Dundee Hills’ Stoller Family Estate grows nearly half the chardonnay grapes in this Willamette Valley AVA. Viki Eierdam
Chardonnay…say the word and, like this years’ election, most folks have a strong opinion. “I don’t like chardonnay,” is typically the reaction. No matter how many times wine writers espouse its virtues, it appears the bad rep of this grape will take longer to be forgotten than yesterday’s headlines.
Nevertheless, we charge on, particularly those in the Northwest who are so close to what Melissa Burr, director of winemaking at Stoller Family Estate, refers to as a “renaissance for Chardonnay.”
Under the guidance of owner, Bill Stoller, his land was planted to 10 acres of chardonnay well before it was the cool thing to do. Now the Willamette Valley boasts over 1,000 acres of this noble grape—still trailing far behind the nearly 100,000 acres that California tends but we like to think our winemakers appreciate chardonnay for what it is rather than what it’s not.
As one might expect, Stoller offers a couple different chardonnay options.
Viki Eierdam
Their 2015 Dundee Hills Chardonnay is 100 percent unoaked—aged for six months in stainless steel. The first smell hits clean and fresh with a hint of lemon/lime citrus notes followed by vibrant acidity and graphite on the palate. 2015 was a hot one but this wine is coming in at 12.5 percent, a testament to Stoller’s ability to gauge just the right time to pick for flavor and approachability. Great food options are hard cheeses, lightly grilled white fish (I.e. scallops, halibut, cod), cream of zucchini soup, roasted chicken, a garden fresh summer salad, simply prepared pork like pork chops. Think light and slightly earthy. Retail: $25
The 2014 Reserve Chardonnay has been (dare I say), aged in French oak for 12 months. French oak is not American oak, folks. It’s soft and elegant and imparts luscious richness, not an overtly buttery characteristic. In this case, it adds to the depth and complexity of the wine and brings food pairings to another level of sophistication. The savory, lemon grass and earthy nose of the wine gives way to stone fruit like a soft white peach on the palate. Avocado and corn salad is a perfect example as well as a butter leaf salad with peach slices or snap peas, roasted vegetables, white cream pastas, crab, lobster, savory fried chicken or creamy pork dishes with sautéed mushrooms. This would also be the ideal brunch bottle. I’m always saying chardonnay is oft-overlooked with breakfast. Why should bubbles have all the fun? This is the ideal egg dish pairing. Retail: $35
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At a recent press event held at Ponzi Vineyards, winemakers shared the importance of ¡Salud! for Willamette Valley vineyard workers. Viki Eierdam
2016 marks the 25th anniversary of ¡Salud! and you can be sure the cuvées will be better than ever!
A wildly successful program that provides healthcare for Willamette Valley vineyard workers, ¡Salud! earned this recognition by partnering with Tuality Healthcare, premier Oregon pinot noir winemakers and lovers of Oregon pinot from all walks of life.
Maria Ponzi said “…The least we can do is provide health care for our vineyard workers.” Viki Eierdam
Since its inception in 1991, ¡Salud! has raised over $11.6 million. According to Leda Garside, RN and services manager, approximately 4,000 people were serviced through Tuality Healthcare in 2015 thanks to the funds provided by ¡Salud! events put on throughout the year. Of that number, 30 percent are children of vineyard workers and 12 percent are spouses. Garside stressed that “it’s all about families” when targeting preventative medical care.
From a mobile medical unit, cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, vaccinations and a variety of other testing can be conducted as well as eye screening (crucial for the amount of time vineyard workers spend in the sun) and limited dental care. Referrals to community providers are handled on a case by case basis.
Leda Garside, RN and services manager, shares how vineyard workers are helped by Tuality Healthcare through funds provided by ¡Salud! events. Viki Eierdam
At a recent press event held at Ponzi Vineyards, Maria Ponzi said “The Oregon wine community has really been raised on sustainable farming and we’ve extended that idea by caring for our own. We rely on this industry. This program (¡Salud!) is so essential and becomes more so as we move forward.”
She went on to say “They’re expecting over one million people to come through the Valley this year. The least we can do is provide health care for our vineyard workers.”
This year marks the fourth annual Summertime ¡Salud!, held on Thursday, July 28. The day begins with a wine tasting reception, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and an al fresco dinner at Stoller Family Estate. Wineries from Oregon, France and Australia will be pouring 13 spectacular wines and this is your chance to reserve ¡Salud! Cuvées before the premier November event.
From a mobile medical unit, a variety of preventative care tests and procedures can be conducted. Viki Eierdam
The Annual Big Board Auction and Gala is a two-part event beginning Friday afternoon, November 11 at Ponzi Vineyards where guests enjoy heavy appetizers, taste over 40 ¡Salud! Cuvées and bid on lots of five cases of pinot noir crafted exclusively for ¡Salud!
“They’re very unique cuvées you can’t get anywhere else and you can only get them one night,” Ponzi said.
The party continues on Saturday night, November 12 at Portland’s historic Sentinel Hotel. A more upscale event, the evening begins with a sparkling reception followed by a silent auction, multi-course dinner, live auction with a frenzy of paddles and live music and dancing at the after-party. To emphasize its Silver Anniversary, ¡Salud! has invited the founding wineries and Tuality Health Care workers to partake in the festivities.
A network of rooftop solar panels is just one of the many features that garnered Dundee Hill’s Stoller Family Estate its LEED gold certification. Viki Eierdam
Distinguishing oneself in a sea of approximately 400 wineries is no easy feat but Stoller Family Estate has managed to do just that through a combination of elegantly crafted estate grown wines and laying claim to the world’s first LEED gold certified winery.
A sweeping, tree-lined drive welcomes visitors to their expansive grounds that have been in the Stoller family since 1943. South-facing slopes are covered in 195 acres of vines with clumps of oak trees scattered about and a state-of-the-art tasting room and winery sits as its crowning glory. The whole effect weaves not just a visual feast but is the substance of owner Bill Stoller’s vision to preserve that which he has built up for generations to come and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship through the application of sustainable practices.
