November 19th: The weekly wine down for Clark County and beyond
Schedule some time over Thanksgiving Weekend to enjoy all 17 wineries and tasting rooms during the SW Washington Wine Country tour.
Upcoming events/festival:
- Nouveau Division Crawl – Thu, Nov 19 from 5-8 pm come join the 2nd Annual street party celebrating Oregon and French Beaujolais Nouveau along SE Division Street (Portland’s Restaurant Row). Booths along the street will feature foods and tastings of the first wine of the harvest—in traditional French fashion. Purchase tickets here.
- Limited Edition Wine Tasting & Food Pairing – Bader Beer and Wine Supply will play host over three Saturdays (Nov 21, Nov 28 and Dec 5) to introduce aspiring home winemakers to their 2016 winemaking kits. This fun, 21+ event begins at 6 pm each night. Tickets are $20 which includes a $10 Bader Beer & Wine Supply gift certificate. Excellent date night idea.
- Save the date for SW Washington Wine Country’s Thanksgiving weekend tour. All Clark County wineries—including our newest, Dolio—will be participating. New releases, barrel tastings and some Black Friday specials will be offered.
- Yuletide Tea at The Grant House – Saturday, Dec 5 at 11 am kicks off this festive gathering at the oldest dining room in Clark County. No wine but this is a great annual event! $30 adults/$15 children six and under. Reservations required: 360-906-1101.
Clark County wineries:
Clark County wineries and tasting rooms host special events all year round and can often be found at off-site venues. Check their website and Facebook pages for up-to-the-minute event details.
Bethany Vineyard – Since 2003 owner and winemaker, Walt Houser, has been living a long-held dream. Twenty six of his stunningly-landscaped acres are planted with grapes and several other varieties are sourced from vineyards he owns in the Washington Gorge. Houser’s affectionately referred to as the Godfather of Clark County wine by his peers for his extensive winemaking knowledge and Bethany’s Music in the Vines summer concert series draws a larger crowd to the picturesque grounds every year. Tasting room hours: Friday-Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Tomorrow is Third Friday at Burnt Bridge Cellars featuring wine, food by Ingrid’s Good Street Food, locals artists and music by David Rodgers. It all happens from 4-8 p.m. Burnt Bridge
Burnt Bridge Cellars – Vancouver’s only urban winery often teams up with adjoining Class Cooking and other local food vendors for special food and wine pairings including Third Friday (similar to First Friday Art Walk but in-house only) . Sourcing from the Columbia Valley, Southern Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines are the focus from a lush GSM (grenache, syrah, mourvèdre) blend to lesser-known marsanne and a spring released rosé, to name a few. Tasting room hours: Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 12-7 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Confluence Vineyards and Winery – Winemaker, Greg Weber’s, partiality to bold reds is evidenced in his lineup of big French varietals and his commitment to high quality is demonstrated in his predominantly Walla Walla grape sourcing. Traditionally used as a blending grape, petit verdot makes an appearance as a single varietal and Equilibrium—their cabernet sauvignon/merlot/petit verdot blend—is the perennial winner. The Webers are also big music fans and enjoy hosting stellar musicians throughout the year. Keep tabs on their Facebook page for last-minute performances. Tasting room hours: Saturday and Sunday 12-6 p.m.
East Fork Cellars – This award-winning winery has gone private. Newest news on Facebook “We no longer will host a tasting room at the Slocum, but we will hold winemaker dinners and pickup parties throughout the year. Look for EFC Wines at local restaurants and in the trade news.” If you love East Fork, you’ll have to join the club to stay in the loop.
English Estate Winery – Patriarch Carl D. English would be proud of how his son, Carl S., and daughter, Jennifer, have carried on his legacy as the oldest winery in Clark County. English Sr. began planting on their circa 1915 homestead in 1980. As a result, 35-year-old pinot noir vines continue to be harvested annually. Since over 90 percent of their wines and fortified nectars (fortified with their Pinot Noir brandy) are estate-grown, English Estate is the premier example of the North Bank’s terroir. Reservations encouraged for Good Times & Wine every Friday night from 6-8:30 p.m. with a dinner-for-purchase and live, local musicians. Tasting room open Friday-Monday.
