On Monday, April 2nd beginning at 10:00AM, people will be able to purchase tickets to our 2012 Iron Vintner Challenge. Note: only the winemaker dinner is reserved directly at the Barking Frog.

Dates:  (Tickets for first 3 events – $50 per person)

Wednesday, June 6 – Jerry Riener from Guardian Cellars VS Kevin Correll from Barrage Cellars

Wednesday, June 13 – Morgan Lee from Covington Cellars VS Ross Andrew Mickel from Ross Andrew Winery

Wednesday, June 20 – Championship Round – Winner of Week 1 VS Winner of Week 2

Wednesday, June 27 – Winemaker Dinner in the Barking Frog – 7:00PM, multi-course dinner paired with wines from all four wineries, $135 p/p – reservations made directly with the Frog for this dinner.

If you’re not familiar with the Iron Vintner Challenge, basically it’s a head-to-head cooking competition for Woodinville winemakers to prepare an appetizer and an entrée in one hour for our celebrity panel of judges.  Chef Bobby Moore acts as emcee for the event and unveils their secret protein just before they start to cook.

Each of the cooking events runs from 5:30-approx 7:30PM out on the patio of Fireside Cellars (which is tented with clear tenting).  Entrance to the tent opens at 4:30PM.

Whether you live in the Seattle area or are just visiting, Dine Around Seattle is a fine-dining experience you don’t want to miss. Now in its tenth year, this bi-annual promotion has become so woven into the culinary culture of our area, that locals and visitors alike eagerly await its arrival.

Here’s how Dine Around Seattle works… Each March and November, Sundays through Thursdays, Seattle area’s finest restaurants offer 3-course dinners for a mere $30. This includes selections for appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Many of the restaurants also offer lunch for $15. Prices do not include beverage, tax and gratuity.

Many of the wineries will be providing food but for those of you who might be looking for something more I’ve provided a list ot local place to eat during or after St Nicks.

The Twisted Cafe – 12631 NE Woodinville Drive – 425-806-7203

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers – 17705 140th Avenue NE – 425-408-1604

Apex at Alder Ridge - 14450 Woodinville Redmond Road. Suite 105 – 425.408.1796

Russell’s Dining & Bar – 3305 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell – 425-486-4072

Village Wines – 14450 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE #111 - 425-485-3536

Purple Cafe –  14459 Woodinville Redmond Rd. NE - 425.483.7129

The Garden Cafe at Molbaks – 13625 NE 175th Street -425-486-4072

Barking Frog & Fireside Cellars at Willows Lodge – 14580 NE 145th Street – 425-424-2999 & 425-424-3000

Big Fish Grill – 13706 NE 175th – 425 – 487-3474

Italianissimo – 15608 NE Woodinville-Duvall Place – 425-485-6888

Mazatlan – 14450 Woodinville Redmond Road – 425-483-6633

Pasta Nova – 17310 140th Ave NE – 425-483-3716

Woodinville Cafe – 14170 NE Woodinville-Duvall Road – 425-489-1403

Join Butler & our featured restaurant every Friday for our Friday Night Wine & Dine series.  Every 3 months we partner with a new local restaurant to bring you the best of local fare & wine.  During this two & a half hour tour on our roomy but intimate Mercedes Benz Sprinters, Stuart Butler aka “The Wine Stuart” or one of his hand picked and trained chauffeurs, guide you through at least 3 of Woodinville’s finest wineries and tasting rooms.  Our insider relationships with the winemakers and owners will get you unique access that goes beyond all other so called wine tours.  Wine purchased during the tour will have the corkage fee waived.  We’ll have you smiling and laughing all night long; wine does that.

$25 per person + tax for the wine tour of 3 premium wineries; tasting fees included. Gratuity not included. Reservations are required.

The tour departs at 3:30 and returns at 6:00 pm from the featured restaurant.

Contact us at 206.233.9233 for reservations.

Please visit http://www.butlerseattle.com/wine-dine/ to learn more about this months featured restaurant.

Our featured restaurant this month is the 1916 Kaysner Estate in historic downtown Bothell, Preservation Kitchen.

