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 Camas First Fridays – It’s that time again and this month’s theme is “Hats off to Harvest.” Pie tasting will be available at participating merchant locations and, no doubt, Krystal’s Champagne Lounge and Birch Street Uptown Lounge will be in celebratory mode.
- 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.
Village Vineyard – 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 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.
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.
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 – 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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Savor, Sip and Sojourn 