March is Here Already!
Submitted March 6th, 2010
March is coming up….Oops…It seems March is here already. It snuck up on me while I was in February, still…. and with it, Washingon Wine Month. Jan Lutz, Eno member and Executive Direxctor of the Columbia River Wine Country association, sent me some information I thought would be of interest to the wine society..
Because this is Washington Wine Month, you will find great prices in grocery stores and in the state liquor stores. Recently we got the Columbia Crest Grand Estates Riesling and the Columbia Crest Vineyard #10 red wine at $5.40 each with purchase of six.
Of course, barrel tasting will be coming up in May, and we’ll all have many opportunities to take part in wine-related events then. March is an “in-between” month when the winter we didn’t have is about over but spring has not yet arrived. As you know, if you noted the Wenatchee Valley Enological Society calendar I sent out earlier, no one has volunteered to take on the task of chairing a Regional Dinner this year. However, I think you will find other opportunities in the area for wine dinners and tastings.
Yes indeed! JUST IN! While not a dinner, a fun event will be held March 18 at the Cashmere Riverside Center, where the very popular Laurel Ridge winery from Oregon will present its excellent wines. This is another value-priced event: $10 members; $12.50 guests, I think. Details are posted on the Events page.
Chateau Faire le Pont has a new name for its restaurant: The Chateau. The new chef, Michael Ables, has a fantastic sounding new menu which we can’t wait to try. More information is available at www.fairelepont.com where you can see the lunch and dinner menus. Also, Faire le Pont has futures on its 2007 wines. We’ve never been disappointed in any we’ve purchased. Other wineries sell futures, too, so check with you favorite one and buy a bargain. You know I love bargains!
Local grocery stores have a plentiful supply of daffodils and tulips right now, and often at a great price, so we can bring a little spring inside. One small, colorful bouquet helps chase the S.A.D. away until our own area is blooming again.
See you March 18, I hope. I’m looking forward to more of the fantastic foods like the ones you brought in February. Laurel Ridge makes wonderful Pinot Noir, so earthy, mushroomy foods or coq au vin, salmon, lamb and pork are good choices. Here is a link to some interesting discussions about what foods to prepare for a Pinot Noir tasting.
Only 20 more days ‘til Spring!
Joanne