There wasn't nearly as much intrigue or satisfaction back in 1999 when we began evaluating wine lists for Northwest content.

Now, there's a joy as the region's restaurants have begun to embrace Northwest wines during the past six years. In fact, more restaurateurs seem to be eschewing foreign and Californian wines because chefs consider wines in their local area as an ingredient and accompaniment that enhances their award-winning cuisine.

Yes, terroir is a French term referring to growing conditions that impart qualities indigenous to a particular region, but more consumers recognize that there also are unique characteristics to be found in Northwest wines. They realize our wines deserve to be in a glass alongside our plates, and they are willing to patronize restaurants that promote local products - including local wines.

Winemaker dinners are on the rise. Events such as the expanding and traveling Taste Washington bring more consumers and restaurants together, opening more minds to the concept of pairing food with wine produced within the state. Several restaurants in the Northwest recognized this concept well before 1999, and the pride in their list is evident as they submit their entries to us year after year.

It's no coincidence that many of these restaurants have been successful for years, and this year's award-winners are prime examples: The Herbfarm (Best Northwest), Campbell's on The Lake (Washington), The Cascade Dining Room at Mount Hood's Timberline Lodge (Best Oregon), The Wine Cellar (Best Idaho) and the Salmon House on the Hill (Best British Columbia).

New to this year's competition is the addition of Western Montana restaurants, as we recognize the emergence of fine cuisine west of the Rockies.

Awards are separated into two categories: Best Wine List is for the entire Northwest and each of the five regions, for which we give one award; and Outstanding Wine Lists, for which we give awards to those we view as deserving of recognition.

Our judging factored in each restaurant's wine selections based on quality and quantity of Northwest content, by-the-glass selections, presentation and price. The judges were Eric Degerman, Wine Press Northwest associate editor and restaurant writer; and Andy Perdue, Wine Press Northwest editor and author of The Northwest Wine Guide: A Buyer's Handbook.

Best Northwest Wine List

The Herbfarm, Woodinville, Wash.

It's difficult to fathom, but the best got better for the fourth year in a row.

In fact, co-founder Ron Zimmerman doesn't view his collection as residing in a cellar, but rather "The Wine Library."

No one else in the Northwest takes a wine list as seriously or as meticulously as Zimmerman. It is presented in a three-ring binder with vignettes of historical figures in the wine industry, both from the Northwest and the world. Last year, The Herbfarm's wine list was an 87-page document. It's now a 152-page catalog.

"You may have noticed that we have expanded the list considerably," Zimmerman said. "We have also tried to make the list more user-friendly by using larger type, color and breaks so that folks can scan and skim 'in and out' of the list without losing their place."

In keeping with Zimmerman's hospitality, guests receive plenty of time to digest his compilation. Dinner at The Herbfarm is a nine-course meal featuring the cuisine of James Beard Award-winning chef Jerry Traunfeld. Northwest wines are paired to each menu progression, and the dining experience spans up to five hours.

"Our Wine Library list is for those who wish to further explore the breadth and depth of The Herbfarm's offerings," Zimmerman said. "We have an inventory of 17,000 bottles and somewhere around 2,500 selections in the cellar, which people have to walk through on their way to the restrooms."

Guests can find Leonetti and Cayuse available by the glass, and a collection of bottlings and varieties rarely seen elsewhere. There's Carmenere, a grape believed extinct not long ago, from Washington; Chardonnay out of Idaho; Melon, a Burgundian variety uncommon in the Northwest, in Oregon; and Pinot Auxerrois from Gray Monk Estate Winery in British Columbia. And as of this writing, Zimmerman listed a Chateau Ste. Michelle red blend from 1967 called White Oak ($200). However, within a month there could be as much as a 40-entry turnover on the list.

Northwest vintners may consider they have arrived if they produce a wine that ends up among Zimmerman's collection. And it's not unusual for winemakers such as Ken Wright to find a bottle of his own wine, from a vintage long gone from his own library, alive and well at The Herbfarm.

