Woodinville: Dine Around Seattle

by Shona Milne on March 1, 2012

It’s that time of year for Dine Around Seattle. Here in Woodinville we have Barking Frog and Purple Cafe and Wine Bar participating.

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. [click to continue…]

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Woodinville Wine Events: March 1st-15th

by Shona Milne on February 29, 2012

Apex at Alder Ridge – March 1st – 6-9pm – Corks and Canvas

Columbia Winery – March 1st – 5-7pm – Industry Night

Alexandria Nicole Cellars – March 1st – 5:30- Girls Night Out

Bin on the Lake – March 1st – 4-6pm – Winemaker Happy Hour – Chris Sparkman of Sparkman Cellars

Sparkman Cellars – March 2nd – 6-8pm – First Friday Happy Hour

Michael Florentino – March 2nd – 5-8pm – First Friday of the Month

Cougar Crest, Otis Kenyon, and Zerba Cellars – March 2nd – 6-9pm – Art, Food and Wine with Vintners Blend Live Music [click to continue…]

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Michael Florentino Cellars: Grand Opening

by Shona Milne on February 21, 2012

Stop in at the new space for Michael Florentino Cellars. They moved to a new space in the warehouse district and they are having their Grand Opening this weekend, Saturday & Sunday25th & 26th from noon to 5pm.

Help us celebrate our much anticipated, new tasting room!
This event is free, open to the public and still located in the wine warehouse district
Complimentary Sangria to remind us that summer is just around the corner!
Food pairings!
Special discounts on Library wines
Special blessing with Father George

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Willows Lodge: Ruthie Willows Passes Away

by Shona Milne on February 16, 2012

I hate to be the bearer of such sad news. Ruthie Willows, the beloved mascot, of Willows Lodge passed away on Monday. She had not been well this past year. She was 12. I was in Willows Lodge last Wednesday and saw her on my way out the door. I didn’t know then it was the last time I would get to pet her and tickle her ears.

Ruthie Willows
Our dear, sweet Ruthie’s time on earth had to come to an end Monday, February 13, 2012.
We are sad for the loss, but we know that her spirit is in so many people:
All the children who giggled when she smiled, and all the adults who melted at her presence.
Ruthie united our Willows Lodge team. She reminded us how to love unconditionally.
She reminded us to be playful, patient and kind.
Ruthie is now pain free and full of joy amongst all of the great dogs in heaven.
She has earned her right to move on. This we know for sure.
Written by Robin Akkerman

Feel free to reach out to Rhanda Rosselot and her family as Rhanda has cared for Ruthie in her home the past few years. I know they will appreciate your words of sympathy.

When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me, but let me go.
This is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone.
It’s all part of the Master’s Plan. It’s a step on the road to home.
Miss me, but let me go.
When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing deeds.
Miss me, but let me go. Author Unknown

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Woodinville Wine Events: February 16th-29th

by Shona Milne on February 15, 2012

WoodWareWine – Feb 16th – 4-8pm – Third Thursday Wine Walk – Chocolate and Wine

Columbia Winery – Feb 17th – 6:30pm – Chef’s Dinner with John Howie

DeLille Cellars – Feb 17th – 5-7pm – Live Music on the Terrace

Apex at Alder Ridge – Feb 17th – 7-10pm – Poker Night

Two Vintners – Feb 17th – 6-9pm – 2009 Merlot & CV Syrah Release

DiStefano Winery – Feb 17th – Movie Night – The Help & Southern Cuisine [click to continue…]

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Walk the Red Carpet: Oscar Party at Columbia Winery

by Shona Milne on February 8, 2012

Would you like to walk the red carpet like George Clooney? Well, there is an opportunity on Sunday, February 26th to have dinner while you watch the Oscars on the big screen at Columbia Winery.

Spend a spectacular evening watching the Academy Awards on our giant screen in the Columbia Room while enjoying fine wine and dinner. There will be a reception prior to dinner and the show with wine tasting and passed Hors D’oeuvres. Watch all the celebrities walk the red carpet on our Tasting Room flat screen, but don’t be surprised if some might show up on our red carpet!

