Sip of Spokane

Forget Love, I'd rather fall in Chocolate.

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Do you dream in CHOCOLATE?

If you are not sure how to get your chocolate fix, don't worry; I took on the tough assignment of checking it out for you. I discovered some local indulgences, listed according to the three all important Ws: WHO WHAT & WHERE. Scroll down to see where to get your fix.

Everybody loves the idea of pairing chocolate and wine, and with good reason. It's a dynamic duo which evokes romance. What's not to like? Don't you love it when someone says says red wine and dark chocolate are good for you? But the flavors of chocolate and wine aren’t always that compatible. Here are some tips for a blissful union:

Chocolate and Wine Sip Tip #1: Pair lighter chocolates with lighter wines; darker chocolates with full-bodied wines. Go from light to dark in your tasting session, starting with milk or lower percentage cacao chocolates and their corresponding wines.

Chocolate and Wine Sip Tip #2:

Suggestive pairings for Milk Chocolate: Merlot, Riesling (debatable), Sauvignon Blanc and Dessert wines.

Chocolate and wine Sip Tip #3

Pairings for Dark, Bittersweet and Semisweet chocolate: Zinfandel, Syrah, Tawny Port. Armagnac, and Cognac. If you're looking to pair up Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Sangiovese reds, they need to be well-aged to suitably pair with darker chocolates.

WHERE.... WHAT..... WHY

Twigs Bistro

Chocolate Kiss Martini

"A perfectly delicious nightcap"

Spokandy

The original “Murphy”

"It’s a Timeless tradition"

Latah Bistro

Chocolate Sampler

"A flight of fancy"

Cda Candy Company

Idaho favorites

"Two words: Huckleberry Heaven"

The Melting Pot

Chocolate Fondue

"Take a dip. I'm fond of fondue"

Nordstrom

Habits

"A Chocoholics addiction"

Macy’s

Frangos

"Classic mint is a must"

Rocket Market

Mocha Orange

"Mocha-my-day"

Sees Candy
Classic box of assorted
"A blissful treasure hunt"

Chocolate Apothecary

Owner’s choice

"A prescription in bliss"

Brickhouse Spa

Chocolate pedicure

"I'll step up"

Ben and Jerry’s

Chocolate Therapy

"A cool chocolaty creation"

Bruttles

PB and chocolate

"A classic combo"

Huckleberry’s

Theo Chocolate Bar

"Know your worth"

Boehm’s
Encores
"Repeat when necessary"

Knipprath Cellars

Au Chocolat! Port

"A chocolate PORT in the storm"

Pixie Dust Chocolates

Solid chocolate with shimmer dust

"solid magic"

Want to know where to get your hands on some of the area’s best sweet treats?

Chocolate Apothecary, Spokane, WA.

Delight your senses with the rich aroma of pure chocolate. Taste the steaming hot or icy cold drinking chocolate.

Bruttles Spokane, WA.

Available at a cute little shop across the street from The Davenport Hotel, The Coeur d'Alene resort and at the Bruttles candy factory near the old U City mall in the Spokane Valley. Peanut Brittle and Chocolate are a classic combination.

Spokandy, Spokane, WA.

A sweet Spokane tradition, Spokandy has been selling their original, delightful treat the "Murphy" since 1913.

Chocolate Myracles, Spokane Valley, WA.

Handmade truffles and logo chocolate for your business from a master chocolatier. (New location near Nodland Cellars - how convenient)

Pixie Dust Chocolates, Spokane, WA.

Handmade solid chocolates with creative cocoa butter paint or shimmer dust. Great selection at the Rocket Market.

If you’re willing to travel…

Icicle Ridge Winery - Leavenworth, WA.

Chocolate Cherry Passion wine was intoxicatingly delicious.

Brown and Haley Almond Roca - Tacoma, WA.

In 1923, the company hit the jackpot with a crunchy, log-shaped candy piece suffused inside with butter and coated with chocolate and diced almonds. They still make the world famous ALMOND ROCA® butter crunch toffee one kettle at a time at the factory in Tacoma WA.

Fran’s Chocolates, Seattle WA.

Obama family favorite. The Obamas love Fran's Chocolates, an artisan chocolate brand from Seattle. The president prefers Fran's Smoked Sea Salt Caramel in Milk Chocolate ($24 for a 16-piece box); wife Michelle prefers dark chocolate, says Sean Seedlock, Fran's marketing chief. (Source: USAToday.com)

Theo, Seattle, WA.

With Chocolate, you get what you pay for. In this case a $5 Chocolate Bar is worth it. Theo is not only tasty but a sustainable organic choclateur. Tours available. Reservations requested.

Fall in chocolate. It's usually sweeter.

A similar version of this article I wrote was published in Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living magazine.
Feburary 2009. (Updated February 2012)

Whitestone Winery

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:30:00 +0000

A legacy of good grapes: Off the shores of the majestic Lake Roosevelt, it was discovered that over a century ago the original use of the land was for grape growing. Washington State University viticulturists declared the area to be an ideal place to grow French Bordeaux grape varietals, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Whitestone Vineyard was founded by Walter and Judy Haig in 1992. With the help of Washington State University, the vineyard site was prepped and made ready for planting. In the spring of 1994, the vineyard was planted, officially re-introducing grape vines to the area. 1996 witnessed the first harvest at the vineyard, with the grapes purchased by some of the fine wineries with obvious good taste. After a decade of experience growing wine grapes in the shadow of Whitestone Rock, Walter and Judy decided to start making wine themselves in 2001 by keeping a small amount of their Merlot grapes. The following year the winery produced wine from all three of their grape varietals. Using the grapes only from their estate vineyard, Whitestone is able to handcraft bold red wines and resurrect the tradition of wine making in the region. The Fall of 2005 brought with it two big events. The first was the grand opening of a winery and tasting room in Wilbur, WA, which marked the debut of their 2001 Merlot. The second big event was really a non-event; for the first time, Whitestone grapes were not sold to other winemakers. 100% of that year’s crop went entirely into Whitestone wine, as it has ever since.
The vineyard and the winery are a true family run business, with Michael Haig, Walter and Judy's son, running the vineyard and making the wine. Mentored by Robert Wample, the sixteen-year old Michael grew up among the vines, helping set up and plant the Lake Roosevelt Shores Vineyard. As the vines grew and matured, so did Michael’s love and appreciation for wine. The family believes great wine comes from great fruit and it is the winemaker’s job to showcase the gifts of Mother Nature and basically not screw it up. Family members assist in the running of the tasting room, bottling, events, and blending parties. Whitestone has a casual approach to wine is reflected in their tasting room and at their events. Expect to have a good time with red wine and live music.

The Spokane Tasting Room is located at 111 S. Cedar in downtown Spokane. it is open

Thursday-Saturday 12-6pm (Later for First Friday, events and often for Friday night LIVE music).

Sip Tips: Known for their “Pieces” line of blissful blends, Haig has created a themed wine series that is extremely marketable. “Love you to Pieces” for Valentine’s Day, “Scared to Pieces” for Halloween and “Pieces on Earth” as the annual winter holiday wine. The blends vary a little bit with Haig tweaking the Pieces of Red wine winning formula for each release. In addition be sure to experience the 2007 St. Vincent and the 2007 Cab Franc.

Sip Picks: Best wine club event; Cajun in the Cab, a summer New Orleans-style boil at the vineyard, perch above Lake Roosevelt with live music and lots of red wine.

Wine for Thanksgiving Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:07:00 +0000

With Thanksgiving so quickly approaching, you may be wondering what to serve with the traditional Turkey dinner with all the fixings.