At Stoller Family Estate south-facing slopes are covered in 195 acres of vines with clumps of oak trees where a turkey farm once stood. Viki Eierdam
A network of rooftop solar panels contribute to about half of the winery’s electrical needs; the floor-to-ceiling glass brings the outdoors in while introducing natural light to the main tasting room; and Stoller has taken full advantage of the slope of the property to employ gravity flow winemaking—a process that has been around since the 1800s wherein gravity, as opposed to mechanical means, is used to move the wine through its various steps. Energy conservation is one goal in adopting this method but gravity flow is also widely believed to produce a superior quality wine through the gentle handling of the grapes at all stages.
Seven grape varietals —with pinot noir and chardonnay constituting the vast majority of the plantings—enjoy the Jory soil of this Dundee Hills vineyard. Layers of organic material, silty clay loam and clay create this well-draining soil that brings a minerally characteristic to the wines of Stoller.
Baking spice characteristics married with the inherent earthiness found throughout the Willamette Valley in Stoller’s 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir showed off the blackberry and ginger balsamic roasted pork tenderloin topped with blackberry jus beautifully. Viki Eierdam
A luncheon catered by Bon Appétit—students from George Fox University who invest nearly one third of their food and beverage budget on locally-grown ingredients—proved a fitting introduction to Stoller’s portfolio on an unusually blustery August day a few weekends ago. The crisp elements and tropical notes of their 2014 Dundee Hills Chardonnay paired seamlessly with a Hood River pear with thyme-infused onion and buttermilk blue cheese appetizer; a summer watermelon salad accented by red raspberries, shaved onion, fresh mint, feta cheese and purple micro radish mimicked the soft floral tones and light red fruit notes of the 2014 Dundee Hills Rosé.
Winemakers noted the 2011 harvest with mixed feelings. I’ve even talked with vintners in the Chelan area who scrapped the harvest all together. For those who chose to persevere, the wines are proving age-worthy and Stoller’s 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir is no exception. Baking spice characteristics married with the inherent earthiness found throughout the Willamette Valley showed off the blackberry and ginger balsamic roasted pork tenderloin topped with blackberry jus beautifully although, as a vegetarian, it was the mushroom with corn polenta and marinated peppers that I happily devoured.
Finishing off this Yamhill County food showcase was a peach upside-down cake with vanilla-poached blueberries enjoyed between sips of Stoller’s 2014 Single Acre Riesling that presented with a delicate peach aroma and balanced acidity that complemented the sweetness of the dish.
Stoller Family Estate, located in Dayton, Oregon, is open daily from 11 a.m-5 p.m.
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The tent at Confluence Vineyards is toasty and festive with heaters and twinkling lights.
Weekend highlights:
Sat, Nov 15-Confluence Winery is celebrating their 6th Anniversary from 12-5pm with live music, food pairings, barrel tasting and wine specials. Come enjoy the tantalizing bouquets of Confluence’s French oak-aged vintages.
Sat, Nov 15 – The Northwest Food & Wine Festival at Doubletree Lloyd Center – It’s like a candy store for food and wine lovers from 4-8 pm. $75 includes samplings from a selection of over 600 wines and a smorgasbord of gourmet nibbles. Beer and spirits available, as well.
Sun, Nov 16 – Stoller Family Estate in Dayton OR is opening up their Fermentation Room to volunteers and supporters of Meals on Wheels from 1-4 pm. Attendees will be treated to a special wine and food tasting wherein Stoller will donate 20% of the proceeds for sold holiday gift baskets to Meals on Wheels. Their sustainable tasting room alone is reason enough to make the drive. Experiencing their award-winning wines and supporting the mission of Meals on Wheels make it a win-win for everyone. Must RSVP by Nov 14 to Meagan at (503) 953-8130.
Upcoming events:
Tues, Nov 18 – Volcano Views and Brews just came on my radar last night when I met Luke from the Mount St. Helens Institute. It’s a wine (and beer)-friendly monthly lecture series. This month there’ll be survivors and close witnesses discussing their account of the 1980 St. Helens eruption. Held at Loowit Brewing in Vancouver and repeating in Longview on Thu, Nov 20 at the Hop n’Grape. Guests begin assembling at 5:30 pm. Presentation begins at 6:30 pm.
Wed, Nov 19-The Kiggins Theatre hosts the next Hello Vancouver! Doors open at 6 pm, pre-show antics begin at 7 pm and the entertainingly-emceed internet broadcast “community talk show”, complete with lots of local talent, ends by 9 pm. It’s a free event with different guests and topics featured each month and the reason it’s added here is that it’s a wine-friendly evening. Event-goers 21+ can purchases glasses of the cleverly-chosen Francis Ford Coppola wine to enjoy in the theatre. I’m not promising the most amazing wine you’ve ever had but it’s a terrific local gathering. Recommended for teens-adults.
Sat, Nov 22 – Bader Beer & Wine Supply on Grand Blvd is hosting three wine tasting evenings Sat, Nov 22, Nov 29 and Dec 6 beginning at 6 pm. Tickets are $20 each and include a tasting of all five 2014-15 limited edition wine kits paired with small bites. Aspiring wine makers should plan to attend one of these fun and educational events. Limited to 32 people each night so purchase your ticket soon.
This weekend:
Downtown
Brewed – Carrying a selection of Columbia and Willamette Valley wines, the folks at Brewed are well-educated on the choices available. Current offerings include Charles Smith’s earthy Boom Boom Syrah, AniChe Cellars’ Barbariccia which is a sangiovese blend, Locati Cellars’ Barbera and the ever-sassy Naked Winery’s Penetration Cabernet Sauvignon and Foreplay Chardonnay.
Burnt Bridge Cellars – Sun, Nov 16 – Hosting a wine education class focusing on holiday food pairings from 3-4 pm. $20 includes a glass of wine. No idea if there are seats left but worth e-mailing Missy at missy@burntbridgecellars.com to find out. Tasting their award-winning wines Sat-Sun noon-5 pm. Burnt Bridge wines can also be found on wine lists around town including Willem’s on Main, Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar and Roots Restaurant & Bar.
Cellar 55 Tasting Room – Fri, Nov 14 Five Star Cellars’ wine club fall release party from 5-8 pm. Not a member? Folks receive free tastings, appetizers & 20% off the first purchase of Five Star Cellars wine if you join Friday night. Also on Friday, listen to bluegrass band, Tried & Blue, perform from 6:30-8:30 pm while enjoying Farm to Fire Pizza for purchase from 5-9 pm. Come back on Sun, Nov 16 from 3-6 pm when Grape-ful Women will be hosting their Third Annual Wine and Toys event. $15 per ticket includes wine, food and an entry to win a Christmas tree. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped gift or gift card for a child. This event supports Family Solutions. RSVP deadline was Nov 12th but it doesn’t hurt to make a last-minute inquiry. Now open at noon Wed-Sun.