2011 Winner Chris Gorman with Chef Bobby Moore - Photo - Jeff Caven

Willows Lodge, a Northwest retreat in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country, announces results from the second annual Iron Vintner Challenge which took place throughout the month of June 2011. The event raised $30,000 for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center to support its mission to improve the bodies, minds and spirits of children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy. This is more than double the amount raised since the event started last year.

“This event had an incredible energy and it was amazing to see the generous contributions made by our Woodinville winemakers, partners and attendees,” said Shaun Tucker, General Manager, Willows Lodge.

Winning Dish by Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery - Photo Jeff Caven

The month-long culinary competition was emceed and led by Barking Frog’s Executive Chef Bobby Moore, who presented the winemakers with a different secret ingredient each week and 60 minutes in which to prepare an appetizer and entrée for a panel of celebrity judges. Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery ultimately won the competition, beating out his fellow Winemakers John Bigelow of JM Cellars, Chris Sparkman of Sparkman Cellars and Chris Upchurch of DeLille Cellars for the title of 2011 Iron Vintner.

Each competition featured a live auction led by Auctioneer David Silverman to benefit Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. Auction items included signed magnums from participating winemakers, one-of-a-kind culinary experiences and even the food being cooked at the competition. The Iron Vintner Challenge concluded on June 29, 2011 with a special Championship Winemaker Dinner at Barking Frog.

“Willows Lodge’s Iron Vintner Challenge is an amazing event that benefits Little Bit in so many ways.  Not only does it provide an excellent opportunity for us to expand our community of volunteers, corporate partners and build new donor relationships, it also raises awareness about the life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities that Little Bit provides each week,” said Kathy Alm, Executive Director, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. “We are so thankful to Willows Lodge and Chef Moore for this community partnership and their on-going support.”

About Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center

Founded in 1976, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center is a leader in the field of therapeutic horseback riding and the first nationally accredited program of its kind in the Northwest.  Little Bit’s mission is to improve the bodies, minds and spirits of children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy.  The center also strives to be an inspiration and educational resource to the therapeutic riding profession and was recognized with the Delta Society’s Model Program Award of Excellence for providing outstanding service, while bringing people and animals together. www.littlebit.org

About Willows Lodge

Willows Lodge, a Northwest style lodge located in Woodinville Wine Country just outside of Seattle, features 84 luxury guestrooms, a full-service spa and high-tech equipped meeting space.  Executive Chef Bobby Moore’s American regional cuisine at Barking Frog reflects the seasonal and organic produce found in Puget Sound, and is artfully paired with an extensive list of Washington wines.  Willows Lodge also boasts Fireside Cellars, offering a casual and sophisticated atmosphere tucked away in the lobby with an outdoor patio overlooking the expansive surrounding landscape.  www.willowslodge.com.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and the Personal Luxury Collection℠.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark’s international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. Benchmark Hospitality is also a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  The company’s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

Challenger Ridge – Fri, June 24th – 5pm until The Burgers Are Gone! – Dicks Cheeseburgers Happy Hour

Kestrel Vintners – Fri, June 24th – - 5pm-7pm- Wine and Cheese

Matthews Estate – Fri, June 24th – 5-7pm – Friday Night Live

Dusted Valley – Sat, June 25th – 2009 Mourvedre Release

Covington Cellars – Sat, June 25th – 6:30-9:30 – Winemaker Dinner

Adams Bench – Sat, June 25th – noon-4pm – Open at the Winery

DiStefano – Sat, June 25th – 7:30pm – Summer Cigar Dinner & Bonfire

Woodinville Wine Cellars – Sat, June 25th – 1-5pm – 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Release

Elsom Cellars – Sat, June 25th – noon-5pm – Bottled Art exhibit of hand blown glass

Matthews Estate – Sat, June 25th – 12:30-2:30 – Cooking Class with Landau’s Cathering

Anton Ville – Sat & Sun, June 26th & 26th – 1-5pm – Wine and Cheese Pairings

Michael Florentino Cellars – Sat & Sun, June 25th & 26th – Celebrate Saint Jean-Baptiste Day

Sparkman Cellars – Sat & Sun, June 25th & 26th – 1-5pm – Summer Release at the Warehouse

Tefft Cellars – Sat & Sun, June 25th & 26th – 2010 Pinot Grigio & 2010 White Riesling Releases

