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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.
ALDERDALE -- Folks can enjoy a Texas-style barbecue deep in the heart of the Horse Heaven Hills at McKinley Springs Winery on June 13.
McKinley Springs Winery is about 60 miles from the Tri-Cities just off Alderdale Road along the Benton-Klickitat county line. You can get there by taking Interstate 82 south to Highway 14, which runs along the north side of the Columbia River. Then turn about six miles past Crow Butte Park, turn north on Alderdale Road. The winery is on McKinley Springs Road about a half-mile from its intersection with Alderdale Road.
The tasting room offers a variety of picnic tables. Other wineries in the area include Chateau Champoux, Alexandria Nicole, Canyon's Edge and Columbia Crest near Paterson.
McKinley Springs is part of the Andrews family farm and includes 2,000 acres of wine grapes, making it one of the Northwest's largest vineyard holdings.
Sandy Andrews Rowell and her husband, Doug, run the winery, which uses only a tiny amount of the grapes they grow. Most are sold to a list of 22 customers, including some of the Northwest's largest wineries.
The barbecue cookoff June 13 is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes more than a half-dozen teams. Tickets cost $25, which includes a meal, glass of wine and samples of the teams' barbecue. Proceeds go toward entertaining troops returning to Fort Lewis from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.
For information on the barbecue, call 509-894-4528 or go to www.mckinleysprings.com.
McKinley Spring wines are available at Albertson's in Meadow Springs, Yoke's and AVA Tasting Room in south Kennewick.
2007 rosé, Horse Heaven Hills, $12 -- Made from Barbera, this wine offers a crisp tasty, slightly sweet wine that's perfect with barbecue.
2007 Chenin Blanc, HHH, $12 -- Very approachable with tangerine flavors. A great summer sipper by itself.
2007 Viognier, HHH, $14 -- Classic orange aromas with a tangy orange rind taste. Barbecued chicken wings anyone?
Nonvintage Confluence white, HHH, $12 -- A flavorful blend of Viognier and Chenin Blanc with pear and citrus characteristics. A great match for a summer salad with orange sections and walnuts.
Nonvintage Bombing Range Red, HHH, $16 -- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah blend into a smooth and mellow wine with plum and cherry components. Bring on the barbecued brisket.
2007 Heaven's Reward, HHH dessert wine, $14 -- Made from Chenin Blanc at 11 percent residual sugar, it's satisfyingly sweet and balanced and would be great with a fresh fruit tart.
*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.
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