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It has long been rumored that the few rows of vines at the entrance to Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash., were required so the winery could be called a "chateau."
PROSSER -- Construction is expected to start soon on the next phase of what backers say will be the state's premier educational and promotional center for Washington's wines and food products.
The Walla Walla Valley takes its turn in the wine spotlight Saturday and Sunday with 28 wineries ready to show their new releases.
During Spring Release Weekend, most wineries will be open from 10 or 11 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. both days. Many wineries also will be open the following weekend for the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede.
Wineries in the Walla Walla Valley have been sprouting up faster than spring radishes. Three years ago in this column, I wrote about 11 wineries taking part in the spring release. What's more, by this time next year, four or five more wineries should be added to the mix, a tripling of the number of Walla Walla wineries in only four years.
The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance has printed a fine new brochure with a map that can be picked up at any winery. Another option is the new Wine Press Northwest magazine touring guide available at the Tri-City Herald office in downtown Kennewick or at the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau at Vista Field in Kennewick.
While wineries generally furnish glasses, it's a good idea to bring your own in case a winery runs short on the very busy event weekend.
Many downtown eating establishments will be catering to the expected influx of visitors both days. Some wineries restrict visitor numbers. Check the listing of wineries that follows.
Airport vicinity
Dunham Cellars is a good place to start at the airport. Winemaker Eric Dunham is gaining a national reputation for his wines.
His new releases include the 2000 syrah and the 2001 late-harvest semillon. Other wines are the highly acclaimed 1999 cabernet sauvignon and the 2000 Shirley Mays white table wine.
Trey Marie Winery is a sister winery to Dunham located in the same building. Its 1999 Trutina is a red blend of 54 percent merlot, 32 percent cabernet sauvignon and 14 percent cabernet franc.
Reininger Winery will feature its 1999 merlot and 1999 cabernet sauvignon, which got a 93 rating in Wine Spectator.
Cougar Crest Winery is another brand-new airport winery. It will offer barrel samples of its Hangar Town Red blend, which will be released next December. Olive oils and assorted cheeses will be available for sampling.
Russell Creek Winery is featuring its 2000 sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.
Buty Winery is offering its 2000 white blend of 70 percent semillon and 30 percent sauvignon blanc and 2000 merlot and cabernet franc blend from Woodward Canyon Vineyard.
East of Walla Walla
Walla Walla Vintners is offering 2000 Walla Walla Valley cabernet franc, 2000 Walla Walla Valley merlot and the 2000 Columbia Valley sangiovese. It also plans to have chocolates and cheese to taste with the wines.
Spring Valley Vineyard will serve the 1999 and 2000 Uriah red table wine, a blend of merlot, cabernet franc and petite verdot, and the 2000 Nina Lee syrah.
K Vintners is pouring its 2000 Pepper Bridge Vineyard syrah and comparing it with its Wahluke Slope 2000 syrah.
Leonetti Cellar will hold its one-time-only spring release weekend for customers who buy wine from its mailing list. Names will be checked at the gate, and only those who have purchased wine from the mailing will be admitted. Featured wines include 2000 merlot, 2000 sangiovese and the 1999 cabernet sauvignon.
South of Walla Walla
Glen Fiona now makes only syrahs and has moved to its brand-new winery near the Oregon state line. Featured wines include 2000 Yakima Valley syrah and the 1999 basket press reserve syrah.
Yellow Hawk Cellar will be open Saturday only with a Walla Walla Valley sangiovese, a Columbia Valley muscat canelli and a rose wine.
Pepper Bridge Winery will be open by appointment Saturday to sample its 1999 cabernet sauvignon. Because of the limited amount of wine and space, people are asked to call 509-525-6502 beforehand to schedule a visit.
Rulo Winery will be showing its 2001 viognier, chardonnay and syrah.
Colvin Vineyards will feature its 2000 merlot, cabernet franc, syrah and red table wines.
Downtown Walla Walla
Seven Hills Winery will pour its new releases of 2000 Walla Walla Valley syrah, 1999 merlot, 1999 Klipsun Vineyards reserve merlot and the 2001 pinot gris.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard will offer its 2001 red table wine, 1999 merlot and 2001 gewrztraminer.
Whitman Cellars, another new winery, will offer its 1999 merlot and 1999 cabernet sauvignon, both from the Seven Hills Vineyards.
Forgeron Cellars, another new winery, has Marie Eve Gilla, formerly with Gordon Brothers, as its new winemaker. None of her wines has been bottled, but two of her wines will be tasted from the barrel, a 2001 zinfandel from Alder Ridge Vineyards and a 2001 chardonnay.
Isenhower Cellars is featuring its 2000 syrah and 2000 red blend.
Northstar Winery is Stimson Lane's entry into the Walla Walla Valley. The winery outside town isn't finished yet, but it will be sampling its 1999 merlot at Grapefields Restaurant.
West of Walla Walla
Woodward Canyon Winery is featuring its first Walla Walla Valley 2000 merlot and 1999 old vines cabernet sauvignon. Other wines for tasting include 2000 Columbia Valley merlot and 1999 Klipsun Vineyards cabernet sauvignon.
L'Ecole No. 41 will be pouring 2000 Seven Hills merlot, 1999 Columbia Valley merlot, 2000 Seven Hills syrah, 1999 Walla Walla Valley cabernet sauvignon and 2001 Walla Viola chenin blanc.
Three Rivers Winery is tasting 2000 Pepper Bridge Vineyard sangiovese, 2000 Champoux Vineyard cabernet sauvignon, 2000 chardonnay and 2000 Columbia Valley syrah. There will be a reserve tasting for $5.
Bunchgrass Winery new releases include 2000 Walla Walla Valley Founder's blend of cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon and 1999 Walla Walla Valley cabernet sauvignon.
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