Gougér Cellars – Gary Gougér presides over an internationally-awarded wine selection and also crafts 100 percent non-alcoholic, no-sugar-added ice cream from his wine. Samplings of his creations are muscat with blackberries and zinfandel chocolate chip. From the rooftop patio, guests can enjoy views of the scenic countryside. Weekend food specials using a Traeger and smoker to add special touches to meats and cheeses are showcased. Tasting room open Wednesday-Sunday.
Heisen House Vineyards – For the love of history Michele Bloomquist purchased this property registered as a National and State Historic Site and soon after planted grapes and set out to make wine. The winery and tasting room is housed in a 1950’s milking parlor and the circa 1890’s restored Heisen Barn—listed on the Washington Heritage Barn register—is a stunning backdrop for their summer Friday Music Nights concert series and annual Barn Bash, Lavender, Sunflower and Crush festivals. Tasting room hours: Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Start your Christmas shopping early at Koi Pond Cellars this Saturday, November 21st. Sip ‘N Shop runs from 12-5 p.m. Koi Pond
Koi Pond Cellars – Going from raising koi to crafting wine might seem like a stretch but co-owner, Wes Parker’s, love of wine came from his Sonoma County roots and working in the family business—NW Distribution & Storage, the largest wine storage facility in the Pacific Northwest— alongside his wife, Michelle. Their tasting room in downtown Ridgefield is housed in a 1939 post office and showcases chalk art by area artist, Micah. Tasting room hours: Wednesday-Friday 1-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Moulton Falls Winery has added chili and hot spiced wine to their list of offerings, in honor of the winter season upon us. Moulton Falls
Moulton Falls Winery – In a pastoral setting near a railroad crossing sits this Northwest-themed tasting room. The winery plays host to Grammy-winning artists on the weekends, is the site of Clark County’s Folk Festival and partners with the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad to conduct four wine trains along a scenic stretch of North County track throughout the year, boarding right from Moulton Falls. No visit is complete without a warm welcome from their massive golden retriever/great pyrennes winery dog, Jake. Made-on-site hard cider, wood-fired pizzas and pasta are among other selections. Tasting room hours: Thursday 4-8 p.m., Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 12-9 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.
Olequa Cellars – Although his riesling has been a best seller for several years, it’s his estate-grown maréchal foch—a varietal he’s had planted on his property since 2005— that’s particularly interesting. He also sources pinot noir, gewurztraminer and chardonnay from Woodland’s Cawley Vineyards and viognier, riesling, cabernet franc, syrah and cabernet sauvignon from Eastern Washington. Olequa participates in County-wide special events but his regular tasting room hours are the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Private tastings of his beautiful boutique wines welcome.
Pomeroy Cellars – On the grounds of 115-year old Pomeroy Farm sits Pomeroy Cellars, the venture of Dan Brink—winemaker and great-great-grandson of farm founder, E.C. Pomeroy. Brink has honored his family’s heritage by creating a tasting room in the vein of a 1920’s bar. Inviting outdoor seating, set in the midst of the vast 677-acre farm, takes full advantage of the sweeping vistas that surround them. Guests are welcome to pair wine with a gourmet meat and cheese or hummus platter and play a game of Bocce on the lawn. Tasting room hours: Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Rezabek Vineyards and Daybreak Cellars – On a 10-acre plot of land minutes from Lewisville Park in Battle Ground, Roger and Donna Rezabek have been hard at work planting grape vines since the spring of 2010. Rows of estate-planted sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier are destined for their wine label, Daybreak Cellars. In the meantime, they’re sourcing from throughout Washington and Oregon for their eight available offerings and look forward to bringing estate-grown sparkling wine to Clark County as early as 2017. Tastings by appointment only.
