Calendar of Events

EDITOR’S NOTE: To promote your wine event on our Calendar of Events, simply e-mail the specifics about the event to: chuck@discoverwashingtonwine.com. It’s best to send the information about your event a minimum of 30 days in advance.

Next Episode of “Sommlight” Series

Scheduled for Tuesday, November 2nd

Make sure to check out the next episode of the Washington Wine Commission’s “Sommlight Series.”  Featuring Chris Horn, Beverage Director at Seattle’s Heavy Restaurant Group and former Washington State Sommelier of the Year, the episode will be aired on Tuesday, Nov. 2.  Heavy Restaurant Group owns seven restaurants in the Seattle area, including Purple Café and Barrio Mexican Kitchen. 

Hosted by the Wine Commission’s Marketing Director David Flaherty, “Sommlight” was launched in July of 2020 as a weekly series of virtual conversations with well-known sommeliers and other wine professionals. Beginning in January, 2021, however, the frequency of episodes was changed to twice a month. And in May, 2021, the frequency of episodes changed to once a month.

 “Sommlight unveils the other side of sommeliers and wine professionals, showcasing their humor, humanity and depth,” Flaherty explains. “Sommeliers are so professional by nature that it’s been fascinating to pull back the curtain a bit, have some fun, and reveal the complexities and unique qualities everyone can relate to,” Flaherty added. “We have an opportunity to showcase some of our favorite people in the wine business that are forging unique paths and inspiring so many of us.”

The “Sommlight” Series is available on every platform, and in multiple forms. While it is primarily run as an IGTV series with episodes ranging from 12 to 16 minutes, you can also experience one-minute teasers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and even a long-form podcast version of each episode (40+ minutes) on the Sommlight website —https://www.washingtonwine.org/sommlight— through Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

If you have missed any of the 34 episodes that have aired since July 30, 2020, you may watch any or all episodes by visiting the Sommlight website.  Following is a list of the 14 episodes that have aired since January 12, 2021.

• Annette Alvarez-Peters – Episode 21 – Aired January 12, 2021
• Alisha Blackwell-Calvert – Episode 22 – Aired January 26, 2021
• Chris McFall – Episode 23 – Aired February 9, 2021
• Beth Hickey – Episode 24 – Aired February 23, 2021
• Lenny Redé – Episode 25 – Aired March 9, 2021
• Wendy Shoemaker – Episode 26 – Aired March 23, 2021
• Kim Cavoores – Episode 27 – Aired April 6, 2021
• Yannick Benjamin – Episode 28 – Aired April 20, 2021
• Nick Davis — Episode 29 — Aired on May 11, 2021
• Madeline Puckette — Episode 30 — Aired on June 1.
• Jennifer Estevez  — Episode 31 — Aired on July 6
• Cara De Lavallade – Episode 32 – Aired on Aug. 3
• Greg Rubin – Episode 33 – Aired on Sept. 7
• Kaitlyn Duke  – Episode 34 – Aired on Oct. 5
• Chris Horn – Episode 35 – Airing on Tuesday, Nov. 2

For more information about the Sommlight series, contact Heather Bradshaw, Communications Director, Washington State Wine Commission at (206) 495-5844 or email Heather at: hbradshaw@washingtonwine.org.

Walla Walla Announces 5^th Annual

Wander Walla Walla Wine Series

Walla Walla Valley Wine has unveiled its 5th Annual Wander Walla Walla Valley Wine series of curated winemaker itineraries. For this event, Walla Walla Valley winemakers have created custom itineraries focused on sharing their favorite Walla Walla spots, including prized wineries, eateries and attractions, all while revealing insider tips and tricks along the way.

Walla Walla’s lively arts and cultural scene, culinary treasures, outdoor recreation, and vibrant wine community have grown over the past decade and continue to attract the interest of both wine lovers and travelers alike. The Walla Walla Valley is home to the highest concentration of wineries in Washington, close to 3,000 acres of vineyards and offers the most immersive wine country experience in the Pacific Northwest.

