William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

Guest post by Juli Crompe. It has been a while since I've reviewed an event, but I am starting back up with a winner! Taste of Tulalip was earlier this month, always the second weekend in November. I can honestly say it is THE best event I've been to. Tulalip doesn't win the best hospitality award; having a line stretching outside to the parking lot, with guests waiting in the cold (and no coat check!). Not to mention they had stanchions set up which would have held a lot more people in the check-in line, in the warm tent, which they weren't using. A bit disappointing. But that is where the disappointment ends.

Pain with Pleasure Thursday I saw the dentist about a tooth with an old filling and a crack. Yet another crown destined for my mouth. The tooth was drilled, shaped, and packed, a temporary crown put in place. It felt like a cold piece of steel planted in my jaw, next to my ear canal. Bummer. When my wife said, "Let's open a bottle of Leonetti for our friends." I instantly perked up and forgot my pain - at least as long as the wine lasted. This was Walla Walla wine night at our house. We were fortunate to share a great evening with great friends. I opened a bottle of 2005 Waterbrook Meritage and a bottle of 2006 Leonetti Merlot. We began with the Waterbrook Meritage, a light red, very easy to drink and a good wine to get the appetite rolling. We had plenty left to pair with dinner; grilled steaks, home made mac and cheese, greek salad and garlic bread. I decanted the Leonetti while we enjoyed our conversation. If you are familiar with Walla Walla wines, then you kno...

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...