I hate to be prejudiced when it comes to a judging, but the first six years of the Best Northwest Wine Lists competition compelled me to save the best for last this time.

That's why I now judge all the other entries prior to opening the FedEx package from Ron Zimmerman, co-founder of The Herbfarm in Woodinville, Wash.

And for the fifth straight year, Zimmerman earned the Best Northwest Wine List award.

The Herbfarm's winning ways are so repetitive that it's been suggested we exclude the dining destination from the competition. Or perhaps just name it "The Herbfarm Award" and present that Best Northwest title to the runner-up.

Well, the gap seems to be narrowing just a bit.

Many of the Northwest's finest restaurants now focus not just on their own state, but also are branching out in all corners of the Northwest. Even places in Western Montana are catching on.

Other restaurants would be wise to take a page or two from any of the wine lists mentioned this year, particularly this year's regional award winners: Campbell's On The Lake (Best Washington), The Cascade Dining Room in Mount Hood's Timberline Lodge (Best Oregon), The Wine Cellar (Best Idaho) and The Toasted Oak Wine Bar & Grill (Best British Columbia).

Factors involved in evaluating the wine lists include quality and percentage of Northwest content, by-the-glass selections, presentation and price.

Best Northwest Wine List

The Herbfarm, Woodinville, Wash.

No one can truly relive history, but at The Herbfarm you can drink some in.

Remarkably, Zimmerman's collection and celebration of Pacific Northwest wines continues to grow. In fact, his wine list used to come in a three-ring binder. This year, four rings rein in the 142 pages. It's just one reason why he calls it "new and improved."

That list serves as the palette for chef Jerry Traunfeld, a James Beard Award winner dedicated to Northwest ingredients. Zimmerman and the staff orchestrate six wines to accompany Traunfeld's nine-course dinner that spans more than four hours.

Zimmerman's cellar - which guests walk through - contains 3,331 different selections. (It would be even larger if not for the restaurant's devastating fire in 1997.) More than 800 Washington wines are represented in a commercial collection that Zimmerman claims is the world's largest involving the Pacific Northwest.

For history, David Adelsheim can revisit his 1982 Yahmill County Pinot Noir. There are 46 Pinots from Ken Wright, if you include his final Panther Creek vintage (1994). A 1978 Leonetti Cab is available for $500. More recent vintages of Leonetti are available by the glass.

Those looking for fresh and intriguing whites will find Abacela's famed 2003 Albariño, Coeur d'Alene Cellars' 2002 Viognier and Sokol Blosser's nonvintage, nine-varietal blend Evolution.

Zimmerman and sommelier Christine Mayo are known to revise the list by more than 40 bottles each month. And if guests can't finish what they started, the Herbfarm is licensed to allow guests to buy bottles for home consumption.

It is the ultimate Northwest dining experience, and the ultimate wine list.

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

Outstanding Northwest Wine List

Barking Frog, Woodinville, Wash.

Willows Lodge hails itself as "a Northwest celebration of the senses," and Peter DonKonics, sommelier of its adjacent restaurant, maintains that. Nearly 100 percent of the wines are from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Neighboring wineries Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia warrant their own page. Many wines come under whimsical headings such as "Loud and Woolly," "Round and Woody," and simply "Wow." There's also a nice variety of half-bottles and wines by the glass.

Barking Frog at Willows Lodge, 14850 NE 145 St., Woodinville, WA, 425-424-2999, www.willowslodge.com/culinary-barkingfrog.php

Canlis, Seattle

Shayn Bjornholm, who earned Master Sommelier status this year, updates his list once a week and still offers Quilceda Creek Cab from four different decades. The lineup of Syrah from Washington is big on Doug McCrea, whose half-bottle program is well represented. Fans of Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley should enjoy the star-studded offerings from the late 1990s. British Columbia shows up with some ice wine and the 2002 Mission Hill Oculus, a red blend. One of the most unusual offerings on any wine list this year is standout vintner Mike Januik's Petit Verdot ($55) off Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain.

