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Sat., Nov. 18, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Next up, the Cabernet

Nearly a dozen local wineries will be offering tastes of their current vintages today and Sunday during the annual Holiday Wine Fest. Entertainment is planned and refreshments will be served. A variety of wines will be available for tasting, from the new 2002 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at Barrister and a second release of the popular Natalie's Nectar at Latah Creek.

Participating wineries include Arbor Crest, Barrister, Caterina, Grande Ronde, Knipprath, Latah Creek, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome, Robert Karl Cellars and Townshend Cellars. A map showing the way will be available at all locations. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both today and Sunday.

Of course, the wineries will be selling wine and other treats, so feel free to do a little Christmas shopping for your favorite wine connoisseur. But do everyone a favor and bring a designated driver along on your tasting trip.

Ho, ho, ho

It's never to early to tell Santa what you want in your stocking on Christmas morning, especially if you want something expensive and hard to find like the new Play Station 3. Santa is already on duty in the Valley Mall. His hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

A visit with Santa is always free, but there is a fee for pictures with the jolly one. Santa will be one duty through Christmas Eve.

Today

“Nunsense” - Musical comedy presented by the CVHS Theatre Department; 7:30 p.m., Central Valley High School, Central Valley Performing Arts Center, 821 S. Sullivan Ave. $6/at the door. 228-5154.

“The Crucible” - Presented by University High School; 7 p.m., University High School Performing Arts Theatre, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. $6/adults, $5/students and seniors. 228-5293.

Holiday Wine Fest - Sample local wines and shop at local wineries Arbor Crest, Barrister, Caterina, Grande Ronde, Knipprath, Latah Creek, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome, Robert Karl Cellars and Townshend Cellar. Maps available at all locations. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues Sunday. 926-0710.

Santa at Spokane Valley Mall - Visit Santa Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Runs through Dec. 24. Spokane Valley Mall. 926-3700.

Spokane Valley Museum High Tea - The event includes food, tea, entertainment, raffles and author Florence Boutwell signing and selling her Valley history books. Proceeds benefit the museum. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 12114 E. Sprague. $12. 922-4570.

VFW Bazaar - A fall bazaar featuring Christmas decor, silent auction and Mickey Mouse collectibles. Lunch items will be available; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., VFW Hall, 212 S. David. 535-9315.

Sunday

All-ages dance - Dance to music by the Country Jammers. There will be an open-mike session from 2-3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is by donation; 1-4 p.m., Tri Community Grange, one block north of Trent on Starr Road. (509) 926-3803.

Monday

Overeaters Anonymous - The group meets Mondays 5-6 p.m. and Fridays, 10-11 a.m., Room 105; Spokane Valley Community Center, 10814 E. Broadway. 924-0624.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly - TOPS members meet every Monday; 9-11 a.m., Broadway Court Estates, 13505 E. Broadway. 922-3874.

Tuesday

Alzheimer’s Support Group - The group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month; 1 p.m., Good Samaritan Village, 17121 E. Eighth. 924-6161.

Wednesday

Free Thanksgiving dinner – Sponsored by VFW Post 1435; 4:30-6:30 p.m., VFW Hall, 212 S. David. 535-9315.

Nicotine Anonymous - The group meets every Wednesday; 4:45 p.m., Spokane Valley Community Center, 10814 E. Broadway. 926-9804.

Friday

Fish and Chips Dinner - Hosted by the Elks Lodge; 5:30-7 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $6.50. 926-2328.

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