Charlie’s Bistro – Fri, Nov 14 – Old school crooners Boy & Bean share their love for prohibition-era jazz from 7:30-9:30 pm. Charlie’s has a great deal for wine lovers every Monday-50% off all bottles of wine $50 and under. Plus Saturday is always Flight Night from 4-10 pm.
East Fork Cellars – Hours for pouring their award-winning wines have been reduced to noon-5 pm on Sat for the winter months but folks can enjoy the new partnership with Gallery 360 in the same space, as well.
Evergreen Wine Cellar typically hosts a Friday night tasting from 5-8 pm for $5 per person but has several special tastings scheduled for the month of November. Contact Pam for her e-mail blast. Fri, Nov 21 will be wines specially-chosen for the Thanksgiving table.
The Grant House – Reserve your space sooner than later for their annual Sugar Plum Tea on Sat, Dec 6 from 1-3 pm. $30 for adults, $15 for 12 and under. Ballerinas from the Columbia Dance Production of The Nutcracker will be a special treat. Obviously not a wine-friendly event but The Grant House certainly upkeeps a nice wine selection in a cozy, historic establishment.
La Bottega– Terrific casual Italian dining with a wine list to complement each flavor profile. Tuesday night 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. Wine tasting every Wednesday night from 5-7 pm. $12 includes four tastings and antipasti. Featuring Portuguese wines the entire month of November. Mark your calendar for their Sun, Dec 7 Wine Dinner pairing foods with Small Vineyards wine-an importer specializing in small Mediterranean wines.
Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar – Their monthly wine tasting event (Thurs, Nov 20) will feature Thanksgiving dinner wine pairing suggestions beginning at 4 pm. Fri, Nov 21 Latte da will host a Sip and Paint event. $45 includes a glass of wine and all the materials necessary to create your own take
Niche Wine Bar has some great holiday events coming up including their annual Port tasting on Christmas eve
-home masterpiece in a bright and cheery space.
Niche Wine Bar – Keep some dates open. This cozy wine bar designed for wine enthusiasts is hosting their annual Beaujolais release party on Sat, Nov 29, bubble sampling on Mon, Dec 8 and their annual Port tasting on Christmas Eve from 4-8 pm. Features: 30+ pours available six days a week and a staff who knows their wine all in a relaxed atmosphere with walls decorated in local artists’ work. Live entertainment every Saturday night.
Willem’s on Main – Just celebrated their one year anniversary a couple weeks ago. Time flies! Excellent happy hour Tues-Sat from 4:30-6 pm to enjoy with their carefully-prepared wine list, 50% off bottles under $40 on Tuesdays. Next 4-course Prime Rib dinner will be Sun, Dec 14. Detailed menu and featured winery TBA. Reservations required.
North Vancouver
Farrar’s Bistro – Stop into this Felida neighborhood restaurant and see how Farrar’s knocks the sox off its guests with unique appetizers like gorgonzola cheesecake and comfort food like smoked bbq meatloaf. Why not complete the cozy blanket feel with a bold sauvignon blanc or big fat zinfandel?
Hudson’s Bar and Grill – Inside the Heathman Lodge near Westfield Shopping Center. How could sipping a warming glass of wine at a cozy fireside table with soft piano music playing in the background not sound good this weekend? Come find your own spot under the massive Northwest logs and enjoy ‘Hudson’s Hour’ from 4-6 pm. You could do a lot worse than a place boasting Maryhill Winery as their house wine.
Village Vineyard – Sat, Nov 15-Hosting live music by a solo guitarist from 2-5 pm. Check out my recent detailed post about this gorgeous destination winery. Normal tasting room hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm.
North County
Confluence Vineyards and Winery – Sat, Nov 15-Confluence is celebrating their 6th anniversary from 12-5pm with live music, food pairings, barrel tasting and wine specials. They’ll also be releasing their 2012 Syrah for the first time to wine club members. This Syrah starts with smoke and finishes with beautiful chocolate notes- a gorgeous evolution from beginning to end. Sat, Nov 22 – Local favorite, Matt Brown, is back from Nashville and playing from 2-5 pm. Confluence will be closed during the Thanksgiving Weekend Clark County wine tour so come grab some of your favorites beforehand.
Tasting room hours Sat-Sun noon-5 pm.
Koi Pond Cellars – Sat, Nov 15 from 5-7 pm live music by Adrian Martin. Mural and artwork by resident artist, Micah Boylan, graces the walls. Happy hour Wed-Fri from 4-7 pm. Live music often scheduled on Saturday nights from 5-7 pm. Open Wed-Sun.
Gougér Cellars – Thur, Nov 20 from 6-9 pm Gary will be pouring his wines at the Ridgefield Shorty’s Nursery location Ladies Night event. Fri, Nov 21 – A Sharon’s Paint & Pour event beginning at 6 pm. All the supplies needed plus your first glass of wine is included in the $40 fee. Special pricing for couples. Wed-Sun enjoy Gary’s award-winning wine line up with some non-alcoholic ice creams or food options that go beyond small bites. Live music some weekends.
Bethany Vineyards – Tasting their consistently elegant wines Fri and Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. Walt’s currently experimenting successfully with a Russian grape- golubok-that’s growing well in our area.
Three Brothers Vineyard – Recently released two new wines – their 2011 Sangiovese Reserve would be an excellent choice to warm up during our bitter cold snap. Come out to take advantage of their Fall wine sale still in process. Tasting hours Fri 1-6 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
Pomeroy Cellars – Thurs, Dec 4 – and all other Thur through the month of December, Pomeroy will be open 5-9 pm with $4.75 glass pours, dinner-for-purchase and a game night. Sat, Dec 6 – 3:30-6 pm will be a do-it-yourself holiday gift and decoration party. The $50 fee will include all supplies and wine. Open Sat & Sun each weekend. Wed, Dec 31 – No plans for New Year’s Eve? The first 40 people to sign up will be spending it with Dan & Destiny beginning at 6 pm. $100 includes dinner for two, a bottle of Pomeroy Cellars wine and live music.
