Merlot Gone Mad

Event: Merlot Gone Mad
Date: May 2, 2010
Time: 3:00-6:00pm
Location: Tulalip Resort Casino
Tickets: $45

Washington State merlot is among the finest in the world and there is a movement locally that reinforces that now is the time for merlot to reclaim its rightful seat at the table…the wine table, that is. Washington State merlots have over-delivered in quality for many years, yet merlot has still received a bad rap. Merlot Gone Mad is here to change that, and on May 2, 2010 at Tulalip Resort Casino more than fifty Washington State wineries will showcase their finest merlots and educate attendees as to why this varietal that flourishes in our state is actually a secret weapon. Merlot Gone Mad is a benefit for the Washington Wine Industry 501c3 Foundation.

Seattle Times columnist Paul Gregutt recently wrote that “recent data reported that merlot actually turns out to be the most-purchased wine variety – red or white – in the country. “ Paul goes on to say that in Washington State many vintners actually blend merlot into their Cabernets to improve the wine. In a state where Merlot can stand on its own and improve quality, texture and flavor in other blends; its time to let the secret out and bring everyone else to the party. On March 25^th, the first Twitter Washington merlot tasting had folks across the globe tasting Washington merlot and sharing their views via social media. Truly new ground for connecting merlot lovers and offering wineries the opportunity to gain followers, raise awareness and get their wines moving. This superstar grape was also recently touted in a Costco Connections article by Annette Alvarez-Peters where she stated “Washington merlots are fruit forward, well balanced, structured and delicious. The vineyards of eastern Washington are ideal for producing high-quality merlot grapes. Long, warm to hot days and cool, dry nights allow for optimum acidity levels and stunning flavor development.”

Workshop Slated on Hard Cider Making and Orcharding

August 22, 2009
10:00 am	to	2:00 pm

From colonial times until well into the 20th century hard cider was overwhelmingly the predominate beverage in the United States, consumed more than whiskey, wine, and beer put together. In fact, the U.S. apple crop was so devoted to the manufacture of hard cider that during prohibition many farmers cut down huge orchards of mature apple trees, because they were unable to come up with another profitable use for the fruit.

Washington State University Snohomish County Extension is sponsoring a workshop on what it takes to grow and maintain a cider orchard as well as providing a broad overview of the cider-making process. The workshop will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ed’s Apples in Sultan. Ed’s Apples is located at 13420 339th Ave SE, Sultan, just off SR 2.

Participants will learn the steps necessary to create a quality hard cider product, a rapidly growing small farm niche product. WSU Tree Fruit Specialist Gary Moulton will provide an in-depth overview of the topic, including a discussion of varietal selection, growing and harvest information, as well as an informal look at the production steps from raw fruit to finished bottle.

Cost is $65 per person (early bird registration is $55 per person before Aug. 12) and includes a box lunch.

To register, download a form at www.snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/hardcider09.pdf and mail with your check, or contact Karie Christensen at 425/357.6039 or by e-mail at klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu.

For more information contact Andrew Corbin, corbina@wsu.edu or 425.357.6012.

Junior 600 Night at Safeco Field

July 26, 2009
6:00 pm	to	8:30 pm

On June 9, 2008, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th career home run amid a standing ovation of 16,000 fans in the Dolphin Stadium in Miami while he was playing for the Cincinatti Reds. He is only the sixth player in MLB history to accomplish such a feat, joining the ranks of Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa. Now that he’s back in Seattle, playing for the Mariners, the accolades keep coming. After all, 398 of those homers occurred during his previous tenure on the M’s from 1989-1999.

On July 26, the Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation is hosting Junior 600 Night at the Safeco Field 1st Base Terrace Club to commemorate that 600th homer, and to benefit the Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Ken Griffey Jr. Family Foundation.

So, why are you reading about this at WINO? Well, Junior 600 night will feature the release of “Junior 600,” a limited-edition labeling of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Ethos 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 600 individually-numbered, autographed and authenticated bottles were produced.

There will also be a live and silent auction of autographed sports memorabilia from legends such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Grady Sizemore, and attendees can meet the man himself, Ken Griffey Jr. while munching on food & drinks.

To purchase tickets or to reserve a bottle/case, please call the Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation office at 206-987-2837. Tickets are $350 per person, and all proceeds will benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Ken Griffey Jr. Family Foundation. Ticket price includes one autographed bottle of the Junior 600.