Wind River Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:58:00 +0000

2009 Grapes are in! This has been a great harvest. Horse Heaven Tempranillo came in a week earlier than normal, as did all of the other varieties. Looking back at my journals I noticed that I crushed Merlot on October 20th in 1997. The last two years we've had Merlot harvested by September 20th. This whole global warming thing is wonderful! In another 12 years I'll have crush done by 4th of July.

As you can see by the picture below, we received a light snow two days after the estate vineyard was picked. We had 70 degree weather for the harvest party. Wierd, Huh?

Library tasting is set for November 15th, Sunday before Thanksgiving. Employee of the Month Runner-up, Ryan and myself will be pouring every red wine we've produced going back to 1995. If you know of another winery that throws out dozens and dozens of old vintages of Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Lemberger, Syrah and Port, call me and I'll pick you up. This event is free but I do ask that you RSVP. Wayne B. is not welcome to attend this year's library tasting. Last year he RSVPd but never showed up. If Wayne B. would have simply called and cancelled, I could have let other people attend. Wayne B., you should be ashamed of yourself.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We'll have our usual open house. Fun, fun, fun. I will be releasing several new wines. Be the first on your block to get the new vintages.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me an email. (joel@windrivercellars.com) I'll be happy to tell you all about things here at Husum's favorite winery. Even you can email me, Wayne B.

We've got life on a downhill pull, Husum!

Joel

Todays weather in the Columbia River Gorge

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:43:00 +0000

The high chance of rain today turned into an highly unlikely snowfall. It's all melted now. It made for a chilly morning crushing Tempranillo.

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:47:00 +0000

Hello People!
Stayed tuned for a website freshen up. Not a complete remodel, just a freshen up. Summer is not over! Quit thinking it is. Summer is not over until grapes begin to get crushed, which gives us another few weeks.

We are open from 10:00 until 6:00 everyday in the tasting room but if you call ahead and speak with employee of the month runner-up, Ryan or myself, we can be talked into giving a few barrel samples to you and your friends. Several of you have taken advantage of this and we've had some great tastings.

The Harvest Party will be back this year. Grapes are right on time and we're looking at possibly the second weekend of October, the third weekend at the latest. This has always been a great event. As many of you know, we pick grapes, usually until about 4:00, and then party like the Kennedys at $1 beer night. There is no charge for this event but we do ask that you RSVP so that we can prepare enough food.

Join us this weekend at the winery for our Labor Day celebration. Hopefully, you have as many things to celebrate as I do.

Your Summer is still going, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:22:00 +0000

Greetings people! I can' believe how fast this summer is cruising by. I just wanted to give a heads up on a few events coming up. First off, the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers annual summer showcase event thingy is this weekend at the Hood River Inn. The Hood River Inn is located in Hood River. This event will feature most all of the other wineries here in the Gorge. Unfortunately, Wind River Cellars won't be participating but you can always come up and visit us before the event. The following Saturday I will be pouring wine in Yakima at the Case of the Blues festival. Google it or email me for details.

I've enjoyed conducting private group barrel tastings for those of you that have called ahead. I think that those of you that have been through one of my private tastings agree that it's the most fun you can have with clothes on. If you have a fun group, fire me off an email to schedule. (joel@windrivercellars.com) You can see several pictures on the Wind River Cellars Facebook page. If you're not hip on the Facebook just imagine pictures of people having fun. If you are hip on the Facebook but aren't a friend, just ask. We'll be friends with anyone, even Oregonians.

Who here thinks I should start buying glass bottles from my new favorite rep, Kelly? I hope none of you ever get the hardnose, pushy sales pitch that Kelly displayed today. If she was selling heart attacks I would have bought a dozen. I'm a sucker.

We are currently pouring the following wines in the tasting room:
Dry Gewurzt
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Tempranillo
Cab Franc
Lemberger
Merlot
Syrah
Riesling
White Port
Port of Celilo

If that isn't enough to make you giggle, just ask me or Employee of the Month Runner-up, Ryan for a barrel sample.

You complete me, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Hey everyone! Sorry I've been such a lame ass with the blog lately. As many of you know we've been crazy busy around here. Thanks to all who attended the Crawdaddy Boil last weekend and thanks to everyone who came up to visit on Memorial Weekend.

I'll try to update this blog more frequently, but to tell you the truth, it's easier to just post things on Facebook. I prefer Facebook because it's easier for you all to post pictures and comments. If you're a Facebook geek, just search "Wind River Cellars" and become a friend.

Employee of the month runner-up, Ryan and I have been very generous with barrel sampling lately. I have my favorites. Come up and tell me yours. I invite anyone to put together a group for a private cellar tasting. I'll be your host and I promise to behave.

