Grape Vine 2011

The Grape Vine FREE

2011 Guide to Events, Tours and Attractions

The Grape Vine: A Northwest Tradition for 25 years, with emphasis on Washington and Oregon AVAs

Yakima Valley Rattlesnake Hills Red Mountain Horse Heaven Hills Columbia Valley Columbia Gorge Wahluke Slope Snipes Mountain Walla Walla Valley

A supplement to the Prosser Record-Bulletin and Grandview Herald

TM

Page 2 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

We are proud to present you with our 25th anniversary edition of The Grape Vine.

We would like to thank each of our advertisers, wineries and readers who, collectively, make it possible for us to bring you a comprehensive regional view of the wines, the wineries and the communities that surround them in Washington and Oregon.

You will find inside The Grape Vine the very best of offerings: great places to visit and enjoy, wineries and destination activities and amenities to experience — to partake all our wonderful wine country has to offer.

We sincerely hope you will savor, enjoy, share, and return next year for more, of the best in Valley Publishing Company’s ‘The Grape Vine.’ Please send us your feedback and ideas for next year’s issue editor@recordbulletin.com.

25th Annual

The GRAPE VINE 2011 TM

www.thegrapevinenw.com

Published every Spring by Valley Publishing Company The Prosser Record-Bulletin The Grandview Herald www.recordbulletin.com 613 Seventh Street Prosser, Washington 99350 (509) 786-1711 Fax (509) 786-1779 USPS 448-060

www.thegrandviewherald.com 107 Division Street Grandview, Washington 98930 (509) 882-3712 Fax (509) 882-2833 USPS 226-000

Copyright 2011 email: ads@recordbulletin.com John L. Fournier Jr., Publisher • Danielle Fournier, Associate Publisher Karen Derrick, Chief Financial Officer EDITORIAL STAFF: Mike Marino, Prosser Editor • Richard Burger, Reporter/Photographer • Victoria Walker, Reporter/Photographer ADVERTISING: Dianne Buxton, Manager BUSINESS STAFF: Gwen Perkins and Sharleen Honeycutt, Office Supervisors Mary Hanlon, Clerk COMPOSING ROOM: Linda Dodgson, Supervisor Tim Miser, Compositor

Welcome

25th Annual

2011 Grape Vine Directory How wine bottles can add a little light to your life ....... Page 3 Corks for daily use/Artist turns agriculture into art ........ Page 4 Yakima AVA, Resident Wineries .................................... Page 6-7 Yakima, White Pass, Bickleton, Granger, Wapato, Toppenish, Grandview, Sunnyside ................................. Page 6-11 The Hatchery/Zillah’s Pickin’ Days ............................... Page 13 Dinosaurs in Granger/Rail Museum volunteers ............. Page 14 Not just a Farmer’s Market: a perfect end to summer .... Page 15 Grandview’s new look downtown ................................. Page 16 Spring Barrel Tasing/States Day in Prosser ................... Page 18 Prosser Aquatic Center ................................................... Page 19 Murals preserve history/Alpacas, wine and chocolate.... Page 20 Prosser Scottish Feast/Alexandria Nicole Cellars .......... Page 21 Columbia AVA ................................................................ Page 22 Rattlesnake Hills AVA ..................................................... Page 23-24 Snipes Mountain AVA/The Seasons perform .................. Page 24 Prosser: The good life .................................................... Page 25 Balloons over Prosser/Harvest Times ............................ Page 26 Ignition for change in Kittatas Valley ............................ Page 27 Horse Heaven Hills AVA ................................................ Page 28 Red Mountain AVA/Benton City Days/Benton City Car & Bike Show .............................................. Page 30 Columbia Gorge AVA/Maryhill Winery/Allied Arts ...... Page 32-33 Wahluke Slope AVA/Outdoor wine enthusiast ............... Page 34 Bluewood Ski Resort ...................................................... Page 35 Winery Profiles ............................................................... Page 36-37 Microbreweries ............................................................... Page 38-39 Yakima Valley great for brews/Richland Cool Desert Nights ...................................................... Page 39 Calendar of Events/YVCC teaching winery .................. Page 40-41 Walla Walla AVA/The history of wine ............................ Page 42 She Who Watches .......................................................... Page 44 Whistlin Jack’s Lodge/The Capitol Theatre/Prosser Princess Theatre ................................................. Page 46 Things to do with the kids/A little about ice wine/Wine serving and storing temperatures ....................................................... Page 47

Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 3

How wine bottles can add a little light to your life

By Mike Marino

You’ve finished off your favorite bottle of cabernet and your palette is pleased beyond measure. Every sip has been gratifying and you are now relaxing in the afterglow of vino ambiance. Wait, don’t toss that bottle in the trash, don’t discard it as if it were an old shoe. No, your wine has added a little life to your life, now let it add a little light to it as well.

Used wine bottles don’t have to be trashed and compacted. There are other uses for them that are not only ecologically beneficial to the environment by recycling them, but they can be decorative and utilitarian at the same time. Let there be light!

To make a wine bottle lamp you will need a tool to cut the bottom of the bottle off. Once that is done you can run a lamp socket up through the base of the bottle and the chord can pass through the neck.

Position it so the socket is firmly against the neck, and pop in a light bulb.

Most wine bottles are different colors so you can use a basic white bulb, and the bottle will add the radiated hue for a desired effect.

The lights can be strung along a hallway or entry way, or anywhere you desire to have a muted glow. They provide lighting to help create and set mood in an attractive and wine oriented manner that will stun and amaze all your guests while you pop another cork on bottle of your favorite bottle of Merlot to serve to your

assembled guests.

You can also fashion a regular table lamp out of your wine bottle. The procedure is the same having to remove the bottle’s base, and you will also need a spacer to fit into the top of the bottle neck. Once the mechanics are in place you can decorate the lamp base to suit your tastes.

Need more shelving to display your collection of fine literature or bobble head collection? You can use old wine bottles to create a display masterpiece. Take a piece of wood of your choosing that is suitable for shelving. Then drill four holes in it near the corners for balance and make sure the hole is large enough to insert the neck of a wine bottle.

It’s imperative to use the same size bottles in height so the shelving is flush.

Then arrange the bottles so you can place the shelf holes over the necks, and voila, vino shelving. Leaving the labels on the bottles also can add to the artistic flair of your newest creation. You can also have layers of this shelving to add more space for displays of your favorite collections and books.

You are only limited by your imagination in the creation of wine bottle utility uses. In fact the more wine you may imbibe, the greater your creative limits will expand, and the more empty bottles you will have at your disposal to bring them to fruition.

Cheers, and don’t forget to turn out the lights.

Photo submitted

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Hats, Shirts and Shot Glasses Available TASTING ROOM HOURS: Monday-Saturday 11-5 • Sunday 1-5 2880 LEE ROAD SUITE B • PROSSER, WA 99350 • 509.778.4036 • www.blueflamespirits.com • Find us on Facebook at BLUEFLAMESPIRITS

Page 4 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

Fielding Inspiration: Local artist turns agriculture into inspirational art

Used corks for daily use

By Mike Marino

Yes, there really is such a thing as a cork tree. Known as the Cork Oak tree, the bark is used for the production of corks. When properly harvested, taking the bark does not kill the tree as it regenerates in several years, which makes cork a renewable sustainable resource. The bark is harvested without machinery, and in Portugal which is where over half the world’s cork oak trees are, the cork oak tree is prohibited from being cut down.

Many children learn how to fish with the simple old set up of a line and bobber. There isn’t really an easier way to teach a youngster how to know when the fish are biting than telling him to just watch that bobber, and if it goes under, pull hard. Although bobbers aren’t terribly expensive, if you’re a wine drinker, you have the opportunity to easily make some cork bobbers of your own. Whether it’s for your children or you’re just acting like the big kid that you still are, fishing with bobbers can be loads of fun. The following steps will teach you how to make a simple bobber from a wine

cork.

Cut any metal or wax off of the top of the wine cork. Some wine bottles have a metal lip attached to the cork; get rid of this as well. Use a sharp knife, and be careful when cutting into the cork.

Drive a staple into the top of the cork. A small roofing staple would be ideal; an office staple may be too small.

Pull the staple up just a tad and slide the fishing line through the gap. Don’t pull too hard, and use a nail if you need some help lifting the staple up and out of the cork.

After you thread the fishing line through the staple, push it back down into the cork. Push it against a hard object like a table, or if you are outside, the side of a tree.

Cast the line as your normally would and watch that bobber.

What else can used corks be recycled into? Used corks can be recycled and transformed into a variety of objects including, flooring tiles, building insulation, automotive gaskets, craft materials, soil conditioner and sports equipment.

• Riverside Restaurant • Fireplace Lounge & Cafe • River front Motel & Cot tages • Private Hot Tubs & Fireplaces • Gif t Shop & Grocery Store with Texaco Gas • Banquet & Conference Facilities to 80 20800 State Route 410 • Chinook Pass, WA • 509-658-2433 Reservations: 800-827-2299 • whistlinjacklodge.com Enjoy the tranquil mountain setting, surrounded by tall pines

YOU’ll LOVE IT LIVE CALL TOD TODAY DAY For or a schedule sch h d l off events 853-ARTS (2787) • 877-330-ARTS (2787) • 800 800-325-SEAT 0-325-SEAT (7328) • w www.capitoltheatre.org

Gazing through portraits and farming landscapes painted

by Consuela “Connie” SotoMurphy, splashed in vibrant shades of orange and greens, one thing appears to be missing.

Faces.

In most of her paintings that include people, Murphy’s subjects enjoy rather ambiguous anonymity.

“It’s representational of the migrant race as a whole,” said Murphy. “If I put a face on (them), then it becomes ‘Oh, that is so and so,’ but if I cover the face, it could be anybody.”

Not too long ago, Murphy, an art teacher at Richland High School, could’ve have been a subject in one of her paintings.

She grew up in Sunnyside working alongside her family in the fields—traveling to work in fields across the region, from Bellingham to Hermiston.

“We were out in the field working and always found it so beautiful,” Murphy explained.

She always looked at the fruit before picking it.

“I loved the colors, the way they would come in from the leaves…the yellows, limes, greens….the light and how it would bounce of the cherries and glisten,” she said.

Murphy took her inspirations from her surroundings and channeled it onto a canvas.

She sold her first painting, an ocean scene done in all greens, rather unexpectedly, when she was in junior high. Her teacher, Mrs. Wade, has hung the piece up during a parent teacher night and another teacher offered her $15 for it.

After graduating high school, Murphy wanted to go to college, but face the challenge of paying for it and did not have the grades to get scholarships.

“I didn’t think I was going to finish,” she said. “No one really had faith in me that I could go—but I said at least I would go try.”

Murphy said she would go for a quarter thinking that it may be her last. Since she questioned whether she would be able to finish, she took classes that appealed to her.

“I took all art classes. I figured I wouldn’t take science and math, I’d take what I wanted.”

But she got financial aid and, quarter after quarter, she kept going until she graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1984 with a degree in art education and a bachelor’s in art.

She married photographer Sean Murphy in 1988 and eventually moved to Richland where they teach art at the high school.

Throughout her career, Murphy said her work has become more culturally-influenced.

“At first, I didn’t know the subjects I wanted to do,” she said. “I did a lot of everything, but wasn’t very happy with it. I liked it, but I didn’t feel like it was what I wanted to do.”

Now, she said when she looks at her older paintings, she realizes she has the same idea now, but she’s taken the idea and made it bigger and better.

“They’ve changed, but not really,” she explained.

“People use acrylic, but not in her way,” said her husband, Sean.

He explained most people only paint large works with oils because they take longer to dry, but she generally works pretty fast and is able to do a large piece in a night.

“In a matter of hours she can finish a painting,” he said. “It’s amazing how fast she can work.”

Murphy said that the time it takes her to finish a painting varies. Sometimes she can do it overnight. Other times it doesn’t flow. She just finished a self-portrait that took her 15 years to complete.

Inspiration comes in many forms for Murphy, but a lot of it stems from her family.

All hundred of them.

“We get together every Sunday—we’re really close,” she said. “I’m really inspired by the family and the closeness of it. It may sound corny, but the love everybody has for one another.”

“Any time somebody is seriously hurt or goes to the hospital, everyone goes,” said Mr. Murphy. “All 98 of them.”

The Murphys have three sons, Shane, Brian and Chad (ages 14, 15 and 8) with what they call “extra” children, John, Chris, Joey and Austin.

The youngest, Chad, is what Murphy calls an “art show junkie.”

“He goes to all the shows with us…he goes around, talking to the vendors and they give him treats,” she said. For more information visit her website at www.sotoart.com.

Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 5

Page 6 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Yakima Valley AVA

Yakima Valley AVA Established 1983

• Washington State’s first federallyrecognized appellation; includes more than 40 wineries.

• Contains 11,000 vineyard acres (4,452 hectares), over one third of Washington’s vineyards.

• Most widely planted grape is Chardonnay, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Riesling and Syrah represent significant acreage, with Syrah in particular on the rise.

Silt-loam soils predominate.

• 190-day growing season with annual precipitation of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).

• The Yakima Valley AVA contains the smaller Red Mountain, Snipes Mountain and Rattlesnake Hills AVAs. • Check with wineries for current hours and special events.

~ Wineries ~

(Wineries in sub-AVAs are listed under their own AVA.) Airfield Estates Winery – Prosser www.airfieldwines.com Airport Ranch Winery – Sunnyside 509-837-2424 Alexandria Nicole Winery – Prosser www.alexandrianicolecellars.com Apex Cellars Winery – Prosser www.apexcellars.com Beaucoup Gravier Winery – Benton City www.beaucoupgravierwinery.com Bridgman Cellars Winery – Sunnyside www.apexcellars.com Bunnell Family Cellars – Prosser www.riveraerie.com Chandler Reach Winery– Benton City www.chandlerreach.com Chinook Winery – Prosser www.chinookwines.com Christopher Cellars – Zillah

Map courtesy of WA Wine Commission,www.washingtonwine.org

www.christophercellars.com Cote Bonneville Winery – Sunnyside www.cotebonneville.com Coventry Vale Winery – Grandview www.scm-ae.com/wineries/coventry_ vale.htm Covey Run Winery – Zillah www.coveyrun.com Cowan Vineyards – Prosser www.cowanvineyards.com Coyote Canyon Winery – Prosser

Best Boutique In Wine Country

• Vintage & Home Decor • Brighton • Vera Bradley • Bath & Body • Clothing & Jewelry • Gourmet Food A Charming Vintage 1906 Gift Shop nestled in the heart of the Yakima Valley, offering sophisticated finds in a country setting off Wine Country Road.

2580 East Lincoln Ave. • Sunnyside,WA • (509) 836-2282

Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. • Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. melange4u@embarqmail.com • www.melange-sunnyside.blogspot.com

www.coyotecanyonwinery.com Cultura Wine – Zillah www.culturawine.com Daven Lore Winery – Prosser www.davenlore.com Desert Hills Winery – Yakima www.deserthillswinery.com Desert Wind Vineyard – Prosser www.desertwindvineyard.com Donitelia Winery – Yakima www.donitelia.com Eaton Hill Winery (509) 854-2220 Gamache Vintners www.gamachevintners.com Gilbert Cellars – Yakima www.gilbertcellars.com Hinzerling Winery – Prosser www.hinzerling.com Hogue Cellars Winery – Prosser www.hoguecellars.com Kana Winery – Yakima www.kanawinery.com Kestrel Vintners Winery – Prosser

MICROBREWS STEAK STEAK HOUSE HOUSE STEAKS SEAFOOD SEAFOOD PIZZA GREAT GREAT PUB FARE BREW BREW PUB PUB

www.kestrelwines.com Knight Hill Winery – Zillah www.knighthillwinery.com Maison Bleue Winery – Prosser www.maisonbleuewinery.com Manchego Real Winery – Grandview www.manchegoreal.com Martinez & Martinez Winery – Prosser www.m2-wine.com Masquerade Wine Company – Prosser www.masqueradewines.com Mercer Wine Estates – Prosser www.mercerwine.com Michael Florentino Cellars – Prosser www.thewinemakersloft.com Milbrandt Vineyards – Prosser www.milbrandtvineyards.com Montmeni Cellars – Zillah 509-453-7562 Naches Heights Winery – Yakima www.nhvines.com Norton Arnold Vintners – Grandview See YAKIMA AVA on page 7

10 to 10 Sun -Thur 10to toOpen 10 Fri Sun- Daily -Thur Take aAward-Winning look inside the glass 11 11 Sat Enjoy Take abrew look room. inside View the glass enclosed the 1111toa.m.

11 Fri-- 10 Sat p.m. Mi t produced cr an Microbrews 509-837-2739 enclosed brew room.

Viewand the shiny copper-banded tanks r o u 509-837-2739 bre a on site using t shiny copper-banded tanks and 905509-837-2739 Yakima Valley HWY s see the head brewer at work. e w R ery & Yakima Valley Hwy. 905905 Yakima Valley HWY see the head brewer at work. locally-grown hops Sunnyside, WA

Yakima Valley AVA YAKIMA AVA from page 6

www.culturawine.com Daven Lore Winery – Prosser www.davenlore.com Desert Hills Winery – Yakima www.deserthillswinery.com Desert Wind Vineyard – Prosser www.desertwindvineyard.com Donitelia Winery – Yakima www.donitelia.com Eaton Hill Winery (509) 854-2220 Gilbert Cellars – Yakima www.gilbertcellars.com Hinzerling Winery – Prosser www.hinzerling.com Hogue Cellars Winery – Prosser www.hoguecellars.com Kana Winery – Yakima www.kanawinery.com Kestrel Vintners Winery – Prosser www.kestrelwines.com Knight Hill Winery – Zillah www.knighthillwinery.com Maison Bleue Winery – Prosser www.maisonbleuewinery.com Manchego Real Winery – Grandview www.manchegoreal.com Martinez & Martinez Winery – Prosser www.m2-wine.com Masquerade Wine Company – Prosser www.masqueradewines.com Mercer Wine Estates – Prosser www.mercerwine.com Michael Florentino Cellars – Prosser www.thewinemakersloft.com Milbrandt Vineyards – Prosser www.milbrandtvineyards.com Montmeni Cellars – Zillah 509-453-7562 Naches Heights Winery – Yakima www.nhvines.com Norton Arnold Vintners – Grandview www.nortonarnoldvintners.com Olsen Estates Winery – Prosser www.olsenestates.com Parejas Cellars – Grandview www.parejascellars.com Pontin del Roza Winery – Prosser www.pontindelroza.com Prosser Wine Company – Prosser www.prosserwinecompany.com Running Springs Winery – Naches 509-574-3889 Saint Hilaire Cellars Winery – Yakima 509-453-5987 Selah Heights Winery – Selah www.selahheightswinery.com

THE OL FARM A T C H E R Y

Sheridan Vineyard Winery – Zillah www.sheridanvineyard.com Silver Lake Winery at Roza Hills www.washingtonwine.com Sleeping Dog Wines – Benton City www.sleepingdogwines.com Snoqualmie Vineyards Winery – Prosser www.snoqualmie.com Tasawik Winery – Prosser www.thewinemakersloft.com Tefft Cellars – Outlook www.tefftcellars.com Thurston Wolfe Winery – Prosser www.thurstonwolfe.com Tucker Cellars Winery – Sunnyside www.tuckercellars.net VineHeart Winery – Prosser www.vineheart.com Whisper Ridge Winery – Zillah www.whisperridgewinery.com Willow Crest Winery – Prosser www.willowcrestwinery.com Wyndstone Winery – Prosser www.wyndstonewinery.com Yakima Cellars Winery – Yakima www.yakimacellars.com Yakima River Winery – Prosser www.yakimariverwinery.com Yakima Valley Vintners - Grandview www.yakimavalleyvintners.com

~ Events ~

wineyakimavalley@live.com (509) 965 5201 Feb. 19–21, 2011: Wine Yakima Valley Red Wine & Chocolate Chocolate lovers, this weekend is for you. Each participating winery pairs sumptuous chocolate desserts with their very own remarkable red wines. Sample some of the Yakima Valley’s finest red wines and enjoy chocolate.

April 23– 25: Spring Barrel Tasting in the Yakima Valley Besides enjoying the predictably sunny weather in eastern Washington, barreltasting weekend is an opportunity to gain insight into the artistic process behind the production at each winery.

Nov 25– 28: Thanksgiving in the Wine Country The event that has become a Northwest tradition. Yakima Valley wineries open their doors following Thanksgiving to celebrate the season. Come sample our finest wines and carefully selected culinary pairings.

Antiques • Bargains Collectibles Located in the Ol’ Bridgman Family Farm Hatchery 4541 Sheller Road • Sunnyside Take Exit 69 off I-82 Go North to Sheller Road - Turn Right - Go 2 Miles

www.theolfarmhatchery.com

Open Friday 10-5 • Saturday 10-4 • 509-840-4876 or 509-837-6640

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 7

Yakima Valley small town bios

Sunnyside

Photo submitted

Sunnyside is located in the heart of the Yakima Valley and offers events for everyone.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through antique stores, art galleries, and specialty gift shops.

Sunnyside boosts a Thomas Kinkaid gallery, and Darigold’s cheese plant, deli, and gift shop.

During your visit to Sunnyside, be sure to stop by and take a look at downtown’s mini mall. With gift shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find everything you need.

White Pass

The best thing about White Pass is that it’s a great place to play, no matter what time of the year you visit.

In the late fall and winter, the 350 inches of snowfall make the pass and surrounding See SMALL TOWN BIOS on page 8

Where can you see cows fly?

AT THE

DAIRY FAIR CHEESE FACTORY Ice Cream • Deli Sandwiches Cheese Tasting • Huge Gift Shop!!

FREE Cheese Tours

Guests can take a free self-guided tour to see how more than 170 million pounds of cheese is made annually.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Just take exit 67 off I-82 400 Alexander Road, Sunnyside, WA 509-837-4321

Page 8 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Yakima Valley AVA

SMALL TOWN BIOS from page 7

area a magnet for every imaginable kind of winter sport.

Alpine and Nordic facilities are available for skiing and snowboarding at the White Pass Ski Area, with five ski lifts, including the Great White High-Speed Quad and tow rope, and a breathtaking 1,500-foot vertical drop.

For more information on www.skiwhitepass.com.

White Pass

Bickleton

The unincorporated community of Bickleton is centrally located in eastern Klickitat County, 34 miles East of Goldendale on the Bickleton Highway. The community is famous as the “bluebird capital of the Pacific Northwest.”

Bickleton is worthy of a scenic drive to the timber’s edge, where the famed wheat plateau, 35 miles in width, sweeps toward the northeast and 70 miles to the bend of the Columbia River. To the south of the town, just beyond the Columbia, the shadowy outline of the rugged Blue Mountain range in Oregon is an ever attractive sight; from a point a little higher up the mountain west of town, the distant peaks of the Jefferson and Hood Mountains in Oregon are seen.

