The annual Passport to Woodinville is back! Please join us April 21st and 22nd from 11 am to 4 pm for this much anticipated wine tasting weekend. Tickets are $75 for a 2 day Saturday and Sunday pass and $65 for a 1 day Sunday only pass. Participating Wineries: Airfield Estates Winery, Anton Ville Winery, Apex at Alder Ridge, Brian Carter Cellars,Bunnell Family Cellars, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, Convergence Zone Cellars, Cougar Crest Winery, Covington Cellars, Davenport Cellars, Des Voigne Cellars, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Elevation Cellars, Finn Hill Winery, Goose Ridge Estate Winery, J. Bookwalter Tasting Studio, Kestrel Vintners, Matthews Estate, Michael Florentino Cellars, Northwest Totem Cellars, Otis Kenyon Wine Tasting Room, Page Cellars, Patit Creek Cellars, Patterson Cellars, Piccola Cellars, Pondera Winery, Silver Lake Winery, Tefft Cellars, Tempest Sol Winery, II Vintners, William Church Winery, Woodinville Wine Cellars, XSV Winery. Tickets go on sale March 1st at 8 am.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/232822 
info@woodinvillewinecountry.com    |    (425) 205 – 4394

The evening kicked off with an intimate five-course winemaker dinner, featuring selections from award-winning winemaker and owner Bill Kimmerly of Masquerade Wine Co.  The dinner, which included foie gras ravioli and venison loin, hosted guests by a glowing fire, and was prepared “unplugged” tableside on propane burners by Executive Sous Chef Mark Santiago. Local singer-songwriter Brandon Keeley followed the dinner, performing an acoustic set to a standing-room only crowd.

As a part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar and the Westin Bellevue believe that economic growth and the well-being of society are inextricably tied to the health of the environment. Earth Hour celebrations have become signature events for the company internationally, as well as locally. Although Earth Hour is traditionally only from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Cypress honored the concept of sustainability by lighting the space by candles all evening, and the Westin Bellevue dimmed lobby lights by fifty percent.

Earth Hour is organized by WWF. With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries, it’s one of the world’s largest independent conservation organizations.

With millions of individuals and thousands of businesses around the world committing to turning off their lights for one hour once a year, Earth Hour has become a world-wide movement in support of global sustainability. Landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, have all stood in darkness as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar is dedicated to showcasing Washington wines by offering over 70 selections by the glass. Cypress was recently honored for its efforts by receiving the 2012 Washington Wine Restaurant Award of Distinction. Cypress is located at the Westin Bellevue – 600 Bellevue Way, NE, Bellevue 425-638-1000. Please Contact Cindi Breen for more information.

For this year’s event, the top sommeliers in the city will be at Salty’s to vote on the winning wines. Joining us will be Jameson Fink, Wine Editor – Foodista.com, Food & Wine Contributor – Dabble Magazine; Chris Nishiwaki, Freelance Food & Wine Writer; Christopher Gronbeck with Seattle Wine Calendar; Antoine Pin, Underground Winos; Jennifer Schmitt, Willows Lodge; Steve Body, Chef & P-I Blogger of The Pour Fool; Sean Sullivan with WA Wine Report; Ted Furst with Le Grand Bistro Americain; Chad with C&G Wines; Jon with Bin 41; Jason Erikson, Wine Director with Poppy Restaurant; Duane Pemberton with Winefoot.com; Yashar Shayan, Sommelier with Wine World; Phil Masssey with Wine World; and Tim O’Brien, Salty’s sommelier.

On April 18th, Salty’s will host a Dinner with the Winners featuring the six wines voted on by the top sommeliers in the city. Salty’s Chef Jeremy and Sommelier Tim O’Brien will create a six course menu paired with the best Syrahs in Washington and featuring local produce. Each winning winemaker will be back at Salty’s to talk about their wines and the pairing of the dishes at this dinner. Dinner is from 7:00-8:30, $100/person, limited to 75 people.