It is doable to choose one wine to carry you through appetizers to desserts. That wine is SPARKLING! which is elegance with a phenomenal food-pairing versatility to virtually any meal. With Thanksgiving these wines really shine. Mountain Dome Cuvee Forte is one of my very favorite local wines but they also have a Sparkling Rose which may be even a better match for the proteins in the meal. On a budget, go for the Mountain Dome Brut, which is a staple at SIP's house making any night sparkle.

The art of Wine Pairing is largely a matter of personal preference; however, some safe bets for Thanksgiving dinner are Pinot Noir, Syrah (Try Barrister, Robert Karl, or Overbluff) and Zinfandel for RED lovers and Sauvignon Blanc (Try Arbor Crest's which is only $11), Riesling (Try Barrister, Latah Creek or Nodland's Bebop) Gewurztraminer and Viognier (Try Caterina or Barili) for those who prefer WHITE.

With white wines the pairing priority is finding a wine with well-balanced acidity with reds you are shooting for fairly tame tannins that will yield to and support the flavors of the food. For the happy medium between the two, a Rose becomes a pretty perfect match.

Oh yes, you have options. This Thanksgiving you can be grateful for choices.

What did we miss? Do you have a pairing of a local wine that should be on this list? Leave a comment, we want to know.

Cheers to a Happy Thanksgiving, SIP XO
(Photo credit: Inside Socal)

Trader Joe's Spokane

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:16:00 +0000

The highly anticipated Grand Opening of the South Hill Trader Joe's is this week. Whether you've been grocery shopping out-of-town, stopping off in Redmond on the way back from Seattle or you moved here only to find "No Joe's"... your wish will be granted on October 28th 2011 as our first TJs opens.

Parking should be a mess (what were they thinking?) and yes, I expect you to check it out. There are some great finds to be discovered that you can't get anywhere else.

Don't know what to try at TJs. Here's some suggestions to get you started:

Trader Joe SIP PICKS:
*Truffle Mousse Pate: Les Trois Petite black truffle pate is silky smooth with a hint of sherry. ($6/8oz)
*Sparkling Wine: NV Albero Organic Cava Brut ($9)
*Luques Green Olives: Imported from the South of France. Sweet, pump and fresh tasting.($4/7oz)
*Multigrain Pita Chips: A deeply satisfying crunch, perfect with Hummus ($2/6oz)

However, make sure you are not being a complete "trader" to the remarkable Rocket Market.

The Rocket Market is a quaint grocery store with heart, soul and is locally owned and operated. Its a unique grocery store that specializes in organic, gourmet and local food. I'm there on at least a weekly basis. However, like me, you most likely don't do all your grocery shopping there, so there is some room for TJs. Just don't forget about our charming corner market. After all, they're from here and were here first.

When it comes to WINE, the Rocket Market has deals. It may not be called 2-Buck Chuck but the RM's "GREAT WINE under $10" shelf does not disappoint (EVER). The reason the wine selection is a for-sure thing is because they only carry wines they personal taste and love.Every single wine they carry has handwritten tasting notes to accompany it. Damn, that's someone's job *envy*. That someone is Matt Dolan, the Rocket Market Wine Guy, who hosts weekly wine classes and is always available to enthusiastically recommend what to pour.

So have fun at the opening. I'm sure it will be a great success and yes, I'll be checking it out and picking up a few things after the crowds die down. But you'll still find me at the Rocket Market for great coffee, amazing lunches, farm fresh produce, for-sure wines and Victor's Hummus.

Cheers, SIP

First Friday Art Walk. Wine is LIQUID ART.

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:35:00 +0000

Art by Edward W Gilmore, Wine by Barrister

BE A PART OF ART (08/05/11)
Indulge in a bounty of artists in diverse mediums during the First Friday Art Walk. Oh and take in some WINE as well.

Sip's FIRST FRIDAY includes only places that also pour wine. After all. wine is liquid Art and this is a WINE blog :) All venues will be open Friday, August 5, 2011 from 5-8pm unless noted otherwise.

SIP has added a few participating wine/art stops that aren't on the official list which is at available at http://www.downtownspokane.org/first-friday.php

(The * is for Spokane wineries)

Sip's list is only art stops that include WINE, which is liquid art.

DOWNTOWN:

*Barili Cellars
608 W. 2nd
Join Barili Cellars from 4pm-9pm and enjoy our four newly released wines, unique colorful paintings and mixed media collages by Emma Jane Kimmell, and live music by Robert Weigle. So we hope you will visit the winery to enjoy four great wines, art, live music, and snacks. Call 995-4077 SIP TIP: Don't miss sipping the Cabernet Sauvignon.

*Market Place Wine Bar
32 WEST 2ND AVE.
Please join us for an evening of wine, art and music! We’ve just released THREE new wines: Viognier, VEBA Rouge and VEBA Blanc. Featuring work by Dean Davis and music by Karrie O’Neil – Musician. SIP TIP: Try EMVY Devotion and Bridge Press 600

Martin Woldson Theater at the FOX
1001 W. SPRAGUE
Fun at the Fabulous Fox! Live music, selections from Art @ Work from the MAC in the wonderful art deco theater for viewing and food and drink specials in the First Avenue Bistro will make a great stop on the First Friday tour.

Vintage Hill Cellars
319 W. 2ND AVE.
Photographer Ken Parks, presents "Orchids to Architecture" ...A display of photos from his wife's passion for orchids... to a display of photos from his own passion for local architecture. Join us to taste pre-release versions of our 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the Walla Walla Valley.

Leftbank Wine Bar
108 N. Washington
ART + lots 'o WINE. Over 60 wines by the glass. Come enjoy some good wine, good food, amazing art by Nicholas Griego and wonderful music by Stephanie H! Happy Hour 3-6pm Live. Music 8-11pm. SIP TIP: trust your flight attendant.

Main Market CO-OP

44 W. Main

Please join us for an evening of wine, music and food. Wine tasting with Knippratch Cellars, music by The Terrible Buttons, a blues and folk band with a little added darkness, and samples from out deli.

The Davenport Hotel/Peacock Lounge
10 S. POST ST.
Come enjoy Contemporary, Jazz, and Pop hits by Nichole Lewis in our Peacock Lounge. SIP TIP: Try a Mountain Dome sparkling cocktail.

*Whitestone Winery
115 S. Cedar
Enjoy an array of metal works and art by Paul Kuhlman as well as classic original and cover tunes by Michael Dwyer! SIP TIP: PIECES of Red 8.8 is a bit peppery, which I like. Try NOT WHITESTONE.

*Robert Karl Cellars

115 W. PACIFIC AVE.
Featuring still life oil paintings by Mary Kay Bakken. Music by née Milot

SIP TIP: try the marvelous Malbec.

French Quarter
1311 W. Sprague

Wine and Chocolate Tasting. Try our wine finds and pair them with our chocolate selections. Brad Keeler will be playing, blues/ bluegrass!

*Barrister Winery
1213 W. Railroad Ave.

Presenting the works of Spokane artist, Brendan Genther, Escapism: A Journey through Texture and Color. Artist’s reception at 5pm, with Beacon Hill's Bistro Buffet 6-8pm. Music by "Lonesome" Lyle Morse, acoustic blues from 7-10pm.

SIP TIP: Rough Justice baby.

*Grande Ronde Cellars
906 W. 2nd (across from the Steam Plant) 455-8161
Featuring Northwest paintings by Carlene Schwab. Artist reception from 5-7pm.
SIP TIP: Try the new award winning GRC 7 Hills Merlot.