"While Northwest wines get only better and better each year, we also have considerable depth in 'moldy oldies' for historical reference," Zimmerman said. "Among these are David Lett's 1975 Eyrie Vineyard South Block Pinot Noir, which changed the Oregon wine scene with its showing at the Paris Wine Olympics in 1980."

This fall, Zimmerman, Traunfeld and their staff will play host to a series of six winemaker dinners: Matt Loso (Matthews Cellars), Greg Lill (DeLille Cellars), Chris Camarda (Andrew Will Winery), Bob Betz (Betz Family Winery), Mike Januik (Januik Winery) and ending with David Lake (Columbia Winery).

Those who are serious about golf dream of playing Pebble Beach at least once in their lifetimes. And anyone with an interest in Northwest cuisine and the region's top wines should dine at The Herbfarm.

"I believe that we have one of the best selections of Pacific Northwest wines to be found anywhere," Zimmerman said with modesty.

If there is one better, we haven't seen it.

The Herbfarm, 14590 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, Wash. 425-485-5300, www.theherbfarm.com.

Outstanding Northwest Wine Lists

Ocean Crest Resort, Moclips, Wash.

Last year, this resort less than an hour's drive from Olympic National Park received acclaim for its thoughtful representation of highly acclaimed Washington wines and Oregon Pinot Noirs. The same holds true, and Miles Batchelder now includes entries from Idaho and B.C., among them Tinhorn Creek's rapidly moving Late Harvest Kerner. His prices and the setting also make it easy to experience wines from the likes of Chris Camarda (Andrew Will), Mike Janiuk and Ken Wright. There's also Stimson Estate's underappreciated but delightful White Merlot by the glass.

Ocean Crest Resort, 4651 State Route 109, Moclips, WA, 360-276-4465, www.oceancrestresort.com.

Raincity Grill, Vancouver, B.C.

General manager/sommelier Brent Hayman goes after the "Best of the West" as the focus of the restaurant in pairing Sean Cousins' regional cuisine with regional wine. The "selection" portion of his list allows guests to open a bottle for a single-glass pour. You'll also have a handful of ice wine by the glass to choose from. He also casts a special light on his reserve portion with his "Raincity Collection," which includes bottles collected over the restaurant's 10-year history. There you'll find a magnum of Blue Mountain Winery's prized Striped-Label Pinot Noir and bottles of Woodward Canyon's 1995 Old Vines Cab and Domaine Drouhin's 1994 Pinot Noir.

Raincity Grill, 1193 Denman St., Vancouver, B.C. 604-685-7337, www.raincitygrill.com.

The Shoalwater Restaurant, Seaview, Wash.

Tony Kischner earns an award in this all-encompassing category for the sixth straight year, displaying a passion for Washington and Oregon wines that many famous metropolitan restaurants with bigger budgets should emulate. The value-conscious list is loaded with Pinot Noir from Oregon and Syrah from Washington. Winemaker dinners continue to fill up the off-season calendar, as they have for years at this dining destination on the Long Beach Peninsula.

The Shoalwater Restaurant at The Shelburne Inn. 45th & Pacific Highway, Seaview, WA, 360-642-4142, www.shoalwater.com.

Best Washington Wine List

Campbell's Resort, Chelan

George Van Over's list opens with more than a dozen half-bottles, a movement that is slowly catching on. Next, he showcases six Chelan Valley wineries, allowing diners to see first-hand the emergence of the youthful Columbia Cascade wine region. Each wine includes tasting notes in a succinct, understandable, expressive style. There's no pretense anywhere, especially when it comes to price. A bottle of Leonetti Cellar 2001 Merlot from the Columbia Valley will go on his tables for $65. Andrew Will 2000 Sorella? Just $59. That's virtually retail for both.

"I think people are becoming more savvy about wine, and lot of the wines that we are selling are the ones from the Columbia Cascade region," Van Over said. "The idea is for everybody to enjoy wine, and the Campbell family gives me the latitude with the pricing that allows us to do that."

Most of the wines on this list are sold for less than $40 per bottle. That's being an ambassador for the Washington wine industry.