Canlis, 2576 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle,WA 206-283-3313, www.canlis.com.

Ocean Crest Resort, Moclips, Wash.

Miles Batchelder richly deserves his second straight award for regional representation - most of it high-end yet without huge markups - especially with Oregon vineyard-designated Pinot Noir. He offers 17 wines by the glass, 15 from the Northwest. You don't go far before noticing crisp whites from British Columbia (Mission Hill) and Idaho (Ste. Chapelle). And there's plenty of Camaraderie and Lost Mountain for those wanting some of the best that the Olympic Peninsula offers, all while gazing upon the Pacific Ocean.

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

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

The Listel Vancouver Hotel dining room focuses on the Pacific Northwest, and sommelier Calvin DesChene delivers, particularly with many of B.C.'s food-friendly whites. His list pays a special tribute to Quails' Gate Estate's Family Reserve program, with seven offerings. He also taps into Walla Walla and some high-end Pinot Noir from Oregon. The by-the-glass program features 15 Northwest offerings in 2-ounce or 5-ounce pours with pairing suggestions.

Listel Vancouver Hotel and O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar, 1300 Robson Street, Vancouver, B.C. 604-661-1400. www.listel-vancouver.com and www.odoulsrestaurant.com

Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, Wash.

Hector Garibay's knowledge of the Northwest wine industry looms large, a reputation built during his seven-year run as food and beverage director at the lofty Methow Valley retreat. His regional half-bottle program continues to grow with the likes of premium Oregon producer Rex Hill and rising Walla Walla star Buty. Particularly intriguing is the offering of Washington Merlots. There's also a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Fiddlehead Cellars and representation of Idaho and British Columbia. This list concludes by spotlighting a number of Columbia Cascade wineries.

Sun Mountain Lodge, 604 Patterson Lake Road, Winthrop, WA, 800-572-0493, www.sunmountainlodge.com.

The Cellar on 10th, Astoria, Ore.

Mike Wallis' restaurant sits at the mouth of the Columbia, and the list runs as the Columbia does, seemingly with Washington and Oregon representations split down the middle. Those looking for current vintages certainly won't be disappointed. There are seven from Barnard Griffin on top of eight from Beaux Freres. Near the bottom, Winter's Hill is followed by Woodward Canyon. There's also B.C. representation with ice wines from Mission Hill and Inniskillin.

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

The Shoalwater Restaurant, Seaview, Wash.

Tony Kischner accomplished something Seattle Mariners superstar Ichiro couldn't this season, that's go 7-for-7. The owner and Long Beach beacon for Northwest wines has earned this award all seven years of our competition's history. Here is a long list of big Washington reds and expressive Oregon Pinot, with some crisp Idaho whites. Regional winemaker dinners are booked well into 2006.

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

Best Washington Wine List

Campbell's Resort, Chelan

To be the champ, you have to beat the champ. And no one showcases not only wines of the state, but also wines of his region like George Van Over.

He remains a champion of the cause for half-bottles, predominantly L'Ecole No. 41 and Woodward Canyon, yet there's also the 2001 Cab Sauv from Wenatchee's Fielding Hills.

Many of the full-size bottles make it to your table for less than $40, but Van Over's tantalizing descriptions of each wine may prompt you to spend more, on say the Dunham Cellars 2000 Cab Sauv VI ($59). Van Over denotes some as "smiley face wine. I want to look and see the instant gratification when people drink it." Columbia Cascade wineries are should be pleased because 16 are represented on the list. If you can't find anything here that tickles your fancy, you must have a sourpuss for a palate.

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

Outstanding Washington Wine List

Anthony's at Columbia Point, Richland

The Puget Sound's indigenous chain of seafood restaurant now has tributaries in Eastern Washington, and the list at this year-old location is nearly 100 percent. A common thread is nearby Barnard Griffin. A curious omission is a Northwest Pinot Noir available by the glass, a natural match for salmon.

Anthony's at Columbia Point, 550 Columbia Point Dr., Richland, 509-946-3474, www.anthonys.com.

