Monthly Archives: December 2015
1930’s SW Washington Wine connection featured at Total Wine
A well-stocked shelf at Vancouver, Washington’s Total Wine & More features bottles that might not be there were it not for a little winery that operated in Clark County 80 years ago. In 1935, orchard and dairy farmer, Henry Anderegg, opened Columbia Wineries, Inc. in Hazel Dell—along with his business partner and brother-in-law, Henry Naegeli—and […]
Battle Ground’s newest winery welcoming visitors
Back in November Corks and Forks reported that Battle Ground’s newest winery—Dolio Winery—would be joining the rest of the gang for SW Washington Wine Country’s Thanksgiving Weekend New Release & Barrel Tasting. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond their control, that optimistic opening was pushed out a ways. The good news is that challenges have a way of working out […]
Tips to enjoy a budget-friendly toast for New Year’s revelers
Sparkling fans have heard of the big boys—Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon and Dom Perignon—which come with high-end price tags. This New Year’s, embrace the trend of grower Champagnes or venture just outside the famed Champagne region to serve up value with every effervescent sip. Bob Paulinski, master of wine and senior vice president for […]
Analemma sparkling site in the Gorge
It’s their moment to shine and shine they do as the wire cage—called a muselet— that fits over each bottle’s opening is untwisted, the mushroom-shaped cork is pried out and the familiar pop stirs rounds of laughter and applause. The celebratory effects of Champagne are found in its bubbles and savored in its full, rounded […]
Bubbles the guest of honor all weekend
‘Tis the season for bubbles and they were poured up all over this weekend from the complimentary tasting held most Friday nights at Battle Ground Produce to a sparkling event at Latte da Coffee House and Wine Bar and another at Bleu Door Bakery. At Battle Ground Produce, Andreas Oswald of Noble Wines poured […]
Bring wines that overdeliver to your holiday celebration
We find ourselves smack dab in the middle of the holiday season but the two big ones—Christmas and New Year’s—have yet to arrive. When compiling a shopping list, don’t forget some standout wines to showcase that special occasion menu and, to simplify things, pick them up a few aisles away from the Christmas ham or […]
Seattle’s “first neighborhood” welcomes The Estates Wine Room
Known as the oldest neighborhood in Seattle—with some of its grand brick buildings dating as far back as 1852—the foot traffic around Pioneer Square that had waned over the years is returning thanks to the determined efforts of business owners and long-time residents. Today postage stamp condos fetch nearly $400k, the area is home to […]
Give the gift of a wine club membership this Christmas season
The Christmas season is in full swing and no doubt there’s someone on every list that seems to have it all. If that hard-to-buy-for special someone is a wine lover, you’re in luck. A wine club membership is a terrific gift idea. Just about every winery has a wine club but what exactly is it […]
VanArnam Vineyards brings Rattlesnake Hills AVA to the ‘Couv
The newest winery to join Vancouver’s only co-op, Cellar 55 Tasting Room—located in Uptown Village—hosted their launch party on Saturday night and even Santa Claus was on hand for the occasion. Ridgefield residents Kent and Allison VanArnam chose Zillah, Washington to plant their vineyard due to the area’s reputation as the ideal climate for producing […]
Paul Durant leaving a legacy one tree at a time
Extra virgin olive oil from Italy and Spain is divine. Procure it from California and it can be dubbed ‘local.’ But, did you know that Oregon could be the next up and coming olive oil state if master miller, Paul Durant, has any say in it? Although Durant enjoys the process of olives being pressed […]