Corks and Forks

Love is in the air all over Clark County

Fourteen wineries and two tasting rooms will be pairing all things chocolate with luscious and award-winning wines Feb 14-15 at the

Fourteen wineries and two tasting rooms will be pairing all things chocolate with luscious and award-winning wines Feb 14-15 at the Clark County Wine Country Wine & Chocolate weekend.

Weekend highlights:

Upcoming events:

  • Volcano Views and Brews – Tues, Feb 17–The Mount St Helens Institute presents a different topic hosted on the third Tuesday of every month at Loowit Brewing Company in Vancouver and the third Thursday of every month by Hop-N-Grape in Longview unless otherwise noted on Facebook. Folks are encouraged to come around 5 pm for dinner, drinks and mingling. Presentation begins at 6:30 pm. It’s a unique way to get your drink on and learn something in the process. Oct-May (excluding Dec).
  • Newport Seafood & Wine Festival – Thu, Feb 19-Sun, Feb 22—Touted as “the original Northwest seafood and wine festival”, there are also arts and craft booths scattered amidst culinary and winery masterminds at this 37th annual event.
  • Savor Cannon Beach Wine & Culinary Festival – Thu, Mar 12-Sun, Mar 15—Looking for an excuse to head to the beach? This event is as good as any with wine-tasting opportunities all four days included in the $149 festival price or pick and choose but don’t miss the Saturday Wine Walk showcasing over 40 Northwest wines.
  • SIP McMinnville – Fri, Mar 13-Sun, Mar 15—“Enjoy the culinary variety and relaxed atmosphere. Watch some of the area’s best Chefs in the Northwest demonstrate their skills. Talk with winemakers and vintners and learn the intricacies of their trade. Purchase by the taste, glass, bottle or case. First 1000 Attendees will receive a free wine glass on Friday. See you at the Evergreen Space Museum!”

This weekend:

Downtown/Uptown

Brewed – The crew concentrates on local, quality offerings from the Columbia and Willamette Valleys, know what they carry and do it all in a terrific neighborhood spot with cozy seating options . Also available are mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and an occasional, seasonally-inspired adult beverage like Irish coffee. Current wine offerings include several from Locati Cellars, Charles Smith’s earthy Boom Boom Syrah, AniChe Cellars’ Barbariccia which is a sangiovese blend and the ever-sassy Naked Winery’s Penetration Cabernet Sauvignon and Foreplay Chardonnay.

Burnt Bridge Cellars – Sat, Feb 14-Sun, Feb 15—Pairing their Cabernet Sauvignon and two Syrahs with Class Cooking’s chocolate mocha pecan brownies. Sun, Feb 22—From 1-2 pm sommelier, Missy Kipp, will lead an Evaluation of Wine education class. $20 includes wine & cheese. Sat Feb 28- Sun Mar 1—Introducing new wines during their Winter Release.  Enjoy award-winning wine at Vancouver’s only urban winery. David and Mark source their grapes from Eastern Washington and are particular about their wine competitions. 2014 and 2015 brought high praise from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Normal tasting room hours Sat, Sun noon-5 pm.

Cellar 55 Tasting Room – Thu, Feb 12-Sun, Feb 15—Teaming up with Bleu Door Bakery to offer four types of brownies paired with wines Thur-Sun and live bluegrass music from 6-9 pm on Friday night. Pouring their fantastic Eastern Washington and Walla Walla wines by the glass or bottle along with light appetizers for purchase.  Local art and special happy hours are featured throughout the week. Open at noon Wed-Sun.

Charlie’s Bodega –  Check out the rebranded Charlie’s Bodega Tapas & Whiskey Bar, including Monday 50% off all bottles of wine $50 and under and a Thursday night flight tasting—3 whiskeys or 3-4 wines depending on bartender’s pick paired with a tapas (similar to an appetizer) or media-ración (small version of an entrée). The entire menu aims to educate folks on Spanish cuisine and their wine selection is heavily Spanish and Portuguese with a few NW favorites mixed in. Whiskey lovers will enjoy the 32 local, regional and international choices with the promise of more to come. Open Mon-Sat.