Rusty Grape Vineyards host another Seahawks Pinot and Paint Night Sunday, November 22nd from 5-7 p.m. Sign up here. Rusty Grape
Rusty Grape Vineyards – Wood-fired pizzas, paninis and truffle chips complement Italian-inspired reds and crisp whites. Plenty of outdoor seating takes advantage of this close-in winery with a loyal following. Live music Wed-Sat from 7-9 p.m., their own beer line (Rusty Hop), Thirsty Thursday with wine and pizza discounts that repeat on Sunday afternoons, movies on the lawn during summer, festivals and craft fairs, Pinot & Paint nights and Ladies Nights throughout the year as well as the annual Stompfest held every September means there’s always something happening at the Grape. Tasting room hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 12-10 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.
Nellie’s Food Truck will be turning off their burners to offer continuous transportation between Bethany Vineyards, Gougér Cellars and Three Brothers Vineyard over the SW Washington Winery Thanksgiving weekend. Hop on and off the circa 1965 Bristol bus all weekend for $5. Gougér Cellars
Three Brothers Vineyard – Named after winemaker Dan Andersen’s three sons, this winery boasts a current lineup of 24 wines, many of which have garnered national and international awards. He’s able to bottle a considerable amount of estate wine with his vast plantings but continues to source from Eastern Washington, as well. Dan’s expansive covered outdoor seating is a great three-season place to linger over a glass or bottle. Their Summer Concert series and other music venues draw a large crowd every year to the park-like setting with dedicated stage. Tasting room hours: Wednesday-Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Village Vineyard – This destination winery (two bed and breakfast rooms provide overnight accommodations) is a dream come true for 83-year old owner, Patti Kuni. The majestic butter yellow home crowns a hillside with well-draining vineyard slopes. Enjoy an eight-wine lineup that shines from Chardonnay to Malbec. Live music every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. and open mic, hosted by Marianne Flemming or Wayne Hoffman, every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Tasting room hours: Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 11 am-5 p.m.
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.
BevMo! – Friday 4-7 p.m. & Saturday 2-5 p.m., 5 tastings, always complimentary unless otherwise indicated. Presiding over the pouring are knowledgeable friendly folks who encourage questions in a low key, comfortable atmosphere.
Birch Street Uptown Lounge in Camas is a destination even for Portlanders and these are two of the reasons why; master mixologist, Dennis Kinsey and owner, Kevin Taylor. Birch Street
Birch Street Uptown Lounge – Their recent expansion into the space next to them will afford room for wine dinners and other tantalizing events in the future. Sunday and Monday night wine flights from 4 p.m-12 a.m. with terrific tasting notes. Live music: Come out and enjoy this classic-style wine and cocktail lounge with everything from live torch singers to bossa nova every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night beginning at 8 p.m. and personable bartenders all week long.
November is the last month to enjoy Gordon Estate wines at Cellar 55 Tasting Room so come out and enjoy this Eastern Washington winery without the Gorge drive. Cellar 55
Cellar 55 Tasting Room – Owner, Michelle Brinning, showcases four Eastern Washington wineries known for their hand-crafted wines using Washington-sourced grapes—Basel Cellars, Five Star Cellars, Gordon Estate and Purple Star (with Native Sun as the winemaker’s label). Brinning and her staff are approachable and the space has a large wine cellar feel with plenty of cozy seating to accommodate parties of all sizes. Light appetizers for purchase, local art and special happy hours are featured as well as live music most Fridays from 7-9 p.m. Tasting room hours: Open at noon Wednesday through Sunday.
Sadly, this Battle Ground gem is closing and moving to Keri’s new location, Soirée Supper Club & Catering, in Hazel Dell. Be sure to stop into the creperie before it closes on December 31st. C’est la Vie
C’est la Vie – This fantastic creperie in Old Town Battle Ground is run by the lovely Keri Buhmann who holds the Wine & Spirit diploma from the Wine Society Education Trust (WSET). She features specials like French Dip Friday and fresh fig, cambozola cheese and prosciutto crepes topped with balsamic reduction and basil. $1 off her selection of mimosas and wines on Wine O Wednesday and check out here new venture—Soirée Supper Club & Catering.
Charlie’s Bodega Tapas & Whiskey Bar – 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 Monday-Saturday.
