Since it is moving into Washington Wine Month we will feature THREE RIVERS WINERY. In May they will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the winery located just west of Walla Walla. Their inaugural release was the 1999 vintage with Charlie Hoppes as the winemaker. The current winemaker Holly Turner has been with Three Rivers since 2000. She learned the art of winemaking through postitions with several wineries including Chateau Ste. Michelle and Bodega la Rural in Argentina. <><><><><><><><><><><> RIESLING - $12.99 (reg. $20.99) - Crafted in an off-dry style, our Columbia Valley Riesling is one of our most versatile wines. Luscious notes of pineapple, starfruit, Asian pear and honeyed apple are perfectly balanced by crisp acidity. Pairs perfectly with a wide range of cuisines, especially spicy Thai, Indian and Vietnamese dishes. The sweetness and acidity are also well-suited for salty snacks such as cured meats, popcorn and roasted nuts.

CHARDONNAY - $ 15.99 (reg. $20.99) - Fermented entirely in French oak barrels this Columbia Valley Chardonnay balances the richness of barrel aging with the crisp acidity of Columbia Valley vineyards. Try pairing with seared halibut, roasted chicken or creamy pasta dishes.

RIVERS RED - $14.99 (reg. $16.99) - The nose absolutely delights with unmistakable notes of dark coffee, cedar box, oriental spices and cherries. On the mouth, ample nuances of vanilla bean, ripe blueberries and cherries are generous and lingering. The finish completes this approachable, yet full-bodied red. Wonderful with a wide array of rich dishes, though velvety and silken enough on its own to be a sipping wine.

MERITAGE RED WINE - $20.99 (reg. $40.99) - A blend of 38% Cabernet, 25% Merlot, 16% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. This harmonious blend drips with bright blackberries and luscious round tannins. Only 380 cases produced.

LATE HARVEST GEWURZTRAMINER - $8.99 (reg. $16.99) - This 2007 sweetie shows many layers of character. Lychee, stone fruit and honey all shine through in this wine.

Ric will be busy getting ready for the Poverty Bay Wine Festival so stop in and keep me busy!

This week we will see what an Australian Tempranillo is like. NASHWAUK VINEYARDS is the winery. This wine has a perfumed floral lift with savory earthy tones, subtle saddle leather characters mixed with dark cherries. An awesome food wine, especially with tapas dishes. Everyone is so used to seeing Shiraz from Australia that it is easy to forget they produce other wines. Should be fun.

And of course we are used to seeing Chianti, Barberas, and Primativo from Italy so let's try the CARA MIA Pinot Noir.

Have you been saving corks saying that "some day I'll make something with them" Well, if they are stacking up to much bring them in and dump them in the barrel.

We have been in contact with ReCORK and are anxious to get more information that we can pass along. (At this point they do not accept synthetic corks only natural)

If you are wanting to make a cork board or trivet we have the kits available also. These are a nice way to use corks from special bottles that you have shared with friends.

Remember that the Poverty Bay Wine Festival is this weekend also. Advance tickets can be purchased until 6:30 Friday for attendance either Saturday or Sunday.

On Saturday the Triumph Car Club will have cars on display and on Sunday the Mini Cooper Club will have cars there.

Our sales rep from THREE RIVERS will be joining us along with our youngest son to fill Ric's shoes while he is at the Festival.