*Arbor Crest Tasting Room
808 W. Main, River Park Square, Third Level
Featuring work by Larisa Amland, a freelance illustrator, painter, and multimedia artist. Larisa recently graduated with a Fine Art degree and moved to Spokane. She loves looking for art in unexpected places and always carries a sketchbook. Music by Just Plain Darin.SIP TIP: Say "Syrah"

Santé Restaurant & Charcuterie
404 W. Main
Indulge all of your senses. Artwork by local painter Katrina Hughes Brennan, special 5 course menu, each course created by a different Santé chef, and live music by guitarist John Zientek.
315-4613 SIP TIP: Have them make you a Sparkling cocktail.

*Caterina/Lone Canary Winery
905 N. Washington
Back by popular demand, the Schuyler Asplin Jazz Quartet from 6-9pm. Work by metal sculptor, Rick Davis. Cheese plates for purchase by Saunders Cheese Market to enjoy with your glass of wine. SIP TIP: Try Caterina Viognier

Nectar Tasting Room
1st & Stevens
Join us at Nectar where you can see several new pieces created by Spokane artist Bill Werle and enjoy the music of Maxie Ray Mills. Music starts at 6:30. Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Over 40 wines on the menu from 5 Washington wineries.

Steelhead Bar & Grille

218 N. Howard

Robert Sevilla Naudon, formerly a Dreamworks animator and Rose Parade float builder, displays his personal studies, experiments, and mix media ideas. Robert currently makes his home in Spokane and is a full time designer and fabricator of architectural metals.

The Spokane Valley is back for another sip of Art & Wine.
Valley wineries and art galleries team up for an art tour in the Spokane Valley. The event is called First Friday Spokane Valley Art Tour, 5:30-8:30pm. The art tour involves some of the best valley wineries and art studios for an evening once a month of art, wine and live music. This event is open to the public and there will be a number of stops on the tour to view local art and taste local wines.

Here are the WINE participants;

*Latah Creek Wine Cellars
13030 E. Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Join us for First Friday June for an evening of fun, wine, food, and art.
SIP TIP: The limited release of the Monarch Zinfandel is soooooo good. No cover charge, wine sold by the glass or bottle. 509-926-0164 Website: www.latahcreek.com

*Nodland Cellars, LLC
11616 E. Montgomery Dr. Ste #70, Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Sure their reds are remarkable but I love BEBOP! Such a great food pairing wine.
SIP TIP: BAD ATTITUDE and BEBOP. 509-927-7770 Website: www.nodlandcellars.com

*Arbor Crest Cliff House
4705 N Foothills Rd, Spokane Valley, WA. 99206
SIP TIP: Go for the Sauv Blanc, Dionysus or SIP'S PICK - The Syrah. 509-927.9463 Website: www.arborcrest.com

Bottles (Millwood by the Rocket Bakery)
3319 N Argonne
Various wine samples. Art TBD.
509.443.4027

Millwood Gallery
9009 Euclid, Millwood 99212
Join them for an evening of good art, wine and food. 509.927.2222

Be a part of ART (and WINE).

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:55:00 +0000

The wine story:

At Arbor Crest wine making is a family tradition. Born into a family that had farmed in Washington State for over a century, brothers Harold and David Mielke discovered in the late 70's their land had enormous potential to grow grapes for producing fine wines. Their dream became a reality in 1982 when they, along with Harold's wife Marcia, established Arbor Crest Wine Cellars. Arbor Crest was the 29th winery established in Washington State. Today, there are well over 650 wineries in Washington State, making Arbor Crest Wine Cellars a Washington wine industry pioneer.

Tasting with an awe-inspiring view:

Two years later in 1984, the Mielke family purchased the Riblet Estate and relocated the winery to the estate's Cliff House, perched high atop cliffs overlooking the Spokane River 450 feet below and providing outstanding views. The Cliff House, a National Historic Landmark was built in the Florentine-style in 1924 is a picturesque winery complete with awe-inspiring views. Arbor Crest boasts one of the most spectacular settings of any winery in the Washington State and is worth visiting for this reason alone. The Cliff House is a 75-acre estate with breathtaking gardens which surrounded the estate landmarks, including a gazebo, croquet court, and famed life-size checkerboard. The current tasting room blends in well though it was built in 2003. An unfortunate 2009 fire damaged the historic Cliff House, but the owners assured the heartbroken public, it can be restored to its original splendor. December 2010 marked the completion of this careful restoration. This is a destination winery, perfect for a picnic and available to rent for weddings and events.

The tasting room staff is one of the most well-versed in the nuances of the wines. There is a small 5-acre vineyard at the site that adds to the romance. Its fruit is used to produce an estate-bottled sparkling wine, otherwise the wines like most Spokane wineries are made from grapes grown in the Columbia Valley AVA .

A popular Arbor Crest wine is Dionysus, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Currently its the Syrah that is my first choice, followed by the Malbec. As you may know, wines are named after the grapes, but blends give the winemaker the opportunity to name it at will. The limited release red-blend Dionysus, is named after is the god of wine, the inspirer of ritual madness and ecstasy. Also highly recommended is the luscious Arbor Crest Sauvignon Blanc which is a nice pairing for a Summer picnic.

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

All in the Family:

Arbor Crest's winemaker, Kristina Mielke-van Loben Sels, is a second generation winemaker. Daughter of Harold and Marcia, she is a graduate of the University of California Davis in Fermentation Science. Mielke-van Loben Sels spent seven years as the associate winemaker of Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery of Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County in California, before she and her husband Jim, a viticulturist joined the Arbor Crest Wine Cellars staff. Using grapes grown in the Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, and Wahluke Slope, Arbor Crest produces a wide variety of wines.

Accolades:

Named by Wine Spectator as one of the "Top 50 Producers Every Wine Lover Should Know," Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is best known for their Sauvignon Blanc and their red blend and my favorite, Dionysus.

Summer concert series in the event tent nestled in the vineyard.

Sip tips:

*Arbor Crest participates in Spokane Wine Association events such as the Mother's Day Spring Barrel Tasting Weekend, as well as, the November Holiday Winery Tour.

*Private tours of the Cliff House can be pre-arranged other times during the year and include wine tasting plus a gourmet lunch.

*Wine tasting is available daily and guests will learn the true portrayal of the superior-quality of Arbor Crest wines that are part of the Washington wine industry.

*Arbor Crest also has a downtown tasting room in Riverpark Square.

*In the Summer, very popular weekly concerts featuring live music which welcome an average of 1000 people to the grounds every weekend. In August, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars also hosts a Classic Car Show and Art and Glass Fest. Check website for current events and concert schedule. http://www.arborcrest.com/

(Labeled photo courtesy of Arbor Crest. Others by Sip of Spokane)

Drinking with the STARS! Celebrities in the wine biz.

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:30:00 +0000

Celebrities are in drenched in WINE.

Drinking with the STARS cast list.