Emanar Cellars opened their authentic Spanish wine and tapas bar with three of their own wines, all of which have sold out. They hope to release them again in 2016 but for now folks are devouring first-hand knowledge from Richard and, Madrid native, Mar Meyerhoefer. Local musicians, including flamenco guitarists, perform Friday and Saturday nights from 6-8 p.m.; gazpacho, Sangria, tapas and an extensive Spanish wine lineup are showcased; and a local winery is highlighted every weekend. The couple is escorting their first wine tour of Spain this fall. Tasting room hours: Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 4-10 p.m.
Evergreen Wine Cellar – Owner, Pam Robertson, typically hosts a five-wine tasting for $5 from 5-8 pm every Friday. Sign up for her email blast to keep in the loop. Painting events and special winery pourings are scheduled periodically at this locally-owned wine shop. Pam’s passion is sparkling wines and she has the largest selection 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. Open Tuesday-Saturday.
Four different Piper-Heidsieck champagnes being poured at Flutes & Rocks in Camas along with hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. $35 per person secures a spot. Call (360) 954-5981to reserve a table. Flutes & Rocks
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. Occasional live music and specialty Champagne and Bourbon tastings! Open Tuesday-Saturday.
Fred Meyer Fisher’s Landing – Every Friday & Saturday from 2-5 p.m. 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 p.m. and every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. 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 – Friday & Saturday from 3-6 p.m. 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.
Galeotti’s Wine Cellar – After a three+ year hiatus, the Galeotti family is back on Main Street in Battle Ground with a new concept wine club. Featuring wines by the bottle for $14-$30 and tantalizing light bites, this space is like a living room extension. Keep your ears peeled for live music and other scheduled events in the future. Open Thur-Sat 5:30-10 p.m.
La Bottega– Wednesday night wine tasting from 5-7 p.m. $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.
Sip & Paint at Latte da Coffee House & Wine Bar Friday, November 20th. Reserve by calling (503) 975-0804. $45 includes first glass of wine & all supplies. Bonnie Junell
Latte da Coffeehouse & Wine Bar – No monthly wine tasting in November and a sparkling wine tasting scheduled for Thursday, December 17th. On the fourth Thursday of every month tuck yourself into Latte da’s cozy wine bar for a three to five wine tasting beginning at 5 p.m. Wine is available seven days a week alongside a wine-friendly appetizer menu (and locally-sourced beer taps) and regular SIp & Paint classes—hosted by professional artist, Bonnie Junell—are offered in their Garden Room. All wines are available to purchase by the bottle for take away. Open ’til 8 ‘m Mon-Sat and 5 pm on Sundays.
New Seasons Market – Beer or wine tasting opportunities every Friday and Saturday from 4-6 p.m. Friday tastings are paired with cheese samplings. Check out their calendar or stop by to see what’s being poured.
Be a part of the Vancouver Cheese Board on Tuesday, November 24th at Niche Wine Bar. Try four different wines with four different cheeses for $25 from 5-7 pm. Niche
Niche-a wine & art bar– The third Monday of every month celebrate Bubbles Club; a flight of 4 sparkling wines— always one true Champagne— paired with some nibbles from 6-9 p.m., $20-$25. The last Tuesday of every month be a part of the Vancouver Cheese Board featuring a rotation of four different wines with specialty cheeses from 5-7 p.m. for $25. 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. Niche doubles as a wine shop with an inventory of over 160 bottles available to take away.
Total Wine & More – Tasting hours: Friday, 4-8 p.m., Saturday 12-6 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. 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. 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 p.m. every Saturday in their dining room and you have a no-fail date night.
Whole Foods – Beer & wine specialist, Kamram, hosts beer or wine tastings Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. Also tasting on Friday evenings from 4-8 p.m. but it’s typically beer-focused.
Willem’s on Main – Every Tuesday is Wine Down Day featuring 50% off bottles under $40 all day. Creative lunch and dinner menu and excellent happy hour Tues-Sat are two more reasons to love this downtown Vancouver spot.
**If you like what you’re reading, follow Corks & Forks by clicking the ‘Follow’ button or follow Corks & Forks on Facebook.
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.