Upcoming events/festival:
- First Friday – September 4th stores stay open late, local art is featured, live music can be heard and nibbles are available at select locations in the downtown core of Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground and Ridgefield. Check each city’s local link for more information.
- Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing – Sat, Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6 Join 11 Clark County wineries and tasting rooms from noon-5 pm for special food pairings at each stop chosen to perfectly complement their selection of wines.
- North County Wine Run – Sat, Sep 12 The 5th Annual day-long event begins at 9 am and wines by Heisen House Vineyards, Olequa Cellars, Emanar Cellars, English Estate Winery, Gougér Cellars Winery, Moulton Falls Winery and Rezabek Vineyards will be available after the run for tasting or by the glass. Read more here. (Plans to merge this with Battle Ground Rotary’s Taste & Tunes have been cancelled.)
- CouvFest NW – Sat, Sep 19-Sun, Sep 20 Dance to the beat of over 15 bands on two stages at this 5th Annual downtown Vancouver block party which features local wines—Burnt Bridge Cellars and Purple Star Wines; brews— Loowit, Heathen, Dirty Hands Brewing, Trap Door Brewing and Mt Tabor; vendors and restaurants spilling out onto the sidewalks. Double V Distillery’s presence guarantees specialty mixed cocktails. Free for all-ages.
- Hello Vancouver! – Wed, Sep 23 is the return of this live talk show accompanied by local musicians and personalities set in the historic Kiggins Theatre. Buy a glass of wine (Francis Ford Coppola, of course) or beer in their fabulous retro-style upstairs bar and sink in for what’s sure to be a night of hilarity and craziness. Recommended PG-13. Doors open at 6 pm. Admission: FREE.
- SE Wine Collective – Throughout September Portland’s collection of 10 urban wineries under one roof offer ample opportunities to view a variety of stages of harvest and crush while relaxing in their wine bar, sipping on one (or more) of 55 featured wines and enjoying an array of small plates thoughtfully prepared by in-house chef, Althea Gray Potter.
- Maryhill Winery’s Vineyard Series Tasting Experience – Fri, Nov 6 This is a FREE event from 6:30-9:30 pm at Vancouver’s Heathman Lodge but an RSVP is required and tickets are limited. Join owners, Craig and Vicki Leuthold, for an opportunity to taste over 20 limited production, single-vineyard wines paired with light appetizers. These are wines found only at the vineyard and usually for wine club members only. Available for purchase at up to 35 percent this night only (depending on bottle purchase amount and Wine Club membership).
Clark County wineries:
Bethany Vineyard – Summer tasting room hours: Wed-Sat noon-6 p.m. and Sun noon-5 p.m. Another successful Music in the Vines summer concert series wrapped up recently with the Patrick Lamb band. While looking forward to next summer, the lovingly-maintained grounds of this estate vineyard is the perfect spot to enjoy Bethany’s extensive list. From Riesling to cabernet franc to petite syrah, there’s a bottle for every palate.
Burnt Bridge Cellars – Fri, Sept 4— This First Friday stop featuring live music, food by Class Cooking and award-winning wine from 4-8 pm make for a winning combination. Sat, Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— Teaming up with Class Cooking to offer kefta tangine as one of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days Sat, Sept 19-Sun, Sept 20— Pouring at the 5th Annual CouvFest NW on 9th and Main Sts in downtown Vancouver. Kudos: Their 2014 Semillon and 2012 Coyote Canyon Syrah were awarded Silver medals and their 2014 Viognier was awarded a Bronze at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Be sure to congratulate the gang the next time you’re in! Enjoy award-winning wine at Vancouver’s only urban winery. New tasting room hours: Fri 4-8 pm, Sat 12-7 pm, Sun 12-5 pm.
Confluence Vineyards and Winery – Labor Day weekend open regular hours tasting their new 2014 Walla Walla Chardonnay, Dry Rosé of Syrah and Viognier, 2013 Walla Walla Malbec, 2013 Walla Walla Merlot, and Petit Verdot. New: Confluence wines on the menu at Barrel Mountain Brewing in Battle Ground. Open Sat & Sun noon-6 pm tasting the bold and beautiful Rhone and Bordeaux reds Confluence is known for. Keep tabs on their Facebook page for last-minute live music by stellar local artists.
