Great Wine Lover Gift: 2013 Red Wine & Chocolate Tour

While you may still be finishing up your holiday shopping, we have a great gift idea for the wine or chocolate lover in your life. Why not buy them tickets for our annual Red Wine and Chocolate tour?

We are hosting two fun weekends of sweet decadence and lush wine on Feb. 9-10 and Feb. 16-18 (Presidents’ Day Weekend) from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Washington wine events

Treat yourself to something sweet as we wait for Spring! Olympic Peninsula Red Wine and Chocolate Tour. February 9, 10 and 16, 17, and 18, 2013

Olympic Peninsula Winery Assoc. president Vicki Corson says, “the wineries would like to extend a special invitation to anyone who has not participated in our Red Wine & Chocolate tour in the past to come out and join us for a perfect Valentine’s or Presidents’ Weekend getaway! Participants who visit all eight of our wineries will be entered into a drawing for an elegant wine-themed gift basket.”

Tickets may be purchased at participating wineries during the event. The $30 ticket and glass package entitles you to a special commemorative wine glass, complimentary wine tasting and delectable samples of chocolate at each winery during the Red Wine & Chocolate Weekends.

Travel from winery to winery on the majestic Olympic Peninsula, visiting each unique property and explore both Washington wine and the Olympic Peninsula. Tickets are not required to attend this event, however, a $5.00 wine tasting fee will be charged at each winery for non-ticketed visitors. You must be 21 or over to purchase tickets and/or participate in wine tasting.

Washington Red Wine & Chocolate 2012

Here’s a peak at the happenings from last year’s Red Wine & Chocolate so you can get a feel for the event:

  • Wind Rose Cellars of Sequim made it’s debut at Red Wine & Chocolate last year, featuring its newly released 2010 Dolcetto. Wind Rose’s wines are made with Italian grape varieties grown in Washington State. These award-winning wines were paired with delicious chocolates crafted by Linda Moates of Sequim’s Cocoa d’Amici. Chocolates samples included Hazel Nut Crunch, Pistachio Fig and Ginger Cinnamon.

 

Port Townsend 2012 September Festivals: Wooden Boat Fest and the Film Festival

Wooden Boat by Swedish boat builder Carl Gustav Pettersson

Walk through Point Hudson Marina in Port Townsend to see beautifully crafted wooden vessels of every type, from kayaks to three masted ships!

Two of the biggest events of the year are coming to Port Townsend, WA in September. Don’t miss these favorite cultural festivals on the Olympic Peninsula:

September 7-9, 2012 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival
This is the 36th annual festival celebrating the tradition of wooden boat building on the Olympic Peninsula. Come to downtown Port Townsend and Point Hudson Marina to see the beautiful boats, learn, sail and buy. More than 300 wooden boats will be on display. There will also be many opportunities to learn through hundreds of presentations and demonstrations offered throughout the weekend. The bustling crowds, fun activities for the kids, exciting races and live music add to the festive atmosphere of this Port Townsend maritime heritage celebration.

For more information and to buy tickets online, visit WoodenBoat.org/festival.

13th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival

The magic of cinema returns to downtown Port Townsend, WA with the 13th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival this September.

September 21-23, 2012 Port Townsend Film Festival
This beloved Pacific Northwest film festival fills Port Townsend’s streets with movie lovers of all ages and tastes. It’s a wonderful block party with the added excitement of a surprise celebrity guest every year. In addition to enjoying great films, there will be informative discussion panels and talks with filmmakers, actors and writers.

Watch classic movies as well as exciting premiers of new films at different movie venues in town and on the giant screen set up in the middle of downtown. This year’s outer space theme is behind the new addition to the 2012 PT Film Fest: the Area 51 Cocktail Lounge. Area 51 at 607 Water Street will keep you “refreshed” throughout the weekend.

See the full schedule of events at PTfilmfest.com. Tickets can also be purchased online or at the venues listed on the website.

