Is for men too! Courtesy of Seattle Uncorked

The Bag and Bottle Event is a unique opportunity to sip and shop. Sample wine from 32 different Washington wineries while browsing and bidding on bags, all to benefit the the Gilda’s Club Cancer Support Center, for those living with cancer and their families. Join us at the Westin Hotel, March 14, 2010 4-7pm. Tickets are only $40.

Bags and Bottles courtesy Seattle Uncorked

Bags

This is a fabulous evening for fashionistas who know how to accessorize! The right bag can make you feel sexy, powerful, classy and/or elegant.  Joan Kelly will be conducting the celebrity handbag auction. Celebrities, as diverse as Tina Fey, Marcia Cross, Olivia Newton John, have donated autographed handbags to the auction to help fund Gilda’s Club. Handbags range from a Chanel handbag, signed by Sharon Osborne to an evening bag and autographed book by Rebecca Wells. Even Dale Chihuly will be decorating a hand bag for the auction.

Handbags courtesy Seattle Uncorked

In addition to the live auction, over 400 handbags will be available via silent auction. Women attending the fundraiser are encouraged to donate a new or nearly new handbag to the auction. Even if you can not attend Bags and Bottles in person, you can still support Gilda’s Club AND get a very special handbag via the online auction. Whether you need a that bag holds everything but the kitchen sink or something small and simple to hold just the essentials, you will find a hand bag, purse or evening clutch to fit your style and your desire.

2010 WSCFF Calendar

Speaking of desire, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation (WSCFF) will be there signing and selling their 2010 calendars. The WSCFF Burn Foundation is a fire fighter run organization that funds burn research, sends kids with burn injuries to summer camp and promotes burn prevention. Besides the calendars being for a good cause, they are awfully fun to look at!

Bottles

Washington Wineries pouring at 2010 Bags and Bottles

Airfield Estates	Okanogan Estates
Big Daddy	Olsen Estates
Covington Cellars	Patterson Cellars
Davenport Cellars	PengWine
Di Stefano Winery	Perennial Vintners
Eaton Hill Winery	Plaza Winery
Gilbert Cellars	Renwood Winery
Kestrel Vintners	Robert Ramsey Cellars
Lazy River Vineyard	Rotie Cellars
Madsen Family Cellars	Smasne Cellars
Magnificent Wine Co.	Sojen Cellars
Masset Cellars	Whitman Cellars
Milbrandt Vineyards	Willis Hall
NHV - Naches Heights	Windy Point Vineyards
Northwest Cellars	Wilridge Winery
Northwest Totem Cellars	Zerba Cellars

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Ragnarok Smoked Lager

It takes some courage to make a smoked lager like this one. Most smoked beers are made by smoking barley over beechwood, the traditional rauchbier style of Germany.  The smoked barley is usually utilized in porters where the sweetness balances the intense smokiness. The clean and crispness of a lager serves as a sharp contrast to the smoke.  In the Elysian Ragnarok Smoked Lager, Briess malt is cherry smoked, giving it a big and assertive profile.  I like smoked beers.  I am a big fan of Rauchbier and smoked porters but they are big beers in terms of flavor. It may only be 5% ABV but it is not a session beer.  I thorough enjoyed my taste glass but when it came to ordering a schooner, I chose a different brew.  I had two tasting events to cover that night and a pint of this Ragnarok Smoked Palate would have wiped out my palate for the night. This is a niche beer, it won’t be for everyone but if you want a beer bursting with assertive flavors, give it a try.

I need to go back when the Elysian is the only thing on my schedule and try this smoked lager with the Hot Babe, slow-braised pulled BBQ pork and slaw on toasted kaiser roll. I have a real soft spot for smoked beers with BBQ pork.

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Twitter + Wine

I had the opportunity to meet Anne and Lloyd, of Walter Dacon Wines, at the Exotic Wines Festival, a day after they were announced as winners of the Washington Tasting Room Poll. Anne told me that several people had approached them at the Festival, congratulating them on their win. Almost all of the publicity about the tasting room winner was via social media: blogs, Twitter and Facebook.

