July 16: Weekly wine down for Clark County and beyond
The 29th annual International Pinot Noir Celebration, held on the picturesque grounds of Linfield College, takes place July 24-26 and is highlighted by a salmon bake, outdoor tastings, seminars and showcases 60 Northwest chefs throughout the weekend.
Upcoming events/festival:
- Drink Pink 2015 – Sat July 18 from noon-4 p.m. Patton Valley Vineyard in Gaston, OR will host 25 Willamette Valley wineries as they pour the classic summer beverage for wine lovers; rosé. Purchase tickets at pattonvalley.com/buy-tickets/. $60 all-inclusive.
- Battle Ground Harvest Days Tasting Room – Sat July 18 beginning at 11 am, be sure to check out Battle Ground’s own meadery—Ethereal Meads; and distillery—Double V; as well as local wineries Heisen House Vineyards, Koi Pond Cellars, Olequa Cellars and Pomeroy Cellars, pouring inside the Community Center at 912 E Main Street.
- International Pinot Noir Celebration – Fri, July 24-Sun July 26 Held on the grounds of Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, this is the premier event for pinot noir lovers to taste this delicate and earthy wine from over 70 wineries. Tickets range from $125 for their Sunday afternoon outdoor tasting event to $1,200 for a full submersion weekend including a salmon bake dinner, seminars, a vineyard tour and much more.
- 6th Annual Sip & Stroll – Sat, Aug 15 check in at 1602 Main Street and begin an evening of wine or beer tasting at designated locations all to benefit the Hough Foundation which raises money for elementary school children. $30 pre event or $35 at the door covers a commemorative glass, one ounce tastings at each stop and complimentary shuttle service throughout the Uptown Village and Downtown Vancouver locations. Hours: 5- 9 pm.
- 18th Annual Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival – Fri, Aug 21-Sun, Aug 23 Esther Short Park plays host to “the largest jazz festival of its kind in the Northwest.” Wine, food, artisans and some of the smoothest jazz around is what its all about. Tickets on sale soon.
- North County Wine Run – Sat, Sep 12 The 5th Annual day-long event begins at 9 am and wines by Heisen House Vineyards, Olequa Cellars, Emanar Cellars, English Estate Winery, Gougér Cellars Winery and Moulton Falls Winery will be available after the run for tasting or by the glass. Read more here.
Clark County wineries:
Bethany Vineyard – Updated tasting room hours for summer: Wed-Sat noon-6 p.m. and Sun noon-5 p.m. Sun, July 26—Playing host to 3 Grands Concert for the Blind at 6 pm. Featuring award-winning blind pianists Mac Potts, Nick Baker, Brent Gjerve and jazz vocalist, Darcy Schmitt. Proceeds go to the School of Piano Technology for the Blind and the Pacific Foundation for Blind Children. Their 2011 Malbec is tasting beautifully. The lovingly-maintained grounds of this estate vineyard is the perfect spot to enjoy Bethany’s extensive list. From Riesling to cabernet franc to petite syrah, there’s a bottle for every palate. Music in the Vines summer concert series begins July 19 with Lisa Mann, Aug 9 with Dan Reed and Aug 30 with the Patrick Lamb band.
Burnt Bridge Cellars – Learn more about winemaker, David Smith, here. Sun, Aug 16—Look for their wines at the Multnomah Village Vine & Dine from 1-6 pm. Advanced tickets: $30-$50. Kudos: Their 2014 Semillon and 2012 Coyote Canyon Syrah were awarded Silver medals and their 2014 Viognier was awarded a Bronze at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Be sure to congratulate the gang the next time you’re in! Enjoy award-winning wine at Vancouver’s only urban winery. New tasting room hours: Fri 4-8 pm, Sat 12-7 pm, Sun 12-5 pm.
Confluence Vineyards and Winery – Sat, Jul 25-Sun, Jul 26—Peruse upscale pieces crafted by 15 local artisans at an Artists in the Vineyard Festival from noon-6 pm with music performed by Matt Brown from 4-7 pm. Fri, Aug 7 & 21—Relax with Blues & BBQ from 6-9 pm. Recent releases: 2014 Walla Walla Semillon and their first Dry Rosé ever. Open Sat & Sun noon-6 pm tasting the bold and beautiful Rhone and Bordeaux reds Confluence is known for. Keep tabs on their Facebook page for last-minute live music by stellar local artists.
East Fork Cellars – This award-winning winery has gone private. Join the club and enjoy special member events. Housed in the historic Old Slocum House within Esther Short Park.