Bella Italia, Port Angeles

Italian is the first language on this list, but there's plenty of thoughtful regional representation. There's Leonetti Sangiovese, the first release of Domaine Drouhin-crafted Pinot Noir called Cloudline, and Olympic Peninsula's own Lost Mountain Merlot. The reserve list reveals these guys as "Francophiles" with an insightful three-year vertical of Barrister's Cab Franc, capped by the 2003 vintage by the Spokane winery that topped the Northwest Wine Summit. They sell this famous bottle for $35.

Bella Italia, 118 E. First St., Port Angeles, 360-457-5442, www.bellaitaliapa.com.

El Gaucho, Tacoma

Charlie Hoppes' Fidèlitas red table wine by the glass grabs your attention, and the selection of New World reds showcases several premier Northwest vintners - which one would expect to find at one of the region's top steakhouses. And don't forget a glass to go with your best primo in the Cigar Lounge.

El Gaucho Tacoma, 2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA, 253-272-1510, www.elgaucho.com.

Gray's at the Park, Vancouver, Wash.

This new Hilton property across the river from Portland reaches deeply into both states for wines to offer in each category, whether it be red or white. There's a local touch with the Sandhill Winery's Ridgefield Cinnamon Teal, a remarkable Cab-based blend that's annually very approachable and affordable.

Gray's at the Park, 301 W. Sixth St., Vancouver, WA, 360-828-4343

Klink's Williams Lake Resort, Cheney

This resort restaurant on Williams Lake doesn't gouge its guests, charging just $22 for Barnard Griffin's award-winning 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon. Spokane's Arbor Crest is a constant, as is Leonetti. Klink's even offers three organic wines by Badger Mountain.

Klink's Williams Lake Resort, 18617 Williams Lake Rd., Cheney, 800-274-1540, www.klinksresort.com.

Niko's Greek Restaurant & Wine Bar, Spokane

The state's grape growers recognized this legendary River City hot spot where remarkable local and regional wines flow. There's a good array of Oregon Pinot Noir, and it's not often you find the Eroica Single Berry Select available.

Niko's, 725 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane, 509-624-7444, www.nikosspokane.com.

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, Woodinville

Wine director Christine Larsen crafted a Lucite-encased "Wine Book" that seems as if it belongs to an interior designer. The descriptions for each wine are almost like swatches of fabric with enticing texture. Many of the fashionable neighborhood wineries (Betz, DeLille, Di Stefano) are here, yet Larsen ventures across the mountains for Tsillan Cellars' annually award-winning Chardonnay ($35) and dives deep into Walla Walla.

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, 14459 Woodinville-Redmond Rd., Woodinville, 425-483-7129, and 323 Park Place, Kirkland, 425-828-3772, www.thepurplecafe.com.

Spokane Athletic Club, Spokane

Folks at the Spokane Club quickly raise to toast with the delightful sparklers produced by local vintner Mountain Dome and follow up with a nice assortment of whites and reds from leading Washington winemakers.

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

The Idle Hour Cafe & Steak House, Quincy

Gene "Rosy" Rosenberger proudly serves only Washington wines, and he's up to 129 entries. Among those are 14 offered by the glass. All wines are served in Riedel; you won't pay more than $69 for any bottle, and what you don't finish, you may take home. Those who come in craving a big Washington red and a steak to match won't leave disappointed.

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

The Islander, Mercer Island

Regional wines now dominate Ken Caldwell's list. Many of those are from premier winemakers such as Bob Betz, Patricia Green, Charlie Hoppes and Ray Sandidge. There are newcomers such as Walla Walla boutique producer Harlequin. On Wednesdays, Leonetti bottles are just $80.

The Islander, 7440 SE 27th St., Mercer Island, WA, 206-232-6676.

