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Gig Harbor Wine & Food Festival 2012

An event that I can highly recommend is the Gig Harbor Wine & Food Festival.  This event was well coordinated and worth the entrance fee.  There were 30 wineries, 5 breweries and food tasting tables that complimented the wine/beer perfectly.  Tasting classes were also offered along with cooking demonstrations and a cook off competition.

There were so many things to drink and eat that I was unfortunately only able to get around to a small fraction of what was being offered.
 
Obelisco Red Mountain Estate Wines – Woodinville, Washington

Dry Riesling – VERY dry.  I would pair this with rich seafood and sweet deserts.

Mosquito Fleet Winery – Belfair, Washington

Meritage Blend 2009 – I love when you smell a wine and it tingles all your senses clear to the back of your throat and then leaves you with goose bumps.  That’s how I felt about this wine.  Paired with a meat slider it really brought out amazing flavors.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon –wonderful nose, loved the complexity it brought but not over powering.

Northwest Bubbles – Tasting Class – with Gail Werner-Forecki

D and I took a break to sit under the tutelage of Gail Werner-Forecki and learn about 4 “Sparkling Wines” (Champagne).

Domaine Ste. Michele Brut NV – It was light and fun to drink but didn’t have that over powering sweet or dry taste that most sparkling wines do.

Mountain Dome Winery Brut NV – This was truly my favorite out of all four.  It was such a pleasure to drink and paired great with food.  What shocked me most was that it’s under $20.00.

Treveri Cellars Blanc de Blanc Brut NV – This was good and I understand it is preferred by a former First Lady.

Argyle Brut 2008 – Very nice – old and new vines help to create this light sparkling wine.

Sozo Wines – Seahurst, Washington
I just want to say how impressed I was not only with the wine but with the mission of this company.  Their commitment to end hunger for orphans, windows and the homeless is commendable and I encougage everyone to visit their website - www.sozofriends.com

Potential Pinot Noir 2009 – Oh how I love a good Pinot Noir and this did not disappoint me at all. Gentle tones but rich in aroma.  I paired it with a salmon/cheese spread on good bread and the flavors burst through out my mouth.  A definite YES!

Generosity Tenpranillo/Syrah 2008 – Lots of Syrahs are too peppery and leave my palate wrung out.  NOT this one.  The Tenpranillo gives a balance to this wine that is gentle and enjoyable to drink.

Masquerade Wine Company – Bellingham, Washington

2011 Columbia Valley Viognier – Loved this delicious light fruity white wine.  It’s easy on the palate and goes very well with most foods.  I enjoyed the hint of lavender.

2007 Masquerade – I didn’t see this wine on their website and so I will quote my notes at the time of tasting:  “love the color, the smell tingles the senses and transports me to a fun lovin realm.  Love the complexity of the wine.” J

Madsen Family Cellars – Olympia, Washington

Cab Franc –This wine was very mild with nice tones and a lovely finish.  It’s nice to find a Cab Franc that doesn’t throw you off your feet but lifts you up to enjoy it.

Page Cellars – Woodinville, Washington

Cabernet Sauvignon – Loved  the full fruit (berry) taste that hit my mouth and the smell grabbed my senses.  Overall it was good but not too complex.

Chardonnay – It was very light and not too oaky.  I personally don’t like a lot of oak.

Semillon Blanc – This was semi-sweet with a nice balance and very refreshing.

Ash Hallow Winery – Walla Walla, Washington

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Blend – This had a very nice flavor and was complex but not over powering. I'm not a huge fan of Merlots or blends with a lot of Merlot in them.  However, I really did enjoy this one. What a nice surprise!

Stottle Winery – Lacey, Washington

Sangiovese – This had an amazing nose and flavor.  It was light and refreshing and I will definitely enjoy this wine again.

I felt a little over whelmed with all the choices when I first arrived at the festival.  However, after a couple of tastings and reviewing the materials they provided I was able to formulate a plan of action.  Next year I will do a couple more tasting classes and get to the wineries I was unable to visit this year.  I hope to see you all there and share a glass with you…..cheers!  LD

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