East Fork Cellars – Fri, Sep 4—This award-winning winery has gone private but joins in-house Gallery 360 for First Fridays from 5- 9 pm. Join the club and enjoy special member events. Housed in the historic Old Slocum House within Esther Short Park.
English Estate Winery – Reservations encouraged for Good Times & Wine every Friday night from 6-8:30 pm with a dinner-for-purchase and live, local musicians. Fri, Sept 4—Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— One of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days with food pairings by Pasta Gigi’s. Upcoming Wine About Painting dates: Tues, Sep 15, Oct 13 and Nov 17 beginning at 6:30 pm. $40 includes a glass of wine, all the painting materials and light appetizers. Sat, Oct 10—Save the date for their 5th Annual Chili Cook off from 5-8 pm. The only Clark County winery open Monday from 4:30-7 pm with $5 glasses of wine to start your week off right. Open Fri-Mon.
Gougér Cellars – Labor Day Weekend: This Saturday and Sunday Gary’s serving tri-tip steak sliders accompanied by potato salad for only $3 each if purchased with a glass of wine and he’s recommending his recently-bottled 2011 Petite Sirah as the perfect pairing.Gary showcases weekend food specials— like a recent Canadian salmon sautéed in butter and his award-winning chardonnay—using his Traeger and smoker to add his special touch to meats and cheeses. Come nosh on some great food paired with award-winning wines and cap it all off with one of his non-alcoholic ice creams made from his wines. New addition: Corks made from the fiber of sugar cane which he’s using to seal his Mine Mine Mine regular and chocolate dessert wines. Tasting room open Wed-Sun.
Heisen House Vineyards – Friday Music Nights continues from 6- 9 pm with dinner-for-purchase from local food vendors. Fri, Sept 4—Enjoy classic blues and rock from Retro Ed. Fri, Sept 11—The finger pickin’ stylings and vocals of Doug and Judy Smith are showcased. Fri, Sept 18—Tevis Hodge Jr entertains with his New Orleans style jazz. Fri, Sept 25—The bluegrass sounds of Clayton Knight finish off another season of Friday Music Nights. Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— One of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. Sat, Sep 26—Be a part of the 6th Annual Crush Festival from noon-6 pm. See live winemaking demonstrations, enjoy barrel tastings, food and live music throughout the day. New releases: 2012 Cabernet and “Happy”—a semi-sweet sparkling riesling. Tasting room hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
Koi Pond Cellars – Recently expanded hours: Now open Tuesday-Saturday 12-5 pm at their open air tasting room next to Shorty’s Nursery (705 NE 199th St Ridgefield WA) and Wednesday-Friday 1-8 pm, 12-8 pm Saturday and 12-5 pm at their downtown Ridgefield tasting room. Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— One of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. Sat, Sept 12— Pouring their wines at Longview’s Grapes, Grains and Grooves. Mural and artwork by resident artist, Micah Boylan, grace the walls of their indoor tasting room. Open Wed-Sun.
Moulton Falls Winery – Thu, Sep 3—Enjoy Thirsty Thursday from 4-8 pm with $6 pizzas and $5 ciders. Summer Sunday Music Series continues: Sep 6-Bobby Greer, Sep 20-Amber Sweeney (ticket required, 4-6 pm), Sep 27-Blind Ray. Most performances from 2-5 pm.Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— One of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. Sat, Sep 12—Save the date for the Third Annual Clark County Folk Festival held on the Moulton Falls grounds. Upcoming wine trains: Sat, Sep 19 aboard a steam train and Sat, Nov 7 aboard a diesel. Come check out their made-on-site Hard Cider.Each weekend enjoy live music by some of the area’s best musicians from 6-9 pm and pasta dinners available for purchase on Saturday nights in addition to their wood-fired pizza options. Tasting room days: Thu-Sun.