Granger

It’s funny how things work out sometimes. As communities up and down the Yakima Valley search for ways to appeal to the visitors the burgeoning wine industry brings to the area increasing numbers every year, Granger has found an identity that connects with a small industry.

Granger was incorporated in 1909, as a small rural community that dates back The1800s.

Grape Vine: Valley to the late It is located in thePublishing heart DianneValley, Buxton of the Yakima and786-1711 is a 10-minute drive from Toppenish and 25$1323.00 miles east 4-Color: 1/2 page: of Yakima, on the outskirts of the Yakima 9.75X6” 1/27/11 Indian Nation Reservation along the Yakima River.

Wapato

If you enjoy quarter-mile drag racing, as a spectator or participant, you’ll find a very worthwhile diversion tucked away just a stone’s throw from Wapato.

Renegade Raceway is a National Hot Rod Association-sanctioned track, and you’ll see a diversity of racing classes, including Street Legal, Sportsman, Pro, Super Pro, and motorcycles.

See SMALL TOWN BIOS on page 10

Vintner’s Village Phase II Gamache Vintners

Yellow Rose Nursery

Winemaker’s Loft

The Port of Benton is developing 13 acres

Wetlands

Lot 1

Irrigation Pond Access Road

Bed & Breakfast

Lot 2 0.71 Acres

Lot 3 0.54 Acres

Lot 8 0.45 Acres

Lot 9 0.54 Acres

Lot 10 0.70 Acres

Prosser

Vintner’s

Village Phase II. If you have a tourism related

Lot 7 0.50 Acres

Lot 6 0.46 Acres Lot 4 0.66 Acres

in

Lot 11 0.81 Acres Lot 5 0.46 Acres Parking

business and would like more information,

Lot 12 0.72 Acres

please contact: Diahann Howard (509) 375-3060. www.portofbenton.com

Lot 20 0.43 Acres

Lot 21 0.43 Acres

Lot 19 0.96 Acres

Lot 18 0.98 Acres

Lot 17 0.84 Acres

Lot 16 0.75 Acres

Lot 15 0.68 Acres

Lot 14 0.68 Acres

Lot 13 0.83 Acres

PORT OF

BENTON

:

Yakima Valley AVA

S ' R

• • • •

C

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 9

Restaurant Come Experience Our

COSMIC CAsino Sports Bar BOWLING

Young And4 p.m.

Old Open Mon-Thurs • Fri-Sat -Sun Noon Alike Will Enjoy Our Bright Atmosphere!

Black Jack • Three Card Poker Fridays 10 - Midnite Pai - Sat. 9 - Midnite Spanish 21 • Progressive Gow Texas Shootout Lights, WinMusic, Over $60,000 Glow Lanes!

Texas Hold’em tournaments FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Enjoy Our Smoke-Free Wednesday-Sunday @ 6:30 Here’s Anp.m.

Idea!

Have Your

B i r t h d a y P a r t y Here!

Environment DURING OPEN PLAY

839 • 6103 Join Us For Daily Dinner Specials

Prime Rib every Friday and Saturday C Shopping CenterRestaurant Overlooking The Golf Course In Eastway 1802 E. Edison RC'S Sunnyside S ' R

RC' Take a Break! Fun for the whole family!

16 Championship Lanes • Pull Tabs • Video Games • Cosmic Bowling • Snack Bar • Adult Beverages • Air Conditioned

839-6103 1802 E. Edison Sunnyside

In Eastway Shopping Center

RC'S

RC'S

Large Banquet Facilities For Family, Holiday & Office Parties

509-836-7555 Sunnyside 31A Ray Road Between Exit 69 and 72 on I 82

Next to Black Rock Creek Golf Course and Tucker Cellars

Page 10 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Yakima Valley AVA

SMALL TOWN BIOS from page 8

Grandview

Toppenish

The small city that’s internationally renowned for its murals celebrates and adds to that that reputation every year on the first Saturday in June, with a “Mural in a Day.” The first mural was painted in Toppenish in 1989. Since then, Mural in a Day has become an event that attracts visitors from around the northwest to watch some of the best-known names in western art create a mural before their every eyes.

Bill’s Berry Farm

Julie ‘keeps the home fires burning’ and handles the farm marketing. It is their goal that with the use of sustainable agricultural practices, their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren will be able to keep Bill’s Berry Farm in production

By Victoria Walker The farm is located in the beautiful fertile for your future generations. They believe Yakima valley north of Grandview. Bill and in healthy eating, thus healthy farming, Julie Michener, own and operate the farm and treat the farm like an extension of our along with their eight children. Having family’s large organic yard and garden. In both been raised in the valley they dreamed that regard, they strive to provide visitors of the day they could have their own farm. with some of the best fresh, healthy produce Bill, a second generation orchardist with the valley has to offer.

Their children have always been many years of experience in orchard and row crop farming, handles all aspects of involved in the farm and as they’ve grown the farm production and management while older they have taken on more and more

Those touring Central Washington find it hard to resist Grandview’s multitude of activities and sites. Located directly off I-82, smack dab between Yakima and the Tri Cities, this farming community welcomes you.

The city’s website describes the community with perfection: “Our community’s ‘grand view’ is that of both snow-capped Mount Rainer and Mount Adams dominating the horizon to the west and the Rattlesnake and Horse Heaven Hills to the north and south. Local outdoor recreation includes golf, tennis, swimming, fishing, hunting, and boating. Grandview also offers walking and bicycling on dedicated pathways.

Supporting agriculture and outdoor recreation, the Yakima Valley enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.” responsibility for day to day operations.

The three eldest children, Larelle, Jase and Brian, now handle everything from crop production to marketing and computers and are an integral part of the team.

Since they came to the valley, they have expanded the farm and planted more cherries, apples, organic Blueberries, pumpkins and a corn maze bringing the total production to 70 acres. Recent plantings of peaches, nectarines and apricots will be available beginning in 2013.

Events: First Pick – Friday, July 1st from 5-8:30 p.m., for a $5 admission (all other events are FREE) the farm is adding a special ‘First

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For more information Tammy 509-781-0778 www.yvfair-rodeo.org

Pick’ night to Antiques on the Farm. This will be a fun night of antiquing, live music, and food. Antique, primitive, vintage finds, shabby chic, country, artisan crafts, rustic garden, fresh baked goods... one of a kind buys are the rule of the day at Antiques on the Farm. Some of the Pacific Northwest’s best antique vendors and crafters will be here from 9a.m. to 5p.m. for your shopping pleasure.

Saturday, July 2, is Farm Fresh Produce & Family Fun and Blueberry Daze Festival!

The premium sweet Cherries and luscious blueberries are not to be missed. If you don’t feel like picking, you can purchase blueberries and cherries already picked from the Berry Farm ‘store’ along with locally grown produce, handmade items and vintage and primitive gift ware. There is live Bluegrass music, many local vendors, and the youngsters can take a ride on the Barnyard Train, play in the tree fort, take a pony ride, or play on the tire swings in our huge old sycamore trees. There is the AllAmerican lunch from the Berry Park BBQ at one of the many picnic tables before heading to the Barnyard Buddies petting zoo. U-pick and Festival is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE. Sept. 17 – Oct. 22, be sure to bring the whole gang out to the farm for this fun event!

All ages will enjoy a hay ride to the orchard to pick crisp apples right off the tree, as well as a stop at the now bigger Pumpkin Patch to find the perfect pumpkin. You won’t want to miss the fall specialty… Squeeze Your Own Apple Cider. It is the absolute yummiest, and your family will love the process of doing it themselves! Extend the beautiful fall day with a quick affordable lunch in our Berry Park BBQ before heading to the newest farm attractions, “An Apple a Day” corn maze. This unique apple tree shaped corn maze is actually seven mazes in one!

Answer the apple themed questions to find See BERRY FARM on page 11

Yakima Valley AVA

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 11

BERRY FARM from page 10

your way through the small kiddy maze, or take on the larger challenge of the Barnyard Mystery maze and find a clue in each of the six larger mazes to solve the mystery; which of the Barnyard Buddies kidnapped Farmer Bill! This fall they are going to have a bigger (4 acre) pumpkin patch, and a new seven and one half acre corn maze with both a free educational kiddie maze and the main maze. Each Saturday through out the festival season will feature its own special event, be it live music, fun fall demonstrations, hands on crafts, cooking demonstration or a special guest. Festival Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and festival admission is free!

Tours: Creative lessons are age appropriate and choices of topic vary depending on the season. Allow 1 to 1 ½ hour for the tour depending on the age of the children and the tour choice. Groups are free to stay after the tour to play on the playground or use the picnic table area for sack lunches they provide for as long as they desire.

Tours also include: An age appropriate educational lesson on agriculture in our outdoor classroom, Hay ride tour of the farm with a stop to pick seasonal fruit or plant a seed, a visit with “Barnyard Buddies” in the BBF petting zoo, a donut, juice and BBF apple sticker.

Spring educational tours are available the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May. Signs of Spring Tour – children learn about seasons, blooms or bees and pollenization, as well as plant a flower seed to take home.

Fall educational tours are available the last two weeks of September and the month of October.

Apple Orchard Tour – children get an agricultural lesson pertaining to apples and a hayride to the orchard to pick an apple Pumpkin Patch Tour – children get an agricultural lesson pertaining to pumpkins

and a hayride to the orchard to pick an apple Corn Maze Tour – children learn team building and problem solving skills to play one of two games in our maze; a mystery game much like the board game CLUE in which they must find out which barnyard animal kidnapped farmer Bill or they must find answers hidden in the maze to educational questions we provide the teacher. This game matches the theme of each year’s maze design. Allow 1 ½ hours to do the maze tour. Maze tours do not receive a hayride, a pumpkin or a visit with the “Barnyard Buddies” petting zoo.

Students must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the maze.

Days and Times: Tours are given on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; every half hour from 8am to 1pm.

Cost: $5/children, $2/parents and grandparents; $65 minimum per tour; Teachers and aides are FREE Payment in full is due upon arrival. If you require a purchase order, please plan ahead. There will be no exceptions. Money from children, parents and other guests must be collected and tallied beforehand so that you can pay all at once. Personal, school or PTO checks are accepted as well as cash. Please make checks payable to Bill’s Berry Farm. We do not accept debit or credit cards at this time.

We encourage children to make this a special event by inviting their parents/ grandparents and siblings to meet up with your group at the farm. All siblings old enough to participate and eat the snack will be charged the $5 child fee.

Birthday parties are available during the fall Apple and Pumpkin Festival Saturdays only. Parties can be scheduled from 10amnoon, 12:30-2:30pm, or 3-5pm. Times fill up fast, so call early. This includes: Private picnic area with tables for two hours, a hay ride to the pumpkin patch to pick a small pumpkin, one ride on our

Photo submitted

Bill’s Berry Farm’s friend and neighbor Curt Still, who helped out that day as greeter standing near orchard ladder’s holding the Welcome sign.

Barnyard Train for each child, a farm coloring book for each child, and a BBF apple sticker for each child. Besides the activities listed above, your group may access our playground area and Barnyard Buddies petting zoo at any time. Feel free to bring birthday cake, simple party decorations, and gifts to your private picnic area. For an additional fee we have a hot dog meal package available, ask us for details.

We would love to host your family reunion, church group, community group, club, company picnic, etc. The facility is available for rent most weeks, Monday through Saturday from May 1 to the end of October. Please call to work out a group rate based on your desires and party size.

We welcome tours and groups of all ages.

We have two large white tents available for rent should your party require them.

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Page 12 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Yakima Valley AVA

Prosser

The Good Life

rosser Great P ally R Balloon , 25 3, 24 Sept. 2

Street Pa inting Festival Sept. 23 , 24, 25

Wine & F ood Fair August 13

r Prosse est SportsF , 12 June 11

Scottis h Highlan Fest & d Gam June 1 es 8

Art W & Win alk e Ga July 1 la 6

Visitor and Information Center 509-786-3177 800-408-1517 1230 Bennett Ave. Prosser, WA 99350 For a complete listing of all events check our website

tourprosser.com

Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 13

Prosser The Good Life

Photo by Richard Burger

The Hatchery antique and second-hand store waits to welcome visitors. The store also carries a wide variety of consignment items that would appeal to men and women.

Pictured, from left, Donna deGraaf, Vonnie Bridgman and Emma Gonzalez.

The Hatchery offers an eclectic mix for all tastes

By Richard Burger

What do you do with a business that has reached the end of the line but you don’t want to see fade away?

If you’re Vonnie Bridgman, you simply hatch a new business plan.

That’s how she came up with a new business to take over where the old Bridgman Hatchery left off.

After five generations of providing eggs and pullets throughout the Northwest region, changing market dynamics, an economic downturn, and a particularly sever winter in 1996, the Bridgman family decided to close the hatchery.

But Vonnie wasn’t ready to see this icon of the lower valley agriculture scene be lost.

So, in 2009, the old hatchery came out of its shell to become The Hatchery, billing itself as offering “an eclectic blend of old, old (antique), old, new, and lightly

used, but not abused items for men and women of all ages.”

In short, it’s now a second-hand and antique store. The Hatchery also has room to accommodate consignment items that fit with the store’s merchandise mix.

To open the store, Bridgmen joined forces with family friends Fred De Graaf and Emma Gonzalez. Each of them brought their own vision to the new venture.

The result is that it’s a place men and women can visit together, and each can find items tailored to their tastes, from tools and home improvement items to beautiful antiques and useful house wares.

The store, at 4541 Sheller Rd., in Sunnyside, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The store can be reached at 509-8376640.

Zillah’s Pickin’ Days are happening in August

By Richard Burger

When somebody mentions “pickin’” in the Yakima Valley, the first thing you might think of is harvesting fruit.

But in Zillah, on the third weekend in August, the pickin’ will be done on guitars, banjos, basses, and autoharps, when performers and listeners will be on hand for three days of bluegrass music.

The event is in its fourth year, and draws players from around the valley and the Northwest for three days of great music.

Coy and Mavis Farmer of Zillah came up with the idea. He is a player himself, and they often travel to festivals and get-togethers to enjoy bluegrass. They decided to bring some bluegrass to Zillah.

Pickin’ Days is held in Stewart Park, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aug. 19, 20, and 21.

The park has space for camping, at no charge, and there is no charge for admission.

The event kicks off with an open mike that starts at 10 a.m. on Friday, at which any groups or individuals with the inclination can get up on stage and perform.

Saturday is a bit more formally organized, with performing groups scheduled in the afternoon and evening.

Sunday is reserved for gospel performers.

Mavis Farmer said that until the weekend of the event, it can be difficult to predict what groups may be performing.

That’s because the individuals and acts perform on a volunteer basis, and may go to other venues if the opportunity comes up to play for money.

There are typically a large number of performers who camp at the park, in tents and campers during the three days, and the music often goes on long after the sound system is turned off and the stage goes dark.

Small groups come together around the campsites spontaneously and the pickin’ and grinnin’ continues into the evening.

It’s a family-oriented event, and attendees come and go during the day to visit other points of interest in the vicinity.

The Zillah Lions Club will be offering food at the park concessions area, and there may also be a raffle for those who would like to take a chance to win some prizes.

April

• Spring Barrel Tasting - 3rd Weekend

May

• Farmers Market- Saturday Mornings - May-October • City Wide Yard Sale - 1st Saturday • Make the Dash Count - 4th Saturday

June

• Prosser Sports Festival - 2nd Weekend • Prosser Scottish Fest - 3rd Saturday • Kestrel Festival - 4th Saturday

July

• Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration • Annual Art Walk & Wine Gala - 3rd Saturday

August

• Prosser Wine & Food Fair - 2nd Saturday

September

• Prosser States Day Celebration - Labor Day • “A Night Out” Prosser Memorial Hospital Foundation - 2nd Saturday • Shop Hop - 2nd Weekend • City Wide Yard Sale - 3rd Saturday • The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, Harvest Festival & Street Painting - 4th Weekend • Catch the Crush - 4th Weekend

November

• Veteran’s Day Parade - November 11 • Thanksgiving in Wine Country Thanksgiving Weekend • Christmas Festival - Sunday, Thanksgiving Weekend

509-786-3177 800-408-1517

For a complete listing of all events check our website

tourprosser.com

Page 14 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

Get your hands on a dinosaur in Granger!

As you’re driving down I-82 into the lower Yakima Valley, if you make a stop at Granger, you may think you’ve been somehow transported into a scene from the movie, Jurassic Park.

But never fear. What you are actually seeing is the results of a brainstorm of Granger municipal workers who wanted to give their community a distinct identity.

Several years ago, the first dinosaur was created by public works employees, and since then, a full-fledged herd of the critters has been created and continues to grow each year in the town where the dinosaurs roam.

Many of the dinosaurs are clustered in or near Hisey Park, better know by now as Dinosaur Park. The park has its own pond, complete with a floating dino, a Dino Store which sells souvenirs and snacks, and a restroom that looks like an erupting volcano!

Many other colorful critters can be found in a variety of other locations around the community.

If you happen to visit Granger on the first Saturday of June, you’ll get to see the annual Dino-N-A-Day event in which people from around the valley come to help create that year’s new dinosaur.

Visitors of all ages are provided with latex gloves and can help apply the mortar that covers the framework of the new creation.

The dino of choice for last year’s event was the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and it is an impressive, life-size creature.

At press time, the decision had not been made about the 2011 addition, but suffice it to say that whatever it is, you can have a hand in its creation.

The date is Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. until about noon. There is no charge to help build the dino. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the fun!

Photo courtesy of City of Granger

A Tyrannosaurus Rex takes shape in Granger’s Hisey Park during the 2010 Dino-N-ADay event that happens every year on the first Saturday in June. Visitors can help build the dino each year at no charge.

Rail Museum volunteers bringing steam engine back to life Anyone who has stood beside a real steam engine can understand what a daunting challenge it would be to rebuild one.

But that is just what is happening at the Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Toppenish.

In 1994, the museum concluded a lease for Northern Pacific steam engine #1364, a 10-wheeler that had been largely

disassembled and put in open storage near Tacoma.

The engine was moved to Toppenish in late June, and restoration began immediately, but was hampered by a lack of indoor work space.

That problem was solved by the conversion of the museum freight house to an engine house, in which #1364 could be kept during the restoration process.

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The engine worked the western end of the Northern Pacific line throughout its career, and was retired in 1954, after 52 years of service that included working the Yakima Valley in 1947.

After being retired, the engine sat in a static display at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma until it was moved by local railroad enthusiasts for a restoration attempt that failed because of a lack of funds.

It had been sitting in pieces in Mineral, Wash., when the Toppenish museum made arrangements to bring it back to the valley.

Since being installed in its new home, significant progress has been made on the engine, including a complete rebuild of the steam-generating system on the engine and the water-storage tank on the tender.

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Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 15 Not Just A Farmer’s Market: a perfect end to summer

RAIL MUSEUM from page 14

Photo courtesy of the Toppenish Chamber of Commerce

Northern Pacific steam engine #1364 is a big draw during the annual Railroad Show at the Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Toppenish. The steam engine is being restored by volunteers at the museum. The railroad show will be held this year Aug. 26 and 27, at the museum, 10 S. Asotin Ave.

Restoration work has been slowed by the necessity of fabricating many replacement parts from scratch, sometimes without the benefit of blueprints.

The engine is usually brought out of the engine house once or twice a year, and displayed to the public.

Work is ongoing, but no completion date has yet been set, since it will depend to a large extent on the availability of funding.

You can expect to see #1364 on display during the 12th Annual Railroad Show at the museum, which will be held this year Aug. 26 and 27. The museum is at 10 S. Asotin Ave. In addition to the steam engine, visitors can see: • Railroad art • Railroad Memorabilia Show and

Swap Meet • Railroad telegraphy demonstration with “hooping up orders” demonstration • Caboose rides in the depot yard • Pump car rides • NP 2152 Light Pacific steam engine • Freight train project • 1921 Northern Pacific NP 642 Mann McCann spreader • Museum Tours in the 1911 Depot • Engine House Tours • Velocipede display • Food and Fun for All Ages • Steam Tractor - the Farmer’s Locomotive • The REA Room • The newly restored 1940 Ford REA truck should be ready for display

The first weekend after Labor Day can be a bit anticlimactic, what with the summer season having officially ended the just weekend before.

But if you happen to be in the Yakima Valley on the first Saturday after that weekend, be sure to stop at Zillah, for an event that will put some zip back in your life.

Photo courtesy of Yakima Valley Newspapers It’s called Not Visitors enjoy the huge variety of items available at the Not Just A Just A Farmers Farmers Market Event in Zillah in 2010.

Market, and it’s not to be missed.

Actually, if you drive down the main street of the town, which you can scarcely avoid when you come in to the city off I-82, you can’t miss it.

The event occupies about a square block adjacent to the main east-west thoroughfare, and fills the area with a dazzling array of things to eat, drink, wear, hear, and decorate your home with.

Because it is at least partially a farmers market, you’ll find a cornucopia of farmfresh fruit and produce the Yakima Valley is famous for.

Think freshly-picked melons, peaches, tomatoes, corn, apples, and who knows what else.

There will also be other tempting treats available, such as barbecue beef sandwiches with chips and soda.

Then there are the arts and crafts from local vendors and others who travel to Zillah just for this event.

You’re likely to find everything from metal and wood sculpture to artwork to ceramics, and more.

And to top it all off, there will be a variety of live entertainment.

In years past, that has included performances by a local dance school, the Zillah Community Choir, a jazz group, and demonstrations by acrobatic bicyclists.

It’s a full day of fun, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there’s no admission. It’s enough to make you forget that summer is almost over!

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Page 16 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

Grandview takes a gamble for a new look downtown It will be readily apparent to Grandview visitors that the city has completely upgraded its downtown image. What they might not be aware of is the determination, and a bit of luck, that made the improvements possible.

Grandview Mayor Norm Childress is an inveterate poker player, a pastime he ranks among his favorites.

It’s not surprising then that he uses a poker analogy to describe the city’s decision to move ahead with plans for community revitalization, despite economic uncertainties.

Childress draws a parallel between Grandview’s revitalization success, and the success of champion poker player Doyle Brunson.

Brunson won the No Limit Texas Hold ’Em event at the World Series of Poker two years in a row with what Childress calls one of the worst hands in the game, a 10 and a 2. It’s a hand that now bears Brunson’s name.

Childress said that when Brunson was asked why he bothered to play such a lousy hand, he replied, “Because that was the hand that was dealt to me.”

When Childress talks about what has been happening in Grandview during 2010/2011, he sees the same winning determination at work.

