From Slow Wine to Fun Wine Itineraries in Seattle

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They’re here! If you’re curious about wineries with a sustainable focus, or interested in Seattle’s wine scene, my recent writing projects are now published.

Slow Wine Guide 2023

The secret is out! How do you find wines that are crafted with sustainable practices such as using grapes that are farmed without synthetic pesticides & herbicides? Get a copy of the Slow Wine Guide USA! The 2023 edition is now available.⁠
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I had the pleasure of interviewing 17 winemakers in Washington and Oregon for this edition, helping to grow the Pacific Northwest’s presence in this outstanding resource. It’s a true honor to spend time with these front runners as they walk me through their vines and pour their wines. ⁠

The guide may be ordered online via the Slow Food site.

Explore Seattle’s Urban Wineries in Pioneer Square and West Seattle

As a volunteer board member for Seattle Urban Wineries, I’ve been making the rounds to local tasting rooms. These day trips have inspired my latest articles on Explore Washington State.

If you think the only attraction worth visiting in Pioneer Square is the Underground Tour, think again! Three fantastic tasting rooms are within half a mile of each other. Plus, I share some insider recommendations for top places to eat, get coffee, peruse art, and shop. Get the whole run down on “Spending a Day in Pioneer Square.”

Go Wine Tasting in West Seattle

If you haven’t been to West Seattle since the bridge reopened, it’s time! Plan a day to explore three intimate tasting rooms along a one and a half mile stretch along California Avenue Southwest. Then discover some of the best eats in the neighborhood recommended by a resident winemaker.

Read the article, “Spending a Day Wine Tasting in West Seattle.”

There you have it, from slow wine to fun wine Itineraries in Seattle. For more wine travel inspiration see my itinerary for “Two Wine Soaked Days in Walla Walla,” or “How to Spend a Day in Woodinville Wine Country.”

Washington Wineries Attain Slow Wine Awards

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The Slow Wine Guide USA 2022 is now available. This edition includes twelve Washington wineries. That’s nine more than the 2021 edition. Better still, two are recognized with Slow Wine’s top honors. Read on for some insights about the Washington wineries that attained Slow Wine awards.

Of the 36 wines published in the Washington chapter for this edition of the Guide, nine are named Top Wines. Of the wines sampled, these represent the finest bottles from a sensory point of view. From cool climate Madeleine Angevine to the state’s first commercial plantings of Sagrantino, the varieties represented showcase the diversity of grapes that can  successfully grow in Washington. Combined with styles ranging from carbonic maceration to well-made pet nats, the wines in this publication exhibit the exciting range of winemaking in the state. Continue reading “Washington Wineries Attain Slow Wine Awards”

Belle and Bottle Wine Awards Gives Women a Platform

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There’s an exciting new wine awards program launching! Founded by Laura Huston, the Belle and Bottle Wine Awards program is to take place for the first time in 2022. Not only does the program highlight top wines. It intends to give women a platform to share their expertise and elevate one another.

Laura Huston of Belle & Bottle

Since I started my own business providing social media and marketing services to the wine industry, one of the joys is that I never know what kind of project will come my way. When Laura asked me to join the advisory panel for the awards program, I couldn’t refuse. After all, when I hosted virtual tastings in 2020 Laura backed me 100% and provided wine through her Belle and Bottle online shop. (By the way, the Food and Wine Magazine named Belle and Bottle Wine Club one of the best wine clubs in America!) It also probably doesn’t hurt that this isn’t my first involvement with a wine awards program. Continue reading “Belle and Bottle Wine Awards Gives Women a Platform”

Let’s Talk About Washington Wine Month

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It happens twice a year. This time, there are some twists. So let’s talk about Washington Wine Month,
new ways to celebrate with the Auction of Washington Wines, and how to win a weekend getaway to Washington.

Before we dive in, feel free to review my hashtag guide to Washington Wine Month which offers some explanation as to why we have two months dedicated to vinous celebrations.

Let's talk about Washington Wine Month
Check out the Sip Around Seattle auction lot (number 171) and place your bid!

Celebrate the Auction of Washington Wines

Continue reading “Let’s Talk About Washington Wine Month”

Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine Month

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When I posted about Walla Walla Valley Wine Month on Instagram, a friend commented that she wasn’t even aware that such a month had been declared. So, here’s some insight as to why you may not have heard about it, a run-down on what to know about the month, and recommended bottles to open.

First, let’s solve the mystery of why this vinous month is less than well known. Consider that April 2020 was the first Walla Walla Valley Wine Month. Well, the pandemic unexpectedly threw a monkey wrench into the inaugural event. It was a fine idea when originally planned, however, born from the notion that the vineyards come back to life in April. It’s also tied to Spring Kick-Off Weekend. That’s the special time of year when many wineries open their doors to showcase their latest releases. The hubby and I have certainly enjoyed our share of winery visits during April. I mean, it’s our duty as Washingtonians, right?

Photos courtesy of Richard Duval Images

 

2nd Annual Event Offerings

“Walla Walla Valley Wine Month is an unparalleled opportunity to experience Walla Walla Valley Wine, whether you are near or far,” says Robert Hansen, Executive Director of Walla Walla Valley Wine. If nothing else, simply follow along on social media to learn about the Walla Walla Valley AVA.

For those interested in a visit to the region, wineries have special offers for intimate experiences including elevated tasting options. If you plan to visit a winery in person, be sure to make a reservation due to limited capacity.

Alternatively, those who prefer a virtual visit at this time may explore the Walla Walla Wine Alliance website buying guide for special packages and discounted shipping while available.

Celebrate at Home

At VinoSocial we’ve been celebrating Walla Walla Valley Wine Month while simultaneously tackling the Washington Syrah Challenge! First, with a Gramercy Cellars 2010 Walla Walla Valley Estate Syrah. The 2010 vintage was a cooler one. The result is a wine that is still vibrant and loaded with mouth-watering, spicy goodness. If I had to use one word to describe this wine it would be, “Mmmmmm!”

A bottle of 2018 Proper Walla Walla Valley Estate Syrah was our next selection. With less age, this one needed to decant several hours before dinner. Plum, baked blackberry, and cinnamon were part of the intensely colored wine’s beguiling profile.If you’re a Syrah fan, Walla Walla has numerous delectable options that are worthy of a celebration.

Next up, we’ll open a bottle of Northstar Red Blend received as a gift from the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance.

With over 120 wineries in the Walla Walla Valley, there are a lot of exciting Walla Walla wines to get to know.

Are you thirsty for more? Explore more exciting Walla Walla wines. Or check out the Walla Walla Valley Wine website to plan your next wine country trip.