Olequa Cellars – Next winery opening date: Labor Day weekend and Sat, Sep 19. Brian’s newest release is a slightly spicy 2014 Gewurztraminer with grapes sourced from Woodland’s Cawley Vineyards. He also has a 2014 Rosé of Maréchal Foch—a varietal he’s had planted on his property since 2005—in addition to a couple other whites and some lovely reds. Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— Teaming up with C’est la Vie and Soirée Supper Club owner, Keri Buhmann, to offer a trio food pairing as one of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. Private tastings of his beautiful boutique wines welcome.
Pomeroy Cellars – Fri, Sep 18—Mark your calendar for their First Year Anniversary Party from 1-9 pm with a bbq dinner available for purchase, bocce ball, prize drawings, wine specials and live music from 6-9 pm. Recently released: A limited supply of Blackberry Wine (only 5 cases were made) and 2013 Lucia No. 47 Red Blend. Ask Destiny how to replicate their Independence weekend offering Red, White and Blue Summer Spritzer, made with Pomeroy Cellars Hard Apple Cider. Normal tasting room days: Sat-Sun.
Rezabek Vineyards and Daybreak Cellars – Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— One of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. Be one of the first to see the tasting room of Clark County’s newest winery located in Battle Ground. Kudos: Their 2012 Columbia Valley AVA Tempranillo recently won silver and 2012 Columbia Gorge AVA Pinot Noir earned a bronze at the Northwest Wine Summit held recently at Timberline Lodge.
Rusty Grape Vineyards – Sat, Sep 5—Sign up now for their Labor Day Weekend Wine Tour where you can taste at up to 5 wineries without the hassles of driving. Purchase tickets here. Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— One of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. Sat, Sept 12—Sign up here for Pinot & Paint Night at the Grape from 6- 8 pm. $35 for supplies, instruction and your first glass of wine. Sat, Sept 19—Time to get your grape stomp on with Stompfest 2015. Space is filling up for teams. Register here or come out and watch the antics from 12-9 pm. Heads up: Ever wanted to vacation with Jeremy and Heather? They’ve put together a Viking River Boat cruise through the romantic waterways of France April 2016. Email lori.nelson@cruiseplanners.com for details! Kudos: OnlyInYourState.com recently ranked the Grape #13 of 15 winery must-visits in Washington State. Wood-fired pizzas, paninis and truffle chips complement Italian-inspired reds and their lineup of whites is perfect for our Summer weather. Pouring at their new outdoor tasting bar. Live music Wed-Sat from 7-9 pm. Come check out additional indoor seating, expanded outdoor seating and the return of movies-on-the-lawn. Wednesday is 2 wood-fired pizzas for $15. Thursday brings Thirsty Thursday from 4:3-6:30 pm with special prices on wines, beer and food and Sunday they do it again from noon-3 pm. Something’s always going on at the Grape. Open Wed-Sun.
Three Brothers Vineyard – Updated tasting room hours for summer: Wed-Fri 1-6 p.m., Sat noon-6 p.m. and Sun noon-5 p.m. Labor Day weekend includes new releases: 2014 Pinot Rose’ – sweet, late harvest blend, 2012 Pinot Noir – another estate favorite
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon – wonderful Hungarian oak component. Special hours include Monday from 12-5 pm. Sat, Sept 26—The Ridgefield High School football team is holding their annual auction on September 26 at Three Brothers Winery from 6-9 pm. Tickets: $25 per person. A fun evening that includes food and music. Bring your own chair and enjoy the fun. Dan’s expanded outdoor seating is covered so it’s a great place to enjoy their extensive bottle list of award-winning wines long into fall.
Village Vineyard – Sat, Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— One of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. Live music every Saturday from 2-5 pm and open mic, hosted by Marianne Flemming or Wayne Hoffman, every Sunday from 2-4 pm. You never know which local musician(s) will stop by for an impromptu gig with these two around. Folks are welcome to bring outside food or purchase snack plates while enjoying their beautiful wine lineup and some extended adult down time. Normal tasting room hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm.