MADONNA

*Madonna: Ciccone Vineyard and Winery Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan Collaboration with her father Silvio "Tony" Ciccone Fess Parker: Fess Parker Winery Santa Ynez Valley, California Was featured in the movie Sideways

Tommy Smothers: Remick Ridge Vineyards Sonoma County, California

Sam Neill: Two Paddocks Central Otago, New Zealand

Gerard Depardieu: Chateau de Tigne Anjou, Loire Valley, France Also owns vineyards in Bordeaux, Languedoc, Algeria, Argentina, Morocco, Spain, Sicily and United States

Mario Andretti: Andretti Winery Napa Valley, California Founded winery with former K-mart CEO Joe Antonini

Vince Neil: Vince Neil Vineyards Sonoma County, California

Greg Norman: Greg Norman Estates South Australia and California Collaboration with Beringer Blass

Peggy Fleming

*Peggy Fleming: Fleming Jenkins Vineyards and Winery Santa Cruz Mountains, California Founded with her husband, Greg Jenkins

Ernie Els: Ernie Els Wines Stellenbosch, South Africa Collaboration with Engelbrecht Els Vineyard

Savanna Samson: Savanna Samson Wines Tuscany and Lazio, Italy Her first wine Sogno Uno is a red blend consisting mainly of the obscure Italian grape variety Cesanese

Joe Montana: Montagia Wines Napa Valley, California Collaboration with Ed Sbragia, former winemaker of Beringer Wines

Raymond Burr: Raymond Burr Vineyards Dry Creek Valley, California Established by the late actor in 1986.

Bruce Cohn :B.R. Cohn Winery Sonoma County, California Cohn was manager of The Doobie Brothers

John Lasseter: Lasseter Family Winery Sonoma County, California

Diane Marie Disney: Silverado Vineyards Winery Napa Valley, California Owns winery with husband, former professional football player Ron W. Miller

Carmen Policy: Casa Piena Yountville, California

Nancy Pelosi :Zinfandel Lane Vineyard St. Helena, California Also owns Skellenger Lane Vineyard in Napa Valley. Pelosi sells her grapes to other California winemakers instead of producing her own wine.

Tom Seaver: GTS Vineyards Napa Valley, California

Dan Ackroyd

*Dan Aykroyd: Dan Aykroyd Wines Ontario, Canada Also produces a Sonoma County, California, series of wines.

Mario Batali: La Mozza Tuscany, Italy Collaboration with Italian winemaker and author Joe Bastianich

Lorraine Bracco: Bracco Wines Tuscany, Italy Produces wines from several Italian wine regions.

Nick Faldo: Nick Faldo Wines Coonawarra, Australia Collaboration with Katnook Estate

Mick Hucknall: Il Cantante Sicily, Italy Collaboration with Italian winemaker Salvo Foti

Olivia Newton-John: Koala Blue Wines South Australia Founded in 1983 with business partner Pat Farrar.

Cliff Richard: Adega do Cantor Algarve, Portugal Collaboration with Quinta do Miradouro.

**Mike Weir: Mike Weir Wine Niagara Peninsula, Canada.

*Francis Ford Coppola: Rubicon Estate Winery Napa Valley, California

**Wayne Gretsky: No. 99 Estates Winery Niagara Peninsula, Canada Collaboration with Creekside Estates.

Francis Ford Coppola

Lil Jon: Little Jonathan Winery Central Coast, California Collaboration with California winemaker Alison Crowe.

Alex Spanos: SpanosBerberian Winery Napa Valley, California Also owns Bell Wine Cellars in Yountville.

Dick Vermeil: Vermeil Wines Napa Valley, California Collaboration with OnThEdge Winery.

Kevin Buckler: Adobe Road Wines Sonoma County, California

Frank Arciero: Arciero Family Vineyards Paso Robles, California Also owns EOS Estate Winery in Paso Robles. Owned racing teams that featured Al Unser, Bobby Unser, Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney and Michael Andretti.

Randy Lewis: Lewis Cellars Napa Valley, California.

Arnold Palmer: Arnold Palmer Wines California Collaboration with Luna Vineyards.

Mick Fleetwood: Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar Lake County, California Collaboration with Langtry Estate and Vineyards.

Jonathan Cain: delaCain Vineyards Sonoma County, California Collaboration with California winemaker Dennis De La Montanya

Kyle MacLachlan

* **Kyle MacLachlan Pursued by Bear Wine Columbia Valley, Washington Collaboration with Washington winemaker Eric Dunham.

**Drew Bledsoe: Double Back Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Washington Collaboration with Washington winemaker Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellars.

Maynard James Keenan: Caduceus Cellars Arizona Also owns Merkin Vineyards in Arizona.

Richard Childress: Childress Vineyards North Carolina.

Dave Matthews: Blenheim Vineyards Charlottesville, Virginia

**Jason Priestley: Black Hills Estate Winery Okanagan, British Columbia The British Columbia born actor is a co-owner in the estate.

Antonio Banderas

*Antonio Banderas: Anta Banderas Ribera del Duero, Spain.

**Robert M. Parker, Jr.:Beaux Freres Vineyards and; Winery Willamette Valley, Oregon Co-owns winery with brother in law. To avoid a conflict of interest with his wine rating publication The Wine Advocate, Parker delegates the task of rating Oregon wines to another associate.

Dave Del Dotto: Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley, California In 2007, experimented with fermenting wine in amphorae.

Mike Ditka: Mike Ditka Wines Mendocino County, California Collaboration with the Mendocino Wine Company.

Dan Marino: Vintage 13 Marino Estates California

Charles Woodson: TwentyFour Wines Napa Valley, California Under NFL regulations, Woodson is currently prohibited from endorsing his own wines publicly until he retires.

Cathy Schembechler Bo Schembechler: Wines California Named after her late husband, former University of Michigan Football coach Bo Schembechler.

Jeff Gordon

*Jeff Gordon: Jeff Gordon Wines Napa Valley, California Collaboration with August Briggs Wines
Carole Bouquet Sanguo d'or Sicily, Italy.

Jacques Parizeau: Coteau de l'Élisette Languedoc, France.

David Ginola: Coste Brulade Côtes de Provence, France In partnership with the Coste Brulade co-op at Puget-Ville.

Michael Seresin: Seresin Estate Marlborough New Zealand.

Jarno Trulli: Podere Castorani Abruzzo, Italy.

Valeri Bure: Chateau Boswell Winery Napa Valley, California In partnership with his wife - actress Candace Cameron.

Günther Jauch: Weingut von Othegraven Mosel (wine region), Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany Prestigious vineyard from at least the 16th century, listed cultural heritage site, since 1805 owned by Jauch's ancestors. Jauch, one of the most popular Germans, is owner in the seventh generation.

Bode Miller: Thinks wine making is in his future. The larger-than-life American has no immediate thoughts of quitting top level alpine racing -- he is having too much fun -- but according to Reuters he planned a future as a professional wine-maker when he finally lays down his skis. Miller has purchased land near his home town of Franconia, New Hampshire, with this project in mind and is still conducting studies to find out what sort of wine the land can produce. Maybe there will be wine medals in his future.

*David Cloverdale: From record label to wine label. "Whitesnake" Zinfandel with De La Montanya Winery."Is this love?"

*Photo credits: Coppola: A glass after work, Fleming Jenkins: Fleming Jenkins, Ciccione: Ciccone Vineyard, Antonio Banderas: Anta Banderas Ribera del Duero: Drink Ribera, Kyle MacLachlan: Food & Wine, DanAykroyd: brandweek, Jeff Gordon: restrictorplated
** Pacific Northwest

Weekend O' Wine Report (6/3-6/5)

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:24:00 +0000

Spokane is a destination for wine. Go TASTE why.

This is the Weekend O' Wine report, informing you of where you can discover great local wine.

Check out the wine happenings in the Spokane Coeur d'Alene region and make it a GRAPE weekend.

Get thee to a winery! Click on the link and check out the local list with SIP TIPS including the updated Endangered VINO notifications..Get thee to a winery, the local list

TGIFF (Sip's First Friday catch phrase) Thank God it's First Friday. Downtown and Valley features Art + Wine. After all, Wine is liquid Art. 5:30-8pm. Sip's list will be posted on facebook shortly.

