September 17, 2015 — Grape harvest is underway in Washington state’s first-established appellation, Yakima Valley AVA, and that means wineries will be celebrating harvest during Catch the Crush Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 10-11, 2015. This annual two-day event keeps it lively and fun because there are so many varied winery experiences going on, including grape stomps, harvest and crush activities, vineyard tours, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and of course, plenty of world-class wine tasting opportunities.
Wine Yakima Valley offers the most economical way to experience this annual weekend tradition with the purchase of a Premier Pass for $30. Pass holders receive special discounts, waived tasting fees and exclusive benefits (such as library tastings, tours and food bites not available to the public). From downtown Yakima to rural Zillah, laid-back Prosser and Red Mountain, pass holders can stop at nearly 40 participating wineries along the valley’s route easily accessed along Interstate 82.
TIP: Bring your own wineglass because wineries can’t provide enough stemware during this busy event, so either bring your own or buy one at your first winery stop. A travel-smart way to transport your wine glass between stops is to place it inside a small brown paper sack, twisting the bag around the stem and then folding the top edges of the bag inside the top of the glass to protect it.
Here are just a few examples of what visitors can expect during Catch the Crush:
Tapteil Vineyard Winery
Stomp grapes at Tapteil Vineyard Winery while enjoying a sweeping panoramic view of the Red Mountain AVA and the entire Yakima River Valley from this hilltop terrace. Bring a camera and a picnic. Taste estate grown wines and imported olive oil and vinegars in the tasting room. Winemaker and grape grower, Larry Pearson and label artist, Jane Pearson, will be on hand to chat during your visit. A $5 tasting fee will be waived for Premier Pass holders. Premier Passes are available for sale at this location.
Naches Heights Winery
Premier Pass holders will receive a 20% discount on cases of Riesling along with waived tasting fees. Food will be available for purchase both days. Twisted Sisters catering will be on site October 11th. Live music both weekend days. Grape samples if they are still available.
Masset Winery
Waived tasting fees for Premier Pass holders, special prices on several wines and samples of handmade Belgian chocolate truffles. Samples of freshly fermented (or partially fermented) wine and late-picked Gewurtraminer grapes will be available as well.
Côte Bonneville
Complimentary tasting of the new Train Station Cabernet Sauvignon for all Premier Pass holders. $10 fee for Premier Pass holders to taste Côte Bonneville wines. ($20 fee for tasters without a Premier Pass.) This past April winemaker Kerry Shiels embarked on a journey to Nepal for adventure. During her visit Nepal was hit with a disastrous earthquake, and to show her support all tasting fees from Catch the Crush will go to help rebuild Nepal. Premier Passes are available for sale at this location.
Terra Blanca
Premier Pass holders will be able to enjoy complimentary wine tastings of the estate-grown Signature Series wines, waiving the normal $10 tasting fee. Mount Townsend Creamery will be on site with a variety of delicious cheese samples that pair with Terra Blanca wines. The Terra Blanca Vineyard Grill will be open for lunch all weekend with service beginning at noon. Premier Passes are available for sale at this location.