Moulton Falls Winery – Fri, Nov 14 – $5 on select glasses of wine from 4-9 pm, dinner from 5-8:30 pm and entertainment from 6-9 pm by Bobby Greer who boasts a musical relationship with Elvis among others. Sat, Nov 15 – From 1-5 pm, come meet local author, Spike Walker, who’s writings inspired the TV show “The Deadliest Catch” and the movie “The Guardian.” Live musical performance from 6-9 pm by Grammy award-guitarist, Doug Smith, and his wife, Judy Koch-Smith. With cooler days upon us, Moulton Falls has switched out their Sunday special from Sangria to glühwein (German-inspired hot spiced wine). Come enjoy a cup from noon-6 pm.
Heisen House Vineyards introduced two new wines at their Oct Crush Festival. If you weren’t there, check out their 2012 Sangiovese and 2012 Syrah this weekend. Open Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
Olequa Cellars – Next wine tasting will be Fri, Nov 28-Sun, Nov 30 for the Thanksgiving weekend Clark County wine frenzy along with several other area wineries. Wines by the bottle or by the glass.
Rusty Grape Vineyards – Wed, Dec 3 – Hosting Ladies Night from 6-9 pm complete with locally-sourced shopping. Check out their newly released Chocolate Syrah Port, sipping chocolate and vin chaud during this frigid spell. The tasting room is toasty thanks to the full-on move of their wood-fired pizza oven. Wednesday is 2 wood-fired pizzas for $15 and, beginning Nov 5 through the end of the year, a portion of Wednesday proceeds will go to a local charity. 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.
Emanar Cellars – Sat, Nov 15 – Stop by from 6-8 pm to hear the classical crossover guitarist, David Rogers, who’s been written up in The Washington Post and New York Times. This weekend’s featured local wine is Bethany Vineyard’s 2010 Petit Syrah. Pair their Spanish wines with Spanish tapas Thur-Sat from 4-9 pm.
Pasta GiGi’s – Kathy is always cooking up a weekend special to go with her ever-expanding wine list and this weekend she’s taken my favorite dish, Crespelle, and put an anticipated fall twist on it; “butternut squash with a sage cream sauce, sautéed kale, wild mushrooms, and asparagus.” Amazing, fresh Italian food with a passionate wine staff like Lindsey and Kathryn– a pairing made in Heaven.
The little white house occupied by C’est La Vie Crêperie is just cozy, cozy, cozy
C’est La Vie Crêperie – Wine-O Wednesday is marked by $1 off mimosas, spritzers and wines by the glass. Keri gives people an excuse to drink wine with the most important meal of the day – breakfast. Perfectly-flavored mimosas with such inspirations as French toast with mixed berry compote and chantilly creme. Très bon. Open Tue-Sat 8 am-3 pm.
East County
Vinotopia – Located inside Cascade Park’s Cinetopia, Vinotopia has received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the last five years. 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 Tightwad Tuesday pasta buffet or live music from 6-10 pm every Sat in their dining room and you have a no-fail date night.
Roots Restaurant & Bar– My purée of cauliflower soup with spaghetti sauce and chanterelle mushroom entrée last weekend was over the moon. An extensive list of quality wines by the glass or bottle are showcased. From Cakebread to Domaine Drouhin to L’Ecole, you’d be hard-pressed to choose wrong and from 3-6 pm Mon-Fri and 9-11 pm Fri-Sat, pair your selection with locally-inspired happy hour bites.
English Estate Winery – Fri, Nov 14 – Be entertained by the sounds of John Jamieson, and a spaghetti dinner with dessert. Music and food begin at 6 p.m. Wed, Nov 19 beginning at 6:30 pm Rebecca’s Collections will offer a Wine About Painting event. “$40 includes a glass of wine, appetizers and all the tools you need.” Thur, Nov 20 – English Estate will be pouring their wines at the Mill Plain Shorty’s Nursery for their annual Holiday Ladies Night event from 6-9 pm. The only winery open Monday from 4:30-7 pm with $5 glasses of wine to start your week off right.
Birch Street Uptown Lounge – Come out this Sunday to see what’s up Dennis’s sleeves for his weekly wine flight pouring beginning at 4 pm. Live music every Fri and Sat night beginning at 8 pm to accompany classic cocktails, a thoughtful wine list and small bites.
Krystal’s Champagne Lounge – Wed, Nov 19 presenting wines by Walla Walla’s own Basel Cellars paired with light appetizers from 6-8 pm. $40 per person. Reservations required.
The Puffin Café floats along the port in Washougal. They have a limited and, quite frankly, not great wine selection but, if you’re in the mood to feel the island vibe without leaving town – and who couldn’t use a dose of the islands in this frigid weather – this is the place to be (they have indoor seating). Their food menu is tantalizing and their wait staff is genuine.
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East Fork Cellars took up residence inside the circa 1867 historic Slocum House in August 2013. Gallery 360 officially joins them this Friday, Nov 7th.
Weekend highlights:
Whole Foods Market on Mill Plain – Hosting a “Taste of Thanksgiving” TONIGHT from 5-8 pm. For $5 participants can sample this complete holiday dinner and those 21 & over will enjoy it paired with carefully-selected wines. All proceeds go to the Vancouver-based charitable organization, Share.
Downtown Vancouver First Friday Art Walk – Along with the many merchants staying open later hours in the Arts District, tonight is the long-anticipated Grand Opening of Gallery 360 inside East Fork Cellars’ Slocum House. Live music and wine will be available. Burnt Bridge Cellars always opens its doors on First Friday from 4-8 pm, as well, with wine tasting and small bites by Class Cooking and Cellar 55 Tasting Room will feature local artists, dinner for purchase by Jo Foody from 5-9 pm and live bluegrass and Americana music from 6:30-8:30 pm. Grab an umbrella and support local artists.
Upcoming events:
Bader Beer & Wine Supply on Grand Blvd is hosting three wine tasting evenings Sat, Nov 22, Nov 29 and Dec 6 beginning at 6 pm. Tickets are $20 each and include a tasting of all five 2014-15 limited edition wine kits paired with small bites. Aspiring wine makers should plan to attend one of these fun and educational events. Limited to 32 people each night so purchase your ticket soon.
