Area farmers markets open

Farmers market season is here.

The Farmers Market at Sandpoint opened last weekend. The market is held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays in Farmin Park. And a new farmers market in Spokane began last Friday and will be held each week from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Center on Sixth, 1717 W. Sixth Ave.

This Saturday, the Spokane Farmers Market, Kootenai County Farmers Market in Hayden, Idaho, and Pend Oreille Valley Farmers Market in Newport, Wash., start their seasons.

The Spokane Farmers Market is held at Second and Division in downtown Spokane. It is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. In June, the Wednesday markets begin.

The Kootenai County Farmers Market is Saturdays at Prairie Avenue and Highway 95 in Hayden. The Wednesday market in downtown Coeur d’Alene, on Fifth Street south of Sherman and Front, begins next week. Market hours are 4 to 7 p.m.

The Pend Oreille Valley Farmers Market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Spruce and Union in Newport, Wash.

Most other markets are starting mid- to late May. Watch for a story on area farmers markets in next Wednesday’s Food section.

Coeur d’Alene Wine Cellars scores

Accolades keep rolling in for the wines at Coeur d’Alene Wine Cellars.

Wine Spectator magazine editors awarded the winery’s 2006 Opulence a score of 91 on its 100-point tasting scale. Reviewers described the wine, sold for $40, as “bright and jazzy” with “juicy blackberry and lime flavors on a raucous frame, persisting on the finish. Needs time to settle.” Editors say the wine will be drinking best from 2012 through 2016.

Wine Spectator reviewers also liked the winery’s 2005 Washington Syrah ($28), giving it 90 points. “Lithe, focused and distinctive for the way its blueberry, plum and spice flavors glide easily through a veil of fine-grained tannins, emerging expressively on the finish. Best from 2010 through 2015,” the review said.

Coeur d’Alene Wine Cellars is at 3890 N. Schreiber Way, in Coeur d’Alene. Reach the winery at (208) 664-2336 or www.cdacellars.com.