Nectar = Neato!

When it comes to drinking bottles of wine, I prefer reds. When it comes to buying bottles of wine, I prefer eye-catching labels and under-$12 price tags (because that way if it completely sucks I still have cash in my pocket to try again. I am, of course, talking about buying my own bottle at a store, not in a restaurant because as we all know you’re gonna be hard-pressed to find anything drinkable for under $7 a glass, just about anywhere).

I like to forego my usual gin & tonics for something a little more groovy during the dark, cold winter months. So, when we’re out on the town and the snow is flying, I’ll order a glass of red wine. Unless I recognize a local winery on the menu, I’ll just ask for a glass of house red. If it makes me choke, I’ll order a gin & tonic chaser. If it makes me warm and fuzzy I’ll order another glass. But I never seem to be able to recall the names of those wines I like, (could have something to do with Glass #2 turning into Glass #3 …) and so each time we sit down for drinks I’m flying blind when it’s time to order a drink.

I’d say I have about a 50/50 shot at finding something I like, but I’m hoping a visit to Nectar’s new tasting room will give me better odds.

Nectar Tasting Room is celebrating their Grand Opening this weekend, running today, from noon to 7, then Friday and Saturday from noon to 9. Local DrinkNectar blogger Josh Wade has created a downtown satellite tasting room where five Washington wineries – Anelare from Kennewick; Hard Row to How Vineyards from Lake Chelan; Northwest Cellars from Kirkland; Skylite Cellars fro Walla Walla; and Terra Blanca from Benton City/Red Mountain – share space and offer 30 wines to try and buy, all in one spot.

Did I mention that glasses of wine start at just $4? Guests are invited to keep track of their experience on one of Nectar’s iPads. Score the wines you try, and make note of your faves. Then, next time you drop by for a glass, you’ll know exactly what you like and what you don’t want to try again. What a concept. Cheers!

Click here to visit the DrinkNectar wine blog.

Click here to check out Nectar’s Facebook page.

And click the arrow in that box below to learn more about Nectar and all the cool stuff they’ve got going on.

You’ll find Nectar Tasting Room downtown at 120 N. Stevens.