Syrah is seducing wine enthusiasts who have an affection for red wines with bold spices, rich fruit and silky texture. Salty’s chefs will serve appetizers designed to showcase Syrah’s outstanding affinity for food. Produced by Sommelier David LeClaire, of Seattle Uncorked and Wine World, and Salty’s Sommelier Tim O’Brien, this very popular 11th annual event always sells out, so buy tickets today! This year, for the first time, the wines will be available for sale, so guests can build their wine cellar while enjoying Salty’s skyline view.

A portion of your $45 ticket will benefit FareStart. Here’s our growing list of wineries to enjoy:
Apex at Alder Ridge
Bunnell Family Cellars
Cedar River Cellars
Four Lakes Winery
Gamache Vintners
Goose Ridge Estate Winery
Jones of WA
Kana Winery
Kerloo Cellars
Kitzke Cellars
Lantz Cellars
Native Sun
NHV-Naches Heights Vineyard
Patterson Cellars
Piccola Cellars
Purple Star Wines
Redmond Ridge Winery
Shingleback
Skylite Cellars
Smasne Cellars
Tapteil Vineyard Winery
Trust Cellars

On the Buffet
Grilled Frisee and Radicchio Salad with Honey Tangerines, Pulled Berkshire Pork and Manchego Cheese
Pacific Shrimp and Trofi Pasta with Fava Beans, English Pea and Vine-Ripened Yellow Tomato

Grilled Zucchini Succotash with Giant Italian Beans, Smoked Country Ham and Sweet Pepper
Southern Smoked Turkey with Jezebel Sauce

Watch for Trays
Smoked Salmon Mousse in Filo Cups with Herb Pistou and Chum Caviar
Pork Lumpia with Plum Dipping Sauce
Dungeness Crab Bisque Shooters with Crispy Fried Rice and Lemon

Served
Mini Dogs on our Patio, Grilled Housemade Sausage Served in a Brioche Roll with Charred Peppers, Sweet Onions and Cream Cheese
Blackened Cod Tacos with Cabbage Pico de Gallo and Cilantro Crème
The Odd Couple Pairing Chocolate with Bacon by Pastry Chef James Gibson

FareStart is a culinary job training and placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals. Over the past 20 years, FareStart has provided opportunities for nearly 6,000 people to transform their lives, while also serving over 5 million meals to disadvantaged men, women, and children.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://getinvolved.farestart.org/sexysyrah or call 206.267.6213

About Salty’s Seafood Grills:
Salty’s Seafood Grills are Seattle and Portland’s “Premier Seafood Restaurants”™ offering extensive menus featuring fresh Northwest seafood, USDA prime aged charbroiled steaks, local produce, and delicious house-made desserts. Located on prime waterfront beaches, Salty’s Restaurants give you unrivaled views in both Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Recently, the readers of Seattle.Citysearch.com and Portland.Citysearch.com voted Salty’s the Best Brunch and Best Waterfront Restaurant in Seattle and Best Seafood Restaurant in Portland. Our Bar-Cafés feature live entertainment on select evenings where you can enjoy cocktails, Northwest seafood appetizers, and smaller meals. Our outdoor decks are open in season for al fresco dining, and our private dining rooms are the best in Seattle and Portland for catered meetings, private parties or wedding receptions – with specialized services, we do everything for you. For additional information and reservations, please visit www.saltys.com. Follow us on Twitter at SaltysSeafood and LIKE us on Facebook at SaltysSeafood (Alki).

Each year the Commission seeks to recognize restaurants that exhibit exceptional support of Washington State wines and high professional standards in wine service. The restaurants and their dedicated staff were honored at the Washington Athletic Club, among 50 Washington State wineries, regional media and fellow restaurant industry members also in attendance.

The Metropolitan Grill (Seattle, Wash.) received the Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year award, which includes a unique custom blown glass sculpture designed by local artist Granite Calimpong.

“Long an icon of the Seattle fine dining scene, The Metropolitan Grill has become an iconic supporter of the Washington State wine industry, as well,” said Kent Waliser, Chairman of the Washington State Wine Commission. “We are very proud to honor their dedication in serving as an ambassador for our industry with their loyal customers.”

Thomas Price, Wine Director for The Metropolitan Grill, said, “We are truly honored and humbled by this incredible award. Washington State has earned its rightful place among the world’s greatest wine regions, and we are thrilled to share this treasure of the local community with our customers from around the world.”