Choose local wines and ciders made by the wineries of the Olympic Peninsula during these great events! Many of the fine cafes and restaurants in Port Townsend, WA serve Olympic Peninsula wines. On your way to and from Port Townsend, stop by our Olympic Peninsula wineries. You can also take a break from the crowds and visit the local Olympic Peninsula tasting rooms.

Visit Olympic Peninsula Wineries during Labor Day Weekend 2012

Olympic Peninsula Wineries Map

As you drive along Hwy 101 during your Olympic Peninsula Labor Day weekend, the wineries in Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles are right along your route.

The Olympic Peninsula is a great place to vacation any time of the year, but Labor Day is the traditional last hurrah for summer vacationers. There’s a big surge of travelers to our area, seeking that last taste of summer. What better way to taste it than to spend your Olympic Peninsula Labor Day weekend visiting our local wineries! All the wineries of the Olympic Peninsula will be open that weekend.

For quick reference, below are the Olympic Peninsula Wineries’ hours during Labor Day weekend. For full information on hours throughout the year, please visit each winery’s page on this site or their respective websites.

Wind Rose Cellars: Friday 1-7 pm ~ Saturday & Sunday 1-5 pm  ~ Monday 1-4 pm
Olympic Cellars: Open Daily 11 am – 6 pm
Harbinger Winery: Friday-Saturday 11 am-6 pm ~ Sunday 11 am-5 pm ~ Monday 11 am-6 pm
Finnriver Farm & Cidery: Open Thursday-Monday, 12 to 5 pm
FairWinds Winery: Friday-Monday 12 to 5 pm
Eaglemount Wine & Cider: Friday-Monday 12 to 5 pm
Camaraderie Cellars: Friday-Sunday 11 am-5 pm ~ Monday 11 am-3 pm
Black Diamond: Friday-Sunday 11am -4pm ~ Monday closed

In addition to the fun of touring our wineries, pick up some local wines for your Olympic Peninsula camping trips or hiking, kayaking and biking excursions. There are so many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of our waters and mountains. A bottle of award-winning Olympic Peninsula wine adds just the right touch when you’re looking out over the Strait Juan de Fuca, or walking among the stately old growth trees of the Hoh Rainforest.

Keep a few extra bottles to take back home or join the wine clubs to keep the Olympic Peninsula wines and fond memories flowing all year long.

From all of us at the Olympic Peninsula Wineries, we wish everyone a fun and safe Labor Day Weekend.

Wine Pairings with Lamb Chops with Lavender & Herbs Recipe

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Red Wine ReductionDuring the 2012 Lavender Weekend in Sequim, all the Olympic Peninsula Wineries will be joining in the celebration. To whet your appetite, we’ve found a great recipe with lavender to share: Grilled Colorado Lamb Chops with Lavender. Each of the eight wineries of the Olympic Peninsula shared their recommendations of wines to go with this simple and delicious lavender and lamb dish. Try this lavender recipe and have your own tasting with a wine or cider from each winery! We also suggest taking the Olympic Peninsula Lavender Weekend Wine Tour. Each winery will have additional wine and lavender pairings to suit every palate.

For the stronger flavors of the lamb, rubbed with lavender and herbs then grilled, each winery recommended these selections from their wines…

Black Diamond Winery: Muller Thurgau. This Reisling cross is slightly sweet with spicy undertones.

Camaraderie Cellars: Merlot, with its blackberry and cherry flavors or their slightly peppery/spicy Syrah.

Eaglemount Wine & Cider: Raptor Reserve, a blend of Cab-Sauv, Merlot, and Cab Franc. Also Apple Mead or Quince Cider.

FairWinds Winery: Lemberger, an unfiltered red with mellow yet complex flavors of fresh fruit and spice.

Finnriver Farm & Cidery: Sparkling Appleblueberry, an off dry champagne method cider or the dry Artisan Sparkling Cider.

Harbinger Winery: El Jéfe, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvédre and Petite Sirah. Or Bolero (Tempranillo + Grenache)

Olympic Cellars: Their full-bodied Syrah or the Cabernet Franc with flavors of sage, tarragon and lavender.

