Walla Walla Holiday Barrel Tasting

On December 7^th, members of the Palouse Chapter once again ventured to Walla Walla to partake of food and wine at the annual holiday barrel tasting. It was a smaller group this year, but the enthusiasm was high as we headed to Walla Walla. Our first stop was at L'Ecole 41 and Woodward Canyon. The barrel samples of merlot and syrah at the L'Ecole were fruity, lush, and very promising. Then up to the main tasting room where the Semillon, cabernet, and Apogee were crowd favorites. The lines were long at Woodward Canyon and this taster only had time to taste the 2000 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon. It was worth the wait.

The next stop was the Airport. We strategically parked the bus and people tasted at Tamarack, Reininger, Russell Creek, Trey Marie/Dunham, and Cougar Hills. All of the wineries are producing delicious wine, but there were not many bargains. The exception was Cougar Hills. They were selling futures that were both tasty and reasonably priced.

We made stops at Seven Hills, Canoe Ridge, and Waterbrook. The Waterbrook Melange was one of this taster's favorites. The group went their different ways for dinner and met back at the bus for the long ride home. Many thanks to Dave Riggleman for organizing this trip. The wine and food were delicious and we didn't have to worry about driving home after a long day of wine tasting.