To illustrate, he points to several significant improvements that have come to fruition over about the last 18 months.

The first is the recreation of the city’s rose garden at the eastern entrance to town.

It was accomplished with “very little expense,” Childress said, because of the remarkable volunteer effort by community members.

He said 100 volunteers participated in the project. He characterized that level of volunteer help as “almost unheard of.”

Next, he talks about the freshlycompleted $5-million Downtown Alive

project.

He said the project was a long-range goal that had been identified many years ago.

The city had set aside funds to replace deteriorating sewer and water lines under the streets of the downtown core.

The City Council and the city staff decided that since the streets would have to be torn up for that work, it would be an opportune time to also redo the streets and sidewalks.

The challenge was to come up with the money in the face of the state’s budget woes and the national economic malaise.

Childress said the City Council divided into teams that traveled around the state to lobby for funds from every source that could be indentified.

“We looked for grants, for stimulus money, we even go into the state capital budget,” Childress said.

The search ultimately paid off with a project that Childress believes has transformed the downtown area.

“Our town is going to be a gem of the valley,” he said.

Another project that he cited is the $4 million library that is a joint effort between the city and Yakima Valley Community College, on the school’s Grandview campus.

“The state doesn’t partner with the city every day,” said Childress.

It is expected to be completed in July, or perhaps sooner.

The city also partnered with YVCC to make possible a new senior center. The college purchased the current facility, and the City used that income as seed money to get a grant for the $1 million project.

Childress said he is encouraged by the new businesses that have already begun locating in Grandview, such as Fruit Smart, which operates around the clock, a new blueberry processing facility, and a new credit union.

Photo by Richard Burger

Broad sidewalks, new lighting, and decorative planters greet visitors to the town. The downtown core was completed early in 2011, and is already attracting new businesses.

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The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 17 22nd Annual

Photo by Harold Carlson

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Page 18 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

Talent stage show, and of course a full scale carnival for the young and old alike round out the event. Walk through the midway and throw a dart or two. The ring toss, dime toss, horse races all provide the “try your luck” atmosphere you can only get at a carnival. A family day in the city park awaits you at Prosser’s States Day Celebration & Parade held on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2011.

States Day Celebration Schedule

7:00 am Parade Check-in Keene Riverview School 8:30 am Judging begins 10:00 am Grand Parade 10:00 am - Starlight Quilter’s Guild 10th annual PHS Main Gym

4:00 pm Quilt show 11:00 am Concessions open Prosser City Park Bingo Carnival / Games 11:00 am Benton County Museum tours 1:00 pm - Museum sing-a-long with Francis Barber, Robert & Margrett Buchholtz. Red Hat Society 12:00 pm STAGE SHOW – Flag Salute Sylvan Stage Prosser Grid Kid Cheerleaders 12:15 pm Entertainment 1:00 pm “The Valley’s Got Talent” FINALS 2:00 pm Diamond Ridge Cloggers 2:45 pm Announcement of “The Valley’s Got Talent” winners 10:00 pm Carnival Closes

Spring Barrel Tasting ready to uncork

By Mike Marino

The kick off event is almost here so mark your calendars for Friday, Photo Submitted April 15-Sunday, April 17. That’s Bright and colorful float made by Princess Court of PHS, in the Prosser States Day Parade. when Wine Country gets ready to roll out the wine barrel for the much anticipated annual Spring Barrel Headlining this year’s States day One tradition that has stood the test Tasting event. These are the best of entertainment will be the finals of “The of time is the registering of residents by the best, and the festivities allow Valley’s Got Talent”. 10 finalists will the state they hailed from. Townspeople the wine connoisseur and traveler, perform for our judges and audience with would sign up and wear a paper badge the opportunity to sample the yet a $500 first prize at stake. Cash prizes proudly displaying their home state and unfinished fruits of the vine wines for second and third place will also be thus the name “States Day” was adopted from the barrel.

There will be over 50 wineries in awarded. The finals competition begins as the official community celebration. at 1:00 pm on Sylvan Stage in the city That tradition continues today. Kicking the region participating in the Spring park on 7th street. off the day’s festivities is the Grand Barrel Tasting, and it is a wonderful Now in its 85th year, Prosser’s States Parade which starts sharply at 10:00 am. opportunity to not only taste the Day Celebration and Parade is a time The parade winds through the streets of various wines and to savor the flavor, “when old friends meet”. Held on Labor historic downtown Prosser as thousands but gives visitors the opportunity to

States Day Parade in Prosser

Day each September, States Day dates back to a time when farmers would put down the plow and head into town for an old fashioned family picnic. Games were played, a dance was held, and over the years new events were added to the day. A rival baseball game between neighboring towns was the highlight for many years.

of local residents line the streets.

Directly after the parade, the crowd descends upon the city park where you’ll find something for every age and gender.

Concessions from tacos to hamburgers, hot dogs to corn-on-the-cob provides patrons with the picnic from the past.

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Try any one of our famous pizza’s Zeppelin style. Served w/krinkle steak fries, or garden salad. $9.99 with soup or Caesar add $1.79

talk with the winemakers themselves to get answers to their many questions they may have regarding the winemaking process, vintages, and the various varietals.

What is wine without cuisine?

Have no fear, the winemakers will have a healthy selection and choice of cheeses and desserts to compliment the wine tasting experience. The nice part of the Spring Barrel Tasting is that locals get to mix and mingle with visitors from around the Northwest.

Last year many came from Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and some from British Columbia, as the fame of the local wine region spreads.

For more information visit http:// wineyakimavalley.org.

Terroir - the situation in which wine is made.

Esters - Any of a class of organic compounds corresponding to the inorganic salts and formed from an organic acid and an alcohol.

Start Me Up Favorites

• Garlicky Cheesy Breadsticks • Oh My Goodness Grean Beans • Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip • Kriss Kross Chili Nachos • Spicy Dilly Bobs! aka Pickles

Ten Micro Brews & Domestics On Tap Try Our Smoothies Made With Local Wines

Flamboyant Flat Breads & Sandwiches

All flat bread sandwiches served with your choice of krinkle steak fries, garden salad or soup or change it up with a Caesar salad for $1.79 • Bob, Larry, Tom • Jack • Italian Godfather Flat Bread • TNT • Southwest Slammer • Swiss Dunk • Aloha Grilled Flatbread • The Veggie • Pesto Chicken Flatbread • Main Lobster & Cheese Melt

Rockin’ Lunch Menu 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily

3 Big Screen TVs ~ Outdoor Seating

www.johnnyspizzastone.com

• Mac & Cheese Bites • Zesty Onion Petals • Clam Strips • Corn Puppies • Garlic Krinkle Kut Fries

Wingz To “Rock Your World”

• Inferno Wingz • Sweet Heat Wingz • Johnny’s Naked Buffalo Wingz • Johnny’s House BBQ Wingz

• Great Balls O’ Fire • Blue Cheese Buffalo Wingz • General TS Wingz • Go Boneless Wingz

Angel’s Pasta

• Lazoni • Chipolte Cheese Tortellini • Italian Sausage Pene • Chicken Alfredo Penne & Pesto • Cheese Tortellini and Wild Mushroom

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• Garden Fresh Greens • Buffalo Blue Chicken • Southwest Slammer

• Italian Godfather • The Mob Cobb • Angela’s Asian

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Open: 11ish until everyone is tired of eat’in and drinking

354 Chardonnay Blvd • Ste. 5 • Prosser • 786-PIZA (7492)

Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 19

Prosser Aquatic Center This summer the residents of Prosser will be the proud owners of a brand new aquatic center. After several years of studies, financial planning and design meetings, transformation of the existing pool facility in E.J. Miller park from a 1950’s era rectangular lap pool into a state-of-the-art aquatic center is finally underway. Demolition of portions of the existing facility was completed late in 2010 by William Charles West, General Contractor, of Kennewick.

The contract for the construction of the new facility was awarded to T.W. Clark Construction, LLC, of Spokane Valley in December 2010. Substantial completion of the project is currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, with the hope of opening the aquatic center officially on Friday, June 10.

The new aquatic center will bear little resemblance to the old facility.

The design of the new facility, provided

by ALSC Architects of Spokane, was heavily influenced by input from the City Council and city administrative staff members, with a focus on families. Here are examples of a few of the changes from the old facility to the new.

The new aquatic center will have two pools instead of one. The existing 8-lane, 33-meter pool will be shortened to a standard competition length of 25-yards.

Although the pool will still feature 8 lanes for competitions, it will also have increased recreational opportunities. The pool will feature a dramatic new 27-foot long drop slide, which plunges into 9-feet of water, removable float lines for open swim times, and water basketball and volleyball equipment.

The second pool is designed specifically for recreational use. This pool will include a zero-depth “beach” entry, meaning that the concrete deck slopes gradually down into the water, making movement in and out of the water easy

for all ages. Other amenities include a full size interactive play structure within the pool, a 100-foot long water slide and other play features. This pool will support multiple opportunities for new programs.

A removable fence will be available to run between the two pools allowing for simultaneous usage during swimming competitions and preventing the City from needing to close the entire facility to the rest of the public.

The pool water will be heated by high-efficiency heating equipment.

Temperatures will range from 82 in the lap pool to 86 degrees in the recreation pool, a significant improvement over the 70+ degree unheated water of the past.

Warmer water will make the pools much more desirable for use by infants and seniors. New chemical controls will also be included to automatically keep the water chemistry regulated.

A brand new bathhouse is being constructed to house changing rooms, showers, lifeguard support spaces, concessions stand and pool mechanical equipment. The old bathhouse will be utilized as needed during swimming competitions and for other storage needs.

The perimeter fence will encompass not only the pool deck but also the entire northwest corner of the existing park. In addition to the pools themselves, families will enjoy the use of shade structures, picnic tables, bar-b-ques, lounge chairs, and a large expanse of lawn area, all within the confines of the aquatic center.

Accommodations have been included in the project to allow for future expansion, which may include such features as a “lazy river” current channel and an interactive “spray pad”.

The construction cost for the project, including demolition and construction, is $2.4 million. In addition to local funding, the city received a $500,000 grant from the Washington State Recreation and .

.

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354 Chardonnay, Suite 1 Prosser • 786-4440 Mon.-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-4

Architects designs of the Prosser Aquatic Center opening June 2011.

Photo submitted

Conservation Office (RCO).

The existing pool, constructed in 1957, provided 53 years of service and memories for the residents of Prosser. The aging facility had deteriorated to such a degree that daily operations were difficult and expensive due to ongoing repair costs and water loss. The new Prosser Aquatic Center has been designed to last.

Wine and Vine definitions

C&C C&C Vintage Cellars C&C Vintage Cellars Home of Dumb Vintage Cellars Blonde Wine

Tannins - Bitter-tasting, astringent, complex aromatic compounds, some of which are glucosides, possibly giving protection to the plants they are found in or concerned with pigment formation.

Must - Grape juice used to make wine .

Lactic acid - A chemical that is formed when sugars are broken down for energy in the absence of adequate oxygen

Keno’s Keno’sKafe Kafe Restaurant & Lounge Restaurant & Lounge Keno’s Kafe ~ Established in 1984 ~ ~ ~ Established in 1984

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615 Sixth • 509-786-2580 Max &Street Dixie Amundson

Wines Antiques Gifts Jewelry Connie Womach & Carly Womach, Proprietors

509.786.1700

www.dumbblondewines.com

Wine Tasting Hours:

Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Noon - 4:00 p.m.

707 6th St., Unit B Prosser, WA 99350

Page 20 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

Murals preserve history in the ‘Town Where the West Still Lives’ You might say history in the city of Toppenish has taken on a life of its own.

It’s in the form of more than 70 historic murals, scattered from one end of town to the other, created by some of the bestknown mural artists in the Northwest.

The murals have created a new identity for the town, which is situated on the Yakama Indian Reservation.

Visitors travel from across the United States and around the world to see for themselves the historic artistry that continues to grow.

The Toppenish Mural Society began commissioning the murals in 1989, and established a tradition that has lasted ever since, with an event called MuralIn-A-Day. It takes place each year on the first Saturday of June, and attracts a team of Western artists who converge on the mural site and quite literally paint an entire mural in one day.

The mural site typically takes on a festive air, with food and arts and crafts vendors, and live music, and bleacher seating set up for those who want to watch the artists at work.

Making it possible to get the mural completed in one day takes a great deal of coordination and planning.

The process begins with creation of an original painting commissioned by the Mural Society.

That original painting is then transferred to a grid drawn to scale to fit the site of the mural, which varies each year.

Reproducing the original onto the grid is called “cartooning,” and it must be done carefully to assure that the mural matches the original.

The cartooning is completed and ready for use by the mural artists when the painting begins.

The team is guided by a lead artist, who sees to it that the original is faithfully recreated.

While the new mural is being created, many visitors take advantage of the horse-drawn wagon mural tour that is available from May through September.

Toppenish also has a new visitor center where all the original artwork for the town’s murals is on display, and where visitors can find a map of the murals.

Photo courtesy of the Toppenish Chamber of Commerce

The 2010 Toppenish Mural-In-A-Day artists put paint to canvas last year. The event is held each year on the first Saturday in June.

Toppenish is also home to the Northern Pacific Rail and Steam Museum, the American Hop Museum, and the Yakama Nation Cultural Center and Museum.

Visitors strolling downtown will also find a variety of quaint shops and an authentic old-time soda fountain that still serves sarsaparilla, along with other more modern beverages and food.

Pairing red wine and chocolate… with alpaca!

By Jennifer Ely

“Red Wine and Chocolate” is an après-Valentine highlight throughout the Yakima Valley. Wine enthusiasts discover the true romance of the vineyard by sampling distinctive fine wines paired with elegant rich chocolates.

Many tasting rooms also feature complimentary vendors to further enhance the tour experience.

If pairing wine and chocolate isn’t enough to warm you body, soul and spirit, adding the warmth and luxury of alpaca can make for a very indulgent experience! During this year’s February event, Airfield Estates Winery added

a luxurious alpaca trunk show to their festivities.

Prosser’s Sage Bluff Alpacas was invited to showcase their beautiful alpaca fashions and accessories in Airfield’s tasting room. Customers sipped wine, sampled chocolates, and shopped handsome alpaca coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, blankets, rugs and toys.

One guest was observed taking a photo of a basket of hand-spun yarn.

“Only in Prosser can you shop for wine and alpaca yarn in the same place! I can’t wait to blog about this!” she enthused.

Originally from South America, alpacas are raised for their luxurious

fleece, which is similar to cashmere and softer, stronger and lighter than wool. The appeal of raising these ecofriendly animals is due largely to the minimal care they require, their gentle personalities, the resulting revenue and excellent tax benefits, as well as the enviable lifestyle.

Alpaca breeders are a cooperative group, mentoring newcomers and ensuring the success of a rapidly growing national industry.

Sage Bluff Alpacas is conveniently located between Vintner’s Village and Historic Downtown Prosser. Phone 509-786-4507 to schedule a farm visit.

Or email jely@sagebluffalpacas. com. To learn more about alpacas, visit their web site at www.sagebluffalpacas. com.

Come Visit Us At Wine Country Plaza KD’s Country Floral

barbwire & roses

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Bonnie’s Vine and Gift

Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Karen Don - owner and floral designer with over 30 years experience

786-0048

Artificial Nails • Eyelash Extensions Western Gifts • Grandma’s Rag Rugs Beautiful Western Purses Handmade by Local Artisans

•Turquoise Jewelery • Baby Blankets

Framed Art by Suzy Cossman Julie Brulotte Licensed Nail Technician

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Specialty Wines of Washington State and the Yakima Valley

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B.J. PAINT & CARPET

Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 21

Photo submitted

The kilts are coming!

By Mike Marino

June is the month when Prosser gets plaid and proud as the 2011 Scottish Festival will kick off on Saturday, June 18, to the sound of bagpipes and Celtic music. It’s a Prosser tradition that brings out the Scotsman and Scotswoman in everyone, no matter what your ethnic background may be.

Did you ever want to watch an anvil launch? Do you even know what an anvil is? Take a blacksmith anvil that weighs up to 100 pounds and set it on top of an ignition platform charged with black powder. Once the powder is ignited, boom! The force can propel the heavy metal up to 125-feet into the air. It’s not only quite a sight, but quite a sound as the explosion reverberates between the Rattlesnake Hills and the Horse Heaven Hills, amplifying it for miles around.

Opening the festivities is a parade of tartans with enough razzle and dazzle to delight young and old alike.

“You take the high road, and I’ll take the low road and I’ll be in Scotland before ye” is a refrain from a beloved folk song and there will be plenty of song along

with colorful Highland dancers kicking up their heels to a driving Celtic beat.

The dances are ceremonial and have been handed down generation after generation.

The Highland fling has lots of swing so you won’t want to miss that.

One of the other highlights is the arts, crafts and other vendors with unique Scottish items, along with artisans who proudly display their creations. Don’t forget to feast at the food vendors and take advantage of beer and ales to put you in a festive Highland mood.

The kids will have a great time too as there will be numerous children’s events and things to do so the whole family will have a festival loaded with fun for everyone.

The cabor tossing is a traditional competition where Bravehearts can test their skills on a field of competition to go along with other tossing games for sport and honor.

The festival will be held at Port of Benton Wine and Food Park. For more information on events and tickets, contact the Prosser Chamber of Commerce at (509) 786-3177 or (800) 408-1517

Visit 5 Artisan Wineries In A European Setting.

Local winery, Alexandria Nicole Cellars, garners prestigious award from Wine Press Northwest Magazine.

Alexandria Nicole Cellars awarded 2011 Washington Winery of the Year

by Wine Press Northwest magazine Alexandria Nicole Cellars announced that they were excited to learn that they had been selected as the 2011 Washington Winery of the Year in the Spring 2011 edition of Wine Press Northwest.

When asked about this accomplishment, CEO and Winemaker Jarrod Boyle gave kudos to the great group of people who they have the privilege to work alongside. “It’s a group effort. We’re truly blessed to be able to work with a fabulous group of people who continue to inspire us” and then with a smile he adds “they make it fun”.

Boyle works hard to create world class wines as well as an incredible experience in their tasting rooms and wine clubs and now 10 years later it appears all the hard work is beginning to pay off. Last year alone Alexandria Nicole had nine wines that scored over 90pts in the Wine Spectator and Wine and Spirits publications as well as five Gold medals and two Double Gold’s in

area completions. This does not include a number of Outstanding and Excellent reviews from the Wine Press Northwest.

“I’m very excited about the great scores we’ve been receiving but even more happy about our continued Wine Club growth. The Wine Club is the heart of ANC and in these tough times it humbling to see so much support”.

Known for its strong desire to show wine club members the “ultimate wine experience,” Alexandria Nicole Cellars has implemented a host of Wine Club perks including hidden doors at each tasting room, a Charity of Choice program that has donated to over 30 charities selected by their members, a VIP Program, which provides wine club members with exclusive discounts and benefits at select businesses across Washington State, “Glamping” (glamorous-camping) at Destiny Ridge Vineyard, as well as a number of other exciting ways for their Wine Club members to enjoy themselves.

Sister to Sister

Home Decor Clothing ~ Jewelry ~ Handbags Kitchen Goods & Gourmet Foods European Soaps & Lotions Stationery Candles & Diffusers Children & Baby Gift Complimentary Gift Wrapping

W elcome to W inem akers l oft

10 Merlot Drive Prosser, WA

Enjoy fine wines as you stroll from winery to winery in a lovely courtyard setting.

Next to Starbucks

(509) 786.7467 Located in Vintner’s ViLLage • 357 Port aVenue • Prosser exit 80 on i-82

Mon.-Sat. 9-6 • Sunday Noon-5

Page 22 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Columbia Valley AVA

Columbia Valley AVA www.columbiavalleywine.com Established 1984

• Washington’s largest viticultural region, covering almost 11 million acres (4,451,700 hectares) which represents a full third of Washington State’s land mass.

• 6,693 vineyard acres (2,709 hectares) of wine grapes are planted and approximately 100 wineries are encompassed within its borders.

• Columbia Valley’s vast size allows for a number of meso- and micro-climates.

• Vineyards are planted on predominately south-facing slopes, increasing solar radiation in summer and promoting air drainage in winter.

• Merlot is the most widely planted varietal, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

• Riesling and Syrah are also grown in significant quantities.

• Growing season of 180-200 days with annual rainfall averaging 6-8 inches (1520 cm).

• The Columbia Valley contains the American Viticultural Regions of Red Mountain, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills and Snipes Mountain within its borders.

• The Ancient Lakes sub-appellation wineries have applied for official AVA status.

• Check with wineries for current hours and special events.

~ Wineries ~ 360 Cellars Estate – Kennewick www.threesixtycellars.com Anelare – Benton City www.anelare.com Badger Mountain – Kennewick www.badgermtnvineyard.com Balcom & Moe Winery – Pasco www.balcomandmoewines.com

Barnard Griffin – Richland www.barnardgriffin.com Bookwalter Winery – Richland www.bookwalterwines.com Boulder Estates Winery - Richland Canon de Sol – Benton City www.canondesol.com, Gamache Vintners – Tasting room in Prosser www.gamachevintners.com Goose Ridge Estate Winery – Richland www.gooseridge.com Gordon Brothers Vineyards – Pasco www.gordonwines.com Moonlight Sparkling Winery – Kennewick

www.moonlightcellar.com Pacific Rim Winemakers – West Richland www.rieslingrules.com Preston Premium Wines – Pasco www.prestonwines.com Stillwater Creek Vineyard – Royal City www.stillwatercreekvineyard.com Stonecap Monson Estates – Richland www.stonecapwines.com Tagaris Winery – Richland www.tagariswines.com Thrall and Dodge Winery www.thrallwinery.com Wooded Island Vineyards – Pasco www.woodedislandvineyards.com

Monkey Business

Pizza Connection

Store Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

613 Six th Street Prosser • 786-4874

Located Inside Monkey Business

Wine & Liquor Novelty Gifts & Gift Packs

613 Sixth Street • 786-1448

Hours: Mon-Thurs • 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Fri and Sat • 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Cave B www.caveb.com Dry Falls www.dryfallscellars.com Foxy Roxy www.foxyroxywines.com Jones of Washington www.jonesofwashington.com Kyra Wines www.kyrawines.com White Heron www.whiteheronwine.com

s ’ y Sh

A Gift Shop for the Entire Family

Prosser Liquor Store

Ancient Lakes Wineries

For Fast Delivery Call

786-4095 786-4095

Fun Toys, Games, Puzzles Art Supplies & More

Best Selection of Cards In Town

 Gif t Wrap  Party Supplies  Stationery  Hello Kitty  Models & Supplies  Gif ts for Guys  Cool Over The Hill Stuf f  Humungus Selection of Plush  Educational Toys - Books & Games

Fresh Salad Bar Famous Chicken & JoJos Sandwiches and Salads Daily Lunch Specials Tuesday Night Smorgie

• Big Screen TV • Video Games • Large meeting room • Family Gatherings • Beer & Wine 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

7 days a week 1306 Meade Avenue Prosser

LLS

Maison de Padgett Winery

2231 Roza Drive, Zillah 98953 509.829.6412 ~ 509.829.6401 ~ yvwine@aol.com Hours: Thu-Mon 11-5. Tue-Wed by chance. Dec-Feb by appointment.