One of the Pacific Northwest’s most established and acclaimed steakhouses, The Metropolitan Grill has been a fixture in Seattle’s fine dining community for almost 30 years. Their philosophy is to strive to provide the most comprehensive selection of Washington State wines, and wines of the world, in the region. The Met has a team of eight sommeliers that are certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, providing knowledgeable and friendly service while making informed and relevant recommendations. With 650 Washington State wines amongst their list of more than 1600 wines from around the world, Washington State wine accounts for 60% of The Met’s wine sales. For their continuing dedication to increasing their support of Washington State wine and creating one of the most well-educated wine service teams in the state, The Metropolitan Grill has been selected as Washington Wine Restaurant of the Year.

Budd Gould from Anthony’s Restaurants won the Walter Clore Honorarium award for demonstrating dedication to the advancement of the Washington State wine industry.  Nelson Daquip, Wine Director at Canlis Restaurant (Seattle, Wash.), was honored as Sommelier of the Year for his outstanding wine knowledge and unbridled professionalism.

The Winemaker’s Choice Award went to The Barking Frog at Willows Lodge (Woodinville, Wash.).  This award is determined by an anonymous group of Washington State winemakers who select the restaurant they feel is most supportive of the industry.

The Washington Restaurant Association award, recognizing an outstanding member of the association, was presented to Adriatic Grill (Seattle, Wash.).  The Seattle magazine award for restaurant leadership in the business community was presented to Tulalip Bay Dining (Tulalip, Wash.).

Other distinguished awards included:

Most Innovative Wine List – RN74 (Seattle, Wash.)
Best Restaurant Event Featuring Washington Wines – Legendary Swirl at El Gaucho (Seattle, Wash.)
Best Out-of-State Washington Wine Program – Anthony’s Old Mill (Bend, Ore.)

The Washington Wine Grand Award – These restaurants are considered the true industry leaders in support of the Washington State wine industry:

Anthony’s Pier 66, Anthony’s at Columbia Point, Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, Anthony’s Restaurants, The Barking Frog at Willows Lodge, Canlis Restaurant, Daniel’s Broiler, El Gaucho – Bellevue, El Gaucho – Seattle, Sun Mountain Lodge, The Grape Adventure, The Herbfarm, The Marc Restaurant, The Metropolitan Grill, The Triple Door, Tulalip Bay Dining, Valley Café of Ellensburg, Visconti’s of Leavenworth, Washington Athletic Club, and Waterstreet Café & Bar.

Washington Wine Award of Distinction – These restaurants have shown dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry:

Adriatic Grill, Aqua by El Gaucho, Bella Italia, Bin on the Lake, Bistro San Martin, Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar, Bon Vino’s Bistro & Bakery, Café Flora, Chandler’s Crabhouse, Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar – Bellevue, Etta’s, Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, John Howie Steak, Katya’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Local 360, Masselow’s, Palisade Waterfront Restaurant, Pike Brewing Company, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Bellevue, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Kirkland, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Seattle, Purple Café & Wine Bar – Woodinville, Ray’s Boathouse, Ristorante Italianissimo, RN74, Rover’s Restaurant, Salty’s at Redondo, Salty’s on Alki, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Bellevue, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – Seattle, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Swing Wine Bar, The Fireside, Urbane, Visconti’s Italian Restaurant, Washington State Convention Center, and Wild Ginger at The Bravern.

Washington Wine Certificate of Recognition – These are restaurants that are building support of the Washington State wine industry:

Blueacre Seafood, Breadline Café, Churchill’s Steakhouse, Coho Café, Elliott’s Oyster House, Fonte Café & Wine Bar, Harborside, Il Fornaio, Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Salmon House, Matt’s in the Market, Mission Street Bistro, Poco Wine Room, Pomegranate Bistro, Ponti Seafood Grill, Seatown Seabar & Rotisserie, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops, The Capital Grille, The Fort Worth Club, The Lincoln Center, The Scotch and Vine, Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, and Volterra.

For additional details on the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, please visit washingtonwine.org/restaurantawards.