Patterson Cellars – Sat & Sun, June 25th & 26th – noon-5pm – Woodslake Due Anni Release

Pondera Cellars – Sat & Sun, June 25th & 26th – noon-5pm - 2008 Sericus & 2010 Rosé Release

Darby Winery – Sat & Sun, June 25th & 26th – noon-6pm – 2010 Le Deuce and our 2009 Stonetree Vineyard Mourvedre Release

Woodhouse Wine Estates – Sun, June 26th – 1-5pm – Rose Release Party

Celeano Winery – Sun, June 26th – 2-8pm – Second Release Celebration

Brian Carter Cellars – Sun, June 26th – All Day -Savant Club Vineyard Tour

Covington Cellars – Sun, June 26th – 1-5pm – Summer Bash

Village Wines – Mon, June 27th – 5-8pm – Tasting Around the World Chile and Argentina

Willows Lodge – Wed, June 29th – Four course Winemaker Dinner with Chris Gorman, Chris Sparkman, John Bigelow, and Chris Upchurch from the Iron Vintner Challenge.

Columbia Winery – Wed, June 29th – 5-7pm – 1/2 Price Flatbread Pizzas & Wines by the Glass

Italianissimo – Wed, June 29th – 5:30-7:30 – Gramercy Cellars @ Wine Wednesday

Matthews Estate – Wed, June 29th – 6-9pm – Winemaker Dinner at Hotel 1000 with BOKA chef Angie

Ross Andrew Winery – Thurs, June 30th – 4-8pm – BYOMeat or BBQable. They provide the grills.

Alexandria Nicole Cellars – Thurs, June 30th – 6:30-930 – The Art of Wine and Film

Italianissimo – Thurs, June 30th – 6-9pm -Grillin’ 101 at Woodinville Wine Cellars

Round 2 was between John Bigelow of JM Cellars and Chris Upchurch of DeLille Cellars. The secret ingredient for this round was clams. John of JM Cellars was cooking up clams in breadcrumbs as an appetizer and scallops and clams with a large couton to soak up the broth for his entree’. Chris of DeLille Cellars was prepping his appetizer and entree’ when he cut his hand 12 minutes into the challenge and the clock had to be stopped. With a band-aid and a glove on the cut hand he picked his knife back up and went to work on his chorizo, clam, Yukon potato dish with onions, bell peppers and no spices. He believes that the flavor should come from the ingredients. Chris also used a little DeLille Roussanne in his dish.

Iron Vintner Challenge 2011 Secret Ingredient

The first round was last week between Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery and Chris Sparkman of Sparkman Cellars. The winner of Round 1 was Chris Gorman.

And the winner of Round 2 is………………Chris Upchurch of Delille Cellars. So, this means that next week’s final will be Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery vs. Chris Upchurch of Delille Cellars.

The championship round is Wednesday, June 22nd from 5:30-7pm and tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.

There is also a four course winemaker dinner on, Wednesday, June 29th. It will feature all four winemakers in the Barking Frog. Tickets for this dinner are $135 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the Barking Frog at (425) 424-2999. You can peruse the menu and see which wines are being poured; it might help you make the decision to attend.

The Iron Vintner Challenge benefits Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville. They provide equine-assisted activities and therapy for children and adults with disabilities. Their mission is to improve bodies, minds and spirits through equine-assisted therapy.

Village Wines – Fri, June 17th – 5-8pm – Winemaker Friday Carol Parsons with Red Sky Winery

Matthews Estate – Fri, June 17th – Friday Night Live

Tefft Cellars – Fri, June 17th - Estate Wines & Gourmet Cheese Pairing!

Kestrel Vintners – Fri, June 17th – 5pm-7pm for Wine and Cheese

Apex at Alder Ridge – Fri, June 17th – Friday Night West Coast Swing Dance Lesson

Cougar Crest – Sat, June 18th – Grand Opening

DiStefano Winery – Sat, June 18th – 7pm – Five Course Wine Dinner – NW Seafood Celebration

Hollywood Hill Vineyards – Sat, June 18th – noon-5pm – Winemaker and father Steve Snyder will be manning the grill

Alder Ridge – Sat, June18th – 5-9pm – Saturday Unplugged

Chateau Ste. Michelle – Sat, June 18th – Jethro Tull Concert

Goose Ridge & Canon de Sol – Sat, June 18th – 5-7pm – Summer Concert Series

William Church – Sat, June 18th – noon-5pm – Malbec Release Party

Dusted Valley – Sat & Sun, June 18th & 19th – noon-5pm – Celebrate Dog Days of Spring with Dad and Dogs

Anton Ville – Sat & Sun , June 18th & 19th  - 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Release Event

Brian Carter – Sun, June 19th – 11am-4pm – Summer Solstice

Matthews Estate – Sun, June 19th – noon-6pm – Dads, bring a picture of your kids and we will waive your tasting fee!

