When flowers start to bloom in the Yakima Valley, it can only mean one thing, spring has arrived and the annual Spring Barrel Tasting is just around the corner. From April 27-29, 2o12 during Spring Barrel Tasting weekend, Wine Yakima Valley (a regional association of growers and wineries) is opening its collective cellars, vineyards and tasting rooms to give guests a first taste of wines to be finished. A special access Premier Pass ($40-45) affords guests a self-paced, point-to-point sampling at over 40 of Washington’s prolific wine producers in the Yakima Valley.
Photo: Eastern Washington’s Yakima Valley is home to dozens of wineries.
Each winery brings something a little different, and all have added value. In addition to gaining a sneak peek of wines from the barrel to be released, guests can enjoy wine-friendly bites or desserts, meet the growers and winemakers, soak up knowledge, or even enjoy live music. Optional add-on opportunities abound. Don’t forget to bring your own wine glass or purchase on-site.
Guests get the most mileage by purchasing a Premier Pass, which waives the price of sampling at most wineries throughout the weekend and offers discounts on special purchases and exclusive tastings. Purchase your $40 pass online by clicking here; online pass sales end April 22; passes are available at the winery doors during the event weekend.
Wine Yakima Valley’s new mobile wine tour app is a great way to plan a trip via your iPhone or Android. Download the app to get turn-by-turn directions, hours, varietals and more to plan your trip in a snap. Visit the 52 Weeks of Wine blog for additional winery happenings, updates, pass sales and more. Both the blog and app are free and accessible through www.wineyakimavalley.org.
Here are some of the participating wineries during the 2012 Spring Barrel Tasting weekend:
Claar Cellars – Try your palette and your luck at Claar’s Mystery Barrel. Taste out of the barrel Friday through Sunday and see if you can figure out what varietal it is. They will draw one name from the correct guesses Sunday night and that lucky taster will win a case of wine. Or come join their winemaker in the special Premier Pass section Saturday or Sunday to enjoy a bite, taste a selection of unreleased wine and chat with the owners.
Chandler Reach Winery – Enjoy newly released wines and taste upcoming vintages from the barrel while enjoying live music Saturday and Sunday afternoons and gourmet flatbreads. Spring Barrel Specials offered this weekend only.
Gamache Vintners – There will be $5 non-refundable tasting fee to sample their award winning wines. For an additional $5 you can also enjoy their exclusive barrel tasting with owners Bob and Roger Gamache. These fees are waived for Premier Pass holders and wine club members. Garcia’s famous Mexican food will be available for purchase. Enjoy all of this while you relax on the patio with a glass of Gamache wine.
Kana Winery – Barrel samples of incredible 2009 and/or 2010 “Old Vine” Lemberger, Reserve Syrah, and Tempranillo, all from the Yakima Valley, matched to cuisine made with spring-time seasonally fresh local ingredients. Outdoor seating available, weather permitting and an evening party with live unplugged-acoustic folk-rock and blues guitar music.
Sleeping Dog Wines – They will be offering the newly-released 2007 Ciel de Chien, a Merlot-based blend that commemorates their original sleeping dog, along with an enticing selection of white, rose, and red varietals. Make a donation to POPP and take away a bag of oak chips produced from the staves that provided a subtle influence on the wines you taste.
Tapteil Vineyard Winery — They will compare the effects of oak barrel aging on their estate wine, and also releasing their 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. A $5 tasting fee will be waived for Premier Pass holders. Heirloom quality barrel furniture by Stan Gracie will be featured in the tasting room. Gourmet imported olive oil and balsamic vinegar are available for tasting. Enjoy the sweeping views from this notable Red Mountain vineyard.
Thurston Wolfe – Visit the 2012 Northwest Winery Of the Year. Dr. Wade Wolfe will be tasting the 2010 Cabernet Sauvgion out of the barrel from McKinley Springs and Destiny Ridge vineyards. Hours: Sat and Sun 11-4pm. Premier Pass only, the winery will admit the first 400 people. The winery will be tasting the new vintage releases of the PGV,Petite Sirah, Spainard and Sweet Rebecca. Discounts on select wines.
Treveri Cellars – Taste one of the state’s only sparkling wines, which has also been enjoyed at the White House! Handmade truffles will also be offered. Enjoy a 15% case discount.
Willowcrest Winery – Premier Passt holders will be able to enjoy a full range of tastings as well as the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon right out of the French oak barrels. They will also receive a 15% discount on all wine purchases. There will be a $5 tasting fee for non-passport holders who provide their own glass, $10 for those without which includes a collectible glass. They will be serving BBQ on the patio for lunch.
Wilridge Winery & Vineyard – Celebrate Washington State’s newest American Viticultural Area: Naches Heights. Premier Pass holders will be treated to a complimentary tasting of new wines releases from Naches Heights including the first public tasting of Wilridge’s 2010 Estate Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Zweigelt and 2011 Estate Red and White Dessert wines. Bring your walking shoes to enjoy a stroll in the organic and biodynamic vineyards or a hike in the neighboring Cowiche Canyon Nature Preserve. Winemaker Paul Beveridge and Vineyard Manager Callie Bolton will be on hand to discuss the wines and AVA.
Wineglass Cellars – Start on the crush pad as you sample a 2011 red wine from the barrel. Chat with wood artisan, Marx Menzel, and view his display of hand crafted bowls, platters, toy trucks, and more. Enjoy complimentary tastings of their front line wines and reserve wines for $1/taste. Premier Pass holders will receive complimentary tastes of our wines including the reserve wines plus the extra treat of sampling an aged wine from our library. Event pricing offered on some reserve wines.
Yakima Valley Vintners – Student winemakers will be providing complimentary facility tours with educational stations featuring the difference decanting makes, food and wine pairings and a Carmenere barrel tasting. Passport holders will receive a complimentary reserve tasting. All guests will receive a 20% discount on case purchases.
Click here for the complete list of updated Spring Barrel Tasting winery events.