Groups of 10 or more call ahead. W$, P, GS, BR, T Size Matters! Owned and operated by a small local family specializing in good conversation and quality wine. Come explore our European Gardens, relax on the shaded patio with your lunch, or enjoy the panoramic view from the tasting room. Wines crafted with a twist! Reds, Whites, Sweets, and Ports

Rattlesnake Hills AVA

Rattlesnake Hills AVA

RA

www.rattlesnakehills.com Established in 2006

TT

VA

A

• Located approximately four miles southeast of Yakima, the 68,500 acre (27,721 hectares) appellation has 1,500 acres (607 hectares) under vines.

• With 17 wineries and 29 vineyards, it provides many Washington producers with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Riesling.

• Encompassing an expanse of hills running east to west along the northern point of the Yakima River and south of Moxee Valley, the Rattlesnake Hills AVA lies within both Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley appellations.

• Beginning at an elevation of 850 feet and rising up to 3,085 feet, the viticultural area sits higher in elevation than the surrounding Yakima Valley region.

• The first commercial vineyards in the region date back to 1968.

• Vineyards are typically located on ridges and terraces and in areas with good air drainage to avoid late spring and early fall frost and winter kill.

• Check with wineries for current hours and special events.

LES

NAKE

HILL

S

VA

A

~ Wineries ~

WI E TRAIL YAKIMA VALLEY

© 2009

Horizon’s Edge Winery – Zillah www.horizonsedgewinery.com/ Hyatt Vineyards – Zillah www.hyattvineyards.com Maison de Padgett Winery – Zillah www.maisondepadgettwinery.com Masset Winery – Wapato www.massetwinery.com Paradisos del Sol – Zillah

Agate Field Vineyard – Zillah www.agatefieldvineyard.com Bonair Winery – Zillah www.bonairwine.com Claar Cellars – Zillah www.claarcellars.com

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 23

Wine Country’s Premier RV Park

www.paradisosdelsol.com Piety Flats Winery – Wapato www.pietyflatswinery.com

Portteus Vineyards – Zillah www.portteus.com See RATTLESNAKE AVA on page 24

PUB & GRILL Great Food

Billiards • Fun Pulltabs Featuring . . .

Microbrews Washington Wines Owners Darren and Carla Dodgson and Bernard

618 Sixth Street Prosser • 786-1422

in the Beautiful Yakima Valley

REASONS TO VISIT US . . .

• • • • • • • •

Free WiFi 127 Extra-Wide Spaces Playground Handicap Accessible Swimming Pool and Spa Full Hook-ups Putting Green Paved Interior

• • • • • • • •

Large Selection of Good Sam Discount Wine and Beer at Wine Tours Competitive Prices Concierge Services Propane Services Check our Monthly General Store Newsletter Coin-Op Showers online for 50 Amp Service upcoming events Cable TV

“14 wineries and new restaurants within walking distance” For Reservations Call

GROUPS WELCOME

1-800-726-4969 or email

winecountry@winecountryrvpark.com

330 Merlot Drive • Prosser, WA 99350

www.winecountryrvpark.com

320 Wine Country Road, Prosser 509.786.2055 www.chukar.com

Page 24 ~ The Grape Vine 2011 Sagelands Winery www.sagelandsvineyard.com Severino Cellars – Zillah www.severinocellars.com Silver Lake at Roza Hills – Zillah www.silverlakewinery.com Steppe Cellars – Sunnyside www.steppecellars.com Two Mountain Winery – Zillah www.twomountainwinery.com Windy Point Vineyards www.windypointvineyards.com Wineglass Cellars – Zillah www.wineglasscellars.com

~ Events ~

April 16 – 17 Barrel Tasting in the Rattlesnake Hills – The weekend before Spring Barrel Tasting is the annual Pre-Barrel Tasting weekend in the Rattlesnake Hills, where the wineries roll out the barrels in a quieter, more intimate event. Featuring new wine releases, conversations with the winemakers about their hand-crafted wines, and great wine specials, you can avoid the crowds at all the wineries next weekend. If you are serious about great wine, or want to learn more, come to the wineries this weekend to sample delicious new wines from the barrel, exciting new releases, and mouth-watering blends.

Check back frequently as we’ll be posting what will be available at each winery.

Rattlesnake & Snipes Mt. AVAs Snipes Mountain AVA

22 – 24 Spring Barrel Tasting – Rattlesnake Hills Style. The wineries in the Rattlesnake Hills will be rolling out the barrels for this annual tradition in the Yakima Valley.

Three exciting days of great new wines, live bands, BBQ, artists, and more are on the Trail during the annual Spring Barrel Tasting! Winemakers are on hand to discuss their new releases while providing tastes directly from the barrel. No ticket is required on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail, just a glass - and check out our Passport (only $10) for some really spectacular savings! Wine glasses and

Passports are available at all the wineries on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail and at the Yakima Visitor Information Center off I-82 at exit 33A. Passports are good one time at each winery, but never expire otherwise!

March 14 Chasing Out the Snakes March 20 Appellation Days.

November 24 -26 Thanksgiving weekend, November 24 – 26, 2011, featuring exquisite culinary samples paired with superb wines in the Rattlesnake Hills in Eastern Washington!

The newest AVA in wine country is the Snipes Mountain AVA. It’s a 4,145 acre area lies entirely within the Yakima Valley AVA and is entirely within the Columbia Valley AVA with 535 acres planted with 25 varieties of wine grapes.

• Check with wineries for current hours and special events.

~ Wineries ~

Upland Winery – Outlook www.uplandwinery.com

Wine and Vine definitions Malic acid- a colorless crystalline solid

The Seasons Performance Hall The Seasons is the premier concert and arts venue in Yakima, Washington. Pur­ chased by the Strosahl fam­ily in 2005, The Sea­sons Per­for­mance Hall was donated as a facil­ity for music appre­ci­at­ion and edu­ca­tion. The build­ing is a con­verted church, with a large main front hall, audi­ to­rium and rear ban­quet hall. The build­ ing was con­structed in 1902, with nondenominational stained-glass win­dows, a columned entrance and a paned dome atop the brick building.

The Sea­sons numerous con­certs are

Shoppe Bella

seated ‘fes­ti­val’ style, in the church pews remain­ing from the build­ings pre­vi­ous incar­na­tion. The main hall has exquis­ite stained-glass win­dows, and breath­tak­ing

acoustics. For cer­tain events, the front row of the audi­to­rium is com­prised of See SEASONS on page 25

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A TASTE OF ITALY IN THE HEART of WINE COUNTRY 602 Sixth Street Prosser 509-786-7600

Photo submitted

Photo of the Seasons auditorium converted from a church sanctuary, with amazing acoustics.

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To Reserve Your Space In The 2012 Grape Vine ®

Our Winery Tourist Guide

Please Call 509-786-1711

email ads@recordbulletin.com Lunch Wed.-Sat. 11:30-2 Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 4-8 Fri. & Sat. 4-9

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Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 25

Prosser: The Good Life As a member of the Yakima AVA, Prosser, home of the “good life,” abuts the Horse Heaven Hills and HHV AVA. The hospitable burg of just over 5,000 offers amenities for the whole family. Recreational activities ranging from Yakima River fishing to bicycling, walking the historic downtown, to a state of the art Skate Board park, just opened for the skateboarder in the family.

Downtown Prosser offers a variety of charming shops. Art galleries are located within two of the central wineries in town.

Many a fresh coffee bistro abounds from the downtown and entryway corridors to Prosser. Local wines can be enjoyed with your meal in many of the area’s fine restaurants. There are numerous tasting rooms located mere minutes from downtown.

The tree-lined streets are plenty.

Historic homes and buildings are found throughout the community. Within a few minute walk, visitors will find five parks, grassy picnic areas, tennis courts, the Benton County Historical Museum which keeps weekend hours and much more. The Yakima River provides a variety of water sports opportunities.

With over 300 sunny days in Prosser, the area is among the world’s greatest agricultural regions. Prosser’s Saturday Farmer’s Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from Spring to Fall.

Prosser, the “birthplace” of Washington’s modern wine industry, will soon be home to the Walter Clore Viticulture and Culinary Center.

The center will “…showcase the quality of Washington’s wine industry.”

SEASONS from page 24

‘V.I.P.’ tables, for which a lim­ited num­ber of tick­ets are avail­able. Per­for­mances are all-ages. The rear recep­tion hall provides intimate and stunning ambiance accom­ mo­dating up to 130 people. A selec­tion of wine and beer are avail­able through the con­ces­sion stand to the right of the main entry. For cer­tain events, we serve appe­ tiz­ers and pas­tries made by local culi­nary businesses.

The Season’s programming includes; NW Jazz Greats, Jazz Giants, a Latin Music Celebration, Classically Romantic series, and a Fall Festival. Offering an incomparable selection of jazz, classical and world music with some of the most thrilling international performers, we are an oasis for those seeking artistic nightlife east of the mountains. The Seasons is just two hours from Seattle and easily accessible from anywhere in Eastern Washington. Come to The Seasons for exhilarating music, an ample selection of

regional wines, and a showcase for local art. Whether you are a hard-core music aficionado looking for an intriguing new obsession, a lover of traditional jazz and classical performance, or a casual music lover seeking a fun, sophisticated night on the town, The Seasons is the place to be.

The Seasons Yakima | 888-723-7660 | 101 North Naches Avenue, Yakima, WA 98901 www.theseasonsyakima.com

The Dairy Farm Antiques & Collectibles

events and functions •Interactive and engaging exhibition galleries •Flexible orientation theater for lectures and demonstrations •State of the art, professionally outfitted demonstration kitchen •Working vineyards and gardens, for self-guided and led tours •Dining/restaurant •Wine bar/tasting lounge for presentation of Washington wines •Retail shop for visitors to make purchases of local products and souvenirs •Industry and administrative office space and resource center •Fully-equipped classroom spaces for hands-on training, teaching and meetings Groundbreaking took place on March 28, 2006.

Prosser is central to Washington state and less than an hour to Oregon wine areas. Consider Prosser where the good life abounds!

Wine and Vine definitions Clarification - Process in which solid matter which clouds the wine is precipitated by dragging, using clays, such as bentonite or kaolin, or organic products, such as isinglass or egg white.

Glycolysis - the enzymatic breakdown of a carbohydrate (as glucose) by way of phosphate derivatives with the production of pyruvic or lactic acid and energy stored in high-energy phosphate bonds of ATP Malolactic fermentation - Transformation of malic acid into lactic acid using bacteria. In Rioja and Navarra, malolactic fermentation usually occurs spontaneously some weeks or even months after alcoholic fermentation. The “tingling” sensation often detected in young still wines comes from the carbon dioxide released during malolactic fermentation.

HANDCRAFTED VODKA and GIN

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Lower Yakima Valley’s Largest Antique Shop

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This facility will promote modernday viticulture, enology and culinary practices by providing a destination point to educate visitors, media and industry about Washington’s wine and food.

The Center will be located on 22 acres adjacent to the Yakima River in the city of Prosser. The community of Prosser is designated as the site for the Clore Center because of its location in the center of the States wine grape growing region and its distinction as the home of the largest irrigated agricultural research center in the U.S. (WSU-IAREC) where in 1934, Dr. Walter Clore, began the research on Washington’s wine grape industry. The 17,537 square foot facility will incorporate the principles of sustainable design and respect its eastern Washington agricultural surroundings, complementing both its river front site and surrounding vineyards and gardens. The facility will include: •An expansive lobby and information area for welcoming visitors and holding

Vodka and Gin Tastings Daily TAKE HOME A BOTTLE TODAY Come See Why Everybody Is Talking About Us!

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(509) 840-0235 • 701 6th St. • Prosser, WA • Open 10am-5pm Daily

Barn Restaurant & Lounge BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

Fresh Prime Rib Daily Homemade Soups and Sauces Fabulous Sunday Brunch Fine Selection of Washington Wine Lounge Happy Hour: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Pull Tabs • Banquet Facility • Near Airport

490 Wine Country Road • Prosser • 509-786-1131

Tasting Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11-5 Sunday 1-5

SHIRTS, HATS, and SHOT GLASSES AVAILABLE 2880 LEE ROAD SUITE B • PROSSER • 509.778.4036

www.blueflamespirits.com • Find us on Facebook at BLUEFLAMESPIRITS

Page 26 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

Balloons get ready to fly over Prosser Balloon rides are coming to Prosser!

Vic and Mandy Johnson, of Wine Country Balloon Tour, are ready to open up shop and adding a great tourist attraction to Wine Country. We have the Balloon Festival one weekend a year, and is a great draw for tourism, but now, locals and tourists alike will have the opportunity to take the skies, weather permitting from April to October. They have been coming to the Prosser Balloon rally for two decades and their love of the area, and flying was the deciding factor to come to Prosser to share their love of the sport.

Beginning their Eastern Washington experiences of flying in 1989 at the annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, Vic and Mandy Johnson fell in love with the beauty and open space of the farm country of this warmer, dryer, part of Washington State. As other balloon events were formed and blossomed, Vic and Mandy continued to fly each May in Walla Walla, and each September at the event started a few years later in Prosser, along with other events that have come and gone over the years.

Watching the evolution of Eastern Washington from farm country into the diverse agricultural area and wine country it is today was exciting and the Johnson’s found they were eager to share their flight experiences in these open spaces with other balloonists. Two of those special people they chose to share their flight experiences with were

Larry Simburger and Dawne Rushkarski, both new to Washington State in the mid to late 90’s. All four pilots have flown and continue to fly both at events and in between events throughout Eastern Washington.

In the mid 90’s, Vic Johnson met local landowner Charlie Card after landing on his neighbors property during the Great Prosser Balloon Rally held each year in September. The friendship between the Card’s and Johnson’s flourished which led to an annual potluck event the two families put together so the local landowners could meet the visiting balloonists. Before we knew it the visiting balloonists felt like a part of the community thanks to the Cards and other neighbors who got together to share good food, good stories and some fun flights. Life was good as the two groups exchanged information about the local culture and the history and traditions of ballooning. The Johnson’s and Rushkarski’s enjoyed these experiences so much they purchased property (named by the Card’s as ‘Hot Air Acres’) in the Prosser area from which they could spend more time and fly in this scenic area.

Watching the development of the Yakima valley into such a rich, diverse agricultural area that included first wine growing and now so many wineries, these seasoned balloonists with ties to the area couldn’t help but think that the Yakima valley would be an ideal setting to put together a tour company that could give

Your Source For Hometown News

the people visiting a unique view and experience that has not been available on a regular basis before now. After all, the rich and varied wines from the region fit very naturally as a part of the traditional toast that is shared following a balloon flight. An area so rich in scenery and culture deserves the unique experience only offered by a sport so rich in tradition and history.

Having worked together on the first and only flight ever made by a hot air balloon directly ‘over the top’ of Washington State’s majestic Mt. Rainier, this team was extremely happy to be fortunate enough to acquire the very balloon, “Wyakis” that Vic and Larry flew over the mountain in 2002. This balloon is, by itself, very majestic and just the right vehicle to help launch this new venture. This achievement coupled with the ties to the area for the pilots and the balloon, are what inspires them and propels them forward in this endeavor.

After researching the idea, spending more time vacationing and flying in the area, this powerful team came together to bring this idea to fruition. Wine Country Balloon Tour has been brought to life and is being developed to provide an over the top experience of Washington’s premier wine country. It is their sincere wish to share the beauty, charm and romance this area provides in a way that most people have never imagined possible.

The newest dream is to put together flights and experiences you can truly get nowhere else. If you are still reading and intrigued about the company and how they can help you see this region as you’ve never seen it before, give them a call and they would be happy to discuss the many options available to you with Wine Country Balloon Tour.

Phone: 888-952-3040 or 253-638-9696Email: info@golightlyinc. com.

GOLDEN YAN Chinese Restaurant

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Cantonese Mandarin American Lunch & Dinner 613 7th Street • P.O. Box 750 • Prosser, WA 99350 509-786-1711 • Fax 509-786-1779 editor@recordbulletin.com ads@recordbulletin.com www.recordbulletin.com

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Fly the majestic skies over Wine Country in style.

Harvest Times

Although Washington is known as the Evergreen State, when it comes to the Yakima, Columbia and Walla Walla valleys there is something else that comes to mind – fruit and produce.

It’s the fruit and produce in these areas that help keep the valleys looking green and lush for the better part of the year.

Throughout the growing season, there are trees in bloom, and crops getting ready for harvest.

Farmers markets and roadside stands abound. Take the fresh foods of eastern Washington’s bounty home with you. At the least, be sure to enjoy them while you are here.

Early April – Apricot trees are in full bloom.

Mid-April – Peach and cherry trees are in full bloom. Asparagus harvest begins and runs through mid June.

Late April/Early May – Apples, most varieties, pears and prunes are in full bloom.

Mid-June – Cherry harvest begins and runs through mid July Early July – Apricot harvest begins and runs through early August.

Mid-July – Peach harvest begins and runs through mid September, Cabbage is harvested.

Early August – Cantaloupe, cucumber and tomato harvests begin and run through mid September.

Mid-August – Bartlett pear, corn and watermelon harvests begin and run through mid September.

Late August – Prune harvest begins and runs through early October.

Early September – Jonathan apple harvest begins and runs through late September. Winter pear harvest begins and runs through late October.

Mid-September – Delicious apple harvest begins and runs through late October. Grape harvest begins and runs through early October.

Early October – Winesaps and Roman Beauty apple harvests begin and run through early November.

Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 27

Ignition for change in Kittitas Valley

By Theresa Bishop

In the heart of Washington is a town that once was the hub of the early state. Before wind turbines and Four Loko, Ellensburg was an important meeting place for an alphabet soup of railways, thriving agriculture and the Normal School, or Teachers’ College, all of which added prosperity to the pastoral beauty of Kittitas Valley. Farming thrived, mining hummed nearby, and the trip to Seattle took fifteen days by wagon.

That long journey over the pass would soon change with the advent of the Ford Model T. Jack Kelleher, an Irish immigrant and helped provide for this change and the benefits it brought.

In 1911 Kelleher opened Kelleher Motor Company in Ellensburg.

Jack Kelleher emigrated from County Cork, Ireland to the United States in 1890. Beginning as a roustabout in Chicago, Kelleher worked his way up and west in a fashion that would have made Mark Twain smile.

From working in various machine shops, he in turn became a locomotive fireman and engineer. In the spring of 1905, Jack went to Mexico as an engineer for the Mexican Central Railroad. Later that year, he completed his long westward journey reaching Ellensburg on Christmas Eve, 1905.

For several years he ran a two car stage run to Cle Elum, and also owned and operated a bicycle shop in downtown Ellensburg. This shop was the predecessor business to Kelleher Motor Company.

The Historical Museum in Ellensburg attests to the importance of the Model T. There are several cars on display in the museum along with fur lap robes, hats, and gloves, which indicates that going for a drive in that

era was a real event. People were often photographed in their cars, as driving was a new adventure for everyone and conveyed the lingering elegance of the time. The museum has one car, with the seats set like a carriage, dos a dos, the front and the back seats back to back, to better view the scenery. European tableware, French Fashion dolls, vibrant Indian beadwork and enduring photographs of beautiful homes are evidence of the prosperity enjoyed in fin de siècle Ellensburg.

Selling the Model T was extremely helpful to the farming community because of the versatility of this new machine. The Model T was known as the universal car because it could be used to plow fields, saw wood, generate electricity, store grain, pump water, run stock shears, and go to town.

“In the early days, Model T’s arrived from the factory in wooden crates and were assembled at the dealership,” says Phil Kelleher, the grandson of Jack Kelleher and current general manager of Kelleher Motor Company. “There were very few parts to put together, and the cars sold in 1922 for $300 after assembly.”

During the Great Depression, Jack realized the need families had for automobiles but also the fact that most people could not afford them. So he would sell cars to the families, and ask them to pay him back when they got back on their feet. Every family he gave a car to paid him back every penny.

“During World War II, my grandfather could only sell used cars.

The Ford factories were dedicated to the war effort with all raw materials being used to manufacture military equipment and supplies. Given the lack of new cars, he focused his business

during this time on servicing and repairing old cars and by patching tires for resale and reuse.” says Phil Kelleher.

In the 1960s, Kelleher Motor Company stopped selling farm equipment, as the number of farms decreased and the equipment became more sophisticated. Joe Kelleher successfully ran the dealership for many years.

“When my father died in July of 1985, over twelve hundred people came from all over Washington, other states, even Washington DC to his funeral, most of them were people the rest of our family didn’t know, but who said my father had helped them or worked with them in many ways.” Continues Phil,” All businesses in Ellensburg were closed the day of his funeral.”

Following Joe’s death, Colleen, Joe’s wife of thirty-six years assumed responsibility for the day to day running of the business. Five months into managing the dealership, it burned to the ground as a result of a faulty gas heater. That same year, Colleen and the dealership were awarded the President’s Award for Excellence in Customer Service by Ford Motor Company.

Colleen has now been running the dealership for the past twenty six years.

In May of 2008, she was joined by her son Phil.

To celebrate 100 years, Phil called upon a small local distillery to create Kelleher’s Cream Cordial Centennial Special Liqueur. “This special elixir contains local brandy, cream and clover honey. We thought it a great way to put pioneer spirits in a bottle.”

Thanks Milton Wagy of the Ellensburg Public Library.

To advertise in next year’s Grape Vine please call Dianne Buxton at 509-786-1711

A big thank you to all our advertisers Wine Quotes

[at his first sip of champagne] “Come quickly! I am tasting stars!”

--- Dom Perignon “Penicillin cures, but wine makes people happy.” --- Alexander Fleming (1881-1955), the Scottish bacteriologist credited with discovering Penicillin in 1928.

Brew Pub & Eatery TRAN

WHITS Brewing

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786-4WBC We Produce Hand-Crafted Ales Using Premium Yakima Valley Hops Open Daily 11 a.m.

Lunch • Dinner • Appetizers Where Friends Meet for Great Beer and Fine Food 1427 Wine Country Road Corner of 9th Street • Prosser

The Quilted Country Inn is a beautiful six bedroom

four bathroom Inn overlooking the Yakima River used for small sewing groups, quilters, stampers, scrap booking and other creative projects. It has two large work rooms inside, a large deck and gazebo for relaxing outside. A private massage room in the back with a licensed massage therapist available can help make your stay comforting and relaxing. The Inn is suitable for family gatherings and small parties. Newly remodeled kitchen facilities available, catering services optional.

