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I've spoken to a half-dozen winemaker in the past two days and asked each how the grapes were looking. I heard a lot of long sighs followed by concerns about when - or if - the grapes would ever ripen in the Northwest.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ operating profit rose 30 percent to $14.8 million in the second quarter, according to a securities filing by its Connecticut-based parent company, UST.
Grapes are ripe, pickers are in the fields and back at the wineries everyone's celebrating the 21st annual Catch the Crush weekend.
The event, to be held Saturday and Sunday at more than a dozen Mid-Columbia wineries, includes lots of wine tasting -- old vintages and new releases and, at some wineries, juice from grapes crushed just hours ago. Several wineries also will have entertainment, artwork on display and savory nibbles.
Wineries generally will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. A few wineries also will have events or special hours Friday.
Because of the number of people touring and sampling, you'll need to take your own glass or plan to buy one from a winery.
You also can buy a special VIP ticket that gives holders additional discounts or special tastings at some wineries, plus a souvenir glass. VIP tickets are $20 in advance at www.columbiavalleywine.com/catchthecrush.htm. Or, if available, $25 during the event.
There is no charge for regular admittance.
Wineries participating in Catch the Crush are:
Richland
-- Bookwalter Winery, 894 Tulip Lane, also will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and until 6 p.m. Sunday. There will be entertainment from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, and free samples of artisan cheese and crackers will be available all three days. Info: www.bookwalterwines.com; 627-5000.
-- Gamache Vintners, 23509 N. Dallas Road. Chef Mitch Venohr will have savory cherry and chevre fried wontons for sampling. Info: www.gamache vintners.com; 628-8156.
-- Barnard Griffin, 878 Tulip Lane. Info: www.barnardgriffin.com; 627-0266.
-- Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards and Winery, 16304 N. Dallas Road, will have samples of gourmet cheese from around the world. Info: www.gooseridge.com; 628-3880.
-- Tagaris Winery, 844 Tulip Lane, will be open for Catch the Crush from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. There will be a $5 tasting fee refundable with the purchase of a bottle of wine.
On Saturday there will be a special new release party in the barrel room from 5 to 7 p.m. with tasty tidbits to sample from Taverna Tagaris. Eddie Manzanares and Cafe Blanco will play during the party. Admission for the party is $25 per person.
Info: www.tagariswines.com; 628-0020.
Kennewick
-- Badger Mountain Vineyard & Powers Winery, 1106 S. Jurupa St., will have appetizers for tasting and a display of Christine Haney's handpainted glassware both days. Info: www.badgermtnvineyard.com; 800-643-9463.
Benton City
-- Canon De Sol Winery, 46415 E. Badger Road, will have pottery and paintings by Mid-Columbia artist Ammie Heard and luxury cars on display both days. On Saturday, there also will be a flamenco dancing demonstration at 2 p.m. Afterward, you'll have a chance to hit a piata and win prizes. Info: www.canondesol.com; 509-588-6311.
-- Oakwood Cellars, 40504 N. DeMoss Road, will have the crush pad set up and -- weather permitting -- working. Do it the old fashioned way, with your feet, at 4 p.m. Saturday. Call the winery to sign up for the grape stomp.
Enjoy gourmet food catered by Richland restaurants Monterosso's Italian Restaurant and Atomic Ale Brew Pub & Eatery. The Rachel Bade-McMurphy Band will perform jazz from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The Educated Cigar, Richland, also will be at the winery with fine cigars and accessories to purchase.
Info: www.oakwoodcellars.com; 509-588-5332.
-- Terra Blanca, 34715 N. DeMoss Road, will be open until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
On Friday the winery will hold a Catch the Crush barbecue dinner and concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. Music will be by Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands with special guest Blue is Cold. VIP ticket holders will receive a $5 discount off the admission price, which is $40 in advance, $45 day of the event.
Info: www.terrablanca.com; 509-588-6082.
-- Sandhill Winery, 48313 N. Sunset Road. Info: 588-2699.
-- Kiona Vineyards and Winery, 44612 N. Sunset Road, will be giving tours of the new winery. Info: www.kionawine.com; 588-6716.
-- Buckmaster Cellars, 35802 Sunset Road. Info: www.buckmastercellars.com; 628-8474.
-- Seth Ryan Winery, 35306 Sunset Road, is extending an invitation to trek out into the vineyard and watch the pickers demonstrate their dexterity at gathering the fruit, not the leaves. Visit the crush pad, sample the grapes and catch a taste of juice on its way to the tanks for fermentation.
Enjoy the music and singing of Steve Haberman and Mary Lou Gnoza both days.
Info: www.sethryan.com; 588-6780.
-- Fidelitas Winery, 51810 N. Sunset Road, will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. A tasting fee will apply to tour buses and large groups. Info: www.fidelitaswines.com; 521-4433.
-- Hedges Family Estate, 53511 N. Sunset Road, will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Info: www.hedgesfamilyestate.com; 588-3155.
Pasco
-- Preston Premium Wines, 502 E. Vineyard Drive, has an elevated tasting room offering views of the pickers in the fields and the crusher right below. There will be vendors offering handmade cards, jewelry, pepper jellies, clothing, kitchen tools, handpainted wine glasses and other artwork.
The Weiner's Circle also will be selling burgers, hot dogs and other grilled foods.
Info: www.prestonwines.com; 545-1990, ext. 10.
Paterson
-- Columbia Crest, Highway 221, Columbia Crest Drive, will have special food samples and vinifera grapes and fresh-pressed grape juice for tasting.
The Blue Mountain Troublemakers, a six-member bluegrass band, will play from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Info: www.columbia-crest.com; 509-875-2061.
* Loretto J. Hulse: 582-1513; lhulse@tricityherald.com
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