East Fork Cellars – Closed for the winter season but look for them to be open for First Friday events until they officially re-open on March 21 for the Vancouver Farmers Market season. Housed in the historic Old Slocum House. Gallery 360 —inside East Fork Cellars—is open Wed-Sun noon-5 p.m.

Evergreen Wine Cellar – Owner, Pam Robertson, typically hosts a Friday or Saturday evening tasting for $10 from 5-8 pm. Contact her to be placed on her e-mail blast for up-to-date event notices. She also has the largest selection of sparklings in Clark County (80 at last count) and holds extensive knowledge on food pairings to help more occasions be elevated to special ones.

The Grant House –Recently changed live music to Tues and Wed only with happy hour extended to 6 pm. Cozy up in this circa 1849 space with an extensive wines-by-the-bottle list and stay for dinner in “Vancouver’s oldest dining room” located on Officer’s Row. Sat, Feb 14—A special 5-course dinner, with three entrée options, has been prepared. Reservations recommended.

La Bottega– Sat, Feb 14 – Planning a special Valentine’s Day menu by reservation only. Terrific casual Italian dining with a wine list to complement every flavor profile. Happy hour Mon-Sat features $5 red/white wine option. Tuesday night wines under $50 are 50% off and wines over $50 are discounted $25. Excellent way to enjoy some premium wines with their locally-focused menu. Wednesday night wine tasting from 5-8 pm. $12 includes four tastings and antipasti. Bottles available for take away.

Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar – Thurs, Feb 26 from 5-7 pm Scott is hosting his next wine tasting in the intimate and inviting wine bar. Rusty Grape Vineyards poured in January. Who’ll be behind the bar next? Latte da’s wine bar is open ’til 10 pm Thur-Sat featuring a wine-friendly appetizer menu to pair with their unique vino selection. Bonus: All wines are available to purchase by the bottle for take away.

Niche-a wine & art bar–  New bubbles to pair with a new cheese. Something’s always going on at this wine bar featuring 30+ pours available six days a week with a staff who knows their wine. All set in an unpretentious atmosphere displaying local art. An inventory of over 160 bottles also available to take away. Live entertainment every Saturday night.

Willem's on Main is planning a delish 3-course Valentine's Day Dinner this weekend.

Willem’s on Main is planning a delish 3-course Valentine’s Day Dinner this weekend.

Willem’s on Main – Feb 14—Planning a delish 3-course Valentine’s Day Dinner (open for brunch, too) including grilled rib eye, pan-seared rockfish and sautéed potato gnocchi as entrée choices. Excellent happy hour Tues-Sat from 4:30-6 pm to enjoy with their carefully-prepared wine list, 50% off bottles under $40 on Tuesdays. With the recent addition of spirits, they now have brunch cocktails like Grapefruit Gin Fizz.

Felida/Hazel Dell/Salmon Creek

Farrar’s Bistro – Sat, Feb 14—Roasted rack of lamb or shrimp linguini being offered for Valentine’s dinner. Reservations encouraged. Updates in the bar turned out nice. If you haven’t been to this great Felida neighborhood restaurant that touts ‘comfort food with a flair’ as its motto (I.e. patty melt on rye, beef wellington with a brandy peppercorn sauce), it’s time to check it out. Happy hour 3:30-6 pm. Complement some small plates with a velvety cabernet sauvignon or herbaceous sauvignon blanc.

Fred Meyer Salmon Creek – Fri & Sat from 3-6 pm wine steward, Kent Gallegos, routinely pairs two wines with Murray’s cheeses. Weather and season dictate his selections.

Ridgefield

Confluence Vineyards & Winery will be hosting live music and local vendors throughout the weekend.

Confluence Vineyards & Winery will be hosting live music and local vendors throughout the weekend.

Confluence Vineyards and Winery – Sat, Feb 14-Sun, Feb 15—Part of the county-wide Wine, Chocolates & Roses Valentine’s weekend tour. They’ll have vendors, live music & new releases, as well. Open Sat & Sun noon-5 pm tasting the bold and beautiful Rhone and Bordeaux reds Confluence is known for. Occasional live music in their festively-decorated and heated tent. Watch for a tasting room expansion to be completed late spring/early summer.