We were delighted to select Walter Dacon as our featured winery of the month in February and we have been enthusiastically watching and supporting their Twitter habit while enjoying their wines! Tonight they were interviewed on KIRO TV during the Twitter 140TC conference. You can watch the segment on their Twitter experiences and how it is saving them money AND increasing traffic to their winery.

Follow Walter Dacon Wines on Twitter.

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This brilliant ruby colored Washington wine, with a clear rim, is from the Dunham Cellars lineup. This Dunham wine is a Bordeaux Blend from the Columbia Valley.  The 2005 blend is made up of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 13% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Franc.

The wine initially releases some tobacco on the nose, then opens up to floral notes. On the palate, it offers black cherry up front followed with violet and coconut in the background. The finish of this red wine is velvety, and there is sufficient acidity in this wine allowing it to pair well with food. We had it with spaghetti squash topped with roasted garlic tomato sauce, and the wine and the food stood up to one another. What do you like to pair with your Dunham Trutina?

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Geoduck Cooking Demo

Eating gourmet food and drinking wine, beer, and cider were just some of the activities offered by the Seattle Food and Wine Experience on February 28, 2010. The Taste of Tulalip Culinary Exhibition Stage also offered a chance to learn a thing or two from the chefs of the Tulalip Resort Casino, including a demo on how to prepare Geoduck Fritters. Tulalip Bay Fine Dining also served up an Asian BBQ Pork Slider, my hubby’s favorite dish of the day.

Kathy Casey was nice enough to spend the entire event signing 300 copies of her book, Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table at the Columbia Winery booth and handing them out for free. The hubby pointed out that the wait wasn’t so bad because he got six different tastes of wine while the line moved along!

You could even buy wine glasses at the event. Mercer Imports was on hand sellling the Eisch Breathable Glass that promises to aerate your wine in minutes. One day we hope to give these a try and see if we can taste the difference.

A couple of the standout wines we tasted include the McCrea Cellars Grenache Blanc, a very limited production varietal in Washington State. It’s a nice crisp white wine with hints of mineral and good acid. I hear that if you like oysters, this would be a wine to serve alongside. Another favorite Washington wine being poured was the Kiona Lemberger. This Lemberger represents an old world style. Best of all, it’s been on sale around Seattle for under $10 a bottle. If  you believe that wine is often at its best when matched with the right food, check out our posts on the Food and Wine Pairing Network for the top pairings of the event.

At these big indoor events it’s always nice to get a breath of fresh air every once in a while. Do that at the Seattle Food and Wine Experience, and you discover the Maximus/Minimus mobile pig truck in the courtyard serving up Sliders with Slaw. I devoured the Maximus Veggie Slider. Only bummer is we weren’t allowed to have anything in our glass while enjoying the great outdoors.

Maximus/Minimus Truck

Let’s not forget a key reason behind the Seattle Food and Wine Experience – to raise money for Beecher’s Flagship Foundation. The Foundation offers the Pure Food Kids Workshop which is a fun, hands on program for fourth through sixth graders. It teaches them about pure foods and making healthier food choices. As a volunteer for the organization, this is a cause that is near and dear to me. Alison Leber is at the heart of the foundation, running it with incredible efficiency. This week we were in a classroom of fifth graders, each of whom played the role of “food detective” by investigating ingredient lists on packages. Through a combination of lecture and video, the kids are taught how they are marketed to, how to read nutrition facts, and the potential health risks involved with eating foods that contain artificial colors and preservatives. They also work together to prepare a vegetarian chili that is so tasty, most of the kids ask for seconds. It’s a hands on program that totally engages the kids and is making a difference right here in our own backyard.

There you have it, a big event supporting a valuable cause!

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Both wines are 100% Syrah, yet there was clearly a difference between them. On its own, the Magnifique is a lovely, fruit forward wine with red berries and cherries on the palate, and a long finish. Since American oak is known to impart a coconut flavor, I thought I would be able to distinguish which wine was which based on detecting that flavor in one of the wines. However, it didn’t come across. In fact, I thought each of the wines gave off a hint of vanilla and spice, as French oak is known to do. Leave it to Bean to correctly solve the puzzle based on characteristics in the wine she felt had been imparted based on the degree of toast that had been given to the oak. She then deduced which type of oak would be most likely to receive that level of toast. The answer:  The C’est Syrah Magnifique was aged in French oak. Guess I better stay in wine school.

