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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.
Catch the Crush 2002 this weekend is a time of payoff and promise for the Columbia Valley Winery Association.
All indications are that the 2002 crop will be a record with the prediction of a continuation of the high quality of grapes of the past four harvests.
Fourteen Tri-City-area wineries will take part in the event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
"This is the public's chance to take part in the celebration of grape harvest," said Eppie Skelton, president of the Columbia Valley Winery Association and owner/winemaker of Oakwood Cellars.
"Crush is where it all begins in the winemaking process. You can make this weekend a learning experience as winemakers will be on hand at some wineries to discuss how wine is actually made. Each winery will have its own unique harvest celebration.
"The harvest is a perfect time to indulge your sense of sight, sound and smell of the grapes coming in from the vineyards being crushed as the first step in winemaking."
It's a festive time with food, music and art on display at many wineries and at least two old-fashioned grape stomping events.
There are no commemorative glasses, as each winery will be furnishing tasting glasses. If people wish, they can bring their own. Since the weather still is enjoyable at this time of the year, picnics on the grounds of the wineries are encouraged.
Actually, Catch the Crush is one of the last times of the year to visit wineries and be pretty well assured of great weather.
Taking part in the Catch the Crush include the following wineries:
Preston Premium Wines - Visitors can watch the crushing action this year from the winery's newly remodeled deck and catwalk.
On Saturday Preston will feature artists in action from noon to 3 p.m. Included will be wine charms by Brooke Preston, granddaughter of founder Bill Preston, Dandle Candles by Dana Haynes and glass art and wine bottle trays by Jack Collins.
New releases include syrah from Preston and Gamache vineyards. There will be other wine specials along with food offerings. Take Highway 395 five miles north out of Pasco and turn right on Vineyard Drive.
Also planned is an old-fashioned grape stomp where visitors can participate in a symbolic stomping of grapes. There will be other wines along with cheese crackers, chocolate syrup and a discount on the 1999 merlot magnums. Take Interstate 182 to Road 68 exit, then turn right on Burden Boulevard that runs past the TRAC and Tri-Cities Stadium.
Claar Cellars - Claar is celebrating its sixth annual grape stomp at 3 p.m. Saturday. There are corporations and public champions to be crowned for the best two-person teams. Preregistration is suggested by contacting the winery at 509-266-4449, or you can register the day of the stomp. Claar will be pouring the 1998 merlot, a recent double gold winner. Special prices will be available on their sauvignon blanc, 1997 cabernet sauvignon and the 1997 regular and reserve merlots.
To reach the winery, take the Road 68 exit on Interstate 182 and travel north about 12 miles on Taylor Flats Road to Mathews Corner at Eltopia West Road, turn left and go one mile. At a stop sign, turn right on Auburn Road and go one mile to Glenwood. Turn left on Glenwood and go for one mile to the winery. There will be signs along the way.
The winery's beautiful gardens that were featured in the July edition of Sunset Magazine are in full bloom for Catch the Crush. To reach the winery, take the Kennedy Road exit on Interstate 182 to Windmill Road off Columbia Drive.
Barnard Griffin Winery - A great place to view the crush with the crushing pad at the entrance to the winery's parking lot. In additional to wine tasting, Barnard Griffin is offering samples of Italian and goat cheese.
Dave Rodman of Dave's Cooking Planks will do a demo with his apple and cherry cooking planks using his own special seasons.
To reach the winery, take the Kennedy Road exit on Interstate 182 to Windmill Road off of Columbia Drive.
Badger Mountain/Powers - There will be winery tours, wine and food tasting and classic cars on display.
To reach the winery, take Leslie Road in Richland to Rachel Road in the El Rancho Reata subdivision and follow the signs.
Caon de Sol - A newcomer to Catch the Crush, this tiny Badger Canyon winery will be sampling its first-ever Meritage red wine and also feature tasting from barrels of future wines. There will be cheese and chocolate for sampling.
Take the Dallas Road exit on Interstate 82, drive south across the railroad tracks and then right on Badger Road for a mile. Look for signs and a row of poplar trees on the left.
The wine shop will offer tasting and specials on older, rare wines as well as current vintages. Columbia Crest is just outside Paterson about 40 miles from the Tri-Cities via Interstate 82 and Highway 14.
Terra Blanca Vineyards - Celebrate the crush with Southern Soul barbecue hot off the grill. Watch all the harvest activity, indulge in some southern barbecue cooking and taste some of the winery's red wines.
Enjoy a peek of the beautiful fall colors along the Yakima River on your way to the winery. Don't forget your camera! Take the Benton City exit on Interstate 82 and take Highway 224 to Demoss Road and follow the signs.
Oakwood Cellars - Picnic on the patio with gourmet goodies from Atomic Ale Pub and Monterroso's Italian Restaurant.
Listen to the Blue Canary Quartet jazz band from Washington State University. Enjoy a cigar from Educated Cigar. New releases include 2000 riesling, 2001 lemberger blanc and 1999 cabernet sauvignon.
Seth Ryan Winery - Pick some grapes and squeeze your own juice. Try the Soroptimist bean soup and other gourmet picnic fare. Dinotopia art will on display as well as music both days. The entire lineup of wines will be on the tasting bar for sampling.
Take the Benton City exit on Interstate 82 and Highway 224 to Sunset Road.
Kiona Vineyards - Jerry Stancil of Red Mountain Forge will be demonstrating metal art items. There will be cheese and crackers to sample along with the lineup of a dozen or more of Kiona wines that include reds, white and several sweet dessert wines. There will be a limited supply of the highly rated 1999 cabernet sauvignon.
To reach the winery, take the Benton City exit on Interstate 82 and Highway 224 to Sunset Road.
Hedges Cellars - Browse the Vineyards and the crush area to catch all the exciting harvest activity. Complimentary wine tasting will be available along with a paid tasting of limited reserve wines. These include the 100-case bottling of merlot and cabernets sauvignon from the estate Red Mountain vineyards.
Take the Benton City exit on I-82, then Highway 224 to Sunset Road.
Tapteil Vineyards and Winery - They will be offering their usual stunning view of the Yakima Valley and Red Mountain along with a selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegar from Italy. The 1998 merlot will be available for tasting and purchase.
Take the Benton City exit on I-82, then Highway 224 to Sunset Road and drive to the top of the hill or the end of the road.
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