Koi Pond Cellars – Feb 14 & 15—Joining forces with Rusty Grape Vineyards and Bethany Vineyard for the Clark County Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate weekend with a bus tour. Featured chocolatier:  Killa Bites with cake bombs and biscotti treats. Live music every Saturday night from 6-8 pm and vin chaud glasses continue to be featured. New releases-a 2013 sauvignon blanc and 2012 merlot. Mural and artwork by resident artist, Micah Boylan, grace the walls. Happy hour Wed & Thur from 4-7 pm. Open Wed-Sun.

Gougér Cellars – Fri, Feb 13—Sharon’s Paint and Pour will once again present a no-experience-necessary paint night from 6-8 pm, this time with a Valentine’s twist. Sharon provides all supplies and the first glass of bubbly is on her! All for $40 per person. Reservations required. Sat, Feb 14 & Sun Feb 15—Pair homemade pots de crème with whipped cream and strawberries and powdered sugar & cinnamon-dusted chocolate ebelskivers with an outstanding wine lineup. While you’re there, congratulate him on the two recent medals earned at the San Diego International Wine Competition, making every red still wine at Gougér a medal winner. Try his PLATINUM-winning 2010 Petite Sirah. Tasting room open Wed-Sun.

Bethany Vineyard – Feb 14 & 15—Joining forces with Koi Pond Cellars and Rusty Grape Vineyards for the Clark County Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate weekend with a bus tour. Simple Elegance will be whipping up decadent baked goods, some with cabernet frosting. Tasting their consistently elegant wines Fri and Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm., With Bethany’s current wine list of 21 offerings, you’d be hard-pressed not to find a bottle for every palate. A couple of my favs are Walt’s 2013 3 Dog White and 2012 259th St. Cuvée.

Three Brothers Vineyard – Feb 14 & 15—Locally-owned Killa Bites’ cake bombs will be featured here, as well. Dan’s been running a sale on his Gold Medal 2009 Sangiovese. Could it last another weekend?  Be sure to try their two newer releases—2011 Sono La Vite and 2011 Brethren  Cuvée.Winemaker, Dan Andersen, was recently featured here.  Look for an expansion of outdoor seating in 2015 and some other surprises. Tasting hours Fri 1-6 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.

Orchards

Hudson’s Bar and Grill – A largely Washington, Oregon and California-inspired wine list with a selection of three by-the-bottle wines rotated on a monthly basis. Inside the Heathman Lodge near Westfield Shopping Center, enjoy a glass of Washington Chardonnay with a plate of sautéed mussels or a glass of Barnard Griffin Cabernet Merlot with a meatloaf sandwich while warming up fireside under the massive Northwest logs  during ‘Hudson’s Hour’ from 4-6 pm.

Total Wine & More – Every Fri, 4-8 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm complimentary wine tastings are offered at this beverage store located by Westfield Shopping Mall. This weekend will feature “wines that say I love you.” Tasting beer and spirits, as well. Thur, Feb 26 – Walla Walla, the Willamette & Beyond from 6:30-8:30 pm. $20 includes the tasting of 8 wines. Check out their calendar for upcoming special event tastings and classes which may include a fee.

Fred Meyer Orchards – Fri, 2-5 pm & Sat, 1-5 pm wine steward, Shawn Martin, hosts a two to three-wine tasting that he pairs with Murray’s cheeses and focuses on lesser-known wines to broaden his customers’ wine catalog. Shawn’s commitment to local wines is evident in his terrific end cap featuring Bethany Vineyards, Koi Pond Cellars and Three Brothers Vineyard.

 

This beautiful winery reopens from their winter break to join the Clark County Wine Country Valentine's Weekend Tour. Featured here is owner, Patti Kuni.

This beautiful winery reopens from their winter break to join the Clark County Wine Country Valentine’s Weekend Tour. Featured here is owner, Patti Kuni.