The Northwest Food & Wine Festival at Doubletree Lloyd Center – It’s like a candy store for food and wine lovers on Sat, Nov 15 from 4-8 pm. $75 includes samplings from a selection of over 600 wines and a smorgasbord of gourmet nibbles. Beer and spirits available, as well.
Stoller Family Estate in Dayton OR is opening up their Fermentation Room to volunteers and supporters of Meals on Wheels Sun, Nov 16 from 1-4 pm. Attendees will be treated to a special wine and food tasting wherein Stoller will donate 20% of the proceeds for sold holiday gift baskets to Meals on Wheels. Their sustainable tasting room alone is reason enough to make the drive. Experiencing their award-winning wines and supporting the mission of Meals on Wheels make it a win-win for everyone. Must RSVP by Nov 14 to Meagan at (503) 953-8130.
This weekend:
Downtown
Brewed – Carrying a selection of Columbia and Willamette Valley wines, the folks at Brewed are well-educated on the choices available. Current offerings include Charles Smith’s earthy Boom Boom Syrah, AniChe Cellars’ Barbariccia which is a sangiovese blend, Locati Cellars’ Barbera and the ever-sassy Naked Winery’s Penetration Cabernet Sauvignon and Foreplay Chardonnay.
Burnt Bridge Cellars – Their doors will be open this Friday for the First Friday Art Walk from 4-8 pm with wine tasting and small bites provided by Class Cooking. Tasting their award-winning wines Sat-Sun noon-5 pm. Burnt Bridge wines can also be found on wine lists around town including Willem’s on Main, Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar and Roots Restaurant & Bar.
Cellar 55 Tasting Room – Featuring local artists, dinner for purchase by Jo Foody from 5-9 pm and live bluegrass and Americana music from 6:30-8:30 pm for First Friday Art Walk tomorrow night. Wine & Canvas will be hosting one of their ever-popular painting parties on Mon, Nov 10. Sun, Nov 16 from 3-6 pm, Grape-ful Women will be hosting their Third Annual Wine and Toys event. $15 per ticket includes wine, food and an entry to win a Christmas tree. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped gift or gift card for a child. This event supports Family Solutions. RSVP by November 12th. Now open at noon Wed-Sun.
Charlie’s Bistro – Blues by Sidestreet Reny will be featured this Friday from 7-10 pm. Charlie’s has a great deal for wine lovers every Monday-50% off all bottles of wine $50 and under. Plus Saturday is always Flight Night from 4-10 pm.
East Fork Cellars – Re-opening this Friday in time for the First Friday Art Walk and unveiling their new partnership with Gallery 360. See top of post for details.
Evergreen Wine Cellar typically hosts a Friday night tasting from 5-8 pm for $5 per person but has several special tasting scheduled for the month of November. Fri, Nov 7 tasting Jeff Runquist wines at the newly-opened We Plan It located near Beaches on the Columbia River. Wed, Nov 12 Port tastings at Cellar 55 Tasting Room. Fri, Nov 21 back at Evergreen Wine Cellar’s own location for a line up of wines specially-chosen for the Thanksgiving table.
The Grant House – Part of the Vancouver First Friday Art Walk, The Grant House will be featuring live music this Friday night along with their consistently impressive customer service and terrific dinner menu showcasing fresh, local ingredients. Future happenings include their Autumn wine dinner on Fri, Nov 7 which will feature Dobbes Family Estates wine paired with harvest favorites like butternut squash and short ribs. Sharon’s Paint ‘n Pour event upstairs on Nov 11 at 5:30 pm is sold out. Reserve your space sooner than later for their annual Sugar Plum Tea on Sat, Dec 6 from 1-3 pm. $30 for adults, $15 for 12 and under. Ballerinas from the Columbia Dance Production of The Nutcracker will be a special treat.
La Bottega– Terrific casual Italian dining with a wine list to complement each flavor profile. Tuesday night 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. Wine tasting every Wednesday night from 5-7 pm. $12 includes four tastings and antipasti. Featuring Portuguese wines the entire month of November. Mark your calendar for their Sun, Dec 7 Wine Dinner pairing foods with Small Vineyards wine-an importer specializing in small Mediterranean wines.
Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar – Their monthly wine tasting event (Thurs, Nov 20) will feature Thanksgiving dinner wine pairing suggestions beginning at 4 pm. Fri, Nov 21 Latte da will host a Sip and Paint event. $45 includes a glass of wine and all the materials necessary to create your own take-home masterpiece in a bright and cheery space.
Niche Wine Bar – Keep some dates open. This cozy wine bar designed for wine enthusiasts is hosting their annual Beaujolais release party on Sat, Nov 29, bubble sampling on Mon, Dec 8 and their annual Port tasting on Christmas Eve from 4-8 pm. Features: 30+ pours available six days a week and a staff who knows their wine all in a relaxed atmosphere with walls decorated in local artists’ work. Live entertainment every Saturday night.
Willem’s on Main – Just celebrated their one year anniversary last week. Time flies! Excellent happy hour Tues-Sat from 4:30-6 pm to enjoy with their carefully-prepared wine list, 50% off bottles under $40 on Tuesdays. Sun, Nov 9 – Featuring Bethany Vineyard wines paired with their 4-course Prime Rib dinner which is quickly becoming a must ritual.
North Vancouver
Farrar’s Bistro – Stop into this Felida neighborhood restaurant and see how Farrar’s knocks the sox off its guests with unique appetizers like salmon won tons and gorgonzola cheesecake and comfort food like today’s taco salad and turkey Dijon soup. Why not complete the cozy blanket feel with a big fat Zinfandel or bold Sauvignon Blanc?
Hudson’s Bar and Grill – Inside the Heathman Lodge near Westfield Shopping Center. How could sipping a warming glass of wine at a cozy fireside table with soft piano music playing in the background not sound good this weekend? Come find your own spot under the massive Northwest logs and enjoy ‘Hudson’s Hour’ from 4-6 pm. You could do a lot worse than a place boasting Maryhill Winery as their house wine.
Confluence Vineyards and Winery – Sat, Nov 15 from noon-5 pm, Confluence will celebrate their 6th anniversary with live music, food and wine. Come on out and thank them for choosing Ridgefield to produce consistently premium wines in. Tasting room hours Sat-Sun noon-5 pm.
