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  Transport yourself to Wine Country-Lake Chelan The beautiful Lake Chelan Wine region offers so many options for grape varietals, views, and food.  Our recent visit there, the first part of October, greeted us with crisp fall air, blue sky, and breathtaking lake scenery. When arriving in Chelan, we made our first stop for lunch and wine tasting at Tsilliam Cellars.  Their spectacular and elegant wine selection along with their menu options make this a great way to kick off our weekend. Mellisoni Vineyards has a breathtaking view to sit and enjoy their lineup of complex varietals, including sparkling, white, rose’ and reds. Stop and enjoy the patio hillside setting at Nefarious Cellars. The view of the lake, which has such a relaxing vibe for you to enjoy their selection of whites, rose’ and reds. Hard Row to Hoe is up on the hillside outside of Manson with winery views.   You must hear the story behind their name, visit the gift shop and restroom wall...
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  Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Chenin Blanc I’ve recently enjoyed three wines that reminded me of warm spring days on the back deck with good friends, sipping good wine. Olalla Winery produced a 2014 Merlot (Kilted Scotsman – Conner Lee Merlot) – this deep rich inky wine is not like any merlot you have ever experienced.     Each sip is lush, full of flavor and complexity.   I was recently introduced to Caymus Vineyards out of Napa Valley.   Their 2014 and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is so amazing.   Words fail to describe this deep dark wine.   It is so full of fruit and very smooth on the finish. Because of Denise’s recent research into Biodynamic wines, I tried an organic 100% French Chenin Blanc varietal from the Anjou, Loire Valley region .   It is full of fruit flavor but low in sugar.   I was able to enjoy several glasses with no side effects. There are so many wonderful wines out there today and I look forward to tasting and sh...
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  Petite Verdot is a brilliant grape for blending and on its own! When I opened this 2014 Petite Verdot from Dumas Station I was awestruck how it glided smoothly across the pallet with a deliciously long finish!   Petite Verdot is usually a blending grape, when you find a single varietal, explore its beautiful aroma and flavor. I paired this bottle with a grass-fed grass-finished Beef Filet and rosemary herb roasted mushrooms for a decadent meal. Do not get stuck in a rut and keep buying the same thing, try something new this week like a Petite Verdot! Cheers! Denise
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  Did you stop drinking wine because it made you sick ? Hold on, you can possibly have your wine and feel no effects?   Did you ever notice how wine has no ingredient label?   You cannot look at the label and see what additives are in the bottle that you might be having a reaction to.   There are over 70 plus FDA approved additives producers can put in your wine, some natural and some not.   Luckily, many producers are now making wine that is Biodynamic, using wild yeast and no additives.   Do your research on the Slow Wine movement promoting sustainable wine practices which started with primarily Italian wines and now have expanded into Oregon and California. There are also now many subscription services that promote natural wines, explore these for what they have to offer you.   Please also visit your local natural wine producers, ask questions about their practices and do a tasting.   If have given up wine, explore again by finding a clean, pur...
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Another Year…….. The vines are now asleep; the wine is aging in the barrels and we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season and the end of 2018. It has been another fantastic year for discovering new wines and revisiting old favorites.   Our busy lives kept us mostly in Oregon and Washington this year but its amazing what you can find in your own neighborhood. Palouse Winery - Vashon Island, Washington was a great find.   On our way to a friend’s wedding, we stopped for a quick sample and discovered a complete line of beautiful crafted wines.   We took the opportunity to come back on another day and experience the full line up.   If you have an opportunity to visit Vashon Island you must stop and visit Palouse. Denise discovered Olalla Winery in Olalla, Washington.   This is a family operated winery that has become a local gem.   Evenings of music out on the lawn, while sipping great wine and nibbling on your favori...
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Cinco de Mayo, break out from the standard Sangria, Margarita or Corona….try Tempranillo. Tempranillo/Rioja is one of the oldest variety of grapes.   Why isn’t is more poplar?   I wanted to taste for myself and I came to find out it’s fantastic! Tempranillo pairs so well with spicy food, we served it for our tasting event with baked goat cheese topped with roasted tomato pesto, smoked chicken and roasted corn empanadas with spicy adobo dipping sauce and spicy guacamole, grilled shrimp topped cucumbers.    Tempranillo brought out the spicy notes of the food and the food brought out the spicy, berry and earthy notes of the Tempranillo.   Next time you think of getting a margarita, go for the Tempranillo instead, you will be pleasantly surprised! At our tasting we tried two Rioja from Spain which were 100% Tempranillo grape and Tempranillo from Oregon, sometime Rioja can be mixed with other variety’s however usually predominantly Tempranillo. Or...
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If you are driving along Highway 101 past Port Angeles Washington and you see this sign…. STOP!  You will find the most unexpected fantastic wine lineup and experience.  Not just because Harbinger Winery is such a random out of the way place, but from their wide variety of wines offered which all have great fruit and depth of flavor. Starting from their White Table Wine, to their poplar Dynamo Red Blend, a wonderful Malbec, my favorite Sangiovese with rich rustic flavors, to the ever so surprising Blackberry Bliss. Check out their website for their wines and great pairing ideas. Cheers! Denise
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