Area wineries part of tasting event
As you cruise through the Spokane Valley along Interstate 90 this weekend, roll down your window. If you do, the scent of barbecue should lead you to Latah Creek Winery and Gift Shop.
This weekend is the annual Spokane Winery Association’s Spring Barrel Tasting, a Mother’s Day Weekend staple in the wine community for more than a decade. Ten local wineries throughout the Greater Spokane Area take part – opening their doors today and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
And it’s a chance for Spokane Valley’s premier wineries to show off just a little as one winemaking year ends and a new one begins.
Latah Creek will premiere its 2003 merlot this weekend along with a barrel sampling of its 2005 vintage.
“People will get a chance to compare,” vintner Mike Conway explained. “They’ll find an exceptional amount of fruit. It’s just a great merlot.”
The merlot is only part of the attraction – and it’s not what figures to entice visitors from the freeway as drivers pass next to the winery’s location, 13030 E. Indiana Ave.
“We always like to do food along with our wine,” Conway said. “This year we’re doing a barbecued brisket that will be cooking for 16 hours before we carve it.
“The weather is supposed to be outstanding, so all you have to do is follow your nose.”
On top of Riblet’s Point, Arbor Crest has something different in store for visitors.
In addition to a colorful array of blooming tulips and the best panoramic view of Spokane Valley to be found, winemaker Kristina Mielke-van Loben Sels and her husband, Jim van Loben Sels, will offer tastes from barrels of their newest syrah.
The winemakers are testing two different yeast strains, so tasters will be afforded a rare chance to see, and taste, some of what goes into crafting a fine red wine.
In addition to tasting new wines, visitors will have an opportunity to meet the winemakers
“We like doing events like this,” Conway said. “We have four events each year when we invite people in, and the Spokane Winery Association has two more annual events. They’re always fun and we get quite a few people in to see what we’ve been up to.
“In our case, we’ve worked hard to make sure our gift show always has something new and interesting for people to come by and see.”