FRIDAY: LIVE music downtown Whitestone Winery is always a good time. Friday night Music By Michael Jay Dwyer, appetizers and great wine.

ALL WEEKEND: The Spokane Public Market is officially open debuting with over 55 vendors and one Wine Bar. Check out the Marketplace Wine Bar, located at 2nd & Browne. EMVY Cellars and Bridge Press Cellars are the featured wines.

FRIDAY: Nodland cellars will be releasing 2010 Bebop during Valley First Friday.
SATURDAY: Painting With Spirits tomorrow at Nodland Cellars! 1-4 PM $55 per person and includes a glass of wine, appetizers and three hours of guided painting on canvas by artist Rebecca Ebert. You can call Cindi at 208-651-2110

SUNDAY: Vintage Spokane 60+ wineries will be pouring over 180 wines and over a dozen local restaurants will lure you with their best cuisine. Vintage Spokane replaces the Taste WA. event. It's all happening at 4pm at the Lincoln Center. Tickets are $60

FRIDAY: WINESTYLES
Friday Wine Tasting
Coyote Canyon Winery Wine Tasting Friday, June 3, 6-9pm Located in south central Washington State and the heart of the Horse Heaven Hills in Prosser, Washington, this unique terroir and climate has nurtured Coyote Canyon Vineyard’s award winning premium grapes since 1994. Wine Styles will help you purchase wine that matches your palate.....your wine style.

ALL WEEKEND: VINO! Friday tasting focuses on THE WINES OF PORTUGAL. ($5 fee) 3:00 till 5:30pm – Drop-In! Saturday features June Wines Part 1. VINO! is located at 220 S Washington in Downtown Spokane.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY Leftbank Wine Bar. Live music every Friday and Jazz every Saturday beginning at 8pm. No cover! Leftbank boasts over 60 wines by the glass and has various creative wine flights. Ask Jen, your flight attendant to customize one for your palate. Happy Hour is daily from 3-6pm 108 N. Washington St., Suite 105 Spokane, WA 509-315-8623 http://www.leftbankwinebar.com/

FRIDAY/SATURDAY The Rocket Market Friday Night Wine Class features a varietal showdown series #11 global pinot noir
friday. june 3 @ 7 pm. Red wine for the summertime! Join us as we pit 9 wines from around the globe to compete for your love. reservations requested. 9 wines – cheese & labrea bread. $28 plus tax
The WINE selection with tasting notes on each and every wine is located at 726 East 43rd Avenue Spokane, WA 99203-6212 (509) 343-2253 Rocket Market LINK Check out the GREAT wines under $10 shelf, as it never disappoints. Saturday evening LIVE music is back at the Market starting at 7:30pm and featuring the sounds of Matt Russell.

SUNDAY: - It's back! Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series. Sunday night. This Sunday enjoy Stagecoach West (Classic Rock / Country) starting at 5:30 pm and going until dusk. Only $5 cover and you can bring your own picnic. Wine sold by the glass or bottle.

"Life's fast, sip slow"

Need wine now? Check out, Get thee to a winery. The local list with Endangered VINO alerts.

Click here for the GET THEE TO A WINERY LIST

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(Photo credits. Rocket flowers SIP, Local Wine, Simply Northwest)

Spring Barrel Tasting. (Spokane, WA.)

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:07:00 +0000

They've reeled us in. Dry Fly Distillery

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Local edible ART. Pixie Dust Chocolate.

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:08:00 +0000

Recent Openings & Opening Soon...New places to WINE & Dine.

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:33:00 +0000

POUR LOCAL. POUR LOCAL. POUR LOCAL.

* Garland Avenue Drinkery
828 W GARLAND,  SPOKANE, WA 99205
SPIRITS/BR/WN REST LOUNGE -New Applicant

* Trader Joe's #159 (South)
2975 E 29TH AVE,  SPOKANE, WA 99223
DIRECT SHIPMENT RECEIVER-IN/OUT WA; GROCERY STORE - BEER/WINE; BEER AND WINE TASTING. New Applicant

* The Hop!
706 N MONROE ST,  SPOKANE, WA 99201
Chavez Enterprises
SPIRITS/BR/WINE REST LOUNGE + New Applicant

*Mezzo Pazzo Wine Bar (South)
2718 E 57th Suite 105, Spokane WA. 99223
Voice of the Vine INC.
BEER/WINE REST - BEER/WINE; OFF PREMISES

* Jones Radiator
120 E SPRAGUE AVE,  SPOKANE, WA 99202
TAVERN - BEER/WINE; OFF PREMISES

* Manito Tap House (South)

3011 S GRAND BLVD, SPOKANE, WA 99203-2559 This location was formally The Pear Tree. This restaurant and lounge will have Spirits/Brew/Wine will also have Wine for retail. According to a Spokesman Review article new owner Patrick McPherson, said “This will be a laid-back ‘gastro pub’ with 30-plus beers on tap, a casual attitude and good, fresh local food,” he said. He plans a total of 110 seats, with 70 inside and 40 on the outside patio. Sounds cool.

POUR LOCAL. POUR LOCAL. POUR LOCAL.

*FAMOUS ED'S (South)

2911 E 57TH AVE, SPOKANE, WA 99223-7034

Formally Pepperdine's/Hanger 57th

David's Pizza and Fast Eddies collaborate to bring you Famous Ed's. Mark Starr of David's Pizza informs us that Famous Ed's will be a Sports Bar, being 21 and up in the evening and (YES!) it will feature food from David's Pizza. Spirits/Beer/WINE and off-premise sale wine; Kegs to go. Sign is up and progress is apparent when driving by. While under construction the sign read "open sooner or later" I guess it is now later as Famous Ed's is NOW OPEN!

Savory

* Savory (South) NOW OPEN.1314 S. GRAND BLVD. SPOKANE, WA, 99202 This is located in the former Blockbuster Video store and after a few delays it is open. Drive by and check out the remodel. Its looks pretty cool. Savory is serving contemporary American cuisine, relying as much as possible on foods grown locally. The interior boasts 4,350 square feet and is designed for about 165 seats. There is also 75 seats are planned for an outdoor patio on the building’s east side. The soft opening happened over Halloween '10 weekend. SAVORY IS NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH and DINNER. Hint: Reservations are recommended and parking is an issue.

Josh Wade tending shop at Nectar Tasting Room

*NECTAR TASTING ROOM (DOWNTOWN)

STEVENS & MAIN - SPOKANE, WA.

5 WINERIES, 30 WINES. This will be a satellite tasting room for Skylight Cellars, Hard Row to Hoe, Northwest Cellars, Anelare, and Terra Blanca. The plan was to be opened mid November but City Permits Delay Nectar Tasting Room Opening. After a some stressful delays, the tasting is OPEN and pouring. Live music Friday & Saturday night and Nectar tasting room is a First Friday participant.

*SUSHI MARU (DOWNTOWN)

808 W MAIN AVE STE 105, SPOKANE, WA.

Now OPEN!

This is where Sawtooth Grill was in Riverpark Square.This is highly touted chain which can also be found in Bellevue Square. Expect a very metropolitan look in the transformed space.
They will open this first Inland Northwest restaurant . Known for its entertaining and interactive dining experience, Sushi Maru involves guests by selecting freshly prepared traditional and creative sushi from plates as they pass by on a conveyor system that travels through the restaurant. Sushi Maru's extensive menu features a wide array of sushi, and specialty sushi rolls as well as tataki, udon, cooked appetizers and desserts. NOW OPEN.