Village Vineyard –  Sat, Feb 14—This beautiful winery reopens from their winter break to join the  Clark County Wine Country Valentine’s Weekend Tour . Stop by for a tasting and stay for a glass of wine paired with some home-made chocolates and live music from 2-6 pm in their lovingly-appointed living room. Folks are invited to bring munchies to snack on while enjoying some adult down time. Normal tasting room hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm.

Battle Ground/Yacolt

Pomeroy Cellars – Thurs, Feb 12—Thursday happy hour. Enjoy $4.75 glass pours with a pizza & Caesar salad dinner-for-purchase from 5-9 pm. Sat & Sun, Feb 14-15—Pairing everyday chocolates to take the mystery out of serving wines with this favorite ingredient. On the weekends, come try Dan’s terrific line-up including his rhubarb or blackberry wine. I’m a big fan of his 2012 Lucia 47 blend but his non-vintage Log House Red is also a terrific food-friendly choice . Open Thur, Sat and Sun.

Moulton Falls Winery –  Come check out the new bar and table tops while enjoying some beautiful  wines (the sangiovese is my fav), great food and friendly owners waiting for you in Yacolt. Joe and Susan don’t do anything half way. Recently Spike Walker, author of the book Working on the Edge which inspired the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, has been appearing on Saturday nights to sign his books and talk with folks. Feb 14—Featuring a reservations-only $50 per couple Valentine’s Day package which includes an appetizer, dinner, dessert, glass of wine and live music. Each weekend enjoy live music by some of the area’s best musicians from 6-9 pm as well as Friday happy hour from 4-9pm ($5 on select glasses of wine) and pasta dinners available for purchase on Saturday nights in addition to their wood-fired pizza options and seasonally-inspired  glühwein (German-inspired hot spiced wine).

Heisen House Vineyards – Feb 14 & 15—Excited to be a part of the Clark County Wine Country Valentine’s Weekend tour featuring chocolates and chocolate-making demonstrations by Liv-Eat alongside their boutique wines. Normal hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.

Olequa Cellars – Sat & Sun, Feb 14-15 & Sat, Feb 28—Wine maker, Brian Tansy, has a current lineup of 6 wines, including his 2011 Syrah. His charming tasting room is “generally open the second and fourth Saturday of each month” with private tastings of his beautiful boutique wines welcome.

Battle Ground Produce – The owner of Battle Ground Produce, Loren, knows his wine and enjoys offering complimentary tastings to customers most Fridays from 4-7 pm. Andreas, Rayne and Scott pour with insight, passion and friendly banter. There’s usually something for the beer lover, as well.

Rusty Grape Vineyards –  Feb 14 & 15—Joining forces with Bethany Vineyards and Koi Pond Cellars for the Clark County Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate weekend with a bus tour. They’ve added paninis and wood-fired truffle chips to their menu and feature a local charity to donate Wednesday sales proceeds to. Live music Wed-Sat from 7-9 pm. Come check out the tasting room remodel. Wednesday is 2 wood-fired pizzas for $15. Thursday brings Thirsty Thursday from 4:3-6:30 pm with special prices on wines, beer and food and Sunday they do it again from noon-3 pm. Fridays in February are Free Dinner Friday while supplies last with a $20 wine purchase. Something’s always going on at the Grape. Open Wed-Sun.

Emanar Cellars  –  Sat, Feb 14-Sun, Feb 15—Adding Sunday hours (noon-5 pm) for the Clark County Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate weekend showcasing Whimsy Chocolates, featuring live music on Friday and Saturday nights and tapas specials this Fri-Sun. Open Thur-Sat from 4-9 pm. *Closed this Thur to attend the 2014 Battle Ground Business of the Year as one of the three finalists!

Pasta GiGi’s – Feb 14—A special Valentine’s Day menu, including stuffed beef tenderloin, has been created and live music will romance sweethearts. Reservations recommended. Kathy & Chef Paul are always creating inspired, fresh Italian food like my recent “rosemary linguine tossed in a honey brown butter sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms. artichoke hearts and topped with our house sundried tomato pesto, chèvre cheese and seared sea scallops” which was fabulous! Paired gorgeously with a bottle of 2012 Cline Cashmere from Lindsey’s secret stash.

