Local wines pair up with Shorty’s for some early Christmas spirit
Sexy Santa’s throne at Shorty’s Garden & Home. You’ll have to attend next year to spy him for yourself.
What could be a better marketing strategy than inviting a bunch of ladies to partake in a bit of pre-Thanksgiving holiday shopping on a week night than having Sexy Santa strutting around as eye candy? Four wineries, a distillery AND Sexy Santa.
Shorty’s Garden & Home takes on a magical feeling after hours
That took place at the Mill Plain Shorty’s Garden & Home last week from 6-9 pm and, judging from the turn out, it was a hit. Truth be told, the phenomenal job that manager Jeff Olsen and his entire staff did creating the most festive atmosphere was the secret recipe.
Local artisans dotted the surround of the main event space at Shorty’s Ladies Night last Friday
From the moment I slid open the barn-style door, I was at once transported into a magical wonderland with flocked trees that reminded me of Christmases past (my mom always decorated a flocked one for the living room and an evergreen for the family room), poinsettias, twinkling lights, live holiday music and the right touch of local artisans dotting the surround of the main event space.
The ever-charming Nicholas Vissotzky made Double V Distillery’s booth a popular stop on Ladies Night at Shorty’s Garden & Home
Included in each ticket was a glass of wine or a cocktail, a well-presented appetizer plate, the flaky traditional pastry, Danish kringle, and hot coffee. Jeff emceed the evening shouting out winners of raffle drawings over the laughter and high-pitched exclamations ladies tend to utter upon finding just the right upcycled sweater dress or being poured their second cocktail from Double V Distillery courtesy of the ever-charming Nicholas Vissotzky.
Local wineries contributed to the festive atmosphere by showcasing their award-winning vintages.
Local wineries English Estate, Heisen House, Gougér Cellars and Koi Pond were busily pouring tastings and, one of the things I just love about our Clark County wineries, four winemakers were manning the booths eager to share their passion, answer questions and help dispel the myth that wine is pretentious and mysterious.
I incorrectly noted that Ladies Night occurs annually, confusing it with previous Open House events around Thanksgiving, but it certainly could become one. Talking with Jeff and another employee, Olivia, the success of Shorty’s first Ladies Night this past August was a catalyst to scheduling a second one.
Wes & Michelle Parker, husband and wife wine-making duo at Koi Pond Cellars, gained considerable wine knowledge from time spent in California and the Willamette Valley.
As I left the comforting blanket of Shorty’s winter wonderland that effectively flooded my mind with warm childhood memories I found myself wishing I could take it all with me. Jeff and his crew may have been aiming for a jump on seasonal sales but what they also did was impart a bit of Christmas spirit in the hearts of every person who attended and that is a very fair exchange.
Viki
I am a Clark County native. I am Level 2 WSET (wine and spirit education trust)-certified and enjoy pairing wine with my passion for travel and fondness of food. My most prized possessions are the memories of places I've been with my husband, the chance encounters we've been blessed to have along the way and my carry-on bag. I can often be seen around town and in tasting rooms with our two beautiful, double-Merle Australian shepherds, Challenge and Baby Girl.