The Lyle Hotel, Lyle

Wineries continue to crop up along the Columbia Gorge, which makes it more fun for longtime supporter/owner/innkeeper Jim Rutledge. New arrivals Dry Hollow, Erin Glenn, Pheasant Valley and The Pines are alongside veterans Cascade Cliffs, Maryhill, Mount Hood, Syncline and Wind River. Winemaker dinners pair five wines with five courses. A house rule is that any bottle can be opened with a two-glass minimum purchase. This is Rutledge's fourth straight award from us.

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

The Salish Lodge & Spa, Snoqualmie

It's referred to as the "Wine Loft Collection," which is appropriate considering the lofty number of bottles. Chardonnay lovers find a lot to like. Among the intriguing white offerings are the Long Shadows 2003 Poet's Leap Riesling, a nice array of Northwest Viognier, McCrea Cellars' 2002 Roussanne from Red Mountain, and a 1998 Melon from Elemental Cellars in Oregon. The reds include nearly a dozen Pinot Noir bottlings from Ken Wright, a stunning list of Merlot and Syrah from Washington, a chance at Andrew Will Sorella from 1994 and a bottle of 1983 Barnard Griffin Cab ($110).

Diners who love the convenience of half-bottles likely will find something to make them happy. And Leonetti Cellar's 2000 Merlot is one of four high-end Washington reds available by the glass.

The Salish Lodge, 6501 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, WA, 1-800-2-SALISH, www.salishlodge.com.

26 brix, Walla Walla

Hometown wineries receive a tablesetting alongside the cuisine of Mike Davis, a James Beard House guest chef. It would be easy for sommelier Robert Ames to go with just the blockbusters, but much of the Walla Walla Valley's strong supporting cast is found throughout, including by the glass.

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

Valley Cafe, Ellensburg

A line by Gregory Beach appears at the bottom of each wine list page that says it all: "Selections are Washington state wines unless otherwise noted." It's a big reason why many of the state's winemakers historically stop to eat at the Valley Cafe on their way across the Cascades. And prices - glass pours between $5-$7 - are so affordable, even college students can enjoy wine with dinner from this five-time list winner.

Valley Cafe, 105 W. Third Ave., Ellensburg, WA, 509-925-3050.

Washington Athletic Club, Seattle

The Washington Athletic Club's nickname is "The WAC," but the wine list makes sure you remember that the "W" stands for Washington. Statuesque reds from most of the state's finest red producers dominate the possibilities, including Hedges' 1994 Red Mountain Reserve ($150). There are some half-bottles by L'Ecole and Woodward Canyon, and winemaker dinners are scheduled into 2006.

Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., Seattle, WA, 206-622-7900.

Waterfront Seafood Grill, Seattle

quite a bit of insight goes into this spendy compilation as the likes of rising stars Basel Cellars, Mark Ryan, Nicholas Cole and Syncline are alongside names those famous right now. Executive chef Steve Cain schedules a winemaker dinner each month, mostly with in-state vintners.

Waterfront Seafood Grill, 2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle, 206-956-9171, www.waterfrontpier70.com.

Best Oregon Wine List

Cascade Dining Room, Timberline Lodge, Government Camp

The wines of Timberline top this category for the third straight year. There's a mesmerizing array of Oregon's finest Pinot Noir - more than 210 choices covering five pages. It's particularly noteworthy with many entries from Patricia Green and Ken Wright, some in half-bottles. Tours of the wine vault from David Villali and his educated staff are available.

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

Outstanding Oregon Wine List

Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City

Barbara Sidway's list is virtually 100 percent Oregon and features Domaine Drouhin, Elk Cove, Laurel Ridge, Marquam Hill and WillaKenzie. Distribution is limited in this historic Eastern Oregon town, so Sidway picks up the cases personally.

Geiser Grand Hotel, 1996 Main St., BakerCity, OR, 888-434-7374, www.geisergrand.com.

Carafe Bistro, Portland

Chef Pascal Sauton's Parisian-themed bistro near Keller Auditorium doesn't shy away from Oregon Pinot Noir, representing several of the state's top producers. There's an opportunity to gain perspective of the 1997 vintage in WillaKenzie Estate's Pierre Leon or to enjoy Domaine Drouhin's 2001 Willamette Valley in a half-bottle.