*PETUNIAS MARKETPLACE

2010 N MADISON ST, SPOKANE, WA 99205-4411

Liquor License Type: GROCERY STORE - BEER/WINE; BEER AND WINE TASTING ( NEW APPLICATION ) Now Open. Rumor is there are handmade truffles to pair with wine.
Your Spokane Source for Local Organic Gourmet Foods, Hand Made Truffles, Chutney, Preserves, Jellies, Jams, Fresh Pasta, Hand-Made Noodles.

*JOHNNY APPLECIDER (South)

1211 S BROWNE ST, SPOKANE, WA 99204-3631

Liquor License Type: DOMESTIC WINERY ( NEW APPLICATION )

WASABI (near Whitworth)

* WASABI BISTRO & SUSHI BAR (North)

10208 N DIVISION ST STE 105, WHITWORTH SQUARE SPOKANE, WA 99218-1569 Spirits/Beer/Wine

Yes! The Northside gets some Sushi LOVE. Wasabi is related to Ginger on the South Hill, so you know it's going to be good. NOW OPEN.

* WILD DAWGS (Downtown)

102 N HOWARD ST, SPOKANE, WA 99201-0508

Beer/Wine NOW OPEN!

Got Garlic?

* West Wing of the White House (South) NOW OPEN.
4334 S REGAL ST, SPOKANE, WA. Will open in the former In the Lazy Bones Barbeque location. Yes, this restaurant is related to the White House in Post Falls. White House lovers will be happy to know that owner Raci Erdem plans on The West Wing to have a menu similar to his Post Falls restaurants, The White House and The Oval Office, featuring Mediterranean dishes and lots of garlic. I'm a little concerned about the limited parking and think it's going to possibly be too small of a space for this well loved restaurant. I guess the exclusivity of snagging a table could prove be a good thing, marketing wise. Can't you smell the garlic on Regal? Spirits/Beer/Wine. NOW OPEN!

Contest Alert: INDULGE at the 27th annual Chocolate & Champagne Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:02:00 +0000

The winner is Bruce Colquhoun!!! Congratulations!

Bruce, you can pick up your tickets to indulge at Overbluff Cellars tomorrow between 12 -5.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Sip of Spokane is pleased to present an opportunity to INDULGE for a Cause.

Overbluff Cellars is giving away 2 tickets to Spokane's premier 27th annual Champagne & Chocolate event to be held at the Mirabeau Hotel.

For details of on this delicious event, click on the link.

Chocolate & Champagne Gala website

There are two ways to enter-to-WINE;

1.) Log onto www.overbluffcellars.com join the mailing list and you will be automatically entered to win 2 tickets for the 27th annual Champagne and Chocolate Gala!

2.) Stop by the winery on Saturday's between 12 and 5 pm to enter in person for the coveted 2 tickets for the 27th annual Champagne and Chocolate Gala!

About the sparkling event:
When: Friday, February 25, 2011, 6:00pm
Where: Mirabeau Park Hotel
Tickets: www.lcsnw.org/ccgala

Taste. Sip. Enjoy an evening of decadent desserts, and fine chocolates from over 20 vendors New this year are chocolate martinis with souvenir glass. See details at: www.lcsnw.org/ccgala
This event that supports Lutheran Community Service's Sexual Assault & Family Trauma Center.

Overbluff Cellars random drawing winner will be announced Feb 18th via Sip of Spokane, and email.
Good luck!

Is it happier the second time around?

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:43:00 +0000

Restaurant trend:
Many bars, restaurants and lounge-ries are offering two happy hours; one early, one late.
Be HAPPY x 2!

Rain Lounge
1009 W. First Ave.Downtown Spokane • 509 456-5656
Happy Hour daily 4-6 pm, 10 pm-close. Every Wednesday is half off bottles of wine.

Steelhead Bar and Grill
218 N. Howard St. Downtown Spokane • 509 747-1303
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3- 5:30 pm, Mon-Thur 9-close pm, and all day Sunday.

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar
SOUTH HILL 4320 S Regal • 509 443-8000
DOWNTOWN RPS 808 W. Main Ave. • 509 456-8794
NORTH WANDERMERE 401 E Farwell •509 465-8794
VALLEY MALL 14728 E Indiana • 509 290-5636
Happy Hour daily 3-6 pm, 9pm-close.

The Onion
DOWNTOWN 302 West Riverside Street • 509 747-3852
NORTH 7522 North Division Street • 509 482-6100
Happy Hour daily 4-6pm 9pm-close

C.I. Shenanigans
332 N. Spokane Falls Ct. Downtown Spokane • 509 455-6690
Happy Hour daily 3-6 pm, 9 pm-close.
*Request local. Wine list needs more local selections

Clinkerdagger
621 W. Mallon St. Downtown Spokane • 509 328-5965
Happy Hour daily 3-6 pm, 9 pm-close.
*Request local. Wine list needs more local selections

Hill’s
401 W. Main St. Downtown Spokane • 509 747-3946
Happy Hour daily 4-6 pm, 10 pm-close. Offers $1 off all drinks.

Vin Rouge
3029 E. 29th Ave. South Hill Spokane • 509-535-8800
Happy Hour daily 2:30 - 5:30, 9pm until close

The Melting Pot
707 West main (Crescent Building 2nd Floor Skywalk) Downtown Spokane • 509 926-8000

Happy Hour daily 4-6pm, 9pm-close

The Davenport Tower Safari Room

111 South Post Downtown Spokane • 509 455-8888

Happy Hour daily 4-6pm, 9pm-close

Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery

1710 North Riverstone Drive Coeur d'Alene ID • 208 765-1540
Happy Hour daily 4-6pm, 9pm-close

Max at Mirabeau
1100 North Sullivan Road Spokane Valley • 509 922-6252
Happy Hour 3-6pm, 9pm-close

Tiny Bubbles

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:51:00 +0000

Skin Care for Wine Drinkers

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:09:00 +0000

WINE SCHOOL Rocket-Style

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:03:00 +0000

Page 22

Wine Tasting 101

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:26:00 +0000

Practice, Practice, Practice.

Wine is very personal. You don't have to be an expert, but you do need to trust your own palate. Each time you try a new wine, your awareness of the character and subtle differences will be expanded. Tasting wine is like a sport: the more you practice, the better you become at it. Only with wine tasting you won't be dragging you feet to do it.

Sip Tip: The best place to perfect your tasting technique is in a winery tasting room. It is recommended you try and go during off-hours when the tasting room host isn't too busy and the host can take you through the paces and discuss each wine with you. Pay attention, there is much to learn in the Tasting Room from the host, which around Spokane if it’s not the winemaker themselves, they are often close by.

LOOK

The first step is to hold the glass by the stem and look through the wine against a white background to appreciate the true color. The wine should be bright and clear, not hazy or cloudy. White wines range in color from nearly clear to a golden yellow. Red wines range in color from dark, intense red to a light, pale red. Some of the intense colors have you thinking about bringing in a glass of wine to have the paint store match the color for a sensational syrah colored powder room.

SWIRL

To get the full aroma of the wine, fill a large wine glass a third of the way full, and swirl the wine around in the glass. Come ‘on really give it a swirl. This releases the aromatics. Try step #3 SNIFF - before and after you swirl. You'll notice there's a huge difference.

SNIFF

Inhale deeply through your nose and try to identify what you smell. Do you smell fruits or spices? You might find hints of familiar smells including wood, tobacco, citrus, apple, chocolate, plums, pineapple, flowers or berries. When you smell, lean over and put your nose completely in the glass. Come on, no one is looking.