You'll be okay, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:21:00 +0000

I know, I know. I'm sorry. I've been gone for awhile but now I'm back. I've been very busy the last several weeks. First of all, let me say thank you to all of the barrel members who showed up for the annual Barrel Members Dinner. We had a blast and Chef John Shaffer did an amazing job with the food.

For those of you that have been smart enough to find Wind River Cellars on Facebook, even though I didn't post a link, you know that May 30th is our second annual Crawfish Boil. Last years inaugural event was one of the best events we had all year and this year should be even better. Feel free to email for details or just wait for more Facebook posts. If you're hip to the whole Facebook thing then you're familiar with that annoying friend that constantly posts things that have absolutely no value of interest. WE WON'T BE THAT FRIEND.

Memorial Day weekend is rapidly approaching and I promise to continue making the WRC tasting room the most laid back and fun tasting room in the entire Northwest. If you think you've got what it takes to be a guest server drop me an email and we'll throw you in the mix.

Summer is almost here, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:58:00 +0000

As most of you have heard, Wind River Cellars received two gold medals and a "Best Red" award at the 2009 Capital Food and Wine Festival. I haven't had the gold medals bronzed yet but I certainly will. Following the festival I headed to Montana and Idaho on official winery business, leaving Employee of the Month Runner-Up, Ryan to host the many visitors that have decided Winter is over.

The estate vineyard is 95% pruned and we expect bud break in the next three weeks. If you can pick the day we discover the first broken bud you win a bottle. Just email your guess.

Wind River Cellars has entered the modern era. That's right, we have a Facebook page. If you are sitting in your cubical wondering what's going on at your favorite Husum winery, just become our facebook friend (Wind River Cellars). This is also a great place to post all of those pictures you have from the great times you've spent here. I ask that you please do not post any disgusting pictures of Minnie the winery pig drinking beer. People that haven't been here might get the wrong idea.

Check out our website for upcoming events. The weather is awesome and it's a great time to visit. Put a group together and give us a call. We'd love to take you barrel tasting.

You make me happier than a pig drinking beer, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Big happenings here at Wind River Cellars. Monday night was the big Columbia Gorge Winery Association showcase in Portland. Hundreds of attendees had the opportunity to taste wines from most of the gorge wineries. This event was of course, the kick-off to this weekend's Gorge Winery Passport Weekend. Contact any of us for details.

I will be pouring wine at one of my favorite wine festivals, the Capital Food & Wine in Lacey. I'm not sure why they call it the Capital. Shouldn't they call it the Lacey? Anyway, if you go you will see dozens and dozens of wineries, lots of live music and several breweries. A brewery is like a winery only they make what we call "beer" instead of wine. Beer is usually served cold and I understand that it can be quite refreshing. I look forward to tasting it.

The tasting room is getting busier by the day. Below is a picture of some of the visitors we had last weekend. They were from Olympia, home of the real capital. They will be at the festival this weekend even though Lacey is a fraud.

Check the website for more upcoming events. I'll let you know next week what I think about this whole beer thing.

Keep it real, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Visitors of the week from Olympia!

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:23:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Okay, lets end this confusion right now. The Capital Food and Wine event is the last weekend of March, which happens to be the same weekend as the Gorge Winegrowers Passport Weekend. This coming weekend I have nothing going on for the first time in 8 weeks. This would be a great time for you to grab whatever friends you have and come up for a barrel tasting. I can promise you a good time.

While I've been gone the pruning fairies have been busy working on the vineyard. Gavin is the Head Fairy and he's motivated to get things growing.

I really enjoyed myself at West Seattle Thriftway last Thursday and Freemont Wine Warehouse on Saturday. I always enjoy seeing my staulkers.

It's nice to be home, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Below is a picture of one of the rooms at the Poverty Bay Wine Festival, held last week. I had a great time meeting tons of new people and tasting a lot of lesser known Washington wines.

This coming weekend I will be pouring wine on Thursday at West Seattle Thriftway. West Seattle Thriftway is actually located in West Seattle. I will also be at the Fremont Wine Warehouse, located in Fremont, on Saturday. FWW is one of my favorite shops anywhere. If you get a chance to swing by either of these places, please do so. I also look forward to post-tasting dinners after each of these events. Stay tuned for announcements regarding Friday. I don't have anything yet but I'm sure something will come up.

For the eighth weekend in a row I will be on the road the following weekend at the Capital Food and Wine Festival in Lacey. There are not many festivals in Washington that are more fun than this one, as it offers lots of wine, lots of food, lots of music and lots of the Devil's beverage, beer.