English Estate Winery – Fri, July 17—Roasted chicken and potato salad dinner-for-purchase accompanied by local musician, Tanner Cundy, from 6-8:30 pm. Reservations encouraged. July 21—Wine About Painting with Jennifer Smith from 6:30-8:30 pm. $40 includes supplies, a glass of wine and light bites. Fri, July 24—Tex mex flank steak tacos dinner-for-purchase accompanied by local musician, Wade Hendrix, from 6-8:30 pm. Reservations encouraged. Fri, July 31—Grilled beef & shrimp kabobs dinner-for-purchase accompanied by local musician, Matt Gabriel, from 6-8:30 pm. Reservations encouraged. The only Clark County winery open Monday from 4:30-7 pm with $5 glasses of wine to start your week off right. Open Fri-Mon.
Come support local author, Tim Dawdy, appearing at Gougér Cellars this Sat, July 18 from 2-6 pm and have a New York brat with some award-winning wine while you’re at it. Viki Eierdam
Gougér Cellars – Sat, July 18— Local author, Tim Dawdy, will be signing his latest book Francis Goes to School from 2-6 pm. This sweet children’s book, brightly illustrated by Katherine Nitsch, is about a bear going to school. Gary still has some New York brats available that he serves up with his viognier mustard so come out and show your support for this local author who used to be a firefighter at Gougér Cellars—back when it was a fire station. Gary showcases weekend food specials using his Traeger and smoker to add his special touch to meats and cheeses. Come nosh on some great food paired with award-winning wines and cap it all off with one of his non-alcoholic ice creams made from his wines. Kudos: His 2013 Syrah just won Gold and earned 93 points at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. But that’s not all. His 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2012 Malbec both received silver medals and his still-in-tank 2014 Pinot Noir earned him a bronze! Be sure to congratulate him the next time you’re in! Tasting room open Wed-Sun.
Heisen House Vineyards – Fri, July 17— Friday Music Nights continues. From 6-9 pm enjoy live music by John Baker, beautiful wines and dinner-for-purchase from local food vendors. Sat, July 25—Come enjoy the 6th Annual Lavender Festival. Spotlighting lavender goodies and craft demos. Live music throughout the day Sat, Aug 29—Check out the 6th Annual Sunflower Festival. Blooming sunflowers, vintage flea market, antique car show, food and live music throughout the day. Sat, Sep 26—Be a part of the 6th Annual Crush Festival. See live winemaking demonstrations, enjoy barrel tastings, food and live music throughout the day. Tasting room hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
Koi Pond Cellars recently added outdoor seating to their downtown Ridgefield location and will unveil their new outdoor tasting room at 705 NE 199th Street in Ridgefield on Sat, July 25. Viki Eierdam
Koi Pond Cellars – Thur, July 23—A Paint ‘n Pour event. Contact Koi Pond for details. Fri, July 24—Koi Pond’s on the road at Latte Da Coffee House & Wine Bar from 5-8 pm, pouring to support the Vancouver Library Association. Sat, July 25—Unveiling their outdoor tasting room at 705 NE 199 Street in Ridgefield from 12-8 pm. Mural and artwork by resident artist, Micah Boylan, grace the walls of their indoor tasting room. Open Wed-Sun.
Moulton Falls Winery – Thu, July 16—Enjoy their version of Thirsty Thursday from 4-8 pm with $6 pizzas and $5 cider. This weekend: Try new food items like salads and chicken & pesto pizza with a limited appearance this Saturday of German sausage with all the trimmings. Sun, Aug 16—Step back in time with a Woodstock Anniversary Party from 4-7 pm. $5 entrance fee for two goes to the Cedar Creek Grist Mill. Sat, Sep 12—Save the date for the Third Annual Clark County Folk Festival held on the Moulton Falls grounds. Come check out their made-on-site Hard Cider and chat with local resident and author of the book, Working on the Edge (which inspired the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch), Spike Walker. Each weekend enjoy live music by some of the area’s best musicians from 6-9 pm and pasta dinners available for purchase on Saturday nights in addition to their wood-fired pizza options. Tasting room days: Thu-Sun.
Olequa Cellars – Next opening date: Sat, July 25. Brian’s newest release is a slightly spicy 2014 Gewurztraminer with grapes sourced from Woodland’s Cawley Vineyards. He also has a 2014 Rosé of Maréchal Foch—a varietal he’s had planted on his property since 2005—in addition to a couple other whites and some lovely reds. Come out and enjoy a glass (or bottle) on his dog-friendly patio for the perfect lazy summer afternoon. Private tastings of his beautiful boutique wines welcome.