The Sewing Basket located next door has over 6.000 bolts of high quality fabrics, notions, a 19201930 vintage room, readymade quilting kits and smaller projects in a bag or choose from the rainbow of colors and designs. Open 10-5:30 Monday - Saturday 1108 Wine Country Road, Prosser. You can also see fabric and order on line.

Reservations 509-786-7367 www.prossersewingbasket.com email prossersewingbasket@earthlink.net.

Page 28 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Horse Heaven Hills AVA

Horse Heaven Hills AVA Established in 2005

• Naturally bounded on the north by the Yakima Valley appellation and on the south by the Columbia River.

• Located in Southeast Washington - total area is 570,000 acres (230,679 hectares) of which about 8,400 acres (3,399 hectares) are planted to grapes, 26 percent of Washington’s total grape production.

• Primary grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

• Proximity to the Columbia River creates 30 percent more wind while moderating temperature extremes, providing steep south-facing slo0pes for optimum vineyard locations and providing welldrained, sandy-loam soils.

• Elevations range from 1,800 feet at the area’s northern boundary to 200 feet at its southern.

• Outstanding sites that have been developed in this area include Canoe Ridge, Alder Ridge and Zephyr Ridge.

• Growers have raised grapes in the Horse Heaven Hills region since 1972.

• There are at least 25 vineyards and seven commercial wineries within the region.

• Proud source of the first, second and third ‘100 point’ wines in the State of Washington.

• Check with wineries for current hours and special events.

~ Wineries ~

Alexandria Nicole’s Destiny Ridge Vineyard – Paterson

Map courtesy of WA Wine Commission, www.washingtonwine.org

www.alexandrianicolecellars.com Canyon’s Edge Winery – Alderdale www.canyonsedgewinery.com Chateau Champoux Vineyard – Prosser www.chateauchampoux.com Columbia Crest Winery – Paterson

www.columbia-crest.com Heaven’s Cave – tasting room in Prosser www.heavenscave.com McKinley Springs Winery – Alderdale www.mckinleysprings.com

~ Events ~

July 16, 2011 – 4th Annual “Horse Heaven Hills Trail Drive & BBQ. This event celebrates the AVA’s anniversary and helps fund the HHH Wine Growers Scholarship and special

projects at Crow Butte Park. Take a drive through the beautiful Horse Heaven Hills, taste fabulous wines at our local wineries & tasting rooms. Some of the participating stops include Columbia Crest Winery, Canoe Ridge Estate Winery, Chateau Champoux Tours & Tasting and McKinley Springs Winery. Allow at least 4-5 hours for tasting tour, ice chests suggested for any wine purchases. You will be provided a driving map. For more information, visit the website at www. horseheavenhillswinegrowers.org.

What is an American Viticulture Area (AVA)?

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An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a delimited grape-growing region distinguishable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the United States government’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The TTB defines these areas at the request of wineries and other petitioners. Unlike most European appellations, an AVA specifies only a location. It does not limit the type of grapes grown, the method of vinification, or the yield, for example. Some of those factors may, however, be used by the petitioner when defining an AVA’s boundaries.

What is an Appellation?

According to the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Trade Bureau which approves AVAs, Under U.S. regulations (specifically 27 CFR 4.25), an appellation of origin is: • A country • A U.S. state or the foreign equivalent • For U.S. wine, a listing of up to 3 states (multi-state appellation) • A U.S. county or the foreign equivalent • For U.S. wine, a listing of up to 3 counties (multi-county appellation) • A U.S. or foreign government recognized delimited grapegrowing area (referred to as a “viticultural area” under U.S. regulations).For more information http://www.ttb.gov/appellation/

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W W W. A I R F I E L D W I N E S . CO M 560 Merlot Drive • Prosser • (509) 786-7401 • www.airfieldwines.com

Tasting Room Hours

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505 Cabernet Ct.

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Wade Wolfe and Becky Yeaman started Thurston Wolfe in 1987. The winery specializes in small case lots featuring: Pinot Gris- Viognier, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Lemberger, Dr. Wolfe’s Family Red, JTW”s Port and Sweet Rebecca. Take Exit 80 off of I-82, turn south on Gap Rd. and the immediately left on Merlot Drive, then right on Port Ave. and right onto Cabernet Court. Thurston Wolfe features a wonderful patio to sit and enjoy lunch with a glass of wine!

(509) 786-2197 Tasting Daily 12 - 5

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Page 30 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Red Mountain AVA

Benton City Car and Bike Show gets ready to rev it up!

In the springtime, cheatgrass such as this turns a wine red color which gives the landscape of Red Mountain its name.

Red Mountain AVA Established 1995

• Established in 2001, located on the eastern edge of the Yakima Valley, near Benton City.

Not necessarily a mountain, more of a steep slope, which faces Southwest near the Yakima River.

• Over 700 vineyard acres currently planted in the 4,000+ acre area More than 12 wineries are located in the Red Mountain AVA, with many additional Washington wineries sourcing grapes from Red Mountain’s premiere growers • Primary grape varieties planted include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese • The area has a desert climate with average yearly rainfall of five inches per year. During the growing season daytime temperatures average 90 °F (32 °C) with night time temperatures dropping below 50 °F (10 °C).

• Check with wineries for current hours and special events.

~ Wineries ~

www.winesnw.com/yakmap3.html Blackwood Canyon Vintners www.blackwoodwine.com Buckmaster Cellars www.buckmastercellars.com Col Solare www.colsolare.com Corvus Cellars www.corvuscellars.om Fidelitas Winery www.fidelitaswines.com Goedhardt Family Winery www.goedhardtfamily .com Hedges Family Estate www.hedgesfamilyestate.com Hightower Cellars www.hightowercellars.com Kiona Vineyards www.kinoawine.com Oakwood Cellars Winery www.oakwoodcellars.com Sandhill Winery sandhillwinery@aol.com Seth Ryan Winery www.sethryan .com Tapteil Vineyard Winery www.tapteil.com Terra Blanca Vintners www.terrablanca.com

It’s time once again for the Benton City Spring Opener Car and Bike Show, so mark your calendar for April 30! This will be the sixth year for this event.

The show highlights some of the finest cars and bikes in the area. Parking is on the grass for cars and pavement for the bikes.

Hosted each year by a group of dedicated volunteers to raise funds for our local youth groups. We operate as a non-profit group under the Benton City Chamber. We will be entering our 6th year for 2011. Through the contributions of the community and our sponsors, the show has funded many different youth groups and our local Teachers educational programs. These programs generally lack sufficient funding to provide the services needed for the Youth Groups or training aids for the teachers.

This event provides that funding.

There will be a kids trophy for Best Bicycle. There will also be motorcycle trophies for first, second, and third place. The car trophies will for first, second and third place; the Best of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Also

for Peoples Choice, Principles Choice, Kid’s Choice, Best Truck, Best Foreign, Hard Luck, Under Construction and Off the Beaten Path.

Our show is held on the grass at the Ki-Be Middle School located at 913 Horne Dr. Benton City, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. All proceeds raised from this event are given back to the community in support of our youth. The Trophies are custom made by the Ki-Bi High School wood shop.

For more information and entry forms, visit their website at www. bcspringopener.com.

Benton City Days are coming!

By Mike Marino

Mark your calendars to grab the family and head on out to Benton City for the annual Benton City Daze family festival. It’s a jam packed weekend with fun for the whole family. There will be the annual parade, games for the kids, a talent show, street dance and of course, food with the bbq all fired up with delicious food when you want to take a break from all the fun and festivities.

The annual is held the first weekend in September after Labor Day and is held at the Benton City Community Park, but there are events happening at other locations around town.

All proceeds from the festival help support the youth in the community and is sponsored by the Benton City Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact the Benton City Chamber of Commerce at 509-588-4984.

Ki-Be Market

Full-Service Grocery Store

Large Selection

509-588-4369

Offering Exceptional Service

We sell Washington State Wines at lower prices than anyone else in the State Period!

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Tasting Room Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 11:00 - 5:00 Reservations accepted for Private Tours and Special Events 509-588-8800 | www.chandlerreach.com | Exit 93 off I-182, Benton City, WA

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daddyospizza.com 805 9th Street

Tues.-Thurs. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. • Fri. 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sat. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. • Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sew Me Pretty • Embroidery • • Alterations • • Garment Printing •

• Consignment Boutique • Dawn Anderson, owner

Shop 588-3100 • Cell 551-7323

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Great Food • Deck Seating Beer and Cocktails Lunch • Dinner • Bar Food Happy Hour Appetizers

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804 Babs Avenue 509-374-3398 www.efcpetstuff.com

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The Tumbleweed

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509-588-5016 • 509-440-2022 609 9th Street

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Page 32 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Columbia Gorge AVA

Map courtesy of WA Wine Commission, www.washingtonwine.org

Columbia Gorge AVA Established in 2004

• Includes areas in southern Washington and northern Oregon, along the Columbia River.

• Located in Southern Washington - Total area is 4,432 acres (1,794 hectares) with approximately 300 vineyard acres.

• Primary grape varieties: Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

• Moist, marine influences from the Columbia River meet dry air from eastern Washington, which allows constant airflow. Warm days and cool nights provide full, ripe flavor profiles and good acid levels.

• Check with wineries for current hours and special events.

~ Wineries ~

1.866.413.WINE www.columbiagorgewine.com Cascade Cliffs – Wishram www.cascadecliffs.com Cathedral Ridge Winery – Hood River www.cathedralridgewinery.com Cor Cellars www.corcellars.com Domaine Pierre Noire Winery – Lyle www.pierrenoire.com Dry Hollow Vineyards – The Dalles www.dryhollowvineyards.com Erin Glenn at The Mint – The Dalles www.eringlenn.com Jacob Williams Winery – Lyle jacobwilliamswinery.com Gorge Crest Winery – Underwood www.gorgecrest.com Illusion Winery www.illusionwine.com

Klickitat Canyon Winery – Lyle www. columbiagorgewinery.com Major Creek Cellars – White Salmon www. majorcreekcellars.com Marshal’s Winery http://www.marshalsvineyard.com Maryhill Winery – Goldendale www.maryhillwinery.com McCormick Family Vineyards 509-365-9571 Mt. Hood Winery – Hood River www. mthoodwinery.com Naked Winery at Cascade Cliffs – Wishram www.nakedwinery.com North Shore Wine Cellars – Bingen www. northshorewinecellars.com Pheasant Valley Vineyard & Winery – Hood River www.pheasantvalleywinery.com Phelps Creek Vineyards – Hood River www.phelpscreekvineyards.com Quenett Winery – Hood River

www. quenett.com Shady Grove Winery http://www.shadygrovewinery.com/ Springhouse Cellars – Hood River www.springhousecellar.com Syncline Wine Cellars – Lyle www. synclinewine.com The Pines 1852 Tasting Room – Hood River www.thepinesvineyard.com Waving Tree Vineyards & Winery – Goldendale www.wavingtreewinery.com Wheatridge In The Nook Vineyard and Winery – Arlington www.wheatridgeinthenook.com White Salmon Vineyard – Underwood www.whitesalmonvineyard.com Wind River Cellars – Husum http://www.windrivercellars.com

~ Events ~

May 22–25 Memorial Day Weekend in The Gorge August 8 Gorge Wine Celebration for Hospice, Hood River September 4–7 Labor Day in The Gorge November 27–29 Thanksgiving in The Gorge February 12–14 Valentine’s Day / Presidents’ Day April 5 (done) Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Tasting in Portland, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Hotel Vintage Plaza April 9-11 (done) Passport Weekend in The Gorge

Richland Arts

While touring the wine country of Eastern Washington, come visit the Hear t of Downtown Richland.

Allied Arts Gallery a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization suppor ts the visual ar ts through workshops, shows, scholarships and ar t gallery. The sky-lit Gallery provides an exciting set ting for painting, sculpture, fiber ar t and jewelry. Most work is for sale, including that of the monthly featured ar tists. Our major fundraiser, now called Ar t in the Park, will take place July 29 and 30 in Richland’s Howard Amon Park, between the Gallery and the Columbia River. There is no admission charge.

Ye Merrie Greenwood Faire celebrates its 25th anniversary. Where can you cheer for your favorite Knight on horseback and take in 2 dif ferent Shakespearean plays in one day? At Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire. For the past 24 years, Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire has transformed Howard Amon Park in Richland into an English Village in the time of Elizabeth I, complete with costumed actors, period vendors, pageantry and music. The folks who present the Faire have tried to make it as dif ficult as possible to see every per formance at their Faire in one day. There are over 90 per formances on 8 stages from 10 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. on both Saturday and Sunday, June 25th & June 26th. There are also acts which roam the streets of the Village of Greenwood. Please contact the director for more information at 509-783-7727.

Allied Arts the gallery at the park * 63 years serving local art * Monthly featured artists * Art in the Park July 29, 30, 2011

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Stay on the River!

Play and Stay Packages Available 1-866-564-4653 (GOLF) . . . Call For Tee Times www.hornrapids.com

* Adult & Children’s Workshops * Gift Gallery * Never an admission charge Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm www.alliedartsrichland.org 89 Lee Blvd. • Richland, WA 99352 509-943-9815

Ye Merrie Greenwood Players 25th Anniversary

Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire Sat. & Sun., June 25 & 26, 2011 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Howard Amon Richland Park

Shakespearean Comedy Jousting Period Crafts Food ALL DAY GATE PRICE: $9 Teens & Adults $7 Children over 5 & Seniors For more information call 509-783-7727 www.yemerriegreenwoodfaire.org

Columbia Gorge AVA

Maryhill Winery

Craig & Vicki Leuthold are the owners of Maryhill Winery. After more than 10 years of Craig working for a Fortune 200 company in Spokane selling plastic raw materials, and Vicki working for her own family owned business selling coffee, the couple exchanged their careers for a life inspired by their love of Washington wine and each other. In 1999, they founded Maryhill Winery determined to share their passion and enjoyment of wine with others. Craig and Vicki now oversee all aspects of the winery’s operation, with a strong focus on marketing and sales.

Maryhill is located in the Columbia Gorge wine region on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River and majestic Mt. Hood, Maryhill Winery is a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit.

Maryhill is a true destination winery offering a 3,000- square-foot tasting room, a beautiful covered arbor, picnic grounds and an adjacent 4,000 seat amphitheatre that hosts a world-class summer concert series.

Guests enter Maryhill Winery beneath the shade of a grape covered arbor and are transported to another

world. Often called the “Mediterranean of the Northwest,” the Columbia River Gorge’s hot summer days make Maryhill’s deck the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a glass of wine and take in the view. When the weather cools, visitors cozy up by the fireplace inside the tasting room and gaze out the windows to the snow covered mountain tops and vineyards below.

In May 2001, Maryhill Winery opened its doors as one of only 100 wineries in the state. Today, there are more than 600 Washington wineries. With a lot of hard work and determination, the Leutholds achieved their dream of creating a true destination winery with a 3,000-squarefoot tasting room, a beautiful covered arbor, picnic grounds and an adjacent 4,000 seat amphitheater that hosts a world-class summer concert series. The winery has grown from a modest 4,300 case production in 1999 to more than 80,000 cases today, making it the 15th largest winery in the state.

Whether a wine “newbie” or aficionado, visitors never feel intimidated in the Maryhill tasting room. After a friendly greeting by Potter, Maryhill’s 130-pound Great Pyrenees “wine dog,” guests saddle up to the deeply aged Brunswick Bar to taste and learn about wines from Maryhill’s knowledgeable staff.

Quarter sawn from Tiger Oak in the late 1800s, the tasting bar stretches 20-feet long by 12-feet high, with exquisite wood carvings and inset mirrors. Maryhill’s tasting room draws 75,000 guests from around the world each year who come to sample its award-winning wines and experience wine country. Maryhill Winery’s 4,000seat outdoor amphitheatre is built into an existing slope on the grounds next to the winery and tasting room. Maryhill hosts a world-renowned summer concert series and has welcomed artists including Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills & Nash, BB King and

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 33

Don Henley. The amphitheater offers sweeping vistas of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, enchanting lovers of music, wine and the great outdoors with its magic.

Offering “a world of wine in 40 miles,” the Columbia Gorge wine

touring region is a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of the Willamette Valley or Walla Walla wine country.

Located three hours from Seattle and an hour from Portland, Ore., the Columbia Gorge offers more than 30 wineries to explore in addition to Maryhill Winery.

A colorful fiber arts display at Allied Arts in Richland.

Allied Arts

In 1943, the small farm settlement of Richland, in Eastern Washington State, became a government city to house the thousands of people who came to work at the Hanford Works, part of the secret Manhattan Project to build an atomic bomb. Although the government provided some entertainment for the workers’ leisure time, the residents banded together early on to bring culture to this isolated place and the arts became a vital part of the community.

Thelma Pearson, an art teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, organized one small group of artists during the late

Photo submitted

forties. They met in her school art room to paint, support each other, give workshops, and organize displays of their work. In 1948, they wrote a constitution, officially founding Allied Arts Association.

Activities of the group over the years included seminars, art classes, field trips, workshops, and sessions of outdoor sketching. The organization loaned paintings to the library and local businesses, helped art teachers in schools, donated art books to the library, awarded scholarships to art students, contributed to the Artist-in-Schools program, and organized exhibits. Early exhibits were held at the old Richland Library and at a See ALLIED ARTS on page 34

Shop, Wine & Dine

• Enjoy riverview accommodations • Located near many wineries • Katya’s Bistro & Wine Bar next door to hotel • Just minutes from Columbia Center Mall

486 Bradley Blvd., Richland • 509.943.4400 www.richland.hamptoninn.com

Page 34 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Wahluke Slope AVA

The outdoor wine enthusiast

By Mike Marino

Wahluke Slope AVA Established in 2006

• Naturally bounded by the Columbia River to the west and south, by the Saddle Mountains on the north, and on the east by the Hanford Reach National Monument.

• The Wahluke Slope AVA lies entirely within the established Columbia Valley appellation and is home to more than 20 vineyards and at least three wine production facilities.

• The 81,000 acre (32,780 hectares) region features approximately 5,200 acres (approximately 2,100 hectares) of vineyards: nearly twenty percent of the total wine grape acreage in the state.

• Top grape varieties: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc.

• Wahluke Slope has one of the driest, warmest climates in the state, allowing nearly complete control of vine vigor and ripening through irrigation.

~ Wineries ~

• Fox Estate Winery – Mattawa www.foxestatewinery.com • Ginkgo Forest Winery – Mattawa www.ginkowinery.com

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When visiting Wine Country in Washington, it’s imperative you have two items with you at all times. One, is a corkscrew, and the other is a good pair of Birkenstock hiking shoes. The reasons are plentiful, and while you taste and sample some of the finest from the vine, you can also pick a bottle or two and take to the outdoors for a picnic in one of Wine Country’s many scenic spots. Spread out the blanket, break out the bottle and cheese, and enjoy the spectacle of Washington’s great outdoors.

All is not wine however, and the outdoor enthusiast has many options as well as enjoying a favorite vintage.

Wine Country offers a menu of outdoor activities that range from bird

watching to fishing to camping. The Audubon Society of Washington state has established a system of hiking/ birding trails for avian fans to track the many varieties of songbirds that abound in the region along with the larger magnificent Eagles and hawks.

The Washington state bird is the “yellow goldfinch” which was adopted by the state legislature in 1951. The original choice was the meadowlark, but state officials decided that two many other states had already adopted the meadowlark as theirs. Easily identifiable, the willow goldfinch is yellow with a black tail, cap and feathers. A merry little song maker, it is mostly seen in agricultural habitat, See OUTDOOR WINE on page 35

ALLIED ARTS from page 33

furniture store.

The first Sidewalk Show was held at Richland’s Uptown Shopping Center in 1950. It was called the Clothesline Show because paintings were hung on clotheslines strung up in the breezeway between sections of the strip mall. The eight or so participating artists that year also displayed 3-dimensional art and craft work on card tables. About eight artists participated in that first show. Since then, the Sidewalk Show has been held in several locations, including the Harry Kramer Center grounds and the park across from the Federal Building until becoming the annual event it is today in Howard Amon Park.

Also in 1950, the Association affiliated with the Washington Arts Association, which brought exhibits and lectures by prominent Washington artists to Richland.

Joint ventures with other arts groups in the state have included exhibitions here of both the Washington Potters’ Association and Northwest Designer Craftsmen (NWDC). The NWDC continues to schedule a show here every two years.

Allied Arts and Beaux Arts, a Kennewick art group, jointly sponsored a number of art shows at Columbia Center Mall until Beaux Arts took over that task. Allied Arts Members have worked with the Arts Council of the Mid-Columbia on a number of projects, and the Association offers its building for meeting space for other arts organizations.

In 1975, Allied Arts Association received the Washington State Governor’s Award. This honored the organization for outstanding, sustained volunteer

effort in promoting the visual arts in the community and for establishing a gallery/ workshop facility that benefited members and the community alike. The award certificate and commemorative gift, a raku vessel by Seattle artist Jean Griffith, are displayed in the building. The recognition was especially significant because no grant money had been used for programs or additions to the building; commissions from gallery and Sidewalk Show sales and a committed Board of Directors and large number of other volunteers keep the building and its activities running.

Allied Arts celebrated its 50th Anniversary all during the year with the Dale Chihuly baskets touring exhibition.

Battelle contributed a grant which added a lecture by Dale Chihuly to our schedule of events surrounding that celebration.

The Mayor of Richland, Larry Haler, proclaimed August of 1997 “Allied Arts Month” in honor of the anniversary, recognizing the organization’s contributions to Richland’s quality of life.

The final exhibit of the anniversary year was a display of historic newspaper clippings and photographs in the Education Wing at the time of Summer Celebration.

In 1998, the Richland City Council designated an area along Lee Boulevard from Howard Amon Park westward as an Arts and Entertainment District, with plans to encourage more art-related businesses and restaurants to locate there. Allied Arts Association is proud of its history and its position as one of the focal points of this city project.

AUTHENTIC GREEK CUISINE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH•DINNER•TAKE OUT

943-9841

620 Cullum Avenue, Richland

Welcome

Bluewood Ski Resort There is lots to do at Bluewood Ski Resort for a nice getaway weekend or just to take a break.

If you are having breakfast before you hit the slopes, a quick snack or a leisurely lunch in the picturesque food service area is always a hit. Also consider trying the Pub on for size when you need a rest or to warm the body a bit from your day on the slopes.

