Spring Barrel Days A Time To Wine Down

Sat., May 13, 2000

Lynn Gibson Special To The Val

With Bloomsday behind us, it’s time for another rite of spring - and one slightly less strenuous. Spring Barrel Days continues today and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at several Spokane Valley wineries. The annual event, sponsored by the Spokane Winery Association, gives local winemakers an opportunity to showcase young wines.

These new releases - not yet bottled and often still in barrels - are usually available only to winemakers. During Barrel Days, winemakers generously open their barrels for public tasting. Latah Creek, Arbor Crest and Mountain Dome will celebrate Barrel Days with wine and cheese samplings and tours. Winemakers and staff will be on hand to discuss their latest vintages with wine enthusiasts.

Here are the details:

Latah Creek Winery, 13030 E. Indiana, will have sample stations set up throughout the winery to showcase 1999 vintage Cabernet, Merlot and Lemberger wines, according to winemaker Mike Conway.

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruithill Road, will offer guided tours of the historic Cliff House, assorted cheese samplings, and barrel tastings of its 1999 Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is still two years from being bottled, according to Arbor Crest’s winemaker, Kristina Mielke van Loben Sels. New releases of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet-Merlot will also be available for tasting.

Mountain Dome Winery, located off Forker Road in the Mount Spokane foothills, welcomes the public to a rare opening of the familyowned winery, which specializes in sparkling wines. Owners Michael and Patricia Manz and John Mueller will give tours as well as offer tastings of 1994 sparkling wines, according to winemaker Erik Manz. For directions to Mountain Dome, call the winery at 928-2788.

United Way honors youth volunteer

Congratulations to Katrina Swenson of Otis Orchards, a finalist in the youth category of United Way’s Volunteer of the Year Golden Rule Awards.

United Way’s April 26 event celebrated the important work of volunteers in our community.

Swenson, age 19, was nominated for her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Spokane County. She received a plaque and certificate as well as $250 from JC Penney Co. for her nonprofit organization.

Camp Fire candy champions

Three cheers to Camp Fire Boys and Girls’ top candy sellers in the Spokane Valley, listed by age group.

In the Starflight group (kindergarten through second grade), Brenna Strine received top seller status with sales of 803 candy boxes. In the Adventure group (third through fifth grade), Christie Norman was the top seller, with 525 boxes. Amanda Hartley, the winner in the Discovery group (sixth through eighth grade), sold 330 boxes. Proceeds from the candy sales, which ended March 19, will help support local Camp Fire clubs and programs.

Valleyfest: Can you help?

Valleyfest organizers are looking for individuals willing to help with the community celebration Sept. 9 at Terrace View Park.

Prior to the event, volunteers are needed to chair committees and help with fund raising and acquisitions. During Valleyfest, individuals are needed to help manage the parade, character costumes, equipment, banners and crafts. In addition, Valleyfest booths are available for businesses and nonprofit organizations. For information, call Peggy Doering at 924-6829.

Kiwanis spreads kindness

Kudos to the Spokane Valley Kiwanis Foundation for its recent gift of a utility trailer to Camp Fun in the Sun, a summer residence camp for children with diabetes.

The 16-foot-long trailer will be used for hauling and storing equipment, according to camp director Dee Jameson.

The service project was a “perfect fit” with the foundation’s goals to benefit children and meet long-term community needs, says Terri Bowles, foundation chair.

Members of the Kiwanis Foundation are also members of the Kiwanis Club of the Spokane Valley, an international service organization.

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