Pomeroy Cellars – Sat, July 18—Pouring at the Tasting Room of Battle Ground Harvest Days beginning at 11 am. See Upcoming events/festivals above. Fri, Sep 18—Mark your calendar for their First Year Anniversary Party from 1-9 pm with a bbq dinner available for purchase, bocce ball, prize drawings, wine specials and live music from 6-9 pm. . Ask Destiny how to replicate their recently-offered Red, White and Blue Summer Spritzer, made with Pomeroy Cellars Hard Apple Cider. Normal tasting room days: Sat-Sun.
Rezabek Vineyards and Daybreak Cellars – Read more here. Rezabek’s own tasting room’s still in the works but Roger & Donna invite private tastings at their Battle Ground-area location on a by-appointment basis. Email them at rezabekvineyards@gmail.com.
Rusty Grape Vineyards – Sat, July 25—Be sure to add this Open Air Market to your calendar. From noon-6 pm. there’ll be vendors and live music aplenty with chilled Sangria waiting in the wings. Sat, Aug 1—Pinot & Paint Night at the Grape from 5:30-8 pm. Sign up here. Thu, Aug 13—Sat, Sept 12—Sign up here for the second Pinot & Paint Night at the Grape from 6- 8 pm. $35 for supplies, instruction and your first glass of wine. Kudos: Their 2013 Gewürztraminer just won Bronze at the 2015 International Women’s Wine Competition. Wood-fired pizzas, paninis and truffle chips complement Italian-inspired reds and their lineup of whites is perfect for our Summer weather. Pouring at their new outdoor tasting bar. Live music Wed-Sat from 7-9 pm. Come check out additional indoor seating, expanded outdoor seating and the return of movies-on-the-lawn. 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. Something’s always going on at the Grape. Open Wed-Sun.
Three Brothers Vineyard – Updated tasting room hours for summer: Wed-Fri 1-6 p.m., Sat noon-6 p.m. and Sun noon-5 p.m. Summer Concert Series began July 12 with Stone in Love. Next up: Lloyd Jones on Aug 16. Winemaker, Dan Andersen, was featured here. Enjoy the expanded outdoor seating and park-like atmosphere under cooling Evergreens while sipping on award-winning wines. Tasting hours Fri 1-6 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
Village Vineyard – Live music every Saturday from 2-5 pm and open mic, hosted by Marianne Flemming or Wayne Hoffman, every Sunday from 2-4 pm. You never know which local musician(s) will stop by for an impromptu gig with these two around. Fri, July 17—From 5:30-7:30 pm Sharon’s Paint and Pour will be presenting Dragonfly Fantasy at Village Vineyard. $36 (a 10% discount for Sharon’s one year anniversary celebration) buys all supplies, Sharon’s expert instruction and a glass of balanced and approachable wine from the Vineyard’s lineup. Fri, July 31—Take advantage of a rare Friday night at this gorgeously-situated winery. Open 5-9 pm with live music from 6-8 pm. Folks are welcome to bring outside food to snack on while enjoying their beautiful wine lineup and some extended adult down time. Normal tasting room hours: Sat noon-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm.
Tasting opportunities/wine bars:
Battle Ground Produce – The owner of Battle Ground Produce, Lorne, 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, and he recently added a handy growler station across from the meat case.
Friendly and informative staff (Anna) preside over the BevMo! tasting counter. Viki Eierdam
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.
Birch Street Uptown Lounge – Their expansion into the space next to them is complete! Look forward to some wine dinners and other tantalizing events in the future. Sunday and Monday night wine flights from 4-midnight with terrific tasting notes. Come out and enjoy this classic-style wine and cocktail lounge with live torch singers every Fri and Sat night beginning at 8 pm that has even Portland folks venturing over the river.
Cellar 55 Tasting Room – Thu, July 16— Come see what the Wine and Food Society of Clark County is all about from 6-8 pm. Fri, July 17—Enjoy the sometimes bluesy, sometimes jazzy sounds of Marianne Flemming from 7-9 pm. Sat, July 18—Cellar 55 has perfect patio seating to imbibe from while participating in city-wide festivites of Cruisin’ the Gut from noon- 8 pm. Misters will be on and the five wine flight for $5 will be available all weekend. Thu, July 23—Sign up for Wine & Canvas from 6-9 pm. Fri, July 24—Live music by Thee Aristrocrats from 7-9 pm. 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 as well as live music most Fridays from 7-9 pm. Open at noon Wed-Sun.
C’est la Vie – a French café and crêperie – Sat, July 18—Keri is hosting a three course, reservation-only VIP brunch at 9:30 am which affords front row seating for the Battle Ground Harvest Days Parade. Enjoy this home town parade while indulging in a basket of pastries, choice of crêpe and a dessert accompanied by juice or coffee for $25. Add a mimosa flight for an additional $10.