Campbell's Resort, 104 W. Woodin Ave., Chelan, 509-682-2561, www.campbellsresort.com.

Outstanding Washington Wine Lists

Anthony's HomePort at Spokane Falls

The 30-year-old Puget Sound chain maintains it focus of Washington wine and fresh fish at beautiful riverside locations in Spokane and Richland. The Spokane list features several local wineries as well as bottlings from Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.

Anthony's HomePort at Spokane Falls, 510 N. Lincoln, Spokane, 509-328-9009. www.anthonys.com.

Backstage Bistro, Walla Walla

If the wine listed is not from Walla Walla, then it's from outside the Northwest, but there's not much of the latter. Woodward Canyon dominates the possibilities, with L'Ecole No. 41 and Seven Hills each having several bottles on the inventory.

Backstage Bistro, 230 E. Main St., Walla Walla. 509-526-0690, www.backstage-bistro.com.

Berkshire Grill, Seattle

Its claim of "The Northwest's best values for exclusively Northwest wines" isn't far-fetched. The prices on Sunday through Thursday are astounding, featuring bottles at near-retail price. For example, the difficult-to-come-by Five Star Cellars 2001 Cab from Walla Walla can be had for $32.50 every night but Friday and Saturday. The list doesn't include a bunch of superstars, rather it focuses on reliable performers, including Bridgeview Pinot Noir (Oregon), Idaho Chardonnay (Ste. Chapelle, Sawtooth) and even reaches north of the border for Pinot Auxerrois - Gray Monk's cult wine from the Okanagan Valley. And the third Wednesday of each month features Northwest winemaker dinners. Look for it in the Ramada Inn at Northgate.

Berkshire Grill, 2132 N. Northgate Way, Seattle, WA, 206-417-0707, www.berkshiregrillseattle.com.

Bonefish Grill, Bothell/Seattle

This Florida-based chain makes its first splash around the Puget Sound with affordable market-fresh fish grilled over apple wood and paired with delectable sauces. Thanks in large part to Scott Gordon, former manager at Flemings in downtown Seattle, Northwest reds and white wines play a prominent role at both locations. The reserve wines are also available by the glass, including Jackson-Triggs Riesling Ice Wine.

Bonefish Grill, Bothell, 22616 Bothell Everett Highway, 425-485-0305. Seattle, 711 Westlake Ave. N., 206-405-2663, www.bonefishgrill.com.

Coho Café, Redmond/Issaquah

Those who want to buy Washington are welcome at these two restaurants. Aside from a handful of thoughtful selections of Oregon Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, it is 100 percent Washington and from a broad variety of producers. The Woodinville area is particularly well represented, including three bottlings by Bob Betz, the Master of Wine who recently retired from Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Coho Café, 8976 161st Ave. NE, Redmond, 425-885-2646; and 6130 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway, Suite A, Issaquah, 425-391-4040, www.cohocafe.com

Dulces Latin Bistro, Seattle

There's nearly an A-to-Z list of Northwest Cab blends on this list, including Col Solare from 1995, and a rich representation of regional Merlot, Syrah and several of Oregon's finest Pinot Noir producers. There are some Northwest half-bottles, including several from McCrea Cellars.

Dulces Latin Bistro, 1430 34th Ave., Seattle, 206-322-5453, www.dulceslatinbistro.com.

42nd Street Cafe, Seaview

Fans of Northwest values don't need to do much beachcombing here. Barnard Griffin's 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, a 2003 Platinum winner, comes to your table for just $28. The most expensive wine on the list, which is 99 percent Northwest, is Domaine Drouhin's 1998 Pinot Noir from Oregon at $80.

42nd Street Café, 4201 Pacific Way, Seattle, 360-642-2323, www.42ndstreetcafe.com.

Friday Harbor House, Friday Harbor

Savvy oenophiles in the San Juan Islands, including innkeeper Linda Hersey, know you don't need to venture to the mainland for nice wine. Lopez Island Vineyards and San Juan Vineyards are featured prominently, and the list is reasonably priced.

Friday Harbor House, Friday Harbor, 360-378-8455, www.fridayharborhouse.com.