Otis Kenyon – Sun, June 19th – 2008 Merlot Release

Silver Lake Winery – Sun, June 19th – 1-4pm Father’s Day Event

Village Wines – Tue, June 21st – 5-8pm – Tasting with Steele Vintners

Goose Ridge – Tue, June 21st – 6-8pm – Late Night Happy Hour with Live Music

Columbia Winery – Wed, June 22nd – 5-7pm – 1/2 Prince flatbread pizzas and wines by the glass

Willows Lodge – Wed, June 22nd – 5:30-7pm – Championship of the Iron Vintner Challenge with Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery vs Chris Upchurch of DeLille Cellars

Italianissimo – Wed, June 22nd – 5:30-7:30- Robert Ramsay Cellars @ Wine Wednesday

Ross Andrew – Thurs, June 23rd – 4-8pm – BYOMeat or BBQable – We will have seating and grills set up for all of your BBQ needs.

Village Wines – Fri, June 10th – 5-8pm – Winemaker Friday with Ray Walsh from Capitello Wines

Matthews Estate – Fri, June 10th – 7-9pm – Friday Night Live

Kestrel Vintners – Fri, June 10th – 5-7pm – Wine by the Glass & Cheese Plates

Two Vintners – Fri & Sat, June 10th & 11th – Release Party

Tefft Cellars – Sat, June 11th – 2-4pm – Meet photographer Richard Duval of VineLines and view his wine photography exhibit, Art from the Vine, which runs through June 30th

Village Wines – Sat, June 11th – 3pm-9pm – Beverly Hansen with Artistic Escapes Photography Show

Matthews Estate – Sat, June 11th – 6-9pm – Corks and Canvas

Davenport Cellars – Sat, June 11th – 5-8pm – Meet the Artist Gary A Gibson

Kestrel Vintners – Sat, June 11th – 10am-1pm – Chocolate Truffle Making Class

Chateau Ste Michelle – Sat, June 11th – A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor

Isenhower Cellars – Sat, June 11th – noon-5pm – First Reserve Release

Flying Dreams – Sat & Sun, June 11th & 12th – noon-5pm – 2010 Little Rojo release

Tefft Cellars – Sat & Sun, June 11th & 12th – 11am-7pm – 2010 Rosato de’ Sangiovese Release

Pondera Winery – Sat & Sun, June 11th & 12th – noon-5pm – 2008 Sericus and 2008 Cuvee Release

Anton Ville – Sat & Sun, June 11th & 12th – 1-5pm – Red Wine & Chocolate Pairing

Challenger Ridge – Sat & Sun, June 11th & 12th – Work in the Vineyard removing Buds from the Vines

DeLille Cellars – Sun, June 12th – 2-6pm – Summer Solstice

Chateau Ste Michelle – Sun, June 12th – An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt

Village Wines – Mon, June 13th – 5-7pm – Tasting Around the World – Portugal

Willows Lodge – Wed, June 15th – 5:30-7:30 - IRON VINTNER CHALLENGE – Preliminary Challenge featuring John Bigelow from JM Cellars VS Chris Upchurch from DeLille Cellars.

Italianissimo – Wed, June 15th – 5:30-7:30 – Covington Cellars @ Wine Wednesday

Columbia Winery – Wed, June 15th – 5-7pm – 1/2 Price flatbread pizza and wine by the glass

Ross Andrew Winery – Thurs, June 16th – 4-8pm – BYOMeat or BBQable and they provide the grill.

Apex at Alder Ridge – Thurs, June 16th – 6-9pm – Corks and Canvas Paint Party

Wood Ware Wine – Thurs, June 16th – 4-8pm – Third Thursday Wine Walk