Wander around the lodge and discover their rental and repair shop. Whether you need to rent a ski package, snowboard package, boots, or poles, we’ll get you fitted correctly and see to your rental needs. Stop by our repair shop for all your minor repairs and hot waxing.

If you need to brush up on your skills a little or just getting started, Bluewood offers specialized instruction for any and all levels of skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, children and racing programs all to suit your needs. Look for the new Kids Club for any child (diaper-free to 3rd grade). The Learning Center offers one-on-one instruction which is your choice of instructor with focus on achieving your goals.

Instructor for a day is the best deal on the mountain: five hours of private instruction.

Kinderski one of our child specialists will take you and your child into a group lesson where he or she will show you the tricks of the trade so you can help in your child’s development. To

participate in this program the adult should be at a strong intermediate level.

These lessons only available to children not yet in first grade. Finally, Bluewood offers a women’s workshop designed and taught by women, our workshops could make improving your skiing a lot of fun. Lessons will focus on fun and the conditions of the day. Stop by the Learning Center and get answers to any questions you may have.

To ensure a safe and fun first day, Bluewood offers a free group lesson to all first timers who purchase a platterpull ticket or platterpull package. Lessons are offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Sometime during your visit be sure to check out Nancy’s Treewell, a special retail shop. Nancy has wonderful new selections of shirts, sweatshirts, gloves, goggles, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, film, or the anti fog, she’s got them too.

Stop by to chat and take a look.

Bluewood has worked with area lodging establishments in putting together a fantastic package for our skiing guests. We call it Bed, Breakfast and Bluewood. Our guests will receive a nights lodging, continental breakfast and lift tickets. It’s a great valued package for individuals, couples and families.

Bluewood strives to make your visit a pleasant one. The Staff at Bluewood hopes they will get the privilege of seeing you on the Mountain this season.

For more information call; (509) 3824725 or www.bluewood.com.

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 35

A map to Bluewood Ski Resort in Dayton Washington.

Photo submitted

OUTDOOR WINE from page 34

such as wine country.

The ardent fisherperson can take to the lakes and rivers and wrestle with monsters from the deep that include Coho salmon to a variety of trout. The Columbia River is alive and well with challenging fishing and the smaller lakes and streams allow for the quieter

more contemplative fishing experience.

If you’re after the larger monsters that inhabit the Columbia and tributaries, you can hook up with an experience guide or charter service to get you out where the action is to cast your line and enjoy Wine Country with a real hook, line and sinker experience.

Page 36 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Winery Profiles

WINERY PROFILES ALEXANDRIA NICOLE Alexandria Nicole Cellars is dedicated to producing small lots of hand-crafted wine from our 243 acre estate vineyard.

Destiny Ridge Vineyard sits high above the Horse Heaven Hills overlooking the majestic Columbia River. Our Prosser Tasting Room is located at 2880 Lee Road, Suite D, Prosser, WA, between Hogue Cellars and Kestrel Vintners. We also offer vineyard tastings and have a new tasting room in Woodinville, for information and directions please see our web site. We enjoy hosting special events and offer a unique wine experience. The tasting rooms also offer occasional live music, special events and quarterly featured artists. Check out our website or give us a call for our schedule. Please join us in our passion for wine through a uniquely relaxing environment. Tasting room is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or reservations contact (509)786-3497 or visit our website www. alexandrianicolecellars.com.

Vineyard tours and Glamping (glamorous camping) available May through September. Call for appointment. Voted 2011 Washington Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest.

BARREL SPRINGS Join us, share the Barrel Springs Experience!

Nestled in a park-like setting, our winery is a friendly place to savor our premium varietal wines, while enjoying the grounds and surrounding estate vineyard.

We are producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cab Franc, Merlot, and a Viognier/ Chardonnay blend.

Our family wants to share our love of wine with you. We acquired this beautiful acreage in 2002 with the intent of opening a boutique winery that would enable us to share our passion for fine wine with others.

Our art gallery features nationally and internationally acclaimed sculptors Jim Brousseau, Bob Scriver and E.I. Wade.

Topics include Western, Equine, Animals, Nature Spirits, and Wine Service. Crafts include one of a kind birdhouses by Jim and Linda Brousseau and paintings by Western artists. Hand thrown pottery

by Sonoma County Raku artist Randy Snyder.

We look forward to meeting you.

Come visit us at 46601 N. Gap Rd., Prosser, WA 99350. Our phone number is 509-786-3166 or you can email us at

barrelspringswinery.com. Our hours are Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COLUMBIA CREST Columbia Crest is one of the most impressive wineries in the US. Fashioned after a country French chateau, the winery sits amidst 2,500 acres of estate vineyards just 20 minutes south of Prosser.

Picnickers enjoy the winery’s landscaped grounds, acres of lawn, scenic pond and courtyard with tables. Inside, the elegant lobby, large gift shop and tasting room top the list of visitor amenities. The winery is best known for Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are consistently recognized for quality by leading wine publications. In 2009, Wine Spectator magazine named the Columbia Crest 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon the No. 1 Wine in the World on its Top 100 list for 2009, the first time a wine from Washington state has received the ranking. The wine was selected from more than 17,000 wines tasted by editors throughout the year. Self-guided tours and complimentary tastings are conducted daily. The winery is located just outside of Paterson, WA and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (509) 875-4227 or visit columbiacrest.com.

COWAN VINEYARDS Quality from the ground up, is the motto of Cowan Vineyards, a familyowned and operated winery and vineyard.

Traditional Bordeaux style wines are the specialty here along with a spicy Gewurztraminer and a luscious Muscat Canelli. The 65-acre estate vineyard was established in 1994 and added to the family farm operation of growing apples, pears, cherries and hops. You will find these fresh fruits in the tasting rooms during the season. The shady patio is a perfect spot to picnic with a bottle of Cowan wine, some cheese and fresh fruit. The beautiful tasting room, laid-back atmosphere and gift shop will enhance your experience.

Tasting room hours are, daily: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lee Road, Suite E, Prosser. (509) 788-0200 or www.cowanvineyards.com.

HINZERLING WINERY Hinzerling Winery was established in 1972 when the Wallace family moved from Seattle and planted a vineyard on the Roza, north of Prosser. Son, Mike, had been doing graduate work in viticulture and enology. The entire family tended the vines while they grew to the bearing stage. During this time, Mike worked with famed grape researcher Dr. Walter Clore at the Washington State University research center near Prosser. The Wallaces began producing wines at their Prosser winery in 1976, and released their first wines in 1977. Tasting room hours are Mon. through Sat., 11 a.m. through 5 p.m., and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other hours are by appointment. Next door to the winery is our bed and breakfast, the Vintner’s Inn. Call for hours and reservations. Picnic on our grounds. Interested persons may write or call the winery to be placed on its events mailing list. The winery is located at 1520 Sheridan Ave., Prosser. For more information call (509) 786-2163 or 1-800-727-6702. You can also contact the winery at www.hinzerling.com.

KESTREL VINTNERS We craft our wines to suit wine lovers with palates for dark, rich reds and fruitdriven, food friendly whites. These elegant, distinctive wines include four tiers.

Our Signature Edition Series Old Vine Merlot, Cabernet, and Raptor Red, our flagship Meritage blend, are elegant and refined - a function of the old vines planted in 1972 and a true expression of our terroir.

The Winemaker Select Series showcases our winemaker’s talent and expresses his interest in particular varietals, unique clones, yeast strains, and distinctive processing styles. Production is limited to less than 500 cases. These wines have a unique story.

The Falcon Series offers superior wine at a tremendous value. These are great food wines, handcrafted and balanced with great fruit and complexity. They can be drunk now or placed in your cellar for several years.

The Collector Series includes our iconic Platinum and Lady in Red. These are approachable, entry level, food friendly, easy drinking wines in collectable bottles.

Visit our Winery and Tasting Room and Gift Shop in the Prosser Food and Wine Park, 2890 Lee Rd. in Prosser. We are open 11am-5pm daily. For information call 509-786-2675.

KIONA VINEYARDS Kiona Vineyards Winery pioneered the widely acclaimed Red Mountain growing region, planting its first grapes in 1975 and making its first wines in 1980. The John Williams family cordially invites you to visit the winery overlooking the vineyards and taste our internationally recognized wines. We feature a full range of handcrafted, premium varietals wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet, Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, Lemberger, Chenin Blanc and several styles of Riesling, along with limited amounts of special dessert style wines featuring Gewurtzaminer and Ice Wine. Our banquet room in our new facility is available for your special event. We also have picnic facilities available. Tasting room hours are daily noon to 5 p.m. Call (509) 588-6716. 44612 N. Sunset Rd., Benton City, WA 99320 www.kionawine. com.

MARTINEZ & MARTINEZ The Martinez Family has been growing grapes on the Horse Heaven Hills (HHH) American Viticultural Area (AVA) since 1981 when Sergio and Kristy planted three acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines on a distinct microclimate called Phinny Hill.

Today this vineyard is the pride and joy of the family and is known to produce some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the world. In 2005 Sergio’s son Andrew convinced him that it was time to create their own label and in 2008 that dream came true with the release of Martinez & Martinez Wineries first two vintages.

Now in 2011 the winery has won multiple awards for their hand crafted wines and production has increased to a limited 1000 cases.

Alder Ridge of the HHH’s was the primary supplier for these first vintages and the family is looking forward to the release of their first Martinez Vineyard wine from the 2009 grape harvest. The winery is family owned and solely operated by Sergio and his wife Kristy and Andrew and his wife Monica. The winery is located at The Winemakers Loft in the Vintner Village Area, Prosser. For more information about their wines please visit them at www.M2~WINE.com.

Winery Profiles MARYHILL WINERY Maryhill Winery, Washington’s premier destination winery, is located along the banks of the Columbia River on scenic Highway 14. A family owned and operated winery, Maryhill produces award winning wines from many different varietals, specializing in Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Viognier and a Winemaker’s Blend. The expansive tasting room features a self-service deli and gift shop. Maryhill Winery encourages picnicking under the covered arbor, which hosts live music most weekends during the summer. Maryhill Winery Amphitheatre will begin its concert series in early June. Visit www.maryhillwinery.com for concert schedule. Families are welcome, tours are available, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 9774 Highway 14, Goldendale, WA 98620. Call toll-free (877) maryhill.

McKINLEY SPRINGS The Horse Heaven Hills is the place dreams are made. They don’t call it Heaven for nothing. The Horse Heaven Hills AVA is the home of McKinley Springs Winery where soft desert winds, deep wells, unique terroir and just the right amount of sunshine combine to create superb grapes of distinctive, intense flavor and character. By making only small lots of wine, it allows us to be very selective in the picking and sorting of our grapes, many from the old vines on the estate. It is our desire to offer you simply the best Heaven has to offer. We invite you to visit McKinley Springs Winery to sample our fabulous wines.

Breathe in, take in the wide open spaces and the magnificent view of the Horse Heaven Hills. Check out our 4th Annual BBQ Showdown Saturday, June 11. The best bbqers in the Northwest participate in this event and it supports Operation BBQ, a special event for our troops. Go to www.bbqforourtroops.com. for more information. Please visit our website at www.mckinleysprings.com, for our business hours, directions and event information—or call 509-894-4528.

Come taste the dream. Visit McKinley Springs Winery.

NORTHSTAR WINERY With stunning panoramic views of the Blue Mountains, a visit to Northstar’s state-of-the-art winery is one that will be remembered. Since the first vintage (1994), Northstar has been committed to producing world-class Merlot. Under the direction and specifications of our

winemakers, our grapes are sourced from only the best vineyards. We invite you to visit our tasting room and experience our award-winning Washington Merlots, including winery-only releases. Our hours are: daily, Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are located at 1736 JB George Rd., Walla Walla, WA 99362. Call us at 866-486-7828 or visit www.northstarwinery.com.

PONTIN DEL ROZA Pontin Del Roza Winery – This winery has been the dream of the Pontin family since grandfather Pontin first arrived in the Yakima Valley in the 1920s. In 1975, the family traveled to Italy to visit relatives and to see their well-established, high-trellised vineyards. The winery will crush only grapes that have been grown on the Roza, an area of south-facing slopes in the Yakima Valley where the Pontins have farmed since the 1950s. The Roza refers to 77,000 irrigated acres that stretch from an extensive canal system that diverts water from dams in the Cascade Mountains. The Pontins feel that many of the south-facing vineyard sites are proving to be excellent locations for finequality wine grapes. Tasting room hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The winery is three-and-a-half miles north of Prosser on Hinzerling Road. The facility will host Spring Barrel Tasting April 15, 16, 17, 2011. Thanksgiving in Wine Country November 25, 26, 27, 2011. Contact us at (509) 786-4449 or pontindelroza@mac. com or www.pontindelroza.com.

SNOQUALMIE Founded in 1984, Snoqualmie Vineyards is one of Washington’s first premium wineries, producing awardwinning Columbia Valley wines for nearly two decades. Named Washington Winery of the Year for 2006 by Wine Press Northwest, Snoqualmie is headed up by veteran winemaker Joy Andersen has been crafting Snoqualmie wines since 1991. Under her leadership, Snoqualmie’s reputation for producing pure varietal, food-friendly wines has been recognized across the country by critics and consumers alike. We are best known for our highly acclaimed Reserve Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley Syrah, Winemaker’s Select Riesling and our organically grown “Naked” wines. We welcome you to visit our new wine shop and tasting room in located at 660 Frontier Road in Prosser, WA. Sit back and relax on our beautiful patio and experience Snoqualmie wines for yourself. Call us at 509-786-5558 or 800-852-0885 or www.snoqualmie.com.

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 37

Wine Tours ten prettiest picnic places

By Theresa Bishop

Picnics are the best part of summer, and picnic spots often the best parts of Central Washington. All of these are road tested and easy access for wonderful afternoons and memories. Here are a few of our favorites, what are yours?”

1. Swan Lake, hidden deep in the Okanagon Highlands 7 miles from the town of Republic, is perhaps the prettiest picninc spot in Washington, if not the world. This pristine and remote lake doesn’t allow motorized boats, which makes for the most refreshing swim on a hot August afternoon. There are picnic tables in a wooded area and soft sandy beaches to dine al fresco. And the rocks in this ancient lake are smooth on yourfeet, in water so clear you can see your toes. This area is home to a variety of birds, including beautiful and vocal loons. The tranquility and quiet is overwhelming. Take 97 to Republic, and ask for directions when you stop for an ice cream cone..

2. Hat Rock State Park, is located off U.S. Highway 730 nine miles east of Umatilla, lies on the south shore of Lake Wallula, behind McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Hat Rock was the first distinctive landmark passed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their journey down the Columbia, and is one of the few remaining sites not underwater.

The park is surrounded by rolling sagebrush hills and outcroppings of basalt, and it is easy to imagine the Corps of Discovery camping on the banks. Loll about under the shade of cottonwood and black locust surrounded by large meadows of green grass. A boat ramp provides access to the lake, popular for waterskiing, jetskiing, swimming, and boating .

3. On White Pass, beautiful Rimrock Lake is easily accessible from Highway 12. Enjoy the breeze in the trees while you picnic. This spot provides amazing views, with a choice of hikes and watersports. Look up and see the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

4. Taneum Road This road that eventually ends up in the same foothills that the Manastash Road winds through. Take I-90 to the Thorp exit (Exit #101), turn left and travel to the Thorp Cemetery Road, turn right and you will eventually come to the Taneum Road. This scenic and historical area is a wonderful spot for a picnic, with a great year round fruit stand nearby.

5. Manastash Ridge From Ellensburg, take Umptanum Road. After about two miles, Umptanum intersects with Manastash Road. Follow Manastash Road west to Cove Road, then left to the parking area. The Manastash Observatory is located high on the south ridge. Buck Meadows is located further on up Manastash Road, and a wonderful spot for a picnic and a sketch pad. Enjoy Manastash Creek and the surrounding forest on this adventure, you have a 90 mile view from here.

6. Madame Dorian Memorial Park is located 23 miles South of the Tri-Cities, Washington, on State Highway 12. The second woman to journey overland, Madame Dorian was widowed in the wilderness and braved a winter alone with two young children. This riverside park is a gem, with only day use allowed, keeping it a bit more natural.

7. Anjou Bakery, Cashmere, WA On Highway 97 is a beautiful Anjou Pear Orchard, with a bakery in an old farmhouse, complete with screen door. Fruit stands and outdoor tables are on the property. They have rustic breads and fresh fruit pies, and chai tea that inspires gypsy love songs. Sometimes picnics can be easy!

8. Banks Lake extends Over 27,000 acres of warm water from Grand Coulee to Coulee City, aligned with basalt-rock coulees. Steamboat Rock is the centerpiece, lovely for passing a summer’s day. The cliffs above the lake allow for a proper use of the word “awesome.” Enjoy your lunch with book describing the Trail of the Ice Age Floods.

9. Charbonneau Park is on Lake Sacajawea, which is formed by Ice Harbor Dam on the lower Snake River. The 31-mile reservoir in Eastern Washington is scablands and black-rock canyons, has with sage and grassy meadows for a prairie picnic. At Charbonneau Park, you can camp along the historic route of Lewis and Clark and view the same buttes and cliffs along the Snake River that Captain Meriwether Lewis wrote about.Bring a bottle and a corkscrew, and shake your head sadly that the Merriwether and William had to do without!

11.Dramatic geology encompases Palouse Falls, that which lies on confluence of the Snake and Palouse Rivers. This 105 acre park allows for a picnic with a view of the falls, and nature’s soundtrack of the water falling. The confluence of the falls was created by the Missoula floods. Drive towards Kahlotus, and then follow the signs to Lyons State Park.

Page 38 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Microbreweries

Microbreweries ATOMIC ALE BREWPUB

Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery, the Tri-Cities first brewpub, was founded

by Aaron Burks in February 1997. Set in an atmosphere that reflects the rich history of the Mid-Columbia basin and the Hanford Site, patrons can relax in our non-smoking, family-friendly restaurant while enjoying one of our many fresh, full-flavored, handcrafted ales. Don’t leave without trying our award-winning potato soup.

Our eclectic group of brewers have developed numerous nuclear-inspired brews, such as Half-Life Hefeweisen, Atomic Amber and Plutonium Porter.

Special seasonal brews are also on tap for your enjoyment.

We also feature a distinctive menu cooked in our wood-fired oven. The kitchen specialty is gourmet, hand-tossed pizza; in addition we have outstanding soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.

We have the finest chocolate cake this side of Hershey, PA. Atomic Ale is located at 1015 Lee Blvd, Richland. We’re open Mon. through Thurs.: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat.,

11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a Happy Hour, daily, from 4 to 6. Come on in for “big-city” taste with a neighborhood feel.

For more information call (509)9465465 or visit www.atomicalebrewpub. com. Follow us on Facebook.

HORSE HEAVEN HILLS BREWERY

Located in downtown Prosser, Horse Heaven Hills Brewery brews beautifully handcrafted ales and lagers utilizing local and regional hops and malts. Additional specialty ingredients and brewing techniques from around the world are utilized for seasonal and specialty beers.

The brewery and tap room offer a nice variety of eight to ten different micros for your tasting pleasure. From our Honey Girl ale to the Dark Cherry Stout, there is a beer for everyone. We offer growlers and kegs to go and we cater to special celebrations at your location or our tap room. Looking for a special gift? The taproom highlights local and regional photography including the wild

horses of Horse Heaven Hills. For the discriminating beer drinker, we offer standard and unique beer gear. Visit Gary, Dave, Carol and Brenda at the brewery.

The brewery and tap room combines great beer, good company, and the spirit of the wild horses of the Horse Heaven Hills.

Live Long in Prosser.

ICE HARBOR BREWING

Ice Harbor Brewing Company is dedicated to brewing beers they like and are proud to serve to their friends.

Ice Harbor Brewing, now in its fourteenth year of operation, is owned by Mike Hall and Bill Jaquish who started out brewing at home as a hobby and then left their jobs at Hanford to go into brewing full-time.

Ice Harbor bottled beverages are available in grocery stores, restaurants and taverns throughout the Tri-Cities.

The Columbia Kolsch Brand Ale is their flagship ale because it is a soft-bodied golden ale that appeals to everyone. They have won numerous awards for their beers at local and regional beer tasting events.

In addition to bottled beers, they also

brew a number of seasonal beers available in draft. The brewery sells draft beer to go in one and two liter refillable bottles and Party Pigs. They sell kegs to go in three sizes: five-gallon, eight-gallon, and 15.5-gallon. The brewery also sells home brewery and winemaking supplies.

The Ice Harbor Brewing Company is located at 206 N. Benton Ave. in downtown Kennewick. The pub is open Mon. through Thurs. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 6 p.m. The brewery also has a second pub at the Marina overlooking Clover Island.

For more information contact the brewery at (509) 582-5340. Or check out their website at www.iceharbor.com for more information.

SNIPES MOUNTAIN BREWERY

Take a look inside the glass enclosed brew room. View the shiny copperbanded tanks and see the head brewer See MICROBREWERIES on page 39

TRI-CITIES IS THE PLACE FOR . . .

HAND-CRAFTED BEER and CULINARY EXPERIENCES

At The Marina  Upscale Pub Food  Award Winning Beer Extensive Washington Wine List Overlooking The New Clover Island Marina Pub Hours:

Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday Noon-7 p.m.

350 Clover Island Drive Kennewick, WA 99336 509-586-3181

www.iceharbor.com E-Mail: iceharbor@iceharbor.com

Personal Service In An Intimate Atmosphere Fine Dining

Premium Northwest and Italian Wine & Beer

Historic

1947 Pullman Dining Car

Classic Italian Menu

• Pasta • Chicken • Seafood • Steak Homemade Desserts featuring Tiramisu

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH

Tuesday-Friday • 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

We Cater Special Events: Holiday Parties • Birthdays

Luncheons • Corporate Functions Weddings & Rehearsals Mon.-Thurs. 5-9 p.m. • Fri.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.

(509) 946-4525 1026 Lee Blvd. • Richland www.monterossos.com Follow us on Facebook

Big City Taste With A Neighborhood Feel Gourmet Pizza Hand-tossed, Wood Fired!

Hand Crafted Beer Unique Ales, Brewed In-House Historic Hanford Photos and Memorabilia Lunch and Dinner Specials Soups, Salads, Sandwiches

 Wine/Brewmaster Specials  Happy Hours Daily 4-6 Family Friendly Restaurant Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. • Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

(509) 946-5465

1015 Lee Blvd. • Richland www.atomicalebrewpub.com Follow us on Facebook

In Historic Downtown Kennewick Dedicated to producing hand-crafted ales we are proud to serve.

Pub Food Pizza • Burgers Sandwiches Appetizers Home brew and home wine making supplies PUB HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sunday Noon-6 p.m.