The Idle Hour Café & Steak House, Quincy

Chef/owner Rosy Rosenberger earns a spot on our list for the third straight year by featuring only Washington wines, many from his Columbia Cascade region, and none does he charge more than $65 for. Fans of Charlie Hoppes wines will find joy at this historic diner.

The Idle Hour Café & Steak House, 18 B St. SE, Quincy, 509-787-3714, www.nwinternet.com/~idlehour.

The Inn at Langley, Langley

Executive chef Matt Costello makes sure this world-renowned inn on Whidbey Island continues to offer wines from many of the state's most famous winemakers, including Andrew Will, L'Ecole No. 41, Leonetti, Quilceda Creek and Woodward Canyon. We applaud the 10 half-bottle selections from the talented Doug McCrea, the Northwest's most intrepid Rhône Ranger. There are also choice Oregon Pinot Noirs and dessert wines, most notably ice wines from British Columbia by Jackson-Triggs.

The Inn at Langley, 400 First St., Langley, 360-221-3033, www.innatlangley.com.

The Islander, Mercer Island

The main list circles the state from large to small producers. Order from the reserve list, which is brief but focused on several of the Northwest's top Syrah and Pinot Noir wineries, and you get to drink out from Spiegelau stemware. Visit on Wednesdays and those reserves are $10 off.

The Islander, 7740 27th St., Mercer Island, 206-232-6676.

Luna, Spokane

This trendy spot puts Viognier and Chardonnay from Washington on display more than most. There's also a dazzling array of reds, ranging from Woodward Canyon's Special Selection from 1993 ($175) to Waterbrook's Melange ($22). A Pinot Noir lover won't be disappointed, either, and there are a couple of Rex Hill half-bottles, too.

Luna, 5620 Perry St., 509-448-2383. www.lunaspokane.com.

Lyle Hotel, Lyle

Owner Jim Rutledge continues to focus and expand his list from within the Columbia Gorge and virtually every winery within an hour's drive is represented, including Zinfandel from three producers. New chef Matt McGowan continues the practice of pairing recommendations for each entrée, winemaker dinners are presented six times a year, and the staff will open any bottle with a two-glass minimum. This is Rutledge's third straight award.

The Lyle Hotel, 100 Seventh St., Lyle, 800-447-6310, www.lylehotel.com.

Meadow Springs Country Club, Richland

One of state's finest golf courses has a dining room with a wine list that reflects its position in the heart of Washington wine country. In fact, of the nearly 40 wineries represented, all but Andrew Will, DeLille and Chateau Ste. Michelle are within an hour's drive. The club is private, so befriend a member in the Tri-Cities.

Meadow Springs Country Club, 700 Country Club Place, Richland, 509-627-2234.

The Metropolitan Grill, Seattle

These folks show a dedication to the half-bottle format, and it appears as if they would carry more from the Northwest if more vintners were producing them. Anyone who loves Bordeaux-style reds from Washington with a fabulous steak will be happy here.

The Metropolitan Grill, 820 Second Ave., Seattle, 206-624-3287, www.themetropolitangrill.com.

Pearl's on Pearl Wine Bar & Bistro, Ellensburg

This relative newcomer to downtown Ellensburg focuses on wines from east of the Cascades and does so with an eye on value. Walla Walla is well represented, including three reds from Reininger Winery. Flights of four different producers, reds and white, also are featured, as are 40 wines by the glass.

Pearl's on Pearl, 311 N. Pearl, Ellensburg, 509-962-8899.

Purple Café & Wine Bar, Woodinville

Neighborhood wineries are represented, but the concept of wine flights makes this a fun way to experience several different wines at one sitting. There are Northwest red, white and red/white flights, featuring four 2.5-ounce pours. And Tuesday is "Brown Bag Flight Night," if you sniff out all four varieties, you win a $25 gift certificate at either the Woodinville or Kirkland property. On Sunday, selected bottles are half price.

Purple Café & Wine Bar (Woodinville), 14459 Woodinville-Redmond Rd, (425) 483-7129. www.thepurplecafe.com.