“Visitors love to do what the locals do and who better to guide them through a day in wine country than the winemakers that call the Walla Walla Valley home,” says Robert Hansen, Executive Director of Walla Walla Valley Wine.  “These unique itineraries offer a personal touch during one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. With the beauty of harvest and the leaves changing, fall is a wonderful time to wander the Walla Walla Valley.”

This year’s program includes eight new itineraries available Thursday through Sunday from October 1 to December 19, 2021. Visitors can register for the itinerary of their choice at WallaWallaWine.com/Wander.  Registration is free, and the itinerary is a pay-as-you-go experience. Registrants receive commemorative pins to let people know they are wandering.

“There is no better way to experience this town than wandering through it, finding gems unveiled by the recommendations made for you from those who know it intimately,” says Hansen. “Taking part in this journey allows visitors to indulge their interests, while hopefully discovering a few surprises along the way.”

About Walla Walla Valley Wine

Walla Walla Valley Wine is a nonprofit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is the marketing of the Walla Walla Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA). Walla Walla Valley Wine functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.

5^th Annual Tour d’Arts of the Tri-Cities

Set for Thursday, Oct. 21 — Sunday, Oct.24

The 5^th annual Tour d’Arts of the Tri-Cities, presented by Cyber Art 509, will be held Thursday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 24.  The tour, which is FREE to the public, features 19 artists in 12 venues, including private home and commercial studios and various wineries located in the scenic Red Mountain viticulture area in Benton City, WA.

Artwork available for viewing and purchase will include all painting mediums, photography, pottery, jewelry, paper, tapestry, wood and metal sculpture, and glass work.

The tour gets started on Thursday, Oct. 21 with a Sneak Peak Night at Tucannon Cellars from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Sneak Peek event is your opportunity to meet all of the artists in one location, see a preview of and purchase their work.  Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided and wine will be available for sale.

Artists’ work will then be on display during a three-day self-guided tour of artists’ studios and other venues from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 22 through 24.  Locations where artwork will be on display have been conveniently organized on a map, which can be accessed at: https://www.cyberart509.org/509-tour-d-arts.

Wineries where artwork will be displayed include: Tucannon Cellars, Frichette Winery, Kiona Winery, Tapteil Vineyards, Upchurch Vineyards, Hedges Family Estate, Hightower Cellars, Col Solare and Fidelitas.

Cyber Art 509 is a non-profit organization with more than 60 artist members. Their mission is to promote local art and artists through developing relationships with local businesses and the community to exhibit art, mentor emerging artists, and educate the public about the arts.

For further information, contact Pam Sharp at (509) 627-3097. Or email her at: psharp@wyoming.com.

Milbrandt Vineyards’ HalloWine Charity Bash –

All 3 Tasting Rooms: Oct. 22 — 24 & Oct. 29 — 31

All three of Milbrandt Vineyards’ tasting rooms – Prosser, Woodinville and Leavenworth – will be hosting HalloWine parties on successive weekends of Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31 to benefit local food banks in their communities. All three parties will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Prosser HalloWine Bash

The HalloWine Bash at Milbrandt’s Prosser tasting room will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. With a food or cash donation, guests will receive a complimentary bonus pour and a “Vampire” cookie. Local vendors will be on hand selling autumn produce like heirloom pumpkins, sweet treats, and handmade crafts and quilts.

Woodinville HalloWine Bash

Trick-Or-Treat yourself with wine, music, baked goods, and an extended menu available from Heritage Restaurant & Bar at Milbrandt’s Woodinville tasting room.  Purchases of six bottles or more will earn you an exclusive treat provided by BBNest Bakery. (Check them out on Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship).

Leavenworth HalloWine Bash

Have you ever wanted to participate in a Cast Away Party? That’s exactly what you’ll be doing if you attend the Leavenworth tasting room’s HalloWine Bash.  Come dressed as your favorite Gilligan’s Island character to enter the tasting room’s costume contest. Spooky treats will be provided by “Sure to Rise” Bakery and Almond “Witch Finger” breadsticks.

All three tasting rooms request that you make a reservation for the day and time you would like to visit. Phone numbers for the tasting rooms are: Prosser – (509) 788-0030; Woodinville – (425) 949-7660; Leavenworth – (509) 888-2236.

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