206 N. Benton Street Kennewick • (509) 582-5340

www.iceharbor.com E-Mail: iceharbor@iceharbor.com

Microbreweries

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 39

Yakima Valley is a great place for a cruise for brews Touring the Yakima Valley is always a pleasant experience.

The rural expanse nestled along the Yakima River as it meanders its way from its namesake city to the Columbia River in the Tri-Ccities provides pastoral pleasures that are hard to beat.

The clusters of wineries that have sprung up with the advent of the wine industry make it easy to enjoy the sundrenched countryside from scores of vantage points.

But, as appealing and welcoming as they are, it isn’t only the wineries that offer such respites. A number of microbreweries create some of the most highlyregarded beers and ales to be had.

And if you think wines pair nicely with food, just wait until you match-up your favorite eats with a hearty brew or two.

Beginning in Yakima, you can make fairly-evenly-spaced stops all the way to the Tri-Cities enjoying an unmatched valley pub crawl.

Yakima Craft Brewing, with its Taproom is at 2920 River Road, #6, and is generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during weekdays, but hours may very. It’s always best to call ahead, (509) 654-7357.

The “small but inviting” Taproom offers simple food and a classic pub atmosphere from 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays and 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Sampler trays are available for those who want to try the full spectrum of the YCBC full-time and seasonal brews.

The establishment maintains a web site at www.yakimacraftbrewing.com.

About 25 miles down the valley, in Sunnyside, you’ll find the spacious Snipes Mountain micro-brewery and restaurant, at 905 Yakima Valley Highway.

It looks like a mountain resort lodge, with log-and river-rock construction elements and massive stone fireplaces inside.

Snipes offers a full menu and a full complement of brown and blond ales, a seasonal fresh-hop ale, a porter, India pale ale, and others.

Snipes is open seven days a week, and has a web site at www.snipesmountain. com.

A scarce 15 miles further along I-82 eastbound you’ll find micro-breweries of a more cozy variety, at Whitstran Brewing Company and Horse Heaven Hills Brewery, both in Prosser.

Whitstran, at 1427 Wine Country Road, is open daily from 11 a.m., with a diverse menu and a long list of specialty brews.

Among its seasonal ales is Friar’s Penance Barley Wine, which ferments for nine to 10 months, and is available for only a limited time each year.

Horse Heaven Hills, close to Prosser’s downtown core, at 1118 Meade Ave., is the more recently opened of the two, and serves a variety of brews that range from Apricot Honey, for light-beer enthusiasts, to a Dark Cherry Stout.

Microbreweries MICROBREWERIES from page 38

at work, using the finest ingredients to brew quality microbrews. The result is a variety of freshly brewed beers ranging from light Pilsner-style to robust Porter. It’s all right here: the brewmaster’s hand-crafted ales plus an extensive menu of superb northwestern lunch and dinner fare. Find a seat at the oak bar, in front of the fireplace, or on the wrap-around patio.

Snipes Mountain ales are handcrafted in small batches using a blend of traditional and modern brewing methods. Our pure house yeast is clean finishing and flexible enough to produce many styles of ales. Snipes Mountain features many varieties of locally grown Yakima Valley hops balanced with a blend of Northwest and European malts. The use of quality ingredients and a passion for beer results in a fresh, unique, full-flavored beer that I hope you will enjoy.”

-- Chad Roberts, Head Brewer

WHITSTRAN BREWING CO.

Whitstran Brewing Company produces hand-crafted ales using Yakima Valley hops and other fine ingredients. Our premium offerings include Highlander ScottishStyle Ale, Steamy Cream California Common Ale, Horse Heaven Hefe BavarianStyle Hefeweizen, 11th Hour Pale Ale, Palouse Porter, D2O Heavy Water Stout, and Over-the-Edge Dry-Hopped Pale Ale. Seasonally we serve up Friar Lawrence Belgium-Style Ale, Friar’s Decadence Chocolate Chocolate Imperial Stout and Friar’s Penance Barley Wine. Our beers can be purchased as bottled beer, as draft beer for a great fresh taste and as kegged beer in 1/6, ¼ or ½ barrel containers.

Come in hungry. We have hearty appetizers and hot and cold entrees, with nightly specials. There’s a children’s menu as well.

Visit our family friendly pub at 1427 Wine Country Road, on the corner of 9th Street, in Prosser.

We’re open daily at 11 a.m. Call (509) 786-4WBC (4922) for reservations for 6 or more.

Staff photo

Snipes Mountain micro-brewery and restaurant welcomes guests with its impressive, lodge-like appearance and broad selection of brews and menu items.

Owners and proprietors Gary Vegar and Dave Keller, and their wives, Carol and Brenda, respectively, are high school friends who brewed for their own amusement and enjoyment for many years before offering their speciallydeveloped recipes to the public.

At the far end of the valley, you have two microbreweries to choose from.

Atomic Ale Brewpub and Eatery at 1015 Lee Blvd. in Richland, offers aptly named brews such as Halflife Hefeweizen, Atomic Amber, and Plutonium Porter. All their brews pair beautifully with their pastas, salads, and hand-tossed, woodfired pizzas.

They’re open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

At Ice Harbor Brewing Co. Take your pick from two locations, one at 206 N. Benton St., and a new place at 350 Clover Island Drive, on Clover Island in the Columbia River.

Both offer the same year-round selection of brews, including ales, a stout, and barley wine, and seasonal beers, as well as a hearty menu.

The Clover Island pub overlooks the marina, offering a perfect vantage point for a spectacular sunset over the waters of the Columbia.

Hundreds of cars converge on Richland for Cool Desert Nights The really great thing about the weather in the Tri-Cities is that even when the days are a bit on the warm side during the summer, it almost always cools off nicely in the evening.

The Cool Desert Nights car show in Richland takes full advantage of that phenomenon.

It’s a three-day classic car and street rod event open to all makes and models of vehicles, held at the Richland Uptown Shopping Center, on George Washington Way, a four-lane north/south thoroughfare Photo courtesy of Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce Big crowds enjoy the warm summer weather and through the city.

Visitors can expect to see hundreds of cool cars on display at the Cool Desert 600 to 700 cars, gleaming in Nights show in Richland last year. This year’s event the early summer sun, June 23- will be held June 23-25.

25, this year.

And, in addition to the show and shine, there will be street dances, games and activities, a pancake feed, and more.

The show is also known for its evening cruise for participants, in which sections of George Washington Way are blocked off, providing a special cruise circuit.

Bring a lawn chair and find a spot along the route to watch the cars glide by in the cool of the evening.

The show is in its 18th year for 2011, and has grown steadily over the years.

At press time, the schedule of events for the show were still being finalized, but the schedule information will be posted on the show web site, www.cooldesertnights.com, as it is available.

There is no admission to the show for spectators, who can enjoy the cars and the vendor booths that will be set up.

Also, of course, the businesses in the Uptown Shopping Center will be open, offering a variety of merchandise, food, and cool drinks.

The event is hosted by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Page 40 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

CALEND A R O F E V E N T S The Grape Vine’s 2011 Regional Annual Events Calendar

The Grape Vine’s 2011 Regional Annual Events Calendar

Chamber Contact Website Address List: Baker City, OR: www.visitbaker.com Benton City, WA: www. bentoncitychamber.org Cascade Locks, OR: www.skamania. org Clarkston, WA: www. clarkstonchamber.org The Dalles, OR: www. thedalleschamber.com Dayton, WA: www.historicdayton.com Ellensburg, WA: www.ellensburgchamber.com Goldendale, WA: www. goldendalechamber.org Grandview, WA: www.visitgrandview. org Granger, WA: www.grangerchamber. org Hermiston, OR: www.hermiston.com Hood River, OR: www.hoodriver.org Kennewick, WA: www.tcrchamber. com Milton-Freewater, OR: www. mfchamber.org Naches, WA: www. nachesvalleychamber.com Pendleton, OR: www. pendletonchamber.com Prosser, WA: www.prosserchamber. org Richland, WA: www.tcrchamber.com Sunnyside, WA: www. sunnysidechamber.com Toppenish, WA: www.toppenish.net Walla Walla, WA: www.wwvchamber. org West Richland, WA: www. westrichlandchamber.org White Salmon Arts Council: www. whitesalmonarts.org Yakima, WA: www.yakima.org

Events Calendar April-December 2011

APRIL April 6-9: Northwest Cherry Festival The Dalles celebrates “Cherry Mania,” 32 years of cherry blossoms!

Parade, vendors, live music.

April 7 (and every 1st Thurs.): Kennewick Art walk. 15 locations. Artmusic. Meet the artist 5-9 p.m.

April 15-17: Spring Barrel Tasting throughout the Washington AVA’s.

Check your local Commerce for events in the area you plan to visit.

April 16: Festival of Wine and Flowers, Spokane , www.

FestivalofWineandFlowers.com.

April 16-17: Apple Valley Blossom Festival. Hood River , OR . www. hoodriver.org April 16-17: Rainier Cup Sailing Regatta. Cascade Locks, OR. www. travelthegorge.com April 22-23:Spring Beer & wine festival. Oregon convention Center. www.spring beerfest.com April 30: Benton City Spring Opener Car and Bike Show.

April 29-30: Fly Fishing Fair; Ellensburg WA April 30: 4th Annual Spring Fling.

Zillah. Car & bike show, wine tasting, tantalizing food. (509)

949-0164.

MAY

May 6-8: Annual Columbia Gorge Fiddle Contest. Hood River May 6-8: Cinco de Mayo Festival, Sunnyside and Grandview .

May 7: Farmer’s Market opens in Prosser. Every Saturday until October. www.prosserchamber.org.

May 7: Prosser, All-City Chamber Yard Sale, www.prosserchamber.org, (509) 786-3177.

May 8: Yakima Farmers Market opens.

May 14: 4th Annual Grape to Glass Galla.YVCC vineyard & Tech. program hosting wine makers dinner, Grandview . wine@yvcc.edu.

May 14: Pendleton Underground Tours Come to Life. Ww.wallawalla. org/calendar May 14: UnTapped Blues and Brews Festival. Benton County Fairgrounds. www.Festivalnet.com May 18: Farmers’ Market opens in Richland , WA from 7:30 a.m. to noon, www.richlandlocal.net.

May 21-22: Selah Community Days May 21: Founders Day, Maryhill Museum www.maryhillmuseum.org May 21-22: Columbia Gorge Wine & Pear Festival. Wine, fruit, live music, local artisans. Hood River . www. traveloregon.com May 24-25: Fiddlin’ Under the Stars – Bluegrass Festival, Goldendale www. goldendalechamber.org May 27-30: Dayton Days, Dayton , WA . (509) 382-4825. www. historicdayton.com May 28: 7th Annual Make the Dash Count Race, Prosser May 28-30: Memorial Day Open House Weekend. 30 Columbia Gorge Wineries feature special release, barrel tasting, live music, artisan treats and more.www.

ColumbiaGorgeWine.com

May 28-29: Pacific N.W. Mustang Club Show & Shine Car Show.

Howard Amon Park — Richland www.visittri-cities.com.

JUNE

June 2-5: Mount Hood Cycling Classic www.hoodriver.com June 3-4: Mural in a Day event.

Toppenish. www.toppenish.net June 4: Rock the Gap and Gap to Gap Relay, Yakima Greenway, www. yakimagreenway.org June TBA: White Swan Annual All Indian Championship Rodeo June 9-12: 156th Annual Yakama Nation Treaty Days Celebration and Tulalip pow wow. www.powwowtime. com.

June 17: Grandview Pool Opens.

(509) 882-2100.

June 17-19: Columbia River Volkssport Club Biennial Classic June 17-19: Dayton, WA , All Wheels Weekend, Classic Car Show, Friday Night Cruise, Live Stage Show, Demo Derby . 1-800-882-6299. www. allwheelsweekend.com.

June 18: Prosser Scottish Fest. www. prosserchamber.org. (509) 786-3177 June 23-25: Cool Desert Nights Car Show. West Richland www.visittricities.com June 23: Hogs & Dogs Motorcycle and Classic Car Show 4 p.m.

Bombing Range Sports Complex.

June 25: Cherry Festival at Bills Berry Farm. Grandview (509) 8823200 June 25: Northwest Wine Auction.

Maryhill museum. 5-8 p.m.

June 25-26: Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire. Howard Amon Park. www.experiencewa.com June 25: Gorge Blues and Brews Festival. www.skamania.org June 24-26: Sternwheeler Days.

Cascade Locks.www.skamania.org June 26: Annual Brews, Blues and Barbecues, Microbrews and wines from the Pacific Northwest , food and music. Skamania County Fairgrounds. 800-989-9178.

JULY

July 1-2: Toppenish Rodeo and Pow Wow. July 2-4: Haines Stampede Rodeo. www.hainesstampede. com July 4: 23rd Annual River of Fire Festival at Columbia Park . www. visittri-cities.com July 4: 77th Annual Wild West

Parade in Toppenish www.toppenish. net July 4: Old Fashioned Fourth of July,

Prosser. www.prosserchamber.org July 7: Blueberry Daze Festival.

Bill Berry Farm, Grandview . www. billsberryfarm.com July 9: Nights in White Salmon, Arts and Wine Fusion. www. whitesalmonarts.org July 15-17: Fort Dalles Days and Rodeo. www.historicthedalles.org July 16: Lavender DAZE Festival.

Hood River OR. www.visitoregon. com July 16-17: Nile Valley Days at the Jim Sprick Community Park/Chinook Pass. Maggie-rmnbe626@aol.com July 16-17: Trout Lake Festival of the Arts. www.gorgeevents.com July16-17: Prosser Fly-in. www.wingnuts.org July 16-17: Apple Valley ’s Cherry Days & BBQ, Hood River . www. travelthegorge.com July 18-19: Logs to Frogs. Annual chainsaw carving competition. MiltonFreewater. (509) 938-8236. www. muddywatercountry.com July 16: 8th Annual Art Walk and Wine Gala, Prosser. www. prosserchamber.org July 22-24: Bluegrass Festival, Annual bluegrass festival at Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson. Concerts, workshops, contests. (509) 427-3980.

July 29-30: Allied Arts “Art in the Park” Richland . Visittri-cities.com July 29-31: Tri Cities Water Follies.

Hydroplane races and air show. 45th annual running of the Columbia Cup. http://www.waterfollies.com/.

July 27-31: Sport Bike NW/Sport Touring NW. Skamania County Fairgrounds . www.soundrider.com July 30-31: Ellensburg, Jazz in the Valley. www.ellensburgchamber. chambermaster.com July 30: Whiskey Dick Triathlon, Ellensburg www.ellensburg-chamber. com.

AUGUST

Aug. 6-7: Maryhill Arts Festival. www. maryhillmuseum.org.

Aug. 10-13: Yakima Valley Junior Fair and Rodeo, Grandview . www.yvfairrodeo.org.

Aug. 13: Annual Prosser Wine and Food Fair. www.prosserchamber.org.

(509) 786-3177.

Aug. 13: 3rd Annual Grandview Car Show.www.visitgrandview.org(509) 882-2100.

Aug. 19-21: Muddy Frogwater Festival, Milton-Freewater , OR . www.muddyfrogwaterfestival.com Aug. 19-21: Western Art Show See EVENTS on page 41

Welcome

CALEND A R EVENTS from page 40

and opening of the Northern Pacific Rail Road Museum . Toppenish. www.toppenish.net Aug. 19-21: Bluegrass Pickin’ Days.

Zillah , WA www.visityakima.com Aug. 20: A Case of the Blues and All That Jazz. www.yakimagreenway.org Aug 25-28: Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo, Goldendale.

Aug. 23-27: Benton Franklin County Fair and Rodeo. Kennewick Aug. 26-28: Mt. Hood Huckleberry Festival and Barlow Days. Welches, OR. www.traveloregon.com Aug. 26-28: Highland Community Days & Clan Gathering Live entertainment. Tieton Square , Tieton.

Aug. 27-31: River Rafting - Flip Flop, Call Bureau of Reclamation for exact date (509) 575-5848 Aug. TBA: 9th Annual Pow Wow, Rodeo & Stick Game Tournament.

Toppenish. www.visityakima.com

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1: Show N’ Shine, 12th Annual Show at Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum in Stevenson. Cars/ trucks cruise-in and swap meet.

People’s Choice awards, food vendors, music, raffles, door prizes.

Free. Museum open, admission fees apply. (509) 427-8211 or 800-9912338, www.columbiagorge.org.

Sept. 3-4: Tumbleweed Music Festival in Howard Amon Park , Richland WA www.visittri-cities.com Sept. 3-5: Labor Day Open House.

30+ Gorge wineries feature special release, barrel tasting, food, music and more. www.

ColumbiaGorgeWine. com Sept. 5. Prosser States Day Celebration and Parade. www. prosserchamber.org Sept 9-11: Sportsman Days.

Entertainment, rides, flea market, auction and more. Naches.

Sept. 9-14: Columbia County Fair, Dayton .

Sept. 9-11: Sportsman Days, Naches.

Sand carver, parade, fishing derby & more. www.nachesvalleychamber. com Sept 10: Fiery Foods Festival.

Downtown Pasco , WA www.visittricities.com Sept. 10: A Night Out. Prosser. www. prosserchamber.org Sept. 10: The Great Grandview Grape Stomp. (509) 882-2100. www. visitgrandview.org.

Sept. 10: 2nd Annual Train to Nowhere. www.toppenish.net Sept. 14-17: Pendleton Round-Up, Pendleton , OR . www.pendleton_

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 41

oregon.org Second week in Sept.: Benton City Daze.

Sept. 8-15: Historic The Dalles Days. (541) 298-1906. www. historicthedalles.org Sept 16-17: Sunshine Days. Sun & Shine Car Show. Sunnyside , WA Sept. 17: Fall City Wide Garage Sale, Prosser Sept. 17-18: Tractor Run to Kittitas WA . Two-day slow-moving race through Ellensburg Canyons. Eric: (509) 833-4811.

Sept. 11: Goldendale “Festival of Wheels” www.goldendalechamber. org Sept. 24-Oct. 3: Central Washington State Fair, Yakima . (509) 248-3177.

Sept. 23-25: Catch the Crush.

Throughout all Washington State Wine AVAs. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for events in the area you will be visiting.

Sept. 23-25: The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, Harvest Fest, Caren Mercer-Andreasen Street Painting Festival, Prosser.

Sept. 9-11: Festival of Nations, Cascade Locks. www.skamania.org Sept. 24: Sunfair Parade. Yakima , WA www.visityakima.com Sept. 24 & every Sat. through Oct. 10: Apple Pumpkin Festival, Bills Berry Farm, Grandview . www. billsberryfarm.com

OCTOBER

Oct. TBA: 24th annual White Swan Indian Summer Festival. www. visityakima.com Oct. 1-2: Fresh Hop Ale Festival.

Yakima. www.visityakima.com Oct. 8: Airfield Estates 5k vineyard fun run.

Oct. 14-16: 28th Annual Hood River Valley Harvest Festival. Hood River event site. Exit 63 off I-84.

Oct 23: Columbia Gorge Marathon. www.columbiagorgemarathon.com Oct. 29-31: Haunted Depot.

Toppenish Oct. 29: Pumpkin Run. Northern Pacific Railroad Museum. Toppenish Oct. 29: HallowWine in the Rattlesnake Hills. Chills and thrills on the winery trail. www.visityakima.com October, all month: Granger Pumpkin Patch Festival, 1733 Beam Rd, Alva (509) 854-7851 and Schell Corn Maze, by Schell Farms & Produce Stand, (509) 8654511 or schellrvt@earthlink.net.

NOVEMBER

Nov. 4-5: Tri Cities Wine Festival. www.tricitieswinesociety.org. (509) 547-4849 Nov. 11: Annual Prosser

O F

E V E N T S

Veterans’ Day Parade, 11 a.m., Keene-Riverview School , www. prosserchamber.org.

Nov. 25-26: Christmas Kickoff “An Old Fashioned Christmas” Dayton .

Nov. 25-26: Thanksgiving in Wine Country, wineries throughout Washington Wine Country participate. Check with your local wineries or local media for details.

Nov. 25-27: Thanksgiving open house weekend. 30+ Gorge wineries feature special release, barrel tasting, food, music and more. www.

ColumbiaGorgeWine.com Nov. 26: Toy Train Christmas.

Every weekend through December.

Toppenish Railroad Museum .

Nov. 27: Family Christmas Festival, Prosser www.prosserchamber.org.

DECEMBER

Dec. 3: Cocoa and Carols-Christmas

Tree Lighting. Grandview . www. visitgrandview.org Dec. 3: Lighted Implement Parade.

Sunnyside. www.sunnysidechamber. org Dec. 3: Darigold’s Decorating Cookies with Mrs. Claus. Sunnyside Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18: Toy Train Christmas, Northern Pacific Railway Museum , Toppenish.

Dec. 10- Zillah’s Old Fashioned Christmas. (509) 829-5151 Dec. 9-10: Lighted Boat Parade along the Columbia River . Visittricities.org. (509) 737-1166 TBA-Festival of Trees, Pendleton , OR , Convention Center. www. pendleton_oregon.org Dec. 31: Tri Cities New Years. At Columbia Basin College (formerly First Night) www.visittri-cities.com Every Saturday in December: Christmas Trees at Bills Berry Farm. www.billsberryfarm.com

YVCC teaching winery offers a taste of success The vigorous growth of the wine industry in the Yakima Valley and across the state and region has created a substantial demand for wine-industry professionals.

The number of wineries in the state has grown from just 19 in 1981 to more than 700 in 2011.

That demand for professionals to keep up with that growth is being filled, at least in part, by Yakima Valley Community Photo by Richard Burger College with its Vineyard and Winery Technology The Yakima Valley Community College Teaching programs at the school’s Winery in Grandview offers students the chance to gain the practical experience of producing wines as part Grandview campus.

On that YVCC campus, at of their course work. The facility’s tasting room offers visitors the chance to sample the latest successful 110 Grandridge, you’ll find vintage. the award-winning teaching winery, Yakima Valley Vintners, which includes a comfortable, appealing tasting room.

The tasting room is open Fridays from 3:30p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

If you’re visiting the valley during barrel tasting weekend in April, the teaching winery will be open April 15, 16, and 17, as well.

The wines produced there are also available so far at five Seattle-area restaurants, and in several west-side wine shops, as well as in Yakima and Prosser.

Clearly, students in the program are learning their lessons well.

To quote program information in the college’s web site, “Vineyard Technology emphasizes the sustainable grape production principles in Washington with specialization in the integrated management of insects, weeds, diseases and crop production.

“Winery Technology provides students with an understanding of principles and the application of technology associated with the production of wine. Students will also apply methods to evaluate grape and wine quality.”

Program degrees qualify students to for careers such as assistant winemaker, cellar worker, crew supervisor, field manager, laboratory technician, tasting room manager, and vineyard technician.