Tasting opportunities/wine bars:
Battle Ground Produce – The owner of Battle Ground Produce, Lorne, knows his wine and enjoys offering complimentary tastings to customers most Fridays from 4-7 pm. Andreas, Rayne and Scott pour with insight, passion and friendly banter. There’s usually something for the beer lover, as well, and he recently added a handy growler station across from the meat case.
BevMo! – Fri 4-7 pm & Sat 2-5 pm, 5 tastings, always complimentary unless otherwise indicated. Presiding over the pouring are knowledgeable friendly folks who encourage questions in a low key, comfortable atmosphere.
Birch Street Uptown Lounge – Their recent expansion into the space next to them will afford room for wine dinners and other tantalizing events in the future. Sunday and Monday night wine flights from 4-midnight with terrific tasting notes. Live music: Come out and enjoy this classic-style wine and cocktail lounge with everything from live torch singers to bossa nova every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night beginning at 8 pm and personable bartenders all week long.
Cellar 55 Tasting Room – Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— One of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. Pouring fantastic Eastern Washington and Walla Walla wines by the glass or bottle five days a week along with light appetizers for purchase. Local art and special happy hours are featured as well as live music most Fridays from 7-9 pm. Open at noon Wed-Sun.
Charlie’s Bodega Tapas & Whiskey Bar – Monday 50% off all bottles of wine $50 and under and a Tuesday night flight tasting—3 whiskeys or 3-4 wines depending on bartender’s pick paired with a tapas (similar to an appetizer) or media-ración (small version of an entrée). The entire menu aims to educate folks on Spanish cuisine and their wine selection is heavily Spanish and Portuguese with a few NW favorites mixed in. Whiskey lovers will enjoy the ever-expanding local, regional and international choices with the promise of more to come. Open Mon-Sat.
Emanar Cellars – Fri, Sep 4—Let Michael Engberg entertain you from 6-8 pm Sat, Sep 5—Daniel Cecil performs from 6-8 pm. Sept 5-Sun, Sept 6— Teaming up with C’est la Vie and Soirée Supper Club owner, Keri Buhmann, to offer food pairings as one of the 11 stops on the Southwest Washington Wine Association Labor Day Food & Wine Pairing self-guided tour. Noon-5 pm both days. New sliding glass doors bring the outside in wherever you sit at this authentic Spanish tapas bar showcasing gazpacho, Sangria, tapas and an extensive lineup of Spanish wines with tasting notes Thursday-Saturday.
Evergreen Wine Cellar – Fri, Sep 4—Pam is pouring wines at Above & Below Art Studio as part of First Friday Art Walk. Sign up for her email blast to keep in the loop of her weekly tastings. Wed, Sep 16—Paint Colorful Wine Goblets with local artists, Janet MacGregor and Karen Calcagno from 5:30-8:30 pm. Register on site. Fri, Oct 23—Walla Walla’s Dumas Station featured. Coming up: Riedel wine glass class. Details pending. Pam has the largest selection of sparklings in Clark County (80 at last count), holds extensive knowledge on food pairings to help more occasions be elevated to special ones and offers special pricing for fundraisers and special events.
Flutes & Rocks Lounge – Fri, Sep 4—A must-stop for Camas First Fridays. Savor sparklings from California, high-end Champagnes by the glass, wines, beers and select liquors (I.e. Jameson Black Barrel Select Reserve) paired with an artisan cheese plate or charcuterie platter at their outdoor seating. Occasional live music and specialty Champagne and Bourbon tastings! Open Tues-Sat.
Fred Meyer Fisher’s Landing – Every Fri & Sat from 2-5 pm long-time Clark County wine steward, Ernie Jones, aims for two tastings with occasional Murray’s cheese pairings. Enjoy their dedicated wine-tasting space.
Fred Meyer Orchards – Occasional tastings on Fridays from 2-5 pm and every Saturday from 2-5 pm. Wine steward, Shawn Martin, hosts a two to three-wine tasting that he pairs with Murray’s cheeses. Shawn’s commitment to Northwest wines is evident in two end caps featuring local selections like Burnt Bridge Cellars and Koi Pond Cellars as well as Bateaux Cellars and Mount St. Helens Cellars.