For this year’s event, Salty’s welcomes 15 of Seattle’s wine experts to select their top 6 picks of the evening! Judges include Jameson Fink, Wine Editor – Foodista.com, Food & Wine Contributor – Dabble Magazine; Chris Nishiwaki, Freelance Food & Wine Writer; Christopher Gronbeck with Seattle Wine Calendar; Antoine Pin, Underground Winos; Jennifer Schmitt, Willows Lodge; Steve Body, Chef & P-I Blogger of The Pour Fool; Sean Sullivan with WA Wine Report, among others.

On April 18th, Salty’s will host a Dinner with the Winners featuring the six wines voted on by the top sommeliers in the city. Salty’s Chef Jeremy and Sommelier Tim O’Brien will create a six course menu paired with the best Syrahs in Washington and featuring local produce. Each winning winemaker will be back at Salty’s to talk about their wines and the pairing of the dishes at this dinner. Dinner is from 7:00-8:30, $100/person, limited to 75 people.

Syrah is seducing wine enthusiasts who have an affection for red wines with bold spices, rich fruit and silky texture. Salty’s chefs will serve appetizers designed to showcase Syrah’s outstanding affinity for food. Produced by Sommelier David LeClaire, of Seattle Uncorked and Wine World, and Salty’s Sommelier Tim O’Brien, this very popular 11th annual event always sells out, so buy tickets today! This year, for the first time, the wines will be available for sale, so guests can build their wine cellar while enjoying Salty’s skyline view.

A portion of your $45 ticket will benefit FareStart. Here’s our growing list of wineries to enjoy:
Apex at Alder Ridge
Bunnell Family Cellars
Cedar River Cellars
Four Lakes Winery
Gamache Vintners
Goose Ridge Estate Winery
Jones of WA
Kana Winery
Kerloo Cellars
Kitzke Cellars
Lantz Cellars
Native Sun
NHV-Naches Heights Vineyard
Patterson Cellars
Piccola Cellars
Purple Star Wines
Redmond Ridge Winery
Shingleback
Skylite Cellars
Smasne Cellars
Tapteil Vineyard Winery
Trust Cellars

On the Buffet
Grilled Frisee and Radicchio Salad with Honey Tangerines, Pulled Berkshire Pork and Manchego Cheese
Pacific Shrimp and Trofi Pasta with Fava Beans, English Pea and Vine-Ripened Yellow Tomato

Grilled Zucchini Succotash with Giant Italian Beans, Smoked Country Ham and Sweet Pepper
Southern Smoked Turkey with Jezebel Sauce

Watch for Trays
Smoked Salmon Mousse in Filo Cups with Herb Pistou and Chum Caviar
Pork Lumpia with Plum Dipping Sauce
Dungeness Crab Bisque Shooters with Crispy Fried Rice and Lemon

Served
Mini Dogs on our Patio, Grilled Housemade Sausage Served in a Brioche Roll with Charred Peppers, Sweet Onions and Cream Cheese
Blackened Cod Tacos with Cabbage Pico de Gallo and Cilantro Crème
The Odd Couple Pairing Chocolate with Bacon by Pastry Chef James Gibson

FareStart is a culinary job training and placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals. Over the past 20 years, FareStart has provided opportunities for nearly 6,000 people to transform their lives, while also serving over 5 million meals to disadvantaged men, women, and children.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://getinvolved.farestart.org/sexysyrah or call 206.267.6213
About Salty’s Seafood Grills:
Salty’s Seafood Grills are Seattle and Portland’s “Premier Seafood Restaurants”™ offering extensive menus featuring fresh Northwest seafood, USDA prime aged charbroiled steaks, local produce, and delicious house-made desserts. Located on prime waterfront beaches, Salty’s Restaurants give you unrivaled views in both Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Recently, the readers of Seattle.Citysearch.com and Portland.Citysearch.com voted Salty’s the Best Brunch and Best Waterfront Restaurant in Seattle and Best Seafood Restaurant in Portland. Our Bar-Cafés feature live entertainment on select evenings where you can enjoy cocktails, Northwest seafood appetizers, and smaller meals. Our outdoor decks are open in season for al fresco dining, and our private dining rooms are the best in Seattle and Portland for catered meetings, private parties or wedding receptions – with specialized services, we do everything for you. For additional information and reservations, please visit www.saltys.com. Follow us on Twitter at SaltysSeafood and LIKE us on Facebook at SaltysSeafood (Alki).