Here’s where it got even more interesting! Bean prepared an amazingly smokey barbequed salmon to pair with the Syrahs. While the salmon was certainly tasty in its own right, it imparted a smooth silky essence that totally played off and heightened the Magnifique. In exchange, the Magnifique seemed to lure out even more smokey essence from the salmon. This is a pairing that I won’t soon forget! If you’re not inclined to barbeque yet this year, try this Syrah with Tarragon Chicken.

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Walter Dacon Roussanne with shrimp noodle salad

I first tried the Walter Dacon 2008 Roussanne a week ago and must here and now acknowledge Vivian’s thorough understanding of my not-so-hidden wine desires (note to self: bring drool towel at next event).  This Washington Roussanne was paired with a fantastic dish that would go well with a Riesling,  Gewurztraminer or other white wine that is somewhat sweet.  The tasty noodle salad consisted of shrimp, basil, mangoes, scallions, rice noodles, a bit of minced jalapeno and a rice wine vinegar based dressing.

Walter Dacon 2008 Roussanne has close to 2 percent residual sugar and is 14.2% alcohol.  When Vivian told me the residual sugar (RS), I was surprised. This lovely white wine didn’t taste that sweet to me because it is so well balanced with the acid.  This great balance that gives one’s palate a full experience in flavor; not just the sweetness normally associated with residual sugar.

Tonight, I am pairing this Walter Dacon Roussanne with Dijon chicken medallions and Brussels sprouts in cheese sauce.  I am especially savoring the enhanced flavor of the chicken and spicy mustard sauce with this wine.

So yes, I am excited about finding another great Washington white wine.  I enjoy this wine with or without food.  On a sad note, I have heard that Walter Dacon did not make the Roussanne in 2009.  So if you enjoy Roussannes or just want to try a very different Washington white wine I recommend getting to the winery in Shelton quick before it is all gone.  Although Walter Dacon reds are usually more readily available than the white wines, check with your favorite wine retailer about the availability of the Roussanne.  While you are at it, ask for the Viognier, another delicious white wine from Walter Dacon.

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Once upon a time, Merlot was a popular wine in its native France and here in the US. Unfortunately, Merlot has become much maligned in recent years, thanks to the movie Sideways and other factors.  Don’t let a movie make your wine drinking decisions for you!  If you have been neglecting Merlot, here is an opportunity to taste what Washington Merlot has to offer. As part of Washington Wine Month, wine bloggers led by Josh Wade of Drink Nectar, are organizing a massive Merlot virtual tasting on March 25th from 5-7pm PST.

Virtual Merlot Tasting

One of the most enjoyable aspects of wine, is sipping it in the company of friends and family. Virtual tastings build on that experience by letting you enjoy and discuss wines with people near and far. People will be drinking wine and talking about wine at wineries, wine bars, wine shops, tasting parties, around the kitchen table AND sharing their tasting experiences on Twitter.  Using the Twitter tag #WAMerlot, wine drinkers will be sharing their Washington Merlot experience. You might only be able to try one, two  or Washington Merlots but via Twitter you will be able to learn about 20, 30, 60 or more Washington state Merlot wines. You will have lots of information for your next wine shopping adventure! To start connecting with participating wineries and tasters, register with Event-Brite.

Where to get Washington Merlot?

Inside of Washington state -You have lots of options. Merlot is second only to Syrah in Washington wine production so lot of wineries have this wine available. Many will be offering special discounts and/or tastings for this event. Josh will be updating a list of participating wineries daily. Winery twitter accounts and facebook fan pages will be  a good way to find out about these specials. We have a  list of about 150 winery twitter accounts that you can tap into.   The sponsoring bloggers will also be spreading the word as we learn about the different winery promotions. Most of the larger grocery stores like Fred Meyers, Safeway, QFC , Thriftway and Albertsons have a good selection of Washington wines, including Merlots. Your favorite wine shop can help you select a choice Washington Merlot for your price point.

