This week we want to introduce you to DUTCH JOHN'S winery from Wenatchee. Stop by and meet the owners/winemakers between 1 and 5. Ask questions, get bottles signed and taste their wines. We will have the CHARDONNAY - $13.99 - "A new winery in Wenatchee, Wash., tailors this in the buttery style, and it gets better with each sip you take. There's plenty of oak, then pineapple, precut apples. Inside, it starts round with woodchips and popcorn, followed by yellow grapefruit flavors and clarified butter in the finish." (Wine Press Northwest)

MERLOT - $17.99 - Wine Press Northwest says: "We aren't quite sure what the story is with this young Wenatchee, Wash., winery - or even who Dutch John is. But he's making some fine Merlot in his first effort. This red opens with aromas of pomegranates, raspberries and vanilla, followed by smooth, round flavors of cherries and even huckleberries. A pleasing, well-balanced wine."

CABERNET - $17.99 - Rich, extracted and layered. Marries intensity with elegance. (winery web site)

GREAT NORTHERN RED - $25.99 - Shows cassis, dark plum and cinnamon aromas that spread out on the palate to include milk chocolate with toast, reminiscent of a chocolate croissant. (winery web site)

MELOMEL - $22.99 - Rainier Cherry and Honey Mead. notes of apricot, pear, and of course cherries. Wrapped up in subtle honey flavors.

We really found a good one for our adventure of new grape varietals that you may not have heard of.

The red we will feature is from Greece - made from 100% AGIORGITIKO [ Ah yor yee' ti ko ] . The winery is Domaine Skouras. One of the most noble of the Greek red grapes, Agiorghitiko (meaning St.George's) is grown mainly in the AOC region Nemea in the Peloponnese. It produces wines that stand out for their deep red color and remarkable aromatic complexity. Agiorghitiko’s soft tannins, in combination with its balanced acidity lead to the production of many different styles of wine, ranging from fresh aromatic reds to extraordinary aged reds. It also produces pleasant aromatic rosé wines.

Domaine Skouras - Over the last fifteen years, the Burgundy trained winemaker George Skouras has brought his Domaine to the forefront of Greek Estates producing wines with native and international grapes. Skouras has built one winery near Argos, another in the bucolic village of Gymno, in the AOC region of Nemea and a third is under construction.

And for a new sparkler we will be offering FIOR d'ARANCIO SPARKLING ORANGE MUSCAT. The name Fior d’Arancio comes from a gentle hint of citrus fruits, the hallmark of this yellow Moscato, which is typical of the volcanic soil in the Euganean Hills. GRAPES: Orange-Blossom yellow Moscato grapes. CHARACTERISTICS: COLOUR: Full yellow with golden hues. AROMA: Very rich. Strong scent of Moscato flowers with an emphatic hint of citrus fruits. TASTE: Sweet, fruity and balanced with extraordinary density, yet at the same time fresh and affable.

Join us for a taste of Greece and Italy.

We had a new winery present their wines this week and want you to try them also. DAVENPORT CELLARS from Woodinville.

2007 Syrah - This wine is 100% Syrah from Kiona Vineyards on Red Mountain and Rosebud Ranches on the Wahluke Slope. All French oak - 50% new and 50% once used (two year old oak). 98 cases produced.

2007 R.H.D. - This wine is 60% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Fruit sources include Kiona Vineyard on Red Mountain and Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards in Walla Walla. All French oak - 50% new and 50% once used (two year old oak). 282 cases produced.

2007 Continuity - This wine is 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Fruit sources include Kiona Vineyard on Red Mountain and Seven Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla. All French oak - 87% new and 13% once used (two year old oak). 198 cases produced.

This couple has done their homework and taken alot of wine and viticulture classes and the end result shows their dedication.

Don't miss out on one of the best events in the South End! The Des Moines Rotary is proud to present the Sixth Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival March 6 & 7 located once again in the historic and grand Landmark on the Sound. Enjoy live jazz music and great food in this beautiful setting while tasting wines from over twenty Washington State wineries. All proceeds from this event are used to fund the charitable projects and activities of the Des Moines Rotary Club. Tickets $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

If you want to help start the festival off right then plan on March 5: A Night in the Vinyards Gala! The opening event for the Poverty Bay Wine Festival! Features 20 Northwest Wineries, Anthony's Homeport Hors D'oeuvres and Desserts, and fabulous entertainment. Black tie (optional). Valet Parking included. Tickets: $75 in advance; $85 at the door. Must be 21 to enter. Hours: 7:30 PM - Closing

This years entertainment: Friday March 5: STEVE RYALS TRIO and ED TAYLOR AND TAYLORMADE, Saturday March 6: DARREN MOTAMEDY DUO and 4TH DEGREE, Sunday March 7: ROUGE and BILLET-DEUX

Tickets are availble from any Des Moines Rotarian or here at CorkyCellars.

At BENSON'S BEST BITES: Learn to temper chocolate, make truffles & chocolate hearts! Stop by or call to register for Valentine’s Chocolate Workshop Saturday, February 6th, 10 to Noon (12 spots available) Led by guest Chocolatiere, Ellane Culhane - $22 registration for workshop or $40 includes registration plus $22 take home kit: 2# Spanish Tobago Coverage Chocolate, truffle shells, Transfer Sheet Call them at: (206) 243-2420

Support the DES MOINES AREA FOOD BANK - Italian Dinner - Feb. 13 - $25.00 - Call 206-878-2660 for reservations. Being held at St. Francis Catholic Church 15226 21st Ave SW Burien. Dinner includes: Antipasto, Salad, Penne pasta with red sauace & meatballs, Coffe, Tea, Dessert. A no host bar will be available (beer & wine)