White dog Wednesday as Challenge and Baby Girl enjoy the inviting tasting room of Koi Pond Cellars in Ridgefield
Koi Pond Cellars – I met Sara and some of her friendly fam last night when my husband and I stopped by for their happily-priced Geisha Red . A new mural by esident artist, Micah Boylan, was gracing a wall. Happy hour Wed-Fri from 4-7 pm. Live music often scheduled on Saturday nights from 5-7 pm. Open Wed-Sun.
Gougér Cellars – Thur, Nov 20 from 6-9 pm Gary will be pouring his wines at the Ridgefield Shorty’s Nursery location Ladies Night event. Plenty of indoor seating to enjoy his award-winning wine line up with some non-alcoholic ice creams or food options that go beyond small bites. Live music some weekends. Open Wed-Sun.
Bethany Vineyards – Walt’s wines being featured this Sun, Nov 9th with the four-course Prime Rib dinner at Willem’s on Main. Tasting their consistently elegant wines Fri and Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. Walt’s first vintage was 2002 and recent tastes have proven that his wines are aging beautifully. Currently experimenting successfully with a Russian grape that’s growing well in our area.
Three Brothers Vineyard – Recently released two new wines – their 2011 Sangiovese Reserve would be an excellent choice to warm up with this rainy fall weekend. Tasting hours Fri 1-6 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
Pomeroy Cellars – Save the date: Sat, Dec 6 from 3:30-6 pm a do-it-yourself holiday gift and decoration party. The $50 fee will include all supplies and wine. Open Sat & Sun each weekend.
Moulton Falls Winery – Novemberfest this Sat, Nov 8 beginning at 11 am in conjunction with the last Wine Train of the year. All aboard the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad at noon and back to the winery in time to enjoy music by Five Drunk Cowboys, blues guitarist, Terry Robb, and a lasagna dinner. Veterans receive 20% off train tickets. Fri, Nov 7 Tom May plays from 6-9 pm. With cooler days upon us, Moulton Falls has switched out their Sunday special from Sangria to glühwein (German-inspired hot spiced wine). Come enjoy a cup from noon-6 pm.
Heisen House Vineyards introduced two new wines at their Oct 4 Crush Festival. If you weren’t there, check out their 2012 Sangiovese and 2012 Syrah this weekend. Open Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
The cozy tasting room of Olequa Cellars in Battle Ground
Olequa Cellars – Tastes every other Saturday. Next wine tasting day is this Saturday, Nov 8 from noon to 5 pm. Brian will be open Fri, Nov 28-Sun, Nov 30 for the Thanksgiving weekend wine frenzy along with several other area wineries. Wines by the bottle or by the glass.
Rusty Grape Vineyards – Check out their newly released Chocolate Syrah Port, sipping chocolate and vin chaud in time for the wet-to-the-bones weather. Their recent renovation project, with a full-on move of their wood-fired pizza oven, is complete. Wednesday is 2 wood-fired pizzas for $15 and, beginning Nov 5 through the end of the year, a portion of Wednesday proceeds will go to a local charity. 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. Save a space on your calendar for Wed, Dec 3 from 6-9 pm as they host Ladies Night complete with locally-sourced shopping. Something’s always going on at the Grape. Open Wed-Sun.
Emanar Cellars – Michael McCabe performing live again this Friday from 6-8 pm. Enjoy some of his gypsy jazz with a Spanish version of hot spiced wine. Pouring Confluence Vineyard’s 2012 Equilibrium by the glass this weekend along with their large selection of Spanish wines and tapas. Sat, Nov 15 from 6-8 pm stop by to hear the classical crossover guitarist, David Rogers, who’s been written up in The Washington Post and New York Times. Open Thu-Sat.
Pasta GiGi’s signature dish, Crespelle, and my favorite!
Pasta GiGi’s – Kathy is always cooking up a weekend special to go with her ever-expanding wine list. Amazing, fresh Italian food with a passionate wine staff like Lindsey and Kathryn– a pairing made in Heaven.
C’est La Vie Crêperie – Wine-O Wednesday is marked by $1 off mimosas, spritzers and wines by the glass. Keri gives people an excuse to drink wine with the most important meal of the day – breakfast. Perfectly-flavored mimosas with such inspirations as French toast with mixed berry compote and chantilly creme. Très bon. Open Tue-Sat 8 am-3 pm.
East County
Vinotopia – Located inside Cascade Park’s Cinetopia, Vinotopia has received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the last five years. 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 Tightwad Tuesday pasta buffet or live music from 6-10 pm every Sat in their dining room and you have a no-fail date night.
Roots Restaurant & Bar-Although not wine-based, their Roasted Pumpkin Hot Buttered Rum looks amazing. An extensive list of quality wines by the glass or bottle. From Cakebread to Domaine Drouhin to L’Ecole, you’d be hard-pressed to choose wrong and from 3-6 pm Mon-Fri and 9-11 pm Fri-Sat, pair your selection with locally-inspired happy hour bites.
English Estate Winery – Be entertained this Friday night by the sounds of vocalist, Marianne Flemming, and a meaty hangar steak salad with dessert. Music and food begin at 6 p.m. Wed, Nov 19 beginning at 6:30 pm Rebecca’s Collections will offer a Wine About Painting event. “$40 includes a glass of wine, appetizers and all the tools you need.” The only winery open Monday from 4:30-7 pm with $5 glasses of wine to start your week off right.
Birch Street Uptown Lounge – Dennis presided over the tasting of three ‘Righteous Rhones’ for last Sunday’s wine flight pouring. Come out this Sunday to see what’s in his bag of tricks beginning at 4 pm. Live music every Fri and Sat night beginning at 8 pm to accompany classic cocktails, a thoughtful wine list and small bites.
Krystal’s Champagne Lounge serves up more than bubbly in historic Camas with a few specials featured every Friday night. Sparkling, wines and beers also available. Will be participating in Camas First Friday on Nov 7, as always.
The Puffin Café floats along the port in Washougal. They have a limited and, quite frankly, not great wine selection but, if you’re in the mood to feel the island vibe without leaving town – and who couldn’t use a dose of the islands on a dreary fall day – this is the place to be (they have indoor seating). Their food menu is tantalizing and their wait staff is genuine.