Wind Rose Cellars: Nebbiolo. Opening aromas of pipe tobacco and savory herbs. Cherry and plum flavors with a cranberry finish.

Be sure to take the Olympic Peninsula Lavender Weekend Wine Tour to taste these and other award-winning Olympic Peninsula wines. Many wineries and cideries will have special releases of lavender-themed creations. You can also experience Olympic Peninsula wines by visiting the Sequim Lavender Farm Faire Wine & Beer Garden at Carrie Blake Park (202 Blake Avenue in Sequim).

2012 Juan de Fuca Festival

The Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts in Port Angeles is one of the most exciting events on the Olympic Peninsula. 2012 promises to be better than ever!

Two Man Gentlemen Band Memorial Day Weekend Port Angeles

The Two Man Gentlemen Band performs at the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts.

The festival begins on Thursday, May 24, with a Pre-Festival Kickoff Event: African Rhythms — Celtic Soul. Early festival goers will be treated to Baka Beyond, a highly original Afro-Celtic danceband. Band members come from six different European and African countries. Keeping still while you listen is not an option. This could be worth an extra long weekend.

Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts celebrates the arts in all its mediums, but it is music that takes center stage.

The 2012 lineup includes:

  • Allen Stone, the amazing 24 year son of a preacher man who is taking the world by the ears.
  • Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited, known as the Lion of Zimbabwe.
  • Locarno, featuring Tom Landa and an exciting blend of Mexican, Cuban Son, Folk Music, Pop and Funk.
  • The Two Man Gentlemen Band, playing hot, raucous, retro swing.

(more…)

Sequim Irrigation Festival

Sequim Irrigation Festival

The Irrigation Festival is underway!

The 2012 annual Sequim Irrigation Festival begins today, May 4. The theme is 117 & Still Growin’ Green.

The Irrigation Festival flows from the vast irrigation system that early settlers created. Sequim was transformed from a dry valley to a land of fertile fields and abundant crops. Agriculture remains an important part of Sequim’s economy and identity, as a trip to the weekly Farmers Market reveals.

The Irrigation Festival begins with the First Friday Art Walk, when Sequim’s art galleries stay open late and host special events.

It continues on May 5 and 6 with an Arts and Crafts Fair on Bell Street, between Sequim and 2nd Avenues. Each year brings a great variety of items, food booths, and local entertainment. The weekly Sequim Open Aire Market, on Cedar Street between Sequim and 2nd Avenues, showcases a wealth of fresh produce from local farmers.

Look for various Olympic Peninsula Wineries and Cideries at the markets, and bring a bottle of Washington State Wine home with you, to help you remember the event.

Sequim Irrigation Festival Parade

Watch the Grand Parade on May 12.

The following weekend starts Friday evening with a Logging Show, a Truck and Tractor Pull, and a Strongman Showdown. This brawny evening concludes with fireworks.

Saturday, May 12 is the Kids Parade, the Classic Car Show, and the 117th Irrigation Festival Grand Parade.

The Carnival comes to town Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. As always, there’ll be rides and fun for the entire family.

Sequim’s Irrigation Festival runs May 4-13, 2012. Come enjoy the nation’s oldest festival.

The Port Townsend Farmers Market

Spring is here, and spring means farmers markets. It’s hard to beat the farmers markets you’ll find on the Olympic Peninsula.

Port Townsend Farmers Market live music

Live music at the Port Townsend Farmers Market.

Last year, the Port Townsend Farmers Market was recognized as the best large Farmers Market in the state. Colorful produce lines the stalls, the smell of freshly-baked breads permeates the air, and music sets the mood. People shop, congregate, eat and dance. Is there a better place to be between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a Saturday? We think not.

Port Townsend Farmers Market

Check out the Port Townsend Farmers Market, Saturday mornings.

In a few weeks, the smaller but no less note-worthy Chimacum Corner Farmers Market opens. It starts May 20 and runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the fall. If you happen to find yourself craving fresh produce on a Sunday in Chimacum prior to that, stop by the Chimacum Corner Farmstand. You can’t miss it; it’s the cheerful yellow store in the heart of Chimacum.

