Two big wine weekends are coming.
The Yakima Valley is having its annual spring barrel tasting Friday through Sunday, and Walla Walla will follow with its spring open house April 30 through May 2.
About 100 wineries will take part in the two tastings, with hours generally running from 10 or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Some wineries will charge tasting fees. Some will offer treats. But all will offer something new to taste.
And with the mild spring we are having so far, it looks like a great chance to get out into the countryside when all is green and full of hope.
My advice: Enjoy the experience.
I've chosen two wineries to consider. Pontin del Roza of Prosser and Buried Cane of Walla Walla.
Pontin is celebrating its 25th anniversary, while Buried Cane is a newcomer just getting started.
First let's look at Pontin del Roza.
Winemaker Scott Pontin is celebrating his silver anniversary in the wine business with a good lineup and a new tasting room outside Prosser on Hinzerling Road. His website is www.pontindelroza.com.
Pontin del Roza 2008 Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $17 -- Ripe pears and a bit of pineapple make for a refreshing, food-friendly wine.
Pontin del Roza Roza Sunset, Yakima Valley, $11 -- A slightly sweet yet crisp picnic wine from Dolcetto grapes. It has fresh aromas and flavors of a ripe plum.
Pontin del Roza 2008 Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $13 -- A slight sweet summer sipper with a peach fruit cocktail medley of charming aromas and flavors.
Pontin del Roza 2008 Merlot, Yakima Valley, $18 -- Inviting oak with rich, juicy raspberry flavor and a hint of spice.
Buried Cane is part of Middleton Family Wines and has Brian Rudin as winemaker. The winery has been looking for a permanent home and is now part of Cadaretta Winery in Walla Walla. It's located just off Highway 12 entering Walla Walla at 13th and Dell avenues. The website is www.middletonfamilywines.com.
Buried Cane 2007 Riesling, Washington, $12 -- Granny Smith apples come to mind at first, then leading to some nice mango flavors.
Buried Cane 2008 Merlot, Washington, $13 -- Oak and tobacco aromas with smooth ripe cherry flavors.
Buried Cane 2007 Syrah, Washington, $13 -- It's hard to find a Syrah so good at this price. Black pepper and a bit of coffee aromas with yummy juicy blackberry flavors.
Buried Cane 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $13 -- Rated "Outstanding!" by Wine Press Northwest. Black cherries and boysenberry flavors with a bit of dark chocolate.
*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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