Racha Noodles and Thai Cuisine, Seattle

This Asian restaurant, along with its wine steward known as Sprite, annually comes up with one of the best pairings at Taste Washington in Seattle. And they offer a Washington wine-of-the-week program at all locations, which include Lanna Thai in Everett and Racha Thai Cuisine in Woodinville.

Racha Noodles and Thai Cuisine, 23 Mercer St. Seattle, 206-281-8883. www.rachathai.com.

Salish Lodge and Spa, Snoqualmie

It says a lot about the breadth of your coverage of Oregon and Washington when you can produce a detailed and layered Excel spreadsheet to handle it, as sommelier Mark Kieras has done. There's a rich representation of Washington reds, especially Merlot, and Rhône varieties from McCrea Cellars. A vertical of Andrew Will's Sorella stretches back to 1994. There are opportunities afforded by Northwest half-bottles and a wealth of classy Pinot Noir from Oregon.

Salish Lodge & Spa, 6501 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie, 1-800-272-5474. www.salishlodge.com.

The Spokane Club, Spokane

This venerable downtown private club continues to improve its Washington content, particularly Eastern Washington, and does so with an eye on solid values. Those include several from Spokane, ranging from Mountain Dome sparklers to Knipprath's intriguing chocolate-infused port-style Au Chocolat!

The Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave., 509-838-8511, www.spokaneclub.org.

Sundance Grill, Richland

A perennial winner in this category, the Sundance Grill has immersed itself in the Washington wine industry. A glance around the beautiful dining room beside the Columbia River will reveal a veritable Who's Who of winemakers and grape growers dining for lunch and dinner. The list is nearly 100 percent Washington, with about 40 by-the-glass choices.

Sundance Grill, 450 Columbia Point Drive, Richland, 509-942-7120, www.sundancegrillrestaurant.com.

Troiani, Seattle

This Italian restaurant, which is part of the El Gaucho group, features some of the most graceful reds in the state, and includes Wilridge's Nebbiolo and Columbia's Sangiovese. Recently, the restaurant played host to a winemaker dinner with Chinook in celebration of the Prosser winery's 20th anniversary.

Troiani, 1001 Third Ave., Seattle, 206-624-4060, www.troiani.com.

26 Brix, Walla Walla

Mike Davis, former executive chef at The Salish Lodge, opened his own place this summer with a focus on Walla Walla Valley wines, particularly red blends. He'll be taking some of those wines for his meal at the James Beard House next spring.

26 Brix, 207 W. Main, Walla Walla, 509-526-4075. www.twentysixbrix.com.

Visconti's Italian Restaurants, Wenatchee Valley

Daniel Carr's portfolio of offerings at both of his Italian-themed locations include a Columbia Cascade chapter listing wines from 13 of that association's members, and the majority of the rest of the cellar - including his adjoining wine shop in Leavenworth - shows his long-held devotion to the state.

Visconti's Ristorante Italiano, 636 Front St., Leavenworth, 509-548-1213; and Visconti's Italian Restaurant, 1737 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, 509-662-5013, www.viscontis.com.

Best Oregon Wine List

Cascade Dining Room, Timberline Lodge

This National Historic Landmark and judging stage for the Northwest Wine Summit tops this category for the second straight year. In fact, wine program manager David Villali writes, "If you ask for a recommendation, we'll most likely steer you toward the local product. I think they probably do the same in Burgundy." The list of home-grown Pinot is long and strong, exemplified by more than 30 different Pinot Noirs from Ken Wright Cellars, many in half-bottles. Wines by the glass include tasting notes and food recommendations. Washington wines are also embraced.

Timberline Lodge, Government Camp, 503-622-0700, www.timberlinelodge.com.

Outstanding Oregon Wine Lists

Bistro Maison, McMinnville

This husband-and-wife-owned bistro has developed a nice tight list, both red and white, in its 18 months of operation. And no bottle will cost more than $70. Abacela, Bergstrom, Cristom, Ken Wright, Panther Creek, Patricia Green, Solena and Viento earn their place here, some available in half-bottles.