Spend a weekend on the Olympic Peninsula this spring. Visit Olympic Peninsula Wineries* and taste locally made, Washington State wine. Visit the Port Townsend Farmers Market and stock up on locally grown fresh produce and other treats. Discover the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

* Several of our member Washington State Wineries and Cideries are located in and around Port Townsend. FairWinds Winery is located in Port Townsend. Eaglemount Wine and Cider is located outside of Port Townsend off Route 20, and Finnriver Farm & Cidery is located in Chimacum.

Photos from the Port Townsend Farmers Market Video by Oliver Henry.

For Mothers Who Like Wine

Anyone whose mother likes wine need worry no more about how to celebrate Mother’s Day. Treat mom to a day of wine tasting on the Olympic Peninsula.

Mother's Day wine tasting Olympic Peninsula

Nice weather? Treat mom to a picnic on the beach.

Eight Washington State Wineries and Cideries call the Olympic Peninsula home. Some of the wines they produce are made from grapes and other fruits grown right here, on the peninsula. Come learn all about what they do during a Mother’s Day outing.

Have fun finding your favorite wines. Do you and Mom prefer sweet whites or robust reds? Perhaps you like dry whites or softer reds. Have you tried artisinal hard cider?

Make a weekend of it so you can take your time and wine taste at your leisure. Stay in a hotel overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Port Townsend, a vacation rental in Sequim, or a historic Bed and Breakfast in Port Townsend. Discover the many fine restaurants that call the Olympic Peninsula home: the Alderwood Bistro in Sequim; Fins Coastal Cuisine in Port Townsend; the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock. Get picnic fixings at the Port Townsend Farmer’s Market, or the Chimacum Corner Store.

You’ll find many varietals at our member Olympic Peninsula Wineries. Help your mom find her favorite during a Mother’s Day weekend wine tasting extravaganza!

 

The 2012 Port Townsend Victorian Festival

Port Townsend WA Victorian Festival

A Victorian masterpiece--the Ann Starret Mansion, in Port Townsend.

March 23-25, 2012, is the 16th annual Port Townsend Victorian Festival. Immerse yourself in a different time for one weekend. Return to the present only to refresh yourself with a glass of Washington Wine from one of the Olympic Peninsula Wineries in and near Port Townsend.

What can you do during the Victorian Festival? You can:

  • Study Victorian architecture.
  • Attend a Temperance Meeting.
  • Watch a 19th Century Fencing Demo.
  • Speak with a Victorian Naturalist.
  • Learn about the Victorian Corset.
  • Watch a Fashion Show.
  • Watch an 1800s style Prize Fight.
  • Have a Victorian Tea.
  • Dress up.
  • See dressed-up people.
  • Attend a Victorian Ball.

If you are enchanted with the Victorian age, come to the Port Townsend Victorian Festival, March 23-25. It’s fun.

Remember the occasion with a bottle of Washington State Wine from the Olympic Peninsula.

Two Weekends of Bliss at Olympic Peninsula Wineries

The Red Wine & Chocolate Tour at Olympic Peninsula Wineries begins this weekend, February 11 and 12, 2012. It continues the following weekend, February 18-20.

This is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Sublime combinations of wine and chocolate are explored and celebrated. Each participating Washington State Winery and Cidery on the Olympic Peninsula will have something unique to share: a deep, dark chocolate fountain, sinful truffles, and an abundance of new release wines.

Black Diamond Winery

Try a variety of sweet combinations at Black Diamond Winery. Chocolate truffles will be served alongside Raspberry, Loganberry, and Strawberry Wines. Black Diamond will also be pouring their Syrah, for folks who like life a little less sweet.

Try cocoa spice-rubbed pulled pork at Camaraderie Cellars in Port Angeles.