Outside of Washington state -Your favorite neighborhood wine shop should be able to find a nice Washington Merlot. If not in stock, there is time for them to order one for you. Depending on your state, your larger grocery store is probably carrying some Washington Merlot from one of the bigger Washington wineries such as Chateau St Michelle, Columbia Crest and Columbia Wineries. Many of the participating Washington wineries have online shopping carts, enabling you to purchase the wines direct, depending on your home state. Wine Library TV is offering a special package of Washington Merlot and they provide shipping to 34 states. If you are a blogger, this is a great opportunity to enter in the WBC or Bust all expense paid road trip!

How to participate?

The short answer is open a bottle of Washington Merlot on 3/25/10 between 5-7 pm and share your opinions on Twitter using the hashtag #WAMerlot. In the next couple of weeks, sponsoring bloggers will be sharing their suggestions on not only how to participate, but how to gain the most out of your participation. Start off with this article on the Washington Wine Report on participation for consumers and wineries.

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So what is so special about another brewery opening in Washington state? Foggy Noggin Brewery is one of the world’s smallest production breweries. Their 1/2 BBL system gives them tight control over their crafted English style ales.  They started brewing shortly after their tiny Bothell brewery received all of the necessary paper work and certifications. Currently two beers are in production:

• Bit O’Beaver (English Bitter)
• Christmas Duck (Robust Porter)

Did I mention that this is a small brewery? Foggy Noggin is a tiny neighborhood  brewery in a residential area that offers opportunities and an obstacle or two. The tasting room will be a “Taste and Go” situation.  Too tiny to sit back and enjoy a pint of Foggy Noggin beer, this tasting room is designed as a place to fill up your growler and head on out to enjoy that brew with friends. Public consumption is not allowed in this tiny neighborhood brewery. Foggy Noggin beers will be available for sale by the growler (1/2 gallon glass container).  If you have a growler, you can bring it and we will fill it for $10 (cash), or you can purchase a Foggy Noggin growler for $5 (cash) and have it filled for $10 (cash). In addition to the beer the brewery,will have a limited amount of T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, 20 oz. pint glasses, 4 oz. taster glasses and hats for resale.  All sales are cash only.

In respect to their neighbors’s support of the brewery, Foggy Noggin will not be releasing specific address and directions until closer to the grand opening. The tasting room hours will reflect supply and demand of the beer. Currently the tasting room is scheduled to be open March 20th and 27th. They will be posting tasting room dates and times on their blog, Facebook and/or Twitter account.

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How to Enter

Home brew submissions will be accepted between February 23- March 3rd. Complete details, including rules and entry forms, about submitting your entry is available at the Cascade Brewers’ Guild web site.

WESTERN WASHINGTON ENTRY DROP-OFF POINTS:

Judging

The first round of judging will take place on Saturday, March 6th.  Entrants that place in the top three of each flight will receive a prize. On March 13, the Best of Show and the flight winners will be announced at ExBeerience.

ExBeerience

The Cascade Brewers ExBeerience event will be Saturday, March 13th, 12-4pm at Redhook Brewery in Woodinville, WA, where the Best of Show beers will be judged and the winners  announced.

Complimentary beer judging workshops will be held throughout the afternoon; awards announcements will be every half hour starting at 1pm. Check out the Joes vs. Pros booth to see if you can taste the difference between a homebrew and commercial recipe. Appetizers are included with entry, and full meals can be purchased at the brewery’s forecasters pub. Buy early, and buy online! Online tickets are only $20 for 6 brewery tastes, at the door they are $25 and only 5 brewery tastes. Tickets also include 3 homebrew tastings, and additional brewery tastings can be purchased at the event (cash only). 21 and over only admitted with ID. Sorry, pets and children are not allowed at this event.

Proceeds benefit Childhaven, an organization dedicated to treating and preventing childhood abuse and neglect..

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