Petrol, politics and global climate change are dominating headlines during the harvest of this 2008 vintage.
Heck, the price of gas may even end up determining the next president of the United States.
I'd just as soon cast a vote for one of my favorite Seattle-based bands - Presidents of the United States, a k a POTUS. I've partied with the sister of one of the band members, and I think I remember that she likes Northwest wine.
Depending upon who wins that election, British Columbia may become even more appealing. The wines are delicious; we have subscribers above the 49th parallel, and Canadians still let Americans into their country for some reason. Too bad my wife and I can't afford to live out the rest of our days at the Sooke Harbour House and drink off Sinclair Philip's wine list - the best one in the province.
In Canada, Election Day may be Oct. 14. In the U.S., we know it will Nov. 4. Will you be raising a glass in celebration or commiseration? Just be careful about asking someone if they'd prefer a red.
1. AgriVino again in operation.
Oregon's much-publicized AgriVino Wine Center (Summer 2008 issue) opened in May, remained open under protest, then closed in July.
Well, Todd Steele, former AgriVino GM, purchased AgriVino's high-tech equipment from John Stuart of Abbey Road Farm and re-opened the Carlton facility on Aug. 21 in accordance with Oregon Liquor Control Commission guidelines.
In Oregon and Washington, the server must be the one to push the button on the Enomatic wine dispensing system. (Such is not the case in British Columbia, and Kelowna's Rotten Grape Wine Bar & Bistro is set to have the public serve themselves via the Enomatic).
"The long-term plan will be to move the machines, which I am purchasing, to Portland and build a wine bar/retailer where we will offer a much wider variety of wines by the taste and glass," Steele said. "I am anticipating having around 70 wines by the taste/glass."
Visit agrivino.com to see what is being poured when, and where.
2. Walk the streets of Wenatchee with wine.
The Wenatchee Downtown Association welcomes wine lovers Sept. 20 for its annual Taste of the Harvest.
Wine from 10 regional wineries will be sampled from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $15, which includes another glass for your collection.
Among the festivities is live music, a car show, art exhibits, cooking demos and activities for children. Featured wineries include Bella Terrazza, Cave B, Chateau Faire Le Pont, Fielding Hills, Jones of Washington, Martin-Scott, Saint Laurent, Stemilt Creek and White Heron.
Call 509-622-0059 or go to wendowntown.org.
3. More lessons to be learned from Big Harry.
Earlier this year, Harry McWatters resigned as president of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery in Summerland, British Columbia. This fall, he established his Okanagan Wine Academy in Penticton.
A series of deaths in his family forced McWatters to postpone the debut of his one-week sessions until spring 2009.
He refers to them as a "one-week boot camp for wine enthusiasts." It will mean time in vineyards and tours of wineries. Expect to "kick some dirt" on the famed Black Sage Bench.
Four trips have been scheduled, including one from B.C. to Baja, California. Call 250-493-1495 or go to okanaganwineacademy.com for more information.
4. A flyover of wine country.
Here's an especially exciting way to get a bird's eye view of vineyards and wineries in Oregon's North Willamette Valley.
Precision Aviation in Newberg offers deluxe wine tours. The Chehalem Wine Tour is three hours long and includes tasting drop-ins at Aramenta, Cherry Hill and Domaine Serene. The Willamette Wine Tour spans five hours and adds Penner-Ash and WillaKenzie.
Flights are made in the six-passenger Eurocopter EC130 helicopter or the sporty three-passenger MD500. Expect to pay $400 to $700 depending upon the package and the chopper of choice. Tasting fees are included.
For more information, call 800-55-GOFLY or visit FlyPrecision.com.
5. A helping hand for Idaho's workers.
Ron Bitner, a Canyon County kid, graduated from Albertson College in 1968.
Forty years later, the owner of nearby Bitner Vineyards continues to give back to what is now the College of Idaho.
Oct. 4 marks the 8th annual Taste of the Harvest, and Bitner, Davis Creek, Koenig, Ste. Chapelle, Sawtooth and Williamson will pour their wines at this celebration of food and music.
More than 1,000 people gather each year at this afternoon event, and all proceeds fund scholarships for first-generation students of agricultural workers. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for students/seniors and $5 for children under 12. Tickets are sold at the door.
For more information, call 208-459-5011 or visit collegeofidaho.edu.
6. Rootstock, can you dig it?
The Naramata Bench Wineries Association stages a two-part celebration defined as "Naramata Style" within the two Saturdays of the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival.
It's called Rootstock and spotlights "roving artists," dance groups and other performance arts at some of participating wineries in the 22-member association. Dates are Oct. 4 and Oct. 11. This event, on arguably the most picturesque setting for wine touring in the Pacific Northwest, promises to be as wild and funky as the limited edition posters produced for the NBWA. For more information, visit naramatabench.com.
The OFWF runs Oct. 2-12. Go to owfs.com for more information on the grandest celebration of wine in the Northwest.
7. Chocolate god dips into Portland.
One perk about this job is serving as a professional wine judge, and the biggest plum is working for Bob Fraser and Ray Johnson at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Included in thank you bag are Recchiuti Confections. I love the Fleur de Sel Caramels.
So this seminar at Foster & Dobbs Authentic Foods in Portland caught my eye. On Oct. 11, Michael Recchiuti of San Francisco will conduct a culinary class called, "Chocolate & Terroir."
The class takes a look at the dark history and is "led by a man whose chocolate confections have been on the leading edge of the chocolate revolution."
The package includes a tasting of several single-source chocolates and the effects of terroir. He also will sign copies of his book Chocolate Obsessions.
Reservations required. Cost is $20. Call Foster & Dobbs at 503-284-1157 or www.fosteranddobbs.com.
8. Enjoy getting these crabs.
It is said that Dungeness crab is best to eat in months that contain an "r," which explains why October is the month of the Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival Tour of North Olympic Wine Country.
Participating wineries will welcome guests Oct. 11-12. That weekend comes during the busiest time of year for these folks, but winemakers will take time to explain what they are doing.
Participating wineries include Black Diamond, Camaraderie, FairWinds, Harbinger, Lost Mountain, Olympic Cellars and Sorensen.
9. Are you experienced?
The Seattle Seahawks are playing in San Francisco on Oct. 26. That explains why the inaugural Seattle Food and Wine Experience is set for Oct. 25-26 at Qwest Field Pavilion.
It's billed as an international event for wine, but a quick glance shows verbal commitments from Columbia, Covey Run, Precept Brands and Joe Dobbes. Cost is a mere $59, which includes wine/food tastings and entry into the cooking school demos.
The array of participating restaurants gives this new event immediate credibility - The Herbfarm, Salish Lodge, Campagne and Dahlia Lounge. Event organizers say patrons will be able to relax on sustainable furniture.
Proceeds benefit Heroes for the Homeless, a 2-year-old organization assisting folks sleeping on the sidewalk and under overpasses in the Seattle area. For information, visit seattlefoodandwineexperience.com.
10. Help finding treasure in Idaho.
The Treasure Valley Wine Society features events that focus on wineries in the state and often holds tastings with Idaho wineries.
The site lists wine shops in southern Idaho, and the quarterly newsletter from President Bob Young highlights industry news. They even facilitate the Idaho Wine Festival each August.
Board meetings occur on the first Tuesday of each month, but all members are welcome to attend. General membership events are held the third Tuesday of each month. Their blog is fed by members. Learn more by visiting treasurevalleywinesociety.org.
What is your favorite thing to do in Northwest wine country? Send your ideas to edegerman@winepressnw.com.
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