Camaraderie Cellars

There are chocolate desserts, and then there is chocolate food. It’s hard to resist Camaraderie Cellars’ cocoa spice-rubbed pulled pork cooked in a wood-fired oven. Try it with the savory chocolate bruschetta, which is unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. Enjoy them both with the 2009 Syrah, which will be released during this event.

For the sweet teeth out there, Camaraderie will serve Molly Baby chocolate shortbread cookies and Equal Exchange Fair Trade Chocolate bars. Cabernet and Merlot varietals will be served alongside these goodies.

Eaglemount Wine and Cider

Tucked away on a lovely piece of ground above Discovery Bay, Eaglemount will serve new releases of their cider, mead, and red wine. Chocolates by Chocolate Serenade add a sweet touch.

Dip a strawberry into the chocolate fountain at FairWinds Winery, in Port Townsend.

FairWinds Winery

It just wouldn’t be the Olympic Peninsula Red Wine and Chocolate Tour without a chocolate fountain. The fountain at FairWinds Winery is said to be the tallest chocolate fountain on the Peninsula. Dip fruits and sweets into this delicious pool of dark chocolate and try the latest vintages of Gewürztraminer, Port O’ Call, and a Carbernet Sauvignon / Merlot blend. You may not want to leave.

Finnriver Cidery

Warm yourself with Finnriver Cidery’s newly released Raspberry Wine and then savor chocolate-covered berries.

Try Black Currant and Pear Cider cocktails with outrageous chocolate brownies.

Treat yourself to a ticket to the Chocolate Chamber, where you can dive into a cup of “BLISS” Chocolate Elixir, a creamy gourmet sipping chocolate by Jennifer Michele Chocolat of Port Townsend.

Harbinger Winery

Mount Olympus Black Truffles by Wicked Little Sweets are divine. When paired with Harbinger Winery’s newly released 2009 Bolero, they’re sinful.

If you appreciate good beer, don’t leave without trying Bar Hop Brewing’s Venezuelan Chocolate Porter.

Harbinger Winery is also hosting Aphrodisiac Chocolate tastings in the Kitty Kat Lounge. Reservations recommended.

Olympic Cellars

You may think you’re wine tasting on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, but when you step into Olympic Cellars, you’ll realize you’re actually in Paris. Sip red and white Washington State Wines, savor handcrafted chocolates by Yvonne Yakota, sway to French music and watch an artist at work. Don’t leave without trying a freshly baked chocolate croissant.

Wind Rose Cellars

Italian grape varieties grown in Washington State are the foundation of the wines at Wind Rose Cellars in Sequim. Try the newly released 2010 Dolcetto and sample the creative chocolate combinations made by Sequim’s Cocoa d’Amici: Hazel Nut Crunch, Pistachio Fig, and Ginger Cinnamon.

Additional information is available at Red Wine & Chocolate Tour. Bon appétit!

Chocolate. Red Wine. A Divine Combination.

Chocolate is divine. It is luxurious. It is decadent. It has been special since it was discovered, and with good reason. Sweet and smooth, dark and creamy, rich and bittersweet…there is really nothing else like it. We drink it. We melt it. We eat it any way we can.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Red Wine and Chocolate.

Although today chocolate is relatively affordable, it was once quite a luxury. Even these days, chocolate of extraordinarily good quality comes with a price. A gift of fine chocolate is meaningful; that’s why we give it to the people we love.

But don’t just give a box of chocolates to your Valentine this year. Step out of the box. Give an experience. Bring your sweetie to the Red Wine & Chocolate Tour at Olympic Peninsula Wineries.

Discover enchanting combinations of red wine and chocolate. There will be deep Cabernets, rich Merlots, and flavorful Syrahs. There will be hand crafted, locally made chocolates. They will be paired by experts who recognize that both grapes and cocoa beans are effected by the climate and geography of the regions that produce them.

Pairing wine and chocolate has got to be one of the most delightful sciences there is. Taste for yourself. Join us Olympic Peninsula Wineries for two weekends of Red Wine and Chocolate.

The Red Wine & Chocolate Tour runs February 11-12 and February 18-20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional details are available on our Events page.