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

Thursday 12/15 (today) 3-6pm, Kim Shea, the N.W. Manager for Oyster Bay Winery to be on hand to answer questions on food and wine pairings for the holidays as well to promote one of New Zealand’s leading Wineries.

Friday 12/16 from 11am to 1pm, BizEnrich will be holding a Flash Mob Food Drive to benefit families of Olive Crest.

from 3-7pm Wine tasting – items from Kendal Jackson Winery and La Crema Winery will be featured,

Thursday 12/22 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm, Mary Bellando, the N.W. Manager for Dobb’s Family Estates “Wine By Joe” will be on hand to discuss her wines as well as current events at the winery and food pairing ideas.

Friday 12/23 from 12 noon to 2pm, Eric Dunham of Dunham Estate Winery will be signing bottles.

Are your favorite businesses in the Eastside Business Directory?

The program starts December 1, 2011, which is just prior to the Valley’s big Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend celebration December 2-4.  (Publisher’s note: It would be really cool if they invited us to Walla Walla for a wine weekend so we could tell our readers all about it)

“The Taste and Tote program will be a huge plus for generating both inbound air travel to Walla Walla and wine purchases by out-of-town visitors,” said Duane Wollmuth, executive director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. “In the past, air travelers were required to pay tasting fees at many wineries and also pay a $20 baggage handling fee to transport a box of wine on outbound flights.  For those of us working in the wine industry, we heard time and again from visitors that they either travelled by car to the Valley, or did not buy wine when they flew, simply because they were not willing to pay the additional fee to transport wine home.”

The disproportionate share of vehicle travelers to Walla Walla was illustrated by findings in a recent survey conducted by Tourism Walla Walla which showed 76% of visitors travelled by private vehicle, while only 9% travelled by air.

“The program is a great win/win for everyone involved, especially consumers,” said  Clint Ostler, Alaska Airlines manager of retail advertising and sponsorships,  “Our travelers to Walla Walla wine country can now enjoy some of the best that the wine industry has to offer and take home their purchases with no added cost. “

Alaska Airlines serves Walla Walla Regional Airport twice daily nonstop from Seattle using Horizon Air-operated Q-400 aircraft.  Connections can be made beyond Alaska’s Seattle hub to destinations in Alaska, the Lower 48, and Canada

The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a non-profit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is the marketing of the Walla Walla Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA).  The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.  More information about the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and details of the Taste and Tote program can be found at www.wallawallawine.com.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 North America Airline Satisfaction Studies^SM. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com.

Patterson Cellars  joins Woodinville warehouse wineries for the annual St. Nicholas Day Open House celebration of wine on December 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to discover new wineries, sample special selections, meet the winemakers and learn about future releases. Shuttle Express will offer shuttle service between participating wineries. Guests can purchase shuttle passes at http://shuttleexpress.com/wine-event. Cost is $55 for a two-day pass (Saturday and Sunday); $40 for a Sunday-only pass. To purchase tickets for St. Nicholas Day wine event and for a complete list of participating wineries, visit Woodinville Wine Country online.

Stop by Patterson Cellars for a Taste of Their New 2008 Bordeaux Winter Release on December 10 and 11

Patterson Cellars invites guests to visit their Woodinville tasting room (19501 144th Ave NE Suite D-600) for the release of their 2008 Bordeaux on December 10 and 11, noon to 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy a taste of the Bordeaux paired with Chimichurri Flank Steak prepared by Patterson Cellars. There is a $5 tasting fee; tasting fee waived with any wine purchase.

Patterson Cellars is located at 19501 144th Ave NE, Suite D-600 in Woodinville in the wine warehouse district. The Woodinville tasting room offers a unique space and experience for tasting their approachable new world style wines, and for parties and events. Crafting wines for over 12 years, from crush to cork, Patterson Cellars focuses on producing wines as unique as the grapes themselves, sourcing grapes from Washington States’ Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Lake Chelan and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs. Visit the website for tasting room hours, wine club, bottling program, and custom crush information.

Follow Patterson Cellars online:

Website: www.pattersoncellars.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patterson-Cellars/119372784759130

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/pattersncellars

On Thursday November 17th, from 3:30 to 6pm, there will be an Informational Seminar with Kim Shea from Oyster Bay Winery in New Zealand.  On Friday the 18th of November, the good people in the Safeway wine department will be hosting  complimentary Wine Tasting at their Wine Tasting Bar from 3 to 7pm, featuring select wines from Chateau St. Jean and Nine Point Winery (which apparently does not have a website).

Safeway is also offering 30% off all wines priced at $20 or more (except sparkling wines) and if you purchase 6 or more bottles (mix or match), you receive an additional 10% off the total purchase with your club card.

This tour comprises the Commission’s annual Road Trip Washington Wine program, launched four years ago to help educate the domestic wine trade on the virtues of the acclaimed Washington State wine industry.  Since its inception, Road Trip Washington Wine has brought 177 high-level decision-makers, representing more than $2 billion in annual purchasing power, to Washington State.

“Road Trip has quickly become one of the premier educational opportunities for the domestic wine trade”, says Robin Pollard, executive director for the Washington State Wine Commission.  “We’re absolutely thrilled to have another exceptional group of guests coming to learn more about our region and meet the wonderful people behind our world-class wines”, she adds.