The winery facility also includes a laboratory, barrel and case storage, and two incubator winery spaces.

It’s an interesting stop for visitors who are interested in seeing the future of the Washington wine industry take shape before their eyes.

Page 42 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Walla Walla AVA

Walla Walla AVA Established 1984

• 65 wineries and more than 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of vineyards.

• Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading varietal while Merlot, Chardonna and Syrah are other predominant varieties.

Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese are also grown.

• Loess-derived soils which are essentially unconsolidated, unstratified, calcareous silt.

• Growing season of 190 to 220 days, with annual rainfall averaging 12.5 inches (32 cm) per year.

• Check with wineries for current hours and special events.

Wineries 428 Wines www.428wines.com Adamant Cellars www.adamantcellars.com àMaurice Cellars www.amaurice.com Amavi Cellars www.amavicellars.com Ash Hollow www.ashhollow.com Basel Cellars www.baselcellars.com Beresan Winery www.beresanwines.com Bergevin Lane Vineyards www.bergevinlane.com Buty Winery www.butywinery.com Canoe Ridge Vineyard www.canoeridgevineyard.com Cougar Crest Winery www.cougarcrestwinery.com Dunham Cellars www.dunhamcellars.com Dusted Valley Vintners www.dustedvalley.com Five Star Cellars www.fivestarcellars.com Flying Trout Winery www.flyingtroutwines.com Forgeron Cellars www.forgeroncellars.com Fort Walla Walla Cellars www.fortwallawallacellars.com Gifford Hirlinger www.giffordhirlinger.com Glen Fiona www.glenfiona.com Isenhower Cellars www.isenhowercellars.com Le Chateau Winery www.lechateau.com L’Ecole No 41 Winery www.lecole.com Lowden Hills www.lowdenhillswinery.com Mannina Cellars www.manninacellars.com Morrison Lane www.morrisonlane.com Nicholas Cole Cellars www.nicholascolecellars.com

Map courtesy of WA Wine Commission, www.washingtonwine.org

Otis Kenyon Wines www.otiskenyonwine.com Patrick M. Paul Vineyards www.pmpvineyards.com Pepper Bridge Winery www.pepperbridge.com Reininger Winery www.reiningerwinery.com Russell Creek Winery www.russellcreek-winery.com Sapolil Cellars www.sapolilcellars.com Sapphire Mountain Cellars www.sapphiremountaincellars.com Saviah Cellars www.saviahcellars.com

Seven Hills Winery www.sevenhillswinery.com Skylite Cellars www.skylitecellars.com Tamarack Cellars www.tamarackcellars.com Tertulia Cellars www.tertuliacellars.com Three Rivers Winery www.threeriverswinery.com Trio Vintners www.triovintners.com Tru Cellars www.trucellars.com Walla Walla Village Winery www.wallawallavillagewinery.com

The History of Wine The history of wine spans thousands of years and is closely intertwined with the history of agriculture, cuisine, civilization and humanity itself. Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest known wine production occurred in Georgia around 8,000 BC, with other notable sites in Iran and Armenia dated 7,000 BC and 6000 BC, respectively. The archaeological evidence becomes clearer and points to domestication of grapevine in Early Bronze Age sites of the Near East, Sumer and Egypt from around the third millennium BC. Evidence of the earliest wine production in the Balkans has been uncovered at archaeological sites in Macedonia, dated to 6,500 years ago.

These same sites also contain remnants of the world’s earliest evidence of crushed grapes. In Egypt, wine became a part of recorded history, playing an important role in ancient ceremonial life. Traces of

wild wine dating from the second and first millennium BC have also been found in China.

Wine, tied in myth to Dionysus/ Bacchus, was common in ancient Greece and Rome, and many of the major wineproducing regions of Western Europe today were established with Phoenician and later Roman plantations. Winemaking technology, such as the wine press, improved considerably during the time of the Roman Empire; many grape varieties and cultivation techniques were known and barrels were developed for storing and shipping wine.

In medieval Europe, following the decline of Rome and its industrial-scale wine production for export, the Christian Church became a staunch supporter of the wine necessary for celebration of the Catholic Mass. Whereas wine was forbidden in medieval Islamic cultures, its use in Christian libation was widely

Walla Walla Vintners www.wallawallavintners.com Waterbrook Winery www.waterbrook.com Watermill Winery www.watermillwinery.com Waters Winery www.waterswinery.com Whitmans Cellars Winery www.whitmanscellars.com Woodward Canyon Winery www.woodwardcanyon.com Yellow Hawk Cellar www.yellowhawkcellar.com Zerba Cellars www.zerbacellars.com tolerated and Geber and other Muslim chemists pioneered its distillation for Islamic medicinal and industrial purposes such as perfume. Wine production gradually increased and its consumption became popularized from the 15th century onwards, surviving the devastating Phylloxera louse of the 1870s and eventually establishing growing regions throughout the world.

Wine Quotes “Alonso of Aragon was wont to say in commendation of age, that ‘age appears to be best in four things - old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.’”

--- Francis Bacon, 1624 “I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food.” --- W. C. Fields

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Page 44 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

Photo by Dianne Buxton

Julie Davis, pictured top left, passes on the history of the petroglyphs at Horsethief Lake State Park.

She Who Watches

By Dianne Buxton

Curious sightseers gathered on a beautiful, cool morning last April 10, excitedly awaiting a scenic tour into the past. The journey, led by enthusiastic historian Julie Davis, was to “She Who Watches,” native name “Tsagaglal,” an image created in stone. The remarkable icon of the past is both a petroglyph and a pictograph, though most images found in Oregon are one or the other, not both.

Julie started hosting tours at Horsethief

Lake in 1988 and has volunteered ever since. She lived at the park from 19871999 with husband, Rich, then park ranger and current Area Park Manager before moving to their home in Trout Lake.

“It is certainly not a requirement of ranger’s spouses to volunteer at the parks, but the need was there and I really enjoy doing it,” said Julie. It was a bit of a family affair, as the couple’s daughter, Tina, also hosted tours during her teenage years from 1992-1998, prior to leaving

THANK YOU To All Our Valued ADVERTISERS Without You There Would be no Grape Vine!

Sincerely, Publisher and Staff

Photo by Dianne Buxton

“She Who Watches,” native name “Tsagaglal,” an image created in stone.

for college.

Julie’s “real job” is that of librarian; she works at Columbia High School in White Salmon during the school year. She also serves as an information specialist for the U.S. Forest Service at Mt. Adams Ranger Station in Trout Lake during the summer months.

While not hosting tours or working at her two professional jobs, she pursues hobbies.

“I enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing during the winter months.

I also like hiking and rafting during the summer and traveling anytime, anywhere,” said Julie.

Julie’s passion for the petroglyphs isn’t surprising, as most that learn about them are “hooked” on the intriguing history they provide. When the Dalles Dam was finished and the waters of Lake Celilo were rising, the U.S. government removed ancient Indian petroglyphs from the walls of a canyon known as “Tamani Pesh-Wa” or “Written on Rock,” downstream from the dam. Locals called it “Petroglyph Canyon.”

In 2003, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleaned and restored the petroglyphs and moved them to Horsethief Lake State Park. The site was formerly the largest burial ground of Indians in the area.

It was an Indian campground for centuries, where the Wishram, Cloud and Lishkam fished with nets and spears between The Dalles and Celilo Falls.

Horsethief State Park now contains Native American petroglyphs (carvings) and pictographs (paintings). Some of the oldest pictographs in the Northwest delight visitors to the park. Nearby Maryhill Museum of Art and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center offer visitors a look at artifacts from the tribes.

“She Who Watches” is an awing sight.

She sits high up on a bluff, overlooking the village of Wishxam, the village where a young Native American girl named Lillian’s great grandmother used to live.

The rock image is the first that Lillian ever saw or knew anything about, and only because an elder took her to see it.

The elder thought it would be beneficial for Lillian to learn something about her

heritage and of her grandmother’s village.

The elder shared a legend with Lillian and the story that she now tells is: “There was this village on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge.

And this was long ago when people were not yet real people, and that is when we could talk to the animals.

And so Coyote – the Trickster – came down the river to the village and asked the people if they were living well. And they said “Yes, we are, but you need to talk to our chief, Tsagaglal. She lives up in the hill.”

So Coyote pranced up the hill and asked Tsagaglal if she was a good chief or one of those evildoers. She said, “No, my people live well. We have lots of salmon, venison, berries, roots, good houses. Why do you ask?” And Coyote said, “Changes are going to happen. How will you watch over your people?” And so she didn’t know.

And it was at that time that Coyote changed her into a rock to watch her people forever.” (Google “Horsethief Petroglyphs” to learn more legends and information.)

“Stories are meant to bind the past and present, and to come alive each time they are told. They are magical and they are meaningful.”

The Horsethief Lake section of the Columbia Hills State Park is a National Historic Site. Guided tours of Indian rock art is offered at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, April to October. Reservations are required by calling (509)767-1159.

Callers should leave a detailed message with party size, desired date of tour, name and phone number. If a ranger doesn’t return your call, call again. It is best to make reservations at least two to three weeks in advance, as they are limited to 25 people and fill up quickly.

To find more information, maps and GPS coordinates of Native American rock art, persons should read the book Where to See Rock Art Oregon Washington Idaho

by Russel Micnhimer or visit his website at www.oregonrockart.com

Welcome

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 45

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Page 46 ~ The Grape Vine 2011

Welcome

Whistlin’ Jack Lodge is a place for all seasons An inn-like resort called Whistlin’ Jack Lodge sits long the Naches River and Chinook Pass highway (410) at Cliffdell, Washington. There are pine trees and rocky ridges surrounding this picturesque mountain retreat. The rushing water of the river creates a wonderful setting for tired out travelers to fix your eyes on while stopping to rest, refresh, and recreate.

The resort was originally built in 1931, and has a sincere and retro ambiance. The lodge is a blast from the past and gives you the feeling that you have stepped into the past.

The Fireside Café and Lounge is a beautiful room, anchored in post depression-era workmanship complete with a huge original river rock fireplace (built by master craftsman, Ernest Jimenez) and tongue-and-groove ceiling.

There are cabins, bungalows, and lodges to choose from for your overnight visit.

Tasty food and spirits are served daily and

the stories you might hear (especially later in the day) are worthy of taking home to re-tell. “The highway closes in the winter and in the spring it opens the corridor between the east and the west side of the state” says Shane Williams owner and third generation owner.

There are a number of outdoor activities in the area from Boulder Cave to Bumping Lake and all those interesting points on the way. You will find ample scenic attractions to fill a lifetime. Mt. Rainier National Park is 27 miles west of Whistlin’ Jack Lodge and is truly a national treasure with 2 million visitors annually. “Tourist can be international guests, they rent a car on the coast and come over Highway 410 to see Mr. Rainer and drive over Chinook Pass and they end up at Whistlin Jack resort” says Williams.

Williams’s family 54year tradition of mountain hospitality, family tradition, and retro flare!

Photo submitted

A map of Whistlin Jack’s accommodations offered throughout the year. There are many lodging choices, each with loads of character and amenities.

Princess Theatre The Capitol Theatre Prosser’s offers array of entertainment

One of Yakima’s proudest accomplishments, The Capitol Theatre is at the heart and soul of Yakima’s quality-of-life.

Restored in 1978, after a devastating fire, the 1920’s Pantages style theatre is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Capitol Theatre’s long history began over ninety years ago with Frederick Mercy, Sr.’s vision Photo submitted of a grand vaudeville A beautiful Frescoe adorns the ceiling of the auditorium at theatre located in the Capitol Theatre in Yakima. downtown Yakima.

Construction on his dream project began in 1919. He commissioned renowned theatre architect B. Marcus Pretica, the architect of choice for the great vaudeville impresario Alexander Pantages, to construct his theatre. Another Pantages favorite, A. B. (Tony) Heinsbergen, was hired to create the decorative murals that graced the theatre’s interior. The April 5, 1920 opening performance of Maytime brought audiences in droves to see Yakima’s showcase. At that time, the Mercy Theatre was the largest theatre in the Pacific Northwest. One year later, the name officially changed to The Capitol Theatre.

Today, The Capitol Theatre remains a testament to its past and the arts. Seating 1,500, the theatre is a frequent stopping point for touring Broadway shows and national concert artist. The stage is also home to the productions of numerous local organizations such as the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, the Yakima Town Hall Series and numerous dance recitals, school events, and concerts, with annual attendance at the Capitol Theatre exceeding the population of the City of Yakima.

The 4th Street Theatre, a smaller 499 seat venue, located on the east side of The Capitol Theatre, provides Yakima with a highly-flexible space for private events, from weddings and receptions to dance parties and celebrations. The theatre features state-of-the-art acoustics, and full sound and lighting systems and can accommodate events ranging from meetings, to weddings, to full stage productions.

The Robertson Room is located on the lower level of the Capitol Theatre, and provides the perfect venue for both business meeting and private parties. Elegant and intimate, seating capacity is up to 190 for lecture style, or 60-80 for a formal dinner or 45 for a meeting in classroom style.

Tours of these spaces are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Contact us to schedule your visit today. arts@capitoltheatre.org.

How about a classic movie with your pinot gris? Or a live stage play with your merlot? Perhaps a bluegrass concert with your microbrew?

The Princess Theatre in historic downtown Prosser offers a variety of entertainment throughout the year. Built in 1920, the theatre proudly wears a neon crown that beckons area residents and visitors.

Managed by the non-profit Valley Theater Company, the Princess hosts classic movies once a month, a season of four VTC stage plays, concerts, ballet recitals, other live theater and, in season, Boise State football games on its movie screen.

To celebrate its 50th year, VTC will present The Marvelous Wonderettes as the final show of its 2010-2011 season.

Performance dates are April 29-30 and May 6-7, all at 7:30 pm. TMW is a cottoncandy colored, non-stop pop musical blast from the past! Act I takes the audience to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where the Wonderettes are entertaining their classmates. In Act II, the girls return to sing at their 10-year reunion in 1968.

This delightful musical, created and written by Roger Bean, includes such songs as Mr. Sandman, Sugartime, Lollipop, Allegheny Moon, Lipstick on Your Collar, Stupid Cupid, Secret Love, Heatwave, Wedding Bell Blues, Son of A Preacher Man, Leader of the Pack, Rescue Me and Respect. The New York Times called it “one irresistible jukebox musical” and “an utter charm bomb.”

Information about VTC’s 20112012 season is available online at www. valleytheatercompany.org.

Information about other upcoming events at the Princes is available online at www.theprincestheatre.net. The Princess Theatre is at 1228 Meade Avenue, Prosser.

Photo submitted

Valley Theater Company manages the Princess Theatre in historic downtown Prosser. Among its 2011 offerings is the nostalgic musical The Marvelous Wonderettes, portrayed by, from left, Traci Honeycutt, Courtney Eggert, Stephanie Schell and Cat Warwick.

Wine Quotes

“Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.” --- Ernest Hemingway.

“Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it.” --Anonymous “Compromises are for relationships, not wine.” --- Sir Robert Scott Caywood

Welcome

Things to do with the kids while wine tasting While spending time in wine country, the question arises of what kinds of activities are available to entertain the kids. Get the kids out of the car and enjoy the beautiful rural valley.

Let the kids burn some energy by frolicking at the Granger Hisey Park (Dino Park). Huge metal dinosaurs greet visitors from the moment they set foot in Granger. With dinosaurs to climb on and marvel at, families can take a break and have a picnic while enjoying the serenity of the park. As a special treat, the city hosts an annual event where everybody is welcome to come and create a new dinosaur. This year’s event will take place on June X. Another way to have the kids let some steam off is by watching a parade, chasing after candy and ohhing and ahhhing various forms of city pride.

From beautiful girls dressed in their best to horses dancing, kids and adults will see a taste of the valley from their seats on the sidewalk curb. Some parades to consider include the Cherry Festival Parade held in Granger in April, and the Prosser State’s Day Parade held in September.

A little about ice wine

If a night parade is what you’re looking for, visit the unique Lighted Farm Implement Parade in Sunnyside. Farmers and area businesses along with civic groups decorate farm machinery with thousands of Christmas lights. Warm up with hot chocolate at this year’s parade on December.

During the hot summer days, a break at Columbia Park is the perfect place to cool off. With a fun and free water park for the kids, little ones can refresh as they frolic in the Aquatic Playground.

The playground comprises of sprinklers on timers. The sprinklers vary in sizes including water shooting from the ground and tall sprinklers splashing water on children. Pack the swimsuits and prepare to have fun as the kids enjoy exploring the water.

Enjoying Hispanic music and dancing can also be found at the Sunnyside Cinco de Mayo. Families can watch and join in as they are entertained..

Wine serving and storing temperatures Wines should be served at temperatures where they taste best. More specifically, wine should be served at the temperature you enjoy. Usually white wines, rosés, Champagnes/sparkling wines taste best chilled because they are most refreshing served that way.

Red wines are typically served at room temperature. But, room temperature is relative as we all live in different climates so your red may need some cooling

Wine Quotes

“Beer is made by men, wine by God!” --- Martin Luther

“Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures.”--Michael Broadbent “Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.” --- Benjamin Franklin “Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.” --- Pope John XXIII

The Grape Vine 2011 ~ Page 47

down, or even warming up if you like your house really cold, before drinking.

Serving Temperatures Whites: Chilled (45-55 degrees F) for a few hours in the refrigerator. Chilling tones down the sweetness of wine.

Reds: Slightly cooler than room temperature (about 65 degrees F).

Younger fruity reds can benefit from chilling because if red wine becomes too warm it may lose some of its fruity flavor.

Sparkling Wine: Thoroughly chilled.

Refrigerate several hours or the night before serving.

Dessert Wine: Room temperature.

Storage Conditions Wine storage can be done safely in temperatures barely above freezing up to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remember also that wine matures at a faster rate at higher temperatures.

High humidity levels keep moisture inside the bottle thus preventing evaporation through the cork. Humidity levels that are too high often cause micro-organisms to grow which can age your wine prematurely or even spoil your wine.

Ideal Temp: Between 45 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit Ideal Humidity: Between 60 percent-70 percent.

Ice wine (or ice wine or Eiswein in German) is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen. The sugars and other dissolved solids do not freeze, but the water does, so the result is a concentrated, often very sweet wine.

The effect is comparable to the freeze distillation that was traditionally used to make applejack and similar beverages, but, in the case of ice wines, the freezing happens before the fermentation, not afterwards. Unlike other dessert wines (such as Sauternes, Beerenauslese, or Trockenbeerenauslese), grapes for ice wine tend not to be affected by Botrytis cinerea or Noble rot. This gives ice wine its characteristic of refreshing sweetness balanced by high acidity. When the grapes are free of Botrytis, they are said to come in “clean.”

The most famous (and expensive) ice wines are German Eiswein, but apart from Germany ice wine is also made in Canada as well as in the United States, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Australia, and New Zealand in smaller quantity. Eiswein is part of the QmP category in the German wine classification.

Ice wine production in Canada is regulated by the Vintners Quality Alliance. In contrast to most other wine producing regions, Canada has very consistent freezes in winter and has become the largest ice wine producer in the world. The Pillitteri Estate Winery in Ontario, Canada recently asserted itself as the largest ice wine producer in the world, overcoming the well known Inniskillin.

Natural ice wines require a hard freeze (by law in Canada a minimum of -8 °C/ 17 °F and in Germany a minimum of -7 °C/ 19 °F) to occur sometime after the grapes are ripe, which means that the grapes may hang on the vine for several months following the normal harvest. If a freeze does not come quickly enough, the grapes may rot and the crop will be lost. If the freeze is too severe, no juice can be extracted. Vineland Winery in Ontario once broke their pneumatic press in the 1990s while pressing the frozen grapes because they were too hard (the temperature was close to -20 °C). Birds, bear, deer, and other wild animals will eat more fruit the longer harvest is delayed and increase in dropped fruit will also reduce yield the longer it hangs on the vine. Since the fruit must be pressed while still frozen, pickers often must work at night or very early in the morning, harvesting the grapes within a few hours, while cellar workers must work in unheated spaces.

Some winemakers use cryoextraction (that is, mechanical freezing) to simulate the effect of a frost and typically do not leave the grapes to hang for extended periods as is done with a natural ice wine. In Germany and Canada the grapes must freeze naturally to be called ice wine.

The high sugar level in the must leads to a slower than normal fermentation.

It may take months to complete the fermentation (compared to days or weeks for regular wines) and special strains of yeasts should be used. Because of the lower yield of grape musts and the difficulty of processing, ice wines are significantly more expensive than table wines. They are often sold in half-bottle volume (375 ml). “New World” wineries, in particular, sometimes bottle 200 ml and 50 ml gift packages.

Typical grapes used for ice wine production are: Riesling, which is considered to be the most noble variety by Germans; Vidal Blanc, highly popular in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada; and, interestingly, the red grape Cabernet Franc.

Many vintners, especially from the New World, are experimenting with making ice wine from other varieties: whites such as Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay, Kerner, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Ehrenfelser or reds such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, or even Cabernet Sauvignon. One winery from the Niagara-on-the-Lake region of Ontario recently claimed to be the first winery in the world producing Shiraz (Syrah) ice wine.

Ice wines from white varieties tend to be pale yellow or light gold in color when they are young and can maderise (acquiring deep amber-golden color) as they age.

The red varieties tend to have a light burgundy or even pink color like that of rosé wines.

Even though it is normal for the sugar content in ice wine to run from 180 g/L up to as high as 320 g/L (with a mean in the 220 g/L range), ice wine is very refreshing (as opposed to cloying) due to high acidity (titratable acidity in ice wine almost always above 10 g/L). Ice wine usually has a medium to full body, with a long lingering finish. The nose is usually reminiscent of peach, pear, dried apricot, honey, citrus, figs, caramel, green apple, etc., depending on the varietal grape. The aroma of tropical and exotic fruits such as pineapple, mango and lychee is quite common, especially on those white varietals.

Ice wine usually has a slightly lower alcohol content than regular table wine.

Some Riesling ice wines from Germany have alcohol content as low as six percent.

Ice wines produced in Canada usually have higher alcohol content, between 8-13 percent. In most years, ice wines from Canada generally have higher brix degree (must weight) compared to those from Germany. This is largely due to the more consistent winters in the former area. Must with insufficient Brix level cannot be made into Ice wine, and is thus often sold as “special select late harvest” or “select late harvest” at a fraction of the price that true ice wine commands. Connoisseurs argue about whether ice wine improves with age or is meant to be drunk young.

Those who support aging claim that ice wine’s very high sugar level (which is often much higher than that of Sauternes) and high acidity preserve the content for many years after bottling. Those who disagree contend that as ice wine ages it loses its distinctive acidity, fruitiness, aroma and freshness.

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