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.
Today I am at Kestrel Vintners in Prosser, WA. I start by chatting with Asst. Winemaker Dirk Brink about the ’06 Mourvedre they have released. The charming accent is South African, and the wine is just plain excellent.
I also speak with Carlos Trevino, Director of Hospitality about the Salumi Salami and exotic cheese selections they have in the deli case. They will be featuring these in the upcoming Sip and Stroll events on Friday nights. A number of wineries just off of exit 82 in Prosser will be taking part in these events. Kestrel is choosing to call theirs Flights and Bites on Friday Nights. Love it.
This was a glorious morning out at Tasawik Vineyards above the Snake River with owners Erik Dahle and Sara Broetje. This is a beautiful site, a real winemaker’s dream. They currently have 7 acres planted on the hand-carved terraces above the river with plans to plant 50 more acres next spring.
They also have a tasting room in Prosser, WA at the Winemaker’s Loft. Their ’05 Reserve Merlot just won a Double Gold at the West Coast Wine Competition.
It’s always a pleasure chatting with Gordon Taylor of DavenLore Winery. He and his wife Joan Davenport, affectionately known as “Dr. Dirt”, always manage to produce a great variety of new releases year after year. In this sement, Gordon and I taste the new Port (ok Syrah Forte if we must) right out of the barrel. It is the first Port to be made with grapes from the new Snipes Mt. AVA. What a treat! We also taste his new Durif, also known as Petit Syrah in some parts of the world.
Gordan also shows us how the wax capsule is put on the bottles of Port.
What an honor to be able to speak to April and learn more about what they do at Heaven’s Cave. I know it sounds hard to believe, but they are actually a non-profit foundation that donates all their revenue (after operating expenses and taxes) to charities that serve at-risk youth. How cool is that! And the board of directors are actually middle school and high school kids who make all the decisions about how the money is distributed, with some adult supervision. Click here to learn more about the Make the Dash Count Foundation.
They are also having a big fundraising event over Memorial Day weekend in Prosser, WA next to the winery. Click here to learn more about the events associated with the 5th Annual Dash Race for the Kids.
Elegante Cellars in Walla Walla, may just capture a large share of a small niche in the wine world. They make a strawberry wine that is top notch! Winemaker Doug Simmons, a retired high school chemistry teacher, worked summers at Klicker Strawberries for 49 years and thought it would be interesting to try his hand at making a strawberry wine – and he has succeeded in a big way!
They also make a number of red wines (my favorite was the Sangiovese) and a remarkable Gerwurtztraminer, made in the more traditional German style, much drier and less sweet than we have become used to here.
Elegante Cellars
1251 Studebaker Dr.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
United States of America
Cougar Crest Estate Winery is a must see (and taste) place on the west side of Walla Walla, WA. A lot of time and thought went into the design and construction of this facility, with its high skylit ceilings, large and comfortable lounge area, killer art and spacious tasting bar.
I spoke with winemaker Debbie Hansen about their award winning wines (the 2002 Syrah was named #33 in the top 100 wines in the world) and about the philanthropic work they do through their Dedication series of wines.
CAVU Cellars is the new kid on the block at the Airport Incubator in Walla Walla, WA. Yes, CAVU is an acronym, you’ll have to watch the video to find out what it stands for. Hint: it has something to do with aviation.
Winemaker Joel Waite has already sold out the current release of his Barbera Rose, but after the video was done, I was lucky enough to get a taste from his personal stash. I can see how it sold out so quickly. We also tasted the Sauvignon Blanc (which Joel designed specifically to pair with oysters) and the ’06 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is blended with a little Petit Verdot. All in all a solid effort from a fledgling incubator.
Visit them at:
CAVU Cellars
602 Piper Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509-540-6352