For more information on Road Trip Washington Wine, including a full itinerary and list of participating vineyards and wineries, please visit www.washingtonwine.org/roadtrip.

2011 Road Trip Washington Wine guests:

Ryan Allison, Cellar 46° (WA)

David Anderson, France 44 (MN)

Ruth Arista, Arista Wine Cellars (WA)

Craig Brown, Arthur’s Wine Shop (NC)

Brahm Callahan, Grill 23 (MA)

Jeremy Campbell, M Bar (OR)

Tony Capra, El Gaucho (WA)

Scott Chilcutt, Fifth Floor (CA)

Danny Cobian, Southern Wine & Spirits (FL)

Jeannie Cox, Tosti’s Spirits & Fine Wine (FL)

Sean Cummings, Delmonico’s (NY)

TJ Douglas, The Urban Grape (MA)

Timothy Edmunds, CRAVE Restaurants (MN)

Christopher Fronsoe, Portland City Grill (OR)

Flavio Gentile, Printers Row Wine Shop (IL)

Jess Gualano, The Wine Studio of Ashville (NC)

Scott Harney, ENO (IL)

Jal Hastings, Cavallo Point (CA)

Doug Jeffirs, Binny’s Beverage Depot (IL)

Denise Jones, Vino 100 (TX)

Brian Kerr, Morton’s The Steakhouse (OR)

Robb Kimbles, Total Wine & More (MD)

James Lechner, Bastille Café & Bar (WA)

Steve Lotharius, North Street Market (VA)

Susan Magen, Vino Volo (WA)

Kyle McRae, Highlander Wine & Spirits (Alberta, Canada)

Leonard Mello, The Cellar Fine Wines & Beers (MA)

Kathy Morgan MS, Michel Richard Citronelle (DC)

Michael Ochsner, Plonk Wine Bar (MT)

Joe Phillips MS, Michael Mina Bellagio (NV)

Steve Poe MS, Big Canyon Country Club (CA)

John Ragan, Union Square Hospitality Group (NY)

Greg Rivera, The Breakers Palm Beach (FL)

Cecile Roesch-Giannangeli, FineWine.com (MD)

Stephanie Schrankel, Vino Volo (CA)

Natalie Tapken, Green Apple Group (NY)

Michael Thackerson, The Fort Worth Club (TX)

James Tidwell MS, Four Seasons at Las Colinas (TX)

Joseph Via, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PA)

Kate Webber, Webber Restaurant Group (MA)

Paul Wentzel, The Wine Thief (MN)

Brett Zimmerman MS, Boulder Wine Merchant (CO)

Kent Waliser, chair of the Washington State Wine Commission and general manager of Sagemoor Vineyards, said “The Washington State Wine Commission is thrilled to commit our industry’s support for this critically important project.”  He continued, “Years from now, today will be seen as a significant milestone in the evolution of our industry.”

A collaboration between the Port of Benton, the City of Richland, and Washington State University, this new state-of-the-art research and teaching facility will house the university’s rapidly expanding Viticulture and Enology program.

Ted Baseler, president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and chair of the Board of Regents for Washington State University, said “All of the world’s great wine regions have a benchmark institution that conducts research and education in the growing of grapes and winemaking.”  “The Wine Science Center will enable us to properly educate our industry’s future leaders,” he added.

The Wine Science Center is the culmination of several years of work by industry leaders, dating back to the results of an industry research task force formed in 2006.

Lynne Chamberlain, chair of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers and owner of Spofford Station Vineyards, said “As demand for Washington wine grew, we started to build our future, and WAWGG initiated the task force that identified necessary research to expand our economic impact here and around the world.”  She continued, “Our currency is the raw resource, starting literally on the ground, and as we continue to find better tools and resources to meet our future, the newly-forming task force will address our long-term research needs, and the Wine Science Center will provide a home for our research.”

Once constructed, the new building, situated on land donated by the Port of Benton and developed by a Public Development Authority created by the City of Richland, will be turned over to Washington State University.

Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University, said “Washington State University is fully committed to our statewide, pioneering Viticulture and Enology program.”  “Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Henick-Kling, we believe this facility in the Tri-Cities will become a magnet for industry leaders, researchers, and students from around the world,” he added.

The Wine Science Center will facilitate research tailored to the specific needs of the Washington State wine industry in areas such as improving winter hardiness, increasing vineyard and winery productivity, and enhancing grape and wine quality.

Marty Clubb, president of the Washington Wine Institute and owner of L’Ecole Nº 41 Winery, said “The research that will take place at the Wine Science Center will help ensure the continued growth of our industry in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”

With over 700 wineries and more than 40,000 acres planted statewide, the Washington State wine industry contributes more than $3.0 billion annually to the state economy and $4.7 billion annually to the national economy.

John Fox, mayor of Richland, Washington, said “The wine industry is a major economic force in our community and region, and also a welcome addition to our quality of life.”  He continued, “This center will assure that Washington wines and WSU-Tri-Cities will be internationally prominent in the decades to come.”

For more information on the Wine Science Center, please visit www.winecampaign.org.

For more information on the Washington State wine industry’s viticulture and enology research programs, please visit wine.wsu.edu and www.wawgg.org.

For general information on the Washington State wine industry, please visit www.washingtonwine.org.