TASTE

After taking a sip, roll the wine around in your mouth to reach all of your taste buds. Then, breathe air through your lips to release the aromas. If the wine makes you pucker, it may be a little tart (high in acids) or tannic (dry like banana skins and tea leaves). If it feels hot and burns a little, it may have high alcohol content. If none of these elements overwhelm you, the wine is likely well-balanced. Notice how it feels in your mouth: this is called the texture. Try and detect what flavors you taste before comparing that to the winemakers notes on what you “should” taste. Sometimes you’ll decide they are the same and other times not even close. Keep in mind food changes the taste dramatically.

SPIT

It’s HIP to SPIT. It may make you slightly uncomfortable initially, but if you’re tasting a lot of wine it is essential to spit. Spitting enables you to experience wines without the danger of imbibing too much alcohol. If you are just trying a few, go ahead and drink up. By the way, wine that lingers in your mouth and throat after you have spit is a sign of good length and body.

Sip Tip: Remember, once again, this is personal. Keep on tasting to find what YOU like and why. Ask questions, take notes so you can recall your preferences and pretty soon you'll figure out your wine style. Keep in mind, it all changes the more you taste. So darn-it-anyway, you’ll need to keep at it, as not only wines change but your taste preferences may as well.

And the nominees are...(Restaurant Awards)

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The following is a list of dining establishments we sent off to the Washington Wine Commission for the 2010 Washington Wine Restaurant Awards. We felt compelled to do this after seeing a very poor showing for Spokane in results in the 2009 Washington Wine Restaurant Awards. (Yoo-hoo over here on the other side of the mountains ). Keep in mind these restaurants must not only have great wine lists but show a commitment to Washington Wine.

Sip of Spokane readers nominated the following restaurants for their outstanding contribution to promoting Washington wine and for consideration for the 2010 Washington Wine Restaurant Awards. Everyone we nominated received a packet from the WWC. Of course, not everyone returned it to be considered for an award. However, many did and yes, we are proud to have had a better showing with some awards to show for it.

Congratulations to The Melting Pot and The Spokane Club for the 2010 honor of receiving The Washington Wine Award of Distinction: Restaurants who have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry. Kudos also to Sante, Ambrosia, Leftbank and Masslow's for 2010 as they were awarded the Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition for restaurants who are building support of the Washington wine industry.

Sip is requesting that the restaurants on are list send their stuff in for 2011 and represent Spokane.
Let's also update and add to our stellar cellar restaurant list.
Who are we missing?

Luna Restaurant
www.lunaspokane.com
5620 S Perry St
Spokane, WA 99223-6347
(509) 448-2383

Latah Bistro
www.latahbistro.com
4241 S. Cheney Spokane Rd. Suite C
Spokane, WA 99224
(509) 838-8338

Mizuna
www.mizuna.com
214 N Howard St
Spokane, WA 99201-0805
(509) 747-2004

Niko's Greek Restaurant and Wine Bar
www.nikosspokane.com
725 W Riverside Ave
Spokane, WA 99201-0703
(509) 624-7444

Sante Restaurant and Charcuterie
*2010 awarded the Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition for restaurants who are building support of the Washington wine industry.
www.santespokane.com
404 W Main Ave
Spokane, WA 99201-0214
(509) 315-4613

Scratch
www.scratchspokane.com
1007 W 1st Ave
Spokane, WA 99201-4003
(509) 456-5656

LeftBank Wine
*2010 awarded the Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition for restaurants who are building support of the Washington wine industry.
www.leftbankwinebar.com
108 N Washington St # 105
Spokane, WA 99201-5004
(509) 315-8623

Ambrosia Bistro and Wine Bar
*2010 awarded the Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition for restaurants who are building support of the Washington wine industry.
www.ambrosia-bistro.com
9211 E. Montgomery
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 928-3222

The Spokane Club
**2010 Washington Wine Award of Distinction: Restaurants who have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry.
www.spokaneathleticclub.org
1002 W Riverside
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 838-8511

Laguna Cafe
4302 S Regal St
Spokane, WA 99223-7707
(509) 448-0887

Cafe Marron
www.lunaspokane.com
144 S Cannon St
Spokane, WA

Max at Mirabeau Hotel
www.mirabeauhotel.com
N. 1100 Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley, Washington
(509) 924-9000

Melting Pot - Spokane
**Washington Wine Award of Distinction: Restaurants who have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry.
www.meltingpot.com
707 West Main Avenue Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 926-8000

Spencer's Steak and Chops
www.spencersforsteaksandchops.com
322 North Spokane Falls Court
Spokane, WA 99201-0238
(509) 744-2372

Downriver Grill
3315 W Northwest Blvd
Spokane, WA
(509) 323-1600

Masslow's at Northern Quest Casino
*2010 awarded the Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition for restaurants who are building support of the Washington wine industry.
100 N. Hayford Road Airway Heights, WA.

(509) 242-7000

And finally the award for out-of-State support award, we nominate

Beverly's at the Cda Resort
www.cdaresort.com
The Coeur d'Alene Resort
115 S. 2nd St.
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Sincerely, Sip

Robert Karl Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Doctor’s orders: Wine with every meal. Although Dr. Joe Gunselman is a physician by day, his passion is wine making. He views wine making as an art but draws on his science background when crafting his wine. Dr. Gunselman is aware that classical teaching does not include wine as one of the basic food groups. He does believe, however, (wholeheartedly) that wine is an essential part of every meal. Dr. Gunselman’s wife Rebecca is in charge of marketing and is often the winery host. Her Southern charm and signature hats are memorable as the wine. The Gunselmans moved to Spokane from Virginia in 1988 on a quest to find the best place to grow grapes. The research had them zero in on Horse Heaven Hills as scientifically the perfect climate for the wines they wanted to produce. Best known for their Claret, but truly the entire line up is outstanding and though Robert Karl primarily produces “Reds” the Sauvignon Blanc and Rose of Cabernet Franc are two spectacular summer sippers. The historic tasting room is nestled in a warehouse district, where the visitors are welcome to view and sometimes asked, if meticulous about their attention to detail to help in the production process.

Sip Tips: Known for their celebrated Claret but be sure to also try the remarkable 2007 “Inspiration” Reserve Red Wine and the outstanding 2007 Gunselman Bench Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sip Picks: Best Wine Club name; Health Club, a wine club for a long life.

Love at first SIP. A CRUSH worthy Claret by Robert Karl Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Dearest RK,

What can I say - It was love at first SIP. I had an instant attraction to your Claret, which I found to be very well-balanced and delightfully young at heart. Let's face it, you are very smooth and simply unforgettable. I think of you when were apart and look so forward the next time we can be together. Maybe it because of the sweet dark fruit and a good dose of oak, which I find so appealing. I know, I know this is stalker talk. When I leave you alone and let you breathe - you're even better. But it's hard to stay away for too long. Oh, I've heard the talk.. the awards...the accolades. I realize am not alone in my obsession and the bottom line is you get around. One thing I am sure of is if I don't quick, you're gone. I can't bare the thought. So as you are sold out between now and the 2008 release, I'll be coveting my 2007 stash. I may be obessed.

This is so much more than a CRUSH,
XOXO Sip

2007 was a warm, dry vintage in Washington. Plenty of summer heat produced grapes with wonderful intensity, deep, dark color and great balance.

The 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Claret (red wine) is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot, and 6% Malbec. The fruit was sourced from our estate vines at Gunselman Bench, Andrews Horse Heaven Ranch, McKinley Springs and Phinny Hill vineyards. It was aged in 70% French oak and 30% American oak for 21 months, 50% of the oak was new. The ideal consumption is 2 to 5 years from release date, but this wine will develop for another 5-7 years. The alcohol by volume is 13.5%. This wine was bottled August 4, 2009.

