William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

I popped over to Bookwalter winery for a glass of wine. Wednesday evenings, a live radio program is broadcast from the Bookwalter winery on local radio, KONA AM 610. Last night I was listening to the program in my car, Jazz/Blues, many great classics and thought, "hey, let's check it out". There was a small crowd, most of the indoor seating was taken - but there was plenty of outdoor seating and this weather begs you to hang outside. I walked over to the bar to order, when the hostess got around to me, we talked wine. Bookwalter has a good list of Bookwalter white and red wines. I ordered a glass of 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - the hostess said it was a big, bold red, and it was. The glass of 2005 Cab Sav was $13. If you've never been to the Bookwalter winery, they use some of the largest glassware available, which provides you with ample room to swirl and sniff. My nose was in my glass most of the time I was there. Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon historically sell...

Last weekend I attended the 7th Perfect Harmony, fine wine auction & dinner benefitting the Mid-Columbia Symphony . This annual event is presented by the Tri-Cities Wine Society. Master of Ceremonies again was Pete Hedges of Hedges Winery - great job Pete. This was my 5th or 6th time attending this event - and it did not disappoint. A fantastic combination of great wines and food, live music by members of the symphony and an opportunity to take home some rare library wines. Once again, the event was held at Meadow Springs Country Club in South Richland. This is a beautiful facility, and a perfect venue for the event.  Service is always excellent. The wait staff was very polished and attentive. Empty glass? They bring another. With a glass of sparkling wine in hand, I perused the silent auction. The silent auction consisted of many donated items: hand-crafted ceramic art, metal sculpture, oil paintings, glass art, wood art, wine baskets, wine tastings and more, every year...

Living in Washington Wine Country Since 1986. In 1986 I discovered that wine was being crafted in Washington State. Almost in my backyard. I had moved from the green, wet, west-side of Washington, to the southeast corner. The semi-arid desert part of the Evergreen State. Yes, there is a desert in Washington. With not much to do in town then, I began to take notice of the local wineries. Learning to Appreciate Washington Wine Naturally, when I first began drinking wine, I started with the sweeter wines like Riesling, which used to be  labeled " Johanisberg Riesling." Some of my first wine experiences were at local wineries. I recall some fun barbecues at Preston Wines in Pasco , live Mariachi music at the Hogue Winery in Prosser and tasting Bookwalter wines in a small sheet metal building next to the  Pasco truck stop. Kiona Winery was still making and serving wine from the basement of their home - there were some great bar...