Dress to the nines as if you are walking the red carpet. Best dressed is awarded a prize! [click to continue…]

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Woodinville Wine Events: February 1st-15th

by Shona Milne on January 30, 2012

Willows Lodge – Feb 1st – 5:30-6:30pm – Food & Wine Wednesday

Apex at Alder Ridge – Feb 2nd – 6-9pm – Corks and Canvas

Columbia Winery – Feb 2nd – Industry Night

Tefft Cellars – Feb 2nd – 6:30-9pm – Super Bowl Appetizer Cooking Class

Otis Kenyon, Zerba Cellars and Cougar Crest – Feb 3rd – 5-8pm - Woodinville First Friday Wine with Music

Dusted Valley – Feb 3rd – noon-5pm – Friday Food Pairing Feature

DiStefano – Feb 3rd – 7pm - Soups On! - Family Style Culinary Demonstration Dinner: Cutting and Cooking Techniques for Soothing Soups

Efeste – Feb 4th - Rockin’ Sips – Several great regional wineries and a great show. Proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. [click to continue…]

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Apex at Alder Ridge: Winemaker Peter Devison

by Shona Milne on January 25, 2012

Apex at Alder Ridge is releasing three new wines this Friday evening.

Join Apex at Alder Ridge an Winemaker Peter Devison as they release three new tasting room exclusive wines using 100% Estate fruit from the Alder Ridge vineyards located in the Horse Heaven Hills. 2008 Apex at Alder Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 Apex at Alder Ridge Meritage and 2008 Apex at Alder Ridge Zinfandel. Tickets are $35 per person and include heavy appetizers, wine tasting and great wine discounts. Call 425.408.1796 to order your tickets today.

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Seattle Wine & Food Experience: More to Taste

by Shona Milne on January 22, 2012

The Seattle Wine and Food Experience keeps adding more each year. They are expanding their beer and spirits tasting opportunities with the many wineries who will be pouring. Many Woodinville wineries will be participating.

SEATTLE WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE OFFERS A WORLD OF TASTING
Explore wine, beer, spirits, cider and culinary culture

Experience wines from around the world without leaving Seattle at the fourth annual Seattle Wine and Food Experience, Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. An amazing array of wines will be offered from nine regions, with a special focus on Oregon.

“Unlike other events in the area, the Seattle Wine and Food Experience offers a comprehensive tasting that allows for a greater understanding of wine for the consumer,” said Jamie Peha, owner of Peha Promotions and producer of the Seattle Wine and Food Experience. “Although Washington wines are naturally showcased, this event also includes a special regional focus on Oregon, as well as wines from Idaho, California and major international brands.”

New to the event this year is a Distillery Row, as well as a Beer and Cider exhibit. Both elements will expand the tasting and educational opportunities for guests beyond just wine.

“This event offers something for everyone, whether you love wine, spirits or beer,” said Peha. “It’s the perfect event to highlight the booming craft distillery industry in our state.”

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Auction of Washington Wines: 25th Anniversary

by Shona Milne on January 16, 2012

Some of you may have heard that there will be some changes to the Auction of Washington Wines this year. They are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. I had the opportunity to do an email interview with Sherri Swingle, Auction of Washington Wines Executive Director asking about why the changes came about and what we will see this year. See you at the picnic.

What prompted you, Washington Wine Fest and WSU Celebrate to join forces?

We are so excited to have joined forces with the Washington Wines Festival and Washington State University’s Celebrate Washington Wine Event. This collaboration streamlines the industry’s resources to create one fabulous event celebrating Washington Wine. It also allows for us to jointly create greater opportunities for our beneficiaries. We started the process of collaboration with WSU Celebrate three years ago – the combination of the events was a natural next step. The collaboration with the Washington Wines Festival was an idea that came about a few years ago and we all felt this was the right time to make it happen as we move into the 25th anniversary year of Auction of Washington Wines.

What are the benefits of the joint venture?

We are excited because the collaboration will allow the industry to focus on one cohesive and spectacular summer event. We believe this will help vintners streamline their schedules and resources. In addition, more wineries participating in one event allows for more collaboration among the wineries and attracts more consumer participation. The best part is that patrons will have one fabulous unforgettable weekend of events where they can discover and celebrate Washington Wine! [click to continue…]

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