Check out the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association for details on our upcoming "Passport Weekend". Most of the wineries in the area are participating and all are offering great incentives to visit.

I'm going outside to shovel snow for what I believe is the last time this year. Spring is here somewhere, I just have to uncover it.

I miss you Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:47:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:28:00 +0000

PRUNING HAS BEGUN! Sure, we've only done about 5 vines but it's a start. The important thing is that Spring is near.

This weekend I will be pouring wines, along with 20 or so other wineries, at the Poverty Bay Wine Festival in Des Moines, WA. This is one of the premier festivals in the Northwest and offers lots of wine, food and good music. If you're into it use that search engine thingy to learn more. You can also call one of my favorite wine shops, Corky Cellars in Des Moines.

Don't forget that the Capital Food and Wine Festival is coming up in late March. I may have mistakenly informed you that it was sooner than later but I was wro. . .incorrect.

Come up and visit Employee of the month Runner-up, Ryan. He has a lot of labeling to do and could use a break.

You look beautiful in Spring, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Hey everyone!
Thanks to all of you who made it up this weekend to taste our new releases. According to your feedback, we're going to have another 12 months of great wine from top to bottom.

Don't forget that these new wines will be hitting the road this weekend when they are unveiled at Auburn Wine and Caviar. I will be holding a special release party on Friday night from 4 to 8ish for all of our friends and readers of this piece of crap blog. I will also be pouring Saturday afternoon for non-friends and non-readers. (2402 A Street SE, Auburn, WA.)

I enjoyed seeing all of you who came out to Wine Alley last Thursday night to taste the last of last years vintages. I'm glad to see you all support your local wine shop.

I was on a bottling fury last week and with the help of employee of the month runner-up, Ryan and John and Regina, I was able to get it all done. Regina drinks more wine during a day of bottling than most people drink in a lifetime.

You'll always be my Valentine, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:22:00 +0000

Hello my people,
I can't say enough how I underestimated the Enumclaw Chocolate and Wine Festival. We do dozens of wine festivals every year and I definitely have my favorites, but this one, for a first year event, has launched its way to the top ten, and for many reasons. The facility was great, the selection of wineries was great, and the people attending were great. Mark your calendar for next year. Below is a picture of Lisa and Penni enjoying the velvety flavors of Wind River Cellars. (www.enumclawchocolateandwine.com)

The other picture below is of what I must deal with this week, taking wine out of those round looking wood things we in the wine business call "barrels". Barrels help wine age until they are ready to put into a bottle. These bottles are then sold to the consumer, which provides the winery with what we call "Revenue". Revenue helps a winery grow more grapes and buy more barrels the following year so that they can do it all over again. I will be "Bottling" this week. Bottling is the process of putting the wine into the bottle. This is done with equipment we call "Friends coming up to help bottle".

Valentine's Day Weekend we will be releasing 6 or 7 new vintages. I'm sorry to see the current vintages go. It's like dumping your girlfriend of the last 12 months for someone younger. After 12 years of Wind River Cellars, I've become pretty good at saying "Good bye, I'll see you at the library tasting next November". I'm very excited about the new releases which include '06 Lem, '07 Cab Franc, '06 Merlot, '06 Syrah, '08 Chardonnay and '08 Pinot Gris. It's quite possible that a few of these wines will show up at the tasting I'm doing this Thursday at Wine Alley in Renton. Some people call Renton "Northern Kent", some call it "Southern Bellvue", I just call it "Home to a great wine shop".

If you can't make it to the winery for the big release weekend, I'll be pouring them the following week at Auburn Wine and Caviar. (In Auburn, you idiot!) In the past, we've always held this event in a high profile location but this year I'm doing it in a central location with plenty of parking. Those of you that attended the release party at the Space Needle remember what a pain in the ass it was to park, get on that elevator and then try to talk your way in. That won't be a problem in Auburn. I promise you'll like this shop. Friday the 20th is for you people that take the time to read this horrible piece of crap blog. I'll have new releases and a few old classics. I promise a great time. For those of you that don't take the time to read this piece of crap blog, come down Saturday the 21st. I'll still pour you the new releases but you probably won't get the classics.

Don't forget that Capital Food and Wine Festival is coming up. This is another top 10 favorite.

Stay festive, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 02:13:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:59:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:11:00 +0000

There's a new champion! Ya, the NFL had that little thing called "Superbowl" but most of America and armed forces over seas were more into the 6th Annual Wind River Cellars Chili Cook-Off. Near record attendance witnessed Chris Keyser of Hood River, Oregon, charm a late arriving bachelorette party into choosing his Red Horse Ranch recipe for top honor. The $10,000 first prize will come in handy for Chris and his wife, Tracy as they are expecting their first child in a few months. "This is an incredible honor" said Keyser. "It makes me want to name my daughter 'Wind River Cellars'". In an unfortunate side story to the competition, Tracy Keyser was escorted away by local law enforcement for eating more chili than a pregnant woman should be allowed. She will be barred from attending the nationals in Santa Fe, NM next month where Chris will be competing for the National Chili Championship. Thank you to all who attended. I think it was the best chili cook-off yet. Below are a few pics from the event.