Fred Meyer Salmon Creek – Fri & Sat from 3-6 pm wine steward, Kent Gallegos, routinely pairs two wines with Murray’s cheeses. Don’t know quite what you’re looking for? Kent’s enthusiastic palate and gregarious personality won’t steer you wrong.
La Bottega– Wednesday night wine tasting from 5-7 pm. $12 includes four tastings and antipasti. Terrific casual Italian dining with an extensive wine list to complement every flavor profile. Happy hour Mon-Sat features $5 red/white wine option. Tuesday, from 5-9 pm, wines under $50 are 50% off and wines over $50 are discounted $25. Excellent way to enjoy some premium wines with their locally-focused menu. With an inventory of 300+ bottles also available to take away, La Bottega easily doubles as a wine shop.
Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar – Thurs, Sep 24—Tuck yourself into Latte da’s cozy wine bar for their monthly wine tasting beginning at 5 pm. Latte Da’s wine bar is open ’til 10 pm Thur-Sat featuring a wine-friendly appetizer menu to pair with their unique vino selection and beer taps coming soon. Bonus: The expansive patio is perfect for sipping long into fall days and all wines are available to purchase by the bottle for take away.
New Seasons Market – Fri, Sep 4— Pouring Finn River ciders from 4-6 pm. Fri, Sep 11— Featuring Sun River Vintners from 4-6 pm. Sat, Sep 12— d’s Wicked Cider on tap from 4-6 pm. Sat, Sep 19—Nectar Creek Honeywine makes an appearance from 4-6 pm. Fri, Sep 25—From 3-7 pm enjoy wines from Rioja. Cheese samplings offered at Friday events. Stop by to see what’s being poured.
Niche-a wine & art bar– Mon, Sep 21—Celebrate the resurrection of the Bubbles Club; a flight of 4 sparkling wines— always one true Champagne— paired with some nibbles. 6-9 pm, $20-$25. Tues, Sep 29—Working with area cheese enthusiasts, The Vancouver Cheese Board was recently founded. This month try four different wines with Gouda from young to aged for $25 and make a point to add this recurring event to your calendar the last Tuesday of every month from 5-7 pm. This downtown wine bar has 30+ pours available six days a week with a staff who knows their vino. All set in an unpretentious atmosphere displaying local art. With an inventory of over 160 bottles also available to take away, Niche easily doubles as a wine shop. Live entertainment every Saturday night.
Red Lion Inn at the Quay – Sadly, this Vancouver icon will shut its doors on Saturday, October 31st so come on out and enjoy the last eight Wine Wednesdays at this 55 year-old establishment. 50% off all bottled wines on Wednesdays from 4pm – 10pm in the Lounge & 5pm – 9pm in the Restaurant. Sat, Sep 26— Maryhill Winemaker’s Dinner beginning at 7 pm. $65 per person. Reservations required: 694-8341. Future Sharon’s Paint and Pour events: Wed, Sep 23 and Oct 7 Go SeaHawks.
Total Wine & More – Tasting hours: Fri, 4-8 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. Check out their calendar for upcoming special event tastings and classes which may include a fee.
Vinotopia – Located inside Cascade Park’s Cinetopia, Vinotopia received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence five years straight. More info here. Aside from the dizzying array of wines by the bottle, guests can enjoy ½ off bottles of wines on Wednesdays and tastes or glasses of wine from a selection of over 100 daily. Pair that with their live music from 6-10 pm every Sat in their dining room and you have a no-fail date night.
Whole Foods – Beer & wine specialist, Kamram, hosts beer or wine tastings Sat from 1-4 pm. Also tasting on Friday evenings from 4-8 pm but it’s typically beer-focused.
**If you like what you’re reading, follow Corks & Forks by clicking the ‘Follow’ button or follow Corks & Forks on Facebook.
Savor, Sip and Sojourn 