Price: $20.00
2008 is Sold Out - but I've stashed away some to savor until the next release of the 2008. Ohh I learned my lesson after the 2006 sold out and I was left without.

On ValenWINE weekend (the weekend before Valentine's Day) Robert Karl debuts the 2008 Claret and all is right again in a Locapour's world.

Robert Karl Cellars is a boutique, Spokane winery producing handcrafted, premium, Cabernet Sauvignon, Claret, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and a dry Cabernet Franc Rosé.

The grapes are from Horse Heaven Hills, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) of the Columbia Valley in Washington State by physician winemaker, Joseph Gunselman and his wife Rebecca. The winery produces 2,500 cases per year using fruit exclusively from the Horse Heaven Hills. Their winery and tasting room are located in an old fire station built in 1912 in the Historic Warehouse District. Robert Karl offers six wines each year, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Claret, Sauvignon Blanc, and a dry Cabernet Franc Rose.

CHAPS Coffee Company featuring CAKE

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:10:00 +0000

Who says you can't go home ?
Well, not Celeste Shaw who created Chaps Cafe as an tribute to her heritage. Shaw grew up as a farm girl in Montana prior to converting a turn-of-the-century farmhouse into a down home cafe that is nothing less than delightful. Her inspiration was her two grandmothers, to whom comfort foods meant home.
Colorful cowboy gear and an eclectic decor make you feel like this is where you belong even if you're a city slicker. But it's the home-on-the-range cooking that will have you back for more.

The recommendation is to go for breakfast and be sure to have the locally roasted Bumpercrop coffee. This isn't your pretentious gourmet restaurant, but let's be honest, it's what you'd rather have anyway.

So let out a Yeehaw and kick up your heels. Chaps is a restaurant styled in western and cowboy themes the right way. We're talking an old farmhouse redone to accommodate diners, real leather chaps hanging on the wall, cool yet random items peppered throughout - none of that faux western cowboy (aka tight Wranglers, big belt buckles and country twang).

The atmosphere is great, but the experience is kicked up a notch when you see the menu. Chaps specializes in comfort food.

Groovy interiors and downright delicious food are only part of puzzle; the final piece clicks into place when you meet Celeste, the owner and brains and beauty behind this restaurant, who has fulfilled her life's dream by opening Chaps. Her heart is so big that 8 out of 9 customers are met with a sincere, soul-crunching hug by Celeste, who not only knows but really cares about all the customers. What about those 1 out of 9 that don't get the hug? She just hasn't met them yet, but not to worry, they'll be regulars soon enough.

Chaps has a newly opened bakery expansion called, Cake, which is headed up by her friend Gina, formally of the delicious Bittersweet Bakery. After all you may want to try a decadent pastry to start the day off sweetly or finish the evening with the proper indulgence of a blissful bakery item.

Chaps/Cake is located at 4237 South Cheney-Spokane Road Spokane, Wash I-90 west to exit 279 south approx 2.5 miles in the Latah shopping plaza 509 624-4148

Barili Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 17:22:00 +0000

A chance of wine:

Steve Trabun and Russ Feist were aspiring home winemakers who met by chance when Feist couldn’t pick up his grapes in Prosser, WA. It just so happens that Trabun was picking up his grapes and at the vineyards suggestion stepped in to help out.

After that chance meeting and making some wine together they decided to take the leap of faith and start a commercial winery. That is of course, after they got the buy-in from their wives, Marlene Feist and Dana Trabun. Just to think, that random act of kindness of picking up another man’s grapes led to the opening of Barili Cellars.

Steve Trabun and Russ Feist, along with their completely on board wives add their personal touch to the wine making process. The winery was inspired by the Italians who believe wine is meant to be shared and every day is special enough to enjoy a glass of wine. The Barili story is one about good things happening to good people and fast friends going confidently in the direction of their dreams. One could say that the cellar doors of opportunity kept presenting themselves along the way.

Sip Tips: After a quick sell through of their debut wines along with the encouragement wine drinkers pleading with them to make more, Barili responded with more than tripling production to 450 cases. 2008 Viognier was a victory (so good with Cougar Gold cheese) but their sophomore release had their 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon stealing the spotlight.

Sip Picks: Best marketing label. This bright design stands out on the shelf getting your attention. The label may have you try it, but the contents will have you back for more.

(photo credit: Barili Cellars)

Barrister Winery

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:44:00 +0000

RAISING THE BAR: Greg Lipsker and Michael White, two local attorneys that became winemakers on impulse, after purchasing home wine making kit in 1997. After a few classes, a lot of mistakes, and mainly because they outgrew their garages, Barrister Winery was launched in 2001. Back in the early days, friends raved about their wine but it wasn’t until they started winning prestigious awards, that they knew they may be on to something. Today, wine drinkers everywhere are happy this little hobby got so out of control.

Barrister Winery’s 100 year-old historic tasting room is a perfect place to rent for a soiree. The tall exposed brick walls, uneven hardwood floors and the aroma of the wine provide an ambiance that’s rustically elegant and timelessly romantic. With expansive production space including a single stack barrel room down the rickety freight elevator, everything happens on premise. Behind the tasting bar, there’s a window to the railroad tracks allowing wine tasters to watch and feel the trains pass by. Lipsker teases that the Barrister secret is the wine barrels are gently train rocked on a regular schedule.

Sip Tips: Primarily a house of red, Barrister is best known for their remarkable Cab Franc and Rough Justice, a popular red blend. The wines have received accolades across the board, having us think there’s something to that train thing. Expect lush fruit-forward wines that are elegant and smooth with a rich long finish. Newly released brilliant Barrister Block and their sensational Syrah shows Barrister has no plans to rest on their laurels.

Sip Picks: Best winery to rent for an indoor soiree and best winery for showing art.

A cure the Bah-Humbugs! Mel's Christmas Room

noreply@blogger.com (Sip) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 06:22:00 +0000

Mel's Nursery & Home
has a delightful holiday tradition of going all-out for Christmas.

Its the most wonderful time of the year....at Mel's.

May your days be merry and bright and may halls be decked by Mel's.

Fa la la la la.

If you have a case of the bah- humbugs, one visit to the legendary Christmas Room will have you spirit in no time. 

Mel's Nursery & Home is a must-stop for me when in North Spokane. Not only is Mel's a  full-service nursery and florist, they have tasteful home furnishings and decor items which will have you wanting to adopt their casual yet elegant style.

What's new at Mel's in the ever expanding wine department with an obvious commitment to local wineries.

In addition to finding a wonderful selection of Washington Wines you'll discover unique wine accessories and delightful gourmet foods which includes select cheeses, such as Cougar Gold, addicting carmel covered pretzels and interesting flavored crackers.

This may be a perfect place to fill up your picnic basket.

SipTV: Mel's Nursery & Home

Here is SIP's article:

8800 N Division St

Spokane, WA 99208

(509) 467-5132 http://www.shopmels.com/

Mel's circa 1970 (courtesy of Mel's)

In 1970 Mel's was a small fruit stand selling seasonal plants and shrubs. Today it's a garden center but so much more. Great furnishings, unique home décor, espresso and full service florist make Mel's a destination in style. If you have a case of the bah- humbugs, one visit to the legendary Christmas Room will have you spirit in no time.

Mel's is truly where home and garden come together and a place where you can always find something wonderful. It's not a bargain hunt, but if money wasn't an issue I'd buy even furnish my imaginary lake cabin there. But since money does come into play, it is my philosophy is buy a few good pieces at Mel's and fake the rest.

(Published in Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine, November 2008, best of)