Carafe Bistro, 200 SW Market St., Portland, OR, 503-248-0004

Columbia Gorge Hotel, Hood River

Dining room manager Don MacKay quickly noted the new Columbia Gorge appellation, and you'll find 13 whites and 24 reds on his list produced by wineries within this new AVA. He seeks "wines produced by some of the best unknown winemakers and unknown wines made by some of the best-known winemakers." More restaurants would be wise to follow his lead as he offers eight Oregon Pinot Noirs in half-bottles, three by Cristom.

Columbia Gorge Hotel, 4000 Westcliff Dr., Hood River, OR, 800-345-1921, www.columbiagorgehotel.com.

Merenda Restaurant & Wine Bar, Bend

This hip but rustic workplace of famed chef Jody Denton stocks Willamette Valley whites, pays particular attention to Pinot Noir by Michael Etzel, and offers a glass of Zin from Bend's own Maragas Winery. There's also a nice compilation of Walla Walla reds.

Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar, 900 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 541-330-2304, www.merendarestaurant.com.

Paragon Restaurant and Bar, Portland

While the spotlight within this Pearl District spot is cast upon its specialty cocktails, nearly half of the wine list is Northwest with Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from Oregon leading the way. Markup is reasonable, with Lynn Penner-Ash's 2002 Seven Springs Pinot Noir (retail $49) is on your table for $67.

Paragon Restaurant and Bar, 1309 NW Hoyt St., Portland, OR, 503-833-5060, www.paragonrestaurant.com.

Rose City Café, Portland

General manager Ted Linne combines fine wining and dining at this Hilton property inside Portland International Airport, and the price on some fabulous Northwest reds and whites, particularly from Oregon, is worth offering someone a ride to PDX. For example, Panther Creek's 2002 Shea Vineyard is $38. The winery sells it for $40. You can take the wine with you, but it will cost you $10 corkage to drink at the restaurant.

Rose City Café, Portland Airport, 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR, 503-335-8385.

The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge, Cannon Beach

Several quality Pinot Noirs, nice support for Abacela and a glass pour program dominated by Northwest wines all come with affordable pricing.

Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge, 1190 Pacific Dr., Cannon Beach, OR, 503-436-1108. www.wayfarer-restaurant.com.

Best British Columbia Wine List

Toasted Oak Wine Bar & Grill, Oliver

General manager Jay Drysdale runs the menu, the kitchen, the floor, the restaurant and the adjacent wine shop, and the wine list shows his passion for the B.C. wine industry. The list reaches nearly to 300 entries, and every one is from within the province.

While the wine shop is VQA, "The Oak" list includes some non-VQA wineries, including the illustrious Blue Mountain.

"I'm looking at the largest B.C. wine list compiled so far," Drysdale said. "Putting it in my hands and running with it is an honor. We're going to try to turn some heads. Nobody has recognized this little wine bar in Oliver before."

We're happy to be the first.

Toasted Oak Wine Bar & Grill, 34881-97th St., Oliver, BC, 888-880-9463, Ext. 1, www.winecountry-canada.com/Page2.html.

Outstanding British Columbia Wine List

Cellar Door Bistro, Summerland

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery and Harry McWatters pioneered the concept of pairing fine dining on the premises with true "house" wines. Part of the program here includes a Sumac Ridge flight of four 2-ounce glasses for $11-$13. However, the impressive list spans the Okanagan Valley, particularly for Pinot Noir.

Cellar Door Bistro, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, 17403 Highway 97 N., Summerland, 250-494-0451, www.cellardoorbistro.com.

Diva at the Met, Vancouver

Blue Mountain, Burrowing Owl, Mission Hill and Quails' Gate are represented often. CedarCreek Pinot Noir is a nice touch to the glass pour list, and it's tempting to skip dessert with a split of Tinhorn Creek's rare Kerner Ice Wine waiting as a nightcap.