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Evergreen Wine Cellar is hosting a few special tastings for the month of November. TONIGHT from 4-7:30 pm will be a random tasting. Typically five wines for $5. Fri, Nov 7 tasting Jeff Runquist wines at the newly-opened We Plan It located near Beaches on the Columbia River. Wed, Nov 12 Port tastings at Cellar 55 Tasting Room. Fri, Nov 21 back at Evergreen Wine Cellar’s own location for a line up of wines specially-chosen for the Thanksgiving table.
Village Vineyard – Hosting a Halloween open house this Sat, Nov 1 from noon-7 pm. Adults in costume receive a free tasting. Children welcome. There’ll be snacks and live music to compliment this gorgeous destination winery. Normal tasting room hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm.
Pomeroy Cellars – The much-anticipated costume party is quickly approaching. Come enjoy the adult fun this Fri, Oct 31 from 6-10 pm. Pomeroy will be giving out Trick or Treat coupons for discounts on wine and retail items. Costumes will be judged between 8-9 pm and you must be present to win. Come join in this 21 and over celebration. Worth it just to see what the always stylish, Destiny Fuller, will be sporting.
Moulton Falls Winery – Just up the road from Pomeroy, Moulton will be hosting its own Halloween party – costumes optional, clothing mandatory – from 4-9 pm. Live music, hot spiced wine, cozy fire and fall nibbles to accompany it all. Pray for a rainy, blustery night because only then will Joe be offering his famous chili-mac with cheese and onion as a dinner option along with their ever-present wood fired pizzas.
Upcoming events:
Bader Beer & Wine Supply on Grand Blvd is hosting three wine tasting evenings Sat, Nov 22, Nov 29 and Dec 6 beginning at 6 pm. Tickets are $20 each and include a tasting of all five 2014-15 limited edition wine kits paired with small bites. Aspiring wine makers should plan to attend one of these fun and educational events. Limited to 32 people each night so purchase your ticket soon.
Stoller Family Estate in Dayton OR is opening up their Fermentation Room to volunteers and supporters of Meals on Wheels Sun, Nov 16 from 1-4 pm. Attendees will be treated to a special wine and food tasting wherein Stoller will donate 20% of the proceeds for sold holiday gift baskets to Meals on Wheels. Their sustainable tasting room alone is reason enough to make the drive. Experiencing their award-winning wines and supporting the mission of Meals on Wheels make it a win-win for everyone. Must RSVP by Nov 14 to Meagan at (503) 953-8130.
This weekend:
Downtown
Brewed – Carrying a selection of Columbia and Willamette Valley wines, the folks at Brewed are well-educated on the choices available. Current offerings include Charles Smith’s earthy Boom Boom Syrah, AniChe Cellars’ Barbariccia which is a sangiovese blend, Locati Cellars’ Barbera and the ever-sassy Naked Winery’s Penetration Cabernet Sauvignon and Foreplay Chardonnay.
Burnt Bridge Cellars – Tasting their award-winning wines Sat-Sun noon-5 pm. Burnt Bridge wines can also be found on wine lists around town including Willem’s on Main, Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar and Roots Restaurant & Bar.
Charlie’s Bistro – Solo guitarist, Michael Baker, accompanies all that goes bump in the night this Friday from 7-10 pm. Charlie’s has a great deal for wine lovers every Monday-50% off all bottles of wine $50 and under. Plus Saturday is always Flight Night from 4-10 pm.
East Fork Cellars – The word is that East Fork will re-open in time for the First Friday Art Walk Nov 7, unveiling their new partnership with Gallery 360. Stay tuned for details.
Evergreen Wine Cellar typically hosts a Friday night tasting from 5-8 pm for $5 per person but has several special tasting scheduled for the month of November. See top of this post for details.
The Grant House has a wonderful happy hour and terrific dinner menu showcasing fresh, local ingredients. They recently added a new cider to their offerings. Excellent fall location to check that out. Future happenings include their Autumn wine dinner on Nov 7 which will feature Dobbes Family Estates wine paired with harvest favorites like butternut squash and short ribs as well as a Sharon’s Paint ‘n Pour event upstairs on Nov 11 at 5:30 pm.
La Bottega– Terrific casual Italian dining with a wine list to complement each flavor profile. Tuesday night 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. Wine tasting every Wednesday night from 5-7 pm. $12 includes four tastings and antipasti. Mark your calendar for their Sun, Dec 7 Wine Dinner pairing foods with Small Vineyards wine-an importer specializing in small Mediterranean wines.
Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar – Thurs, Oct 30 is their monthly wine tasting event beginning at 4 pm. Also hosting a children’s Halloween party this Saturday from 2-4 pm. Come see for yourself how much this place has to offer Clark County.
Niche Wine Bar – Keep some dates open. This cozy wine bar designed for wine enthusiasts is hosting their annual Beaujolais release party on Sat, Nov 29, bubble sampling on Mon, Dec 8 and their annual Port tasting on Christmas Eve from 4-8 pm. Features: 30+ pours available six days a week and a staff who knows their wine all in a relaxed atmosphere with walls decorated in local artists’ work. Live entertainment every Saturday night.
Willem’s on Main – Just celebrated their one year anniversary yesterday. Time flies! Excellent happy hour Tues-Sat from 4:30-6:30 pm to enjoy with their carefully-prepared wine list, 50% off bottles under $40 on Tuesdays.
North Vancouver
Farrar’s Bistro – Hosting a Bingo night this Sunday beginning at 5:30 pm. If that sounds interesting, stop into this Felida neighborhood restaurant and see how Farrar’s knocks the sox off its guests with unique appetizers like salmon won tons and gorgonzola cheesecake and soul food like today’s Ham & Cheddar Melt sandwich or Prime Rib dinner. Why not pair some comfort with a big fat Zinfandel or bold Sauvignon Blanc?
Hudson’s Bar and Grill – Inside the Heathman Lodge near Westfield Shopping Center. How could sipping a warming glass of wine at a cozy fireside table with soft piano music playing in the background not sound good this weekend? Come find your own spot under the massive Northwest logs and enjoy ‘Hudson’s Hour’ from 4-6 pm. You could do a lot worse than a place boasting Maryhill Winery as their house wine.
Village Vineyard hosting a Halloween open house this Sat, Nov 1
Village Vineyard – Hosting a Halloween open house this Sat, Nov 1 from noon-7 pm. Adults in costume receive a free tasting. Children welcome. There’ll be snacks and live music to compliment this gorgeous destination winery. Normal tasting room hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm.