Bistro Maison, 729 E. Third St., McMinnville, 503-474-1888, www.bistromaison.com.

The Cellar on 10th, Astoria

Mike Wallis collates his Pacific Northwest list alphabetically, and nearly every letter is represented, most by Oregon. Among those with a broad presence are Argyle, Elk Cove, Patricia Green Cellars, Rex Hill, Sineann, Valley View and Winter's Hill, but there's lots to choose from in between. The Cellar on 10th is a wine shop, wine bar and winemaker dinner haven at the end of the Lewis & Clark Trail.

The Cellar on 10th, 1004 Marine Dr., Astoria, 503-325-6600, www.thecellaron10th.com.

Chateaulin Restaurant Francais, Ashland

Burgundian varieties produced in Oregon are welcomed at this French restaurant and wine shop near the California border. Many of the state's top Pinot Noir producers are reflected here, and a few are available in half-bottles.

Chateaulin Restaurant Francais, 50 E. Main St., Ashland, 541-482-2264, www.chateaulin.com.

Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City

The list at this historic Eastern Oregon hotel that dates to the 1889 Gold Rush isn't lengthy but is dedicated to Oregon. Fans of Elk Cove, Marquam Hill, Laurel Ridge and WillaKenzie will find familiar dinner companions, some by the glass.

Geiser Grand Hotel, 1996 Main St., Baker City. 888-434-7374, www.geisergrand.com.

Jacksonville Inn, Jacksonville

This gourmet dinner house, hotel and wine shop is a destination for wine lovers. It does a particularly nice job of offering Southern Oregon wines by the glass. The representation of Oregon whites, especially Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris is noteworthy. And then there's the almost impossible task of choosing from nearly a 100 state-produced Pinot Noirs. Don't overlook their selection of "miscellaneous" wines, which includes much of Abacela's portfolio, but also Leonetti Sangiovese and Andrew Will Sorella.

The Jacksonville Inn, 175 E. California, Jacksonville, 800-321-9344, www.jacksonvilleinn.com.

The Peerless Restaurant Hotel & Bar, Ashland

Stu Stein's culinary focus is on regional ingredients and manager Michael Biggs sprinkles some Southern Oregon reds and Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs on the wine list. The wine experience is enhanced by sipping from Spiegelau crystal.

The Peerless Restaurant, 265 Fourth St. Ashland, 541-488-6067, www.peerlesshotel.com.

The Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach

This upscale getaway offers wine-and-cheese gatherings each day, and Joel Francis' dining room list spotlights Pinot Noir producers such as Cameron, Cristom and Domaine Drouhin at approachable prices. The house Pinot Noir is produced by Chateau Benoit from La Colina Vineyards.

The Stephanie Inn, 2740 S. Pacific, Cannon Beach. 800-633-3466, www.stephanie-inn.com.

Veritable Quandary, Portland

Locals refer to it as "The VQ," and what a nice quandary Northwest wine lovers experience at the end of the Hawthorne Bridge when viewing this list. It's thoughtful rather than run-of-the-mill with Weisinger's huge Petite Pompadour red blend, LaBete's Aligote and Mission Hill's Oculus available by the glass.

Veritable Quandary, 1220 SW First Ave., Portland, 503-227-7342, www.veritablequandary.com.

Best Idaho Wine List

The Wine Cellar, Coeur d'Alene

Jim Duncan maintains his star-studded Northwest offerings while showcasing Spokane-area wines as well as some of Idaho's best, particularly Pend d'Oreille, Sawtooth and a Viognier by newcomer Coeur d'Alene Cellars.

The Wine Cellar, 313 Sherman Ave., 208-664-9463, www.coeurdalenewinecellar.com.

Outstanding Idaho Wine Lists

Brix Restaurant, Coeur d'Alene

This trendy Lake City establishment has seen some changes in the past year, and the list has some nice Northwest content, however it does not embrace Idaho or the Spokane area.

Brix Restaurant & The Underground Night Club, 317 Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene, 208-665-7407, www.brixrestaurant.com.

