Spend time wine tasting with mom next weekend

Just in case you’ve forgotten that the second Sunday in May is traditionally Mother’s Day in most countries around the world, you have reason to feel guilty. In one way or another, civilizations have been celebrating motherhood since the days of antiquity.

We’re talking way, way back. Ancient Egypt. Ancient Rome. You get the picture.

The first Mother’s Day was proclaimed in North America in 1870 by Julia Ward Howe, the same woman who wrote The Battle Hymn of the Republic in 1858. Her proclamation came after growing distraught over the carnage of the Civil War. She called on mothers to band together to protest the futility of having their sons kill the sons of other mothers.

In other words, you have very little excuse for not remembering mom.

So, you’re scrambling around, thinking of an appropriate way of honoring mom.

Here’s a hint that’s been floating around since the first Mother’s Day papyrus floated down the Nile River on a barge: spending time with mom generally trumps spending money on mom.

Lucky for you, there is another annual spring celebration that has proven popular with area mothers and their families, allowing the two events to peacefully coexist: the annual spring barrel tasting at area wineries.

Three Spokane Valley wineries – Arbor Crest, Latah Creek and Knipprath – each has the kind of reputation for producing quality wines that makes wine-lovers look forward to each new vintage.

Here are a few suggestions to make visiting these three wineries more enjoyable:

First, be patient. These wineries are popular destinations, and for good reason. The lines can get a tad long, but the rewards are worth the wait. And, as an aside, be especially patient at Latah Creek this weekend. Owners Mike and Ellena Conway are about to become grandparents. According to the winery newsletter, grandpa predicts daughter Natalie will deliver granddaughter Analisa Mae on Tuesday, with the barrel tasting scheduled to run Friday, next Saturday and May 13. If he’s off on his prediction, you might just find yourself in the middle of an added celebration.

Second, enjoy your surroundings. Arbor Crest’s grounds leave you sitting atop the expanse of the Spokane Valley from its vantage point on Riblet’s Point. It’s a popular spot for picnics. Pack a basket and enjoy a meal with a grand view while sampling a bottle of an appropriate Arbor Crest vintage.

Knipprath Cellars is in the old Parkwater Schoolhouse. Of the three Valley wineries, its location requires the most patience while climbing the stairs of the old building and navigating the hallways. But a sample of local port, for example, is worth the wait.

Third, don’t be afraid to jot down a few notes – especially if you really enjoy wine. A barrel tasting is a chance to not only sample the wine, but to also pick the mind of your local winemaker. Keep track of the wines you taste and whether you liked it. It’s frustrating to hit on a meal that would be perfect with a wine you tasted, if you could just remember what it was.

Lastly, wine tasting is fun and educational. Don’t be intimidated by stuffy experts who swirl and sniff and gargle their sample.

Wine tasting is an art, and like art, its enjoyment is in the eye (or in this case, mouth) of the beholder.