North County
Confluence Vineyards and Winery – Call now to purchase tickets for their Winemaker’s Dinner Sun, Nov 2 at 5 pm. Chef Peter Dougherty of La Bottega will be preparing a five-course menu complete with antipasto, braised beef shank and pumpkin crème brûlée to accompany Confluence’s French oak-aged wines. Save Nov 22 & 23 to help Confluence celebrate their 6th anniversary. Tasting room hours Sat-Sun noon-5 pm.
Koi Pond Cellars – Drawing the winner of an art and wine raffle this Fri, Oct 31. Each $5 ticket gets you closer to a bottle of Koi Pond’s Cabernet Sauvignon and a painting by resident artist, Micah Boylan. Happy hour Wed-Fri from 4-7 pm. Live music is typically scheduled on Saturday nights from 5-7 pm. Open Wed-Sun.
Gougér Cellars – Plenty of indoor seating to enjoy his award-winning wine line up with some non-alcoholic ice creams or food options that go beyond small bites. Live music some weekends. Open Wed-Sun.
Bethany Vineyards – Tasting their consistently elegant wines Fri and Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. Walt’s first vintage was 2002 and recent tastes have proven that his wines are aging beautifully. Currently experimenting successfully with a Russian grape that’s growing well in our area.
Three Brothers Vineyard – Released two new wines last weekend. Their 2011 Sangiovese Reserve would be an excellent choice to warm up with this rainy fall weekend. Tasting hours Fri 1-6 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
Pomeroy Cellars – The much-anticipated costume party is quickly approaching. Come enjoy the adult fun this Fri, Oct 31 from 6-10 pm. Pomeroy will be giving out Trick or Treat coupons for discounts on wine and retail items. Costumes will be judged between 8-9 pm and you must be present to win. Come join in this 21 and over celebration. Worth it just to see what the always stylish, Destiny Fuller, will be sporting. Save the date: Saturday evening, Dec 6, do-it-yourself holiday gift and decoration party, fee will include all supplies and wine. More info TBA.
Moulton Falls Winery – Just up the road from Pomeroy, Moulton will be hosting its own Halloween party – costumes optional, clothing mandatory – from 4-9 pm. Live music, hot spiced wine, cozy fire and fall nibbles to accompany it all. Pray for a rainy, blustery night because only then will Joe be offering his famous chili-mac with cheese and onion as a dinner option along with their ever-present wood fired pizzas. Fall pasta dinner accompanies lives Celtic music this Sat, Nov 1. Novemberfest coming Sat, Nov 8 beginning at 11 am in conjunction with the last Wine Train of the year. All aboard the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad at noon and back to the winery in time to enjoy music by Five Drunk Cowboys, blues guitarist, Terry Robb, and a lasagna dinner. Veterans receive 20% off train tickets.
Heisen House Vineyards introduced two new wines at their Oct 4 Crush Festival. If you weren’t there, check out 2012 Sangiovese and 2012 Syrah this weekend. Open Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
Olequa Cellars – Tastes every other Saturday. Next wine tasting day should be Saturday, Nov 8 from noon to 5 pm. Brian’s receptive to accommodating interested wine lovers with some advanced notice so give him a call at (360) 666-8012. Wines by the bottle or by the glass.
Rusty Grape Vineyards – Look for their new release of Chocolate Syrah Port, sipping chocolate and vin chaud to be making an appearance in time for the wet-to-the-bones weather. Literally ‘hot wine’ in French, vin chaud is made with red wine, a selection of fall spices and sometimes a shot of liquor. Interesting to see Rusty’s version. Check out their recent renovation project, complete with a full-on move of their wood-fired pizza oven. 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.
Emanar Cellars – Their one year anniver-sherry was a success but they’re not tired yet. Ramping up for a laid back Halloween celebrating this Fri with their Spanish wines and tapas featuring Koi Pond Cellars’ Geisha red as their local wine of the week. This Saturday come by from 3-6 pm for a Noonday Collection trunk show showcasing the wares of female artisans in developing countries.
Pasta GiGi’s – Kathy is always cooking up a weekend special to go with her ever-expanding wine list. Amazing, fresh Italian food with a passionate wine staff like Lindsey and Kathryn– a pairing made in Heaven.
C’est La Vie Crêperie – Wine-O Wednesday is marked by $1 off mimosas, spritzers and wines by the glass. Keri gives people an excuse to drink wine with the most important meal of the day – breakfast. Perfectly-flavored mimosas with such inspirations as French toast with mixed berry compote and chantilly creme. Très bon. Open Tue-Sat 8 am-3 pm.
East County
Vinotopia – Located inside Cascade Park’s Cinetopia, Vinotopia has received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the last five years. 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 Tightwad Tuesday pasta buffet or live music from 6-10 pm every Sat in their dining room and you have a no-fail date night.
Roots Restaurant & Bar-An extensive list of quality wines by the glass or bottle. From Cakebread to Domaine Drouhin to L’Ecole, you’d be hard-pressed to choose wrong and from 3-6 pm Mon-Fri and 9-11 pm Fri-Sat, pair your selection with locally-inspired happy hour bites.
English Estate Winery – ‘Ghoulish Times & Blood Red Wine’ is the theme this Friday night. Dinner is chicken pumpkin curry and there will be a costume contest and live music to lift the spirits (pardon the pun). Music and food begin at 6 p.m. The only winery open Monday from 4:30-7 pm with $5 glasses of wine to start your week off right. Consider joining the Nov 19 Wine About Painting event at 6:30 pm.
Birch Street Uptown Lounge – Getting ready for a Halloween-themed Friday night. Live music beginning at 8 pm this Fri and Sat. Sunday wine flight pouring begins at 4 pm. Last Sunday was a Tuscan flight. Stop in this Sunday to see what Dennis scares up at this classic cocktail lounge.
Krystal’s Champagne Lounge serves up more than bubbly in historic Camas with a few specials featured every Friday night. Sparkling, wines and beers also available. Will be participating in Camas First Friday on Nov 7, as always.
The Puffin Café floats along the port in Washougal. They have a limited and, quite frankly, not great wine selection but, if you’re in the mood to feel the island vibe without leaving town – and who couldn’t use a dose of the islands in the fall – this is the place to be (they have indoor seating). Their food menu is tantalizing and their wait staff is genuine.
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Savor, Sip and Sojourn 