Metropolitan Hotel, 645 Howe St., Vancouver, 604-602-7788, www.metropolitan.com/diva

The Mahle House, Nanaimo

Delbert Horrocks restored much of this historic home by hand, and he's helped build the Vancouver Island wine industry by pairing releases with his sister's delectable fare. He pays particular attention to highly allocated Alderlea, where the focus is estate fruit. Horrocks won't deny his affinity for Okanagan Valley standouts Blue Mountain, Kettle Valley or Mission Hill, and provincial wines dominate the white wine list.

The Mahle House, 2104 Hemer Rd., Nanaimo, 250-722-3621, www.mahlehouse.ca.

Theo's, Penticton

This lively downtown spot pairs great Greek cuisine with Okanagan Valley wines. Nikos Theodosakis, son of the restaurant's founders, grew up following the B.C. wine industry. His special label Cab Franc and many other entries come from Sumac Ridge. He offers the coveted Osoyoos Larose, Larch Hills' delightful Tamarack Rose, Elephant Island fruit wines and proudly features - by the glass - two whites from showy Naramata newcomer Joie.

Theo's, 687 Main St., Penticton, 250-492-4019, www.eatsquid.com.

Best Idaho Wine List

The Wine Cellar, Coeur d'Alene

Jim Duncan adores Italy and loves Port, yet he long has embraced Northwest wines. His restaurant and adjoining wine shop continue to serve as an outlet for Idaho's growing industry, namely those in the Panhandle (Coeur d'Alene Cellars, Pend d'Oreille and TimberRock). He also showcases Spokane-area wineries.

The Wine Cellar, 313 Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene, 208-664-9463, www.coeurdalenewinecellar.com.

Outstanding Idaho Wine List

Andrae's, Boise

Andrae and Michelle Bopp have a French focus, but the wine list is opening up to the Northwest, particularly Walla Walla, with winemaker dinners featuring Trey Busch from Basel Cellars and Caleb Foster of Buty.

Andrae's, 816 West Bannock, Lower Level, Boise, 208-385-0707, www.andraesboise.com.

Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery, Boise

They brew their own spirits, yet founder/owner Kevin Settles casts a spotlight on Idaho wines, particularly reds from Hells Canyon and Koenig.

Bardenay, 610 Grove St., Boise, 208-426-0538, www.bardenay.com

Mortimer's, Boise

Jon Mortimer, a James Beard House chef and radio show host, views Northwest wine "as a perfect cornerstone for counterpoints from around the world." His list features Hells Canyon, Indian Creek, Koenig and Pend d'Oreille, as well as some famous Washington reds and a nice assortment of Pinot Noir from the likes of Elk Cove, Panther Creek and Ken Wright.

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

Best Western Montana Wine List

McGarry's Roadhouse, Whitefish

Executive chef Stephen Nogal and wife Sandy compiled one of the best lists in the Northwest during their years running The Inn at Langley in the Puget Sound. This marks their second annual award with their new restaurant in Montana. Wines by Eric Dunham, Doug McCrea, Kay Simon (Chinook), Rick Small (Woodward Canyon, Nelms Road) and Ken Wright get big play in Big Sky country.

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

Outstanding Western Montana Wine List

Café Kandahar, Whitefish

Walla Walla reds and Oregon Pinot Noir are represented, and you can even order a half-bottle of L'Ecole No. 41's 2001 Cab Sauv or Archery Summit 2000 Pinot Noir during your time at Big Mountain.

Café Kandahar, 300 Tally Lake Rd., Whitefish, 406-862-6247. www.cafekandahar.com.

Finn & Porter, Missoula

Oregon whites, including Sokol Blosser's Evolution, Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs and busty reds from Walla Walla all make their mark at the DoubleTree Hotel near the University of Montana.

Finn & Porter, DoubleTree Hotel, 100 Madison, Missoula, 406-542-4660, www.finnandporter.com.

Eric Degerman is managing editor of Wine Press Northwest. E-mail him at edegerman@winepressnw.com.