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Barrels of fun in store for Mom

By Lorie Hutson lorieh@spokesman.com(509) 459-5446

Spokane Winery Association members are rolling out the barrels in honor of moms and spring.

The 18 local wineries will host wine-tasting events from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday during the annual Mother’s Day Spring Barrel Tasting.

Winemakers will showcase wares in all stages of the winemaking process, including wines still in barrels and tanks and new release vintages. They will be on hand to talk about the process of turning grapes into wine and answer questions.

Most wineries require a tasting fee, which often can be applied to any purchases.

Two of Spokane’s youngest wineries will be pouring from a new location. Emvy Cellars and BridgePress Cellars will be featured at 32 W. Second Ave., Suite 100.

The new Marketplace Wine Bar is located in the same building as the Sun People Dry Goods Company. An adjacent building is the future home of the Spokane Public Market. There is free parking near the corner of West Second Avenue and Browne Street.

The Marketplace Wine Bar will celebrate its opening weekend by staying open until 9 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

Spokane wineries are scattered throughout downtown, across Spokane Valley and up into the foothills of Mount Spokane. Start at a favorite winery and grab a map of other Spokane Winery Association destinations. They also offer an online map of all the wineries and suggested self-guided tours at www.spokane wineries.net.

For a Scenic Bluffs Tour, hit Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, Mountain Dome Winery and Townshend Cellar. The Spokane Valley Tour includes Knipprath Cellars, Latah Creek Wine Cellars, Liberty Lake Wine Cellars and Nodland Cellars. These are great tours for wine lovers with designated drivers.

Walkers can hit quite a few destinations right in downtown Spokane. The Historic East End and River Falls Tour includes Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (downtown tasting room), Caterina Winery, Lone Canary Winery, Overbluff Cellars and Vintage Hill Cellars.

The Historic Downtown and Carnegie Tour hits Barilli Cellars, Barrister Winery, Bridge Press Cellars, Emvy Cellars, Grande Ronde Cellars, Robert Karl Cellars and Whitestone Winery.

We’re always looking for fresh food news. Write to: The Fresh Sheet, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Call (509) 459-5446, fax to (509) 459-5098 or send an e-mail to lorieh@spokesman.com.