August marks a month-long celebration of the Pacific Northwest state’s spectacular producers of fermented grapes. With more than 1,000 wineries growing some 70 varietals in 14 distinctive American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Washington state is the nation’s second largest premium wine producer.
Here are a few ways to raise a glass and drink a toast to the ever-expanding body of fine work being done in the state’s vineyards, wineries and cellars.
Rows of wine grapes at Spring Valley Vineyard, with rolling hills and wheat fields in the distance; ... [+]
Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesWashington Wine + Food
This new cookbook from Seattle-based food and lifestyle writer/editor Julien Perry is a must-read. From cover-to-cover, it shines a well-deserved spotlight on some of the state’s most popular vintners and serves up pairing-worthy recipes from the kitchens and outdoor grills of more than 40 winemakers. All that and gorgeous photography by Charity Burggraaf.
But first, there’s the utterly charming forward written by Kyle MacLachlan. Yes, that Kyle MacLachlan, who’s otherwise known as the mayor on Portlandia, Charlotte’s ex on Sex and the City and always and forever agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks. The multi-tasking actor is also the driving force behind the popular Pursued by Bear label. He’s pretty gosh darned excited about the release of this ground-breaking book:
"Growing up in Eastern Washington, I was surrounded by fresh fruits and vegetables, but it wasn’t until adulthood that I fully understood how fortunate I was to have access to the local bounty of the Yakima Valley. Julien’s new cookbook captures the flavors of my home state beautifully, reminding me once again of the talented Washington chefs and winemakers who transform this abundance into food and wine that deserves to be celebrated."
One strong selling point for this cookbook is that it’s going to make readers smarter without bashing them over the head with the facts. Still, can’t resist sharing this jaw-dropping bit of knowledge: Bet you didn’t realize 261,000 tons of grapes were harvested in the state in 2018. That’s a whole lot of fruit growing in a region rightly proud of getting an hour more summer sunlight than California.
Washington Wine + Food is also certain to inspire cooks to get busy in the kitchen with mouthwatering recipes such as Shellfish with Saffron Sofrito from Jerry Riener and Jennifer Sullivan at Guardian Cellars, Chris Gorman’s Charred Octopus with Hazelnut Romesco, Broccolini and Sherry Gastrique, Smoked Black Cod Crostini from Greg and Shae Frichette of Frichette Winery and that summer perfect Grilled Peach Salad from Va Piano Vineyard’s Justin Wylie, plus so many others. Bravo to Justin Khanna for the stellar recipe testing.
It’s cool to see some Seattle chefs in the mix, as well, with Zoi Antonitsas contributing a tempting Salt and Pepper Chocolate Cookies recipe for Aniche Cellars and Shota Nakajima offering a Soy-marinated Black Cod with a velvety Kabocha puree on behalf of Matthews Cellars. Ethan Stowell’s Beef Tenderloin with Corn and Chanterelles certainly makes a fitting partner for Mark Ryan’s Dead Horse Cab made with fruit from the Red Mountain AVA.
Proud of the dish you created from the pages of this tasty tome? Cooks are encouraged to post photos from the book using the hashtags #EatforWA and #DrinkforWA.
Author Julien Perry's newest cookbook, Washington Wine + Food features recipes and pairing ... [+]
Charity BurggraafRaise your paddle
Traditionally, this month culminates with a grand, black-tie gala and lively auction that raises big bucks for worthy causes such as Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology program.
This year event has gone virtual for obvious reasons, but the considerable energy behind filling the auction catalog remains high. The “silent” auction begins Aug. 11 and wraps the 15th while the “almost live” action runs from Aug. 11-17. Browse the lots before the bidding begins.
A virtual gala on Aug. 15 features more live auction items and the opportunity to bring home a box of sweet and savory dishes for a lavish feast from chefs Lisa Dupar and John Howie. A selection of special wine collections are also available for purchase.
Father-and-son team Charlie and Will Hoppes make award-winning wines for Fidelitas in Washington ... [+]
Leslie KellyJoin the club
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, far-flung fans of Washington state wines were able to enjoy some of their favorite producers by joining wine clubs.
Membership typically involves regular shipments of new releases, some exclusive to those in the group, as well as opportunities for other VIP offers.
While it might be daunting to try and pick and choose which club to join if you’ve never visited the area, one strategy is to focus on an AVA and do some online research. For instance, dig into the highly sought-after releases from Red Mountain and come up with a treasure trove that includes Fidelitas, Hightower, Upchurch Vineyards, Muret-Gaston, Col Solare, the pioneering Kiona and Hedges Family Estate, which makes wine featuring grapes grown using biodynamic farming techniques.
For seriously in-depth intell on what’s worthy of your attention, check in with Sean Sullivan’s Washington Wine Report.
The newly launched Sommlight features casual conversations led by host David Flaherty, talking with ... [+]
Washington State Wine CommissionMore online events and in-person tastings
So many wineries have come up with fun ways to keep in touch during the global health care crisis, from offering date night cooking classes to gathering for a virtual book club. The newly launched Sommlight features a series of casual conversations with sommeliers from around the country, with new episodes dropping every Thursday and all previously aired shows available in the archives.
Some tasting rooms are now welcoming guests in socially distanced outdoor settings, as well, while others offer reservation-only opportunities to sniff, swish and spit before buying. It’s always good to confirm before heading out.
August 03, 2020 at 12:33AM
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Clever Ways To Celebrate Washington Wine Month - Forbes
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