Here's some cool news. I will be releasing 6 new vintages over Valentine's weekend. They include '06 merlot, '06 syrah, '08 pinot gris, '07 cabernet franc, '07 chardonnay and '06 Lemberger. If you're unable to visit the winery during this open house weekend, I will be hosting a release tasting at Auburn Wine and Caviar on February 20th and 21st. (www.auburnwineandcaviar.com)

February 28th I will be pouring at the annual Capital Food and Wine Festival in Lacey. This has always been a fun event with lots of music, wine and that other beverage known as "beer". I only know about beer second hand but understand that it can be quite refreshing and delicious.

For those of you looking for something to do this coming weekend, I will be pouring the last of my current vintages at the Enumclaw Wine and Chocolate Festival on Friday and Saturday.

All of you city slickers need not worry. I'll have some events coming up in Seattle and Portland in the Spring. Right now, I'm feelin' just a little bit country.

Happy trails, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:28:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:27:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:26:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:11:00 +0000

Hello my people,
Welcome to the most sacred of all weeks, the week leading up to not only the Superbowl, but also the annual Wind River Cellars Chili Cook-Off. We will have at least ten contestants this year, fighting for the top prize of an all expense paid trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico for the National Regionals. Besides coming out to vote for your favorite chili, you will have an opportunity to visit our interactive fan demonstration area, "The Chili Experience". This will give the common chili cook-off fan a chance to rub elbows with some of the greatest chili makers around and possibly get a few autographs. I will also be around fetching up barrel samples of soon-to-be-released '07 Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo and Merlot.

For those of you checking in to see what kind of event we will have for Superbowl I am excited to announce that we will be moving the tasting room down to the bottom of our hill to Hooba's restaurant for the big game. Traditionally my family and I wake up on Superbowl Sunday morning and sing Superbowl carols. After we exchange Superbowl Gifts and decorate the Superbowl tree we sit down for our Superbowl feast. Because of the unusually cold temperatures in the winery cellar this year, we've decided to seek the warmth of Hooba's. Hooba will have the largest screen in Klickitat County, plenty of food, wine from Wind River Cellars and another beverage that I'm not very familiar with, called beer. I understand that beer is traditionally served cold and goes quite well with foods served at a Superbowl bash. I will be closing the winery tasting room Superbowl Sunday to observe the holiday. I certainly hope to see you at Hooba's. (www.killerburgers.com)

Below is a picture of what I woke up to this morning. Not quite the five inches I saw yesterday when I woke up but still stunning. No worries, the road is bare and in great shape for your visit.

We have a lot of great events coming up. Check out our website for details.

Happy Superbowl, Husum!

Joel

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:44:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Wind River Cellars) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:23:00 +0000

What a great weekend! My hunch was right about Corks Wine Bar in Tacoma where I poured wine Thursday night. I am going to have to put this 6th Avenue hot spot on my top ten list and definitely number one in Pierce County. If you live in or near Tacoma I highly recommend this place. Owners Chris and Susan have created a friendly non-stuffy environment perfect for meeting friends or just an intimate date with that special someone. Check out their website for scheduled events.

Friday and Saturday took me a few miles north into the burly-man territory of Enumclaw. I refuse to make anymore animal jokes about this rural suburb. While pouring at Sip City I met some really great people, including Scott and his employee, Serena. I enjoyed myself so much that I signed up for what should be a really great time. The first ever Enumclaw Chocolate and Wine festival will be held February 6th & 7th, noon to 9pm at the Enumclaw Expo Center. (www.enumclawchocolatefestival.com) I understand that there will be over 20 wineries participating, including yours truly. (At this time I wish I wouldn't have promised to not make any animal jokes about Enumclaw. I'm thinking of a funny one.)

Chili Cook-Off is coming January 31. If you think you make a great chili, shut your mouth and sign up to enter. If you don't wish to enter you're still invited to show up and be a judge. We'll see if Husum resident, Gary J can hang on to the crown. If you scroll back to past post chili cook-off blogs you can read about all the drama and excitement that this event creates.

Don't forget about the other many events we have coming up, including the release of many new wines. (Another animal joke comes to mind but again I refrain.) Check our website.

Quit horsin' around, Husum!

Joel