Established in 2002, Joe Dobbes’ Wines has become one of Oregon’s most well-established wine companies.  Joe, a native Oregonian, worked stints at Wiengut Erbhof Tesch in Germany’s Nahe, and Domaine G. Roumier and Domaine Comtes Lafon in Burgundy, followed by six years at Willamette Valley Vineyards before branching out on his own.

The stand-out barrels from the winemaking program are reserved for the Dobbes Family Estate range, comprising the Grand Assemblage Pinot Noir (SRP$29) and Viognier (SRP$24). Wine by Joe offerings include a Chardonnay (SRP$14), Pinot Gris (SRP$14), Pinot Blanc (SRP$14), Rosé (SRP$13) and Pinot Noir (SRP$19).  Jovino is for fine restaurants in select markets, focusing on Pinot Noir (SRP$19) and Pinot Gris (SRP$12).

“Our core has historically been imports – this is a great opportunity to focus our interests on family-owned, artisanal wineries within the domestic market,” saidRob Buono, President, Old Bridge Cellars.  “We’re excited to bring Joe’s wines to our distribution network, particularly with today’s announcement that Wine by Joe has been named Wine Business Monthly’s number one ‘Small Hot Brand for 2012.’ It is a commendable and well-deserved accolade for Joe and his team.”

“Oregon’s cool-climate Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay have always appealed to us, varieties of which Joe crafts seamlessly,” addedGavin Speight, Wine and Marketing Director, Old Bridge Cellars.

In the coming months, Old Bridge Cellars will be working closely with its distribution partners to provide a national footprint for Joe Dobbes’ Wines.

“We are ecstatic to be partnering with Old Bridge Cellars given their proven sales and marketing proficiency. This relationship completes my second, and significant, strategic move since receiving funding from Bacchus Capital Management, which will assist us in growing our brand’s presence across the country,” said Joe Dobbes, Owner and Winemaker, Joe Dobbes’ Wines.

Old Bridge Cellars is a sales and marketing company based in Napa, California. The portfolio is recognized for its collection of benchmark, regional estates that include d’Arenberg, Leeuwin Estate, John Duval, Penley Estate, Giant Steps, Innocent Bystander, Kilikanoon, Jasper Hill, Cullen, Shoofly, Stickybeak, Brokenwood, Plantagenet and Yarra Yering.  Publisher’s Note:  Old Bridge Cellars should connect with Joe Connector Kennedy to discuss selling more of their grape juice in the Pacific Northwest.  Many of us like our wine.

During a special Women Take Heart program, women can sip wine, tour the winery, sample chocolates and get tips and advice on how to live a heart healthy lifestyle from a cardiologist and a nutritionist.  The program, scheduled from 5:30-8 p.m., will be held at Januik Novelty Hill winery in Woodinville.  Pre-registration is required and may be made online with The Hope Heart Institute . The $29 fee includes wine and chocolate tasting, heart healthy appetizers, and the program.

Women Take Heart, a program developed by The Hope Heart Institute, creates awareness and provides tools for healthier living to combat heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women.  Hope Heart, a Washington-based heart-disease charity, was one of the beneficiaries of proceeds from the 2011 Golf Fore Red tournament for women; the two organizations are co-presenting the Feb. 29 event.

Golf Fore Red, founded in 2007 by two Seattle-area women who both lost their mothers to heart disease, combines education, fun and fund-raising for heart disease research.  Since inception, the annual tournament (which sold out 2011) has netted more than $33,000. This year’s annual event is scheduled for Saturday, July 28 at The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge.

Along with tasting wines from Januik Winery (named one of the top wineries of 2011 by Wine & Spirits Magazine), guests can sample artisan chocolates from award-winning Intrigue Chocolates Co.  Both the winery and chocolate company will offer special pricing on any purchases made that evening.  The evening also marks the first date of registration for the 2012 Golf Fore Red tournament.

But there is good news, according to a post on the MI Patch, former owner Ryan Allison is now focusing his time on his successful online wine retailing business at DiscountWineBuys.com