Mortimer's Idaho Cuisine, Boise

Jon Mortimer continues to open his wine list to Idaho wines as the state's industry improves. There are more than a dozen entries - focusing on Hells Canyon, Koenig and Pend d'Oreille - and the glass-pour policy provides an offering of at least one red and one white from the home state. His list also has big reds from Washington and prized Pinot Noirs from Oregon.

Mortimer's Idaho Cuisine, 110 S. Fifth St., Boise, 208-338-6550, www.mortimersidaho.com.

Best British Columbia Wine List

Salmon House on the Hill, West Vancouver

Brent Wolrich continues to focus his list within the province, and it doesn't matter if the wineries are members of the Vintners Quality Alliance. Proven producers such as CedarCreek, Kettle Valley, Quails' Gate and Sandhill are alongside newer wineries such as family-owned Glenugie in Langley. Along the way, Wolrich maintains a strong by-the-glass and half-bottle program revolving around B.C. wines.

Salmon House on the Hill, 2229 Folkestone Way, West Vancouver, B.C. 604-926-3212, www.salmonhouse.com.

Outstanding British Columbia Wine Lists

Cellar Door Bistro, Summerland

Harry McWatters established Sumac Ridge Estate Winery as a leader in the Northwest when he combined B.C. wines with a first-rate restaurant at his winery. And while the Cellar Door Bistro serves almost everything sold across the lobby in the wine shop, you can find many of best Okanagan Valley wineries represented on this list.

The Cellar Door Bistro at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, 17403 Highway 97, Summerland, B.C. 250-494-0451, www.sumacridge.com.

Fresco, Kelowna

Rarely does sommelier/sous chef Mark Filatow stray outside the Okanagan Valley for his wine, especially when it comes to Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and his glass pours. Just remember to save room for dessert wines.

Fresco, 1650 Water St., Kelowna, 250-868-8805.

Granny Bogner's, Penticton

Chef/owner Peter Hebel dedicates much of his list to wineries up and down the beautiful Okanagan Valley, which pair deliciously with his European-inspired cuisine.

Granny Bogner's, 302 Eckhardt Ave. West, Penticton, B.C., 250-493-2711, www.grannybogners.com.

Mahle House Restaurant, Cedar

This Vancouver Island country inn just south of Nanaimo features local ingredients. That includes Vancouver Island winery Alderlea Vineyards, as seven of Roger Dosman's superb wines are available here. Vintners of the Naramata Bench also have won the hearts of these restaurateurs and VQA entries are outnumbered by non-VQA selections, particularly Kettle Valley with four reds.

Mahle House Restaurant, 2104 Hemer, Nanaimo, 250-722-3621, www.mahlehouse.com.

O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar, Vancouver, B.C.

No one needs a reason to visit historic Listel Vancouver Hotel, but sommelier Calvin DesChene's list for O'Doul's is an added enticement. He offers a few half-bottles from B.C. and Oregon, and he does an eye-popping job of showcasing B.C. whites, particularly Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc - virtually all for less than $50 Canadian. Of particular interest is the Vintage Gallery, which profile a several Quails' Gate bottlings, Vincor's new international collaboration called Osoyoos Larose, and also includes U.S. reds vineyard-designated Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley and reds from famous Walla Walla vintners.

O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar, Listel Vancouver Hotel, 1300 Robson St., Vancouver, B.C., 1-800-663-5491, www.listel-vancouver.com.

Best Western Montana Wine List

McGarry's Roadhouse, Whitefish

Stephen Nogal is one of the Northwest's truly inspired - and inspiring - chefs, and his well-earned reputation was honed during his years at the beautiful Inn at Langley on Washington's Whidbey Island. He and his wife, Sandy, decided in 2002 to go in a new direction, which led them to Whitefish, Mont., where their dedication to local ingredients and great wines continues. Nogal's list is heavy with selections from Chinook Winery in the Yakima Valley, as well as notables from the Walla Walla Valley.

McGarry's Roadhouse, 510 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, 406-862-6223.