner Tim Boushey couldn’t be there, but I hope to meet him next time I am in Walla Walla.

These guys have a great concept; reasonably priced single varietals in small lots. We tasted the ’06 Mourvedre and it knocked my socks off. We even poked a little fun at the iconic Gary V and Denise showed off an actual rock from the terroir that produced the grapes for this particular Mourvedre.

Next time you are out tasting in Walla Walla, be sure to make it out to Trio Vintners in the incubators at the back of the airport. Well worth the trip.

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Chandler Reach is a beautiful winery sitting above the Yakima River in Benton City, WA. Owner Len Parris, a charismatic guy inspired by a visit to Italy in 1997, has done an incredible job on this property, creating a facility that oozes old world charm. And produces some mighty fine wine.

The third Thursday of the month, April through October, they have an Italian Night Dinner. Reservations required, seating limited to 48 guests. These dinners consistently sell out, so book early. Check the web site for dates.

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