C’est La Vie Crêperie – Enjoy Keri’s Friday night social hour with a special food and drink menu every Friday from 4-8 pm. Wine-O Wednesday is marked by $1 off mimosas, spritzers and wines by the glass. Keri gives people an excuse to drink wine with the most important meal of the day – breakfast. Perfectly-flavored mimosas with such inspirations as black forest French toast and French onion soup Friday. Très bon. Open Tue-Sat 9 am-3 pm with additional hours from 4-8 pm on Fridays.

East County

Vinotopia – Located inside Cascade Park’s Cinetopia, Vinotopia received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence five years straight. Recently featured here. Aside from the dizzying array of wines by the bottle, guests can enjoy ½ off bottles of wines on Wednesdays and tastes or glasses of wine from a selection of over 100 daily. Pair that with their live music from 6-10 pm every Sat in their dining room and you have a no-fail date night.

BevMo! – Fri 4-7 pm & Sat 2-5 pm, 5 tastings, always complimentary unless otherwise indicated.  Presiding over the pouring could be the very pleasant and cheerful, Anna, accompanied by manager, Kristin. Low key, comfortable atmosphere.

Whole Foods – Sat, Feb 14 – will focus on wines for the Valentine’s holiday. Beer & wine specialist, Kamram, hosts beer or wine tastings Sat from 1-4 pm. Also tasting on Friday evenings from 4-8 pm but it’s typically beer-focused.

New Seasons Market – Fri, Feb 13— Chocolate & wine pairings from 1-5 pm. Sat, Feb 14—Sample sparklings, chocolate & cheeses from 11 am-5 pm. Fri, Feb 27—Featuring Burnt Bridge Cellars from 4-6 pm.

Fred Meyer Fisher’s Landing – Every Fri & Sat from 2-5 pm long-time Clark County wine steward, Ernie Jones, aims for two tastings with occasional Murray’s cheese pairings. Enjoy their dedicated wine-tasting space.

Roots Restaurant & Bar– Valentine’s Weekend—A special menu will be featured including oysters Rockefeller and lobster risotto. Reservations recommended. My recent pan-seared salmon with beluga lentils and beets would’ve paired beautifully with a 2012 Boedecker Pinot Noir were it not a working lunch. From Cakebread to Domaine Drouhin to L’Ecole, you’d be hard-pressed to choose wrong and from 3-6 pm Mon-Fri and 9-11 pm Fri-Sat, pair your selection with locally-inspired happy hour bites.

English Estate Winery – Sat, Feb 14—Celebrating Valentine’s weekend along with the other Clark County wineries but also hosting a reservation-only prime rib or stuffed chicken dinner along with live music by local musician Wade Hendrix. Hosting a dinner every Friday night with local, live music that begins at 6 pm. The only winery open Monday from 4:30-7 pm with $5 glasses of wine to start your week off right.

Birch Street Uptown Lounge – February is the return of Sunday night wine flight with the addition of Mondays from 4-9 pm. Come out and enjoy this classic-style wine and cocktail lounge with live torch singers every Fri and Sat night beginning at 8 pm. You might even hear Santana or Diana Ross’s keyboardist. It’s been know to happen!

Flutes & Rocks Lounge – Formerly Krystal’s Champagne Lounge – This weekend – A couple champagne and chocolate fondue specials to set the mood for romance along with live music by Andreas Elrich. Recently reopened after a remodel and rebranding to better incorporate their thoughtful selection of spirits. Enjoy sparklings from California, high-end Champagnes by the glass, wines and beers paired with an artisan cheese plate or charcuterie platter. Open Tues-Sat.

The Puffin Café floats along the port in Washougal. Fri, Feb 13-Sun-Feb 15—Extended hours all weekend. Their limited wine selection focuses on the Columbia Valley except for the 2009 Puffin brand Oregon Pinot Noir—with proceeds of each bottle sale going to the Haystack Rock Awareness Project to support puffins in Cannon Beach. This place is the North Bank’s answer to Margaritaville. The crew is terrific, the menu is full of culinary surprises and who doesn’t want to feel an island vibe in the middle of winter (with toasty indoor seating, of course).

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Viki

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.

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