Local trio, Boy and Bean, perform their Prohibition-era jazz at Charlie’s Bodega this Friday July 17 from 6-9 pm.. Boy and Bean
Charlie’s Bodega Tapas & Whiskey Bar – Fri, July 17—Boy & Bean are performing their Prohibition-style jazz on the patio from 6-9 pm. Monday 50% off all bottles of wine $50 and under and a Tuesday 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 ever-expanding local, regional and international choices with the promise of more to come. Open Mon-Sat.
Emanar Cellars – Fri, July 17—Relax to the sound of the Sun City Players from 6:30-8:30 pm Sat, July 18—Enjoy the guitar talents of David Elan Kelley from 6-8 pm. Local winery showcase: Olequa Cellars 2013 Riesling. Come check out their new sliding glass doors that bring the outside in wherever you sit and enjoy gazpacho, Sangria, authentic tapas and their extensive lineup of Spanish wines with first-hand tasting notes Thursday-Saturday.
Evergreen Wine Cellar – Fri, July 17—Tasting of six wines ranging from $12-$20 from 5-8 pm. $5 tasting fee applies. Thu, Jul 23— Next wine and art class. Register on site. Pam has the largest selection of sparklings in Clark County (80 at last count), holds extensive knowledge on food pairings to help more occasions be elevated to special ones and offers special pricing for fundraisers and special events. Sign up for her email blast to keep in the loop.
Flutes & Rocks Lounge – Savor sparklings from California, high-end Champagnes by the glass, wines, beers and select liquors (I.e. Jameson Black Barrel Select Reserve) paired with an artisan cheese plate or charcuterie platter at their outdoor seating. Stay tuned for: live music, more scheduled wine and Bourbon tastings! Open Tues-Sat.
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.
Fred Meyer Orchards – Occasional tastings on Fridays from 2-5 pm and every Saturday from 2-5 pm. Wine steward, Shawn Martin, hosts a two to three-wine tasting that he pairs with Murray’s cheeses. Shawn’s commitment to Northwest wines is evident in two end caps featuring local selections like Burnt Bridge Cellars and Koi Pond Cellars as well as Bateaux Cellars and Mount St. Helens Cellars.
Fred Meyer Salmon Creek – Fri & Sat from 3-6 pm wine steward, Kent Gallegos, routinely pairs two wines with Murray’s cheeses. Don’t know quite what you’re looking for? Kent’s enthusiastic palate and gregarious personality won’t steer you wrong.
La Bottega– Sun, Aug 2—Hosting a Small Vineyards Wine Dinner at 5:30 pm. Six courses plus wine pairings for $75 per person. Reservations required. Wednesday night wine tasting from 5-7 pm. $12 includes four tastings and antipasti. Terrific casual Italian dining with an extensive wine list to complement every flavor profile. Happy hour Mon-Sat features $5 red/white wine option. Tuesday, from 5-9 pm, 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. With an inventory of 300+ bottles also available to take away, La Bottega easily doubles as a wine shop.
Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar – Thurs, July 23 from 5-7 pm is the next wine tasting in this intimate and inviting wine bar. Try four wines for $5. Fri, July 24—Koi Pond Cellars pouring from 5-8 pm to support the Vancouver Library Association. 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 and beer taps coming soon. Bonus: The expansive patio is perfect for summer sipping and all wines are available to purchase by the bottle for take away.
New Seasons Market features several complimentary winetasting opportunities each month.
New Seasons Market – Fri, July 17—Featuring wines from Burnt Bridge Cellars from 4-6 pm. Sat, July 25—Showcasing Nectar Creek Honeywine (aka mead) from 4-6 pm. Friday tastings from 4-6 pm could be wine or beer paired with cheeses. Stop by to see what’s being poured.
Niche-a wine & art bar– This downtown wine bar has 30+ pours available six days a week with a staff who knows their vino. All set in an unpretentious atmosphere displaying local art. With an inventory of over 160 bottles also available to take away, Niche easily doubles as a wine shop. Live entertainment every Saturday night.
Red Lion Inn at the Quay – A treat for those willing to brave the construction is Wine Wednesdays. 50% off all bottled wines on Wednesdays from 4pm – 10pm in the Lounge & 5pm – 9pm in the Restaurant. Wed, Aug 5 — Sharon’s Paint & Pour is set to host her first-ever Quay event from 5:30-7:30 pm and since its Wine Wednesday all wines will be specially-priced.
Total Wine & More – Tasting hours: Fri, 4-8 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm. Check out their calendar for upcoming special event tastings and classes which may include a fee.
Vinotopia – Located inside Cascade Park’s Cinetopia, Vinotopia received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence five years straight. More info 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.
Whole Foods – 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.
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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.