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Another Year……..


The vines are now asleep; the wine is aging in the barrels and we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season and the end of 2018.

It has been another fantastic year for discovering new wines and revisiting old favorites.  Our busy lives kept us mostly in Oregon and Washington this year but its amazing what you can find in your own neighborhood.

Palouse Winery - Vashon Island, Washington was a great find.  On our way to a friend’s wedding, we stopped for a quick sample and discovered a complete line of beautiful crafted wines.  We took the opportunity to come back on another day and experience the full line up.  If you have an opportunity to visit Vashon Island you must stop and visit Palouse.

Denise discovered Olalla Winery in Olalla, Washington.  This is a family operated winery that has become a local gem.  Evenings of music out on the lawn, while sipping great wine and nibbling on your favorite appetizer.  Throughout the spring and summer, we revisited this winery over and over.  We love the lush whites and fruity reds.  Lots of love and care has gone into continuing this family winery and the quality wines.

What would a year be without our annual trip to Walla Walla, Washington.  Once again, we met up with old friends and enjoyed great wines from some of our favorite vintners.  We enjoyed a pre-harvest dinner a Dumas Station Winery in Dayton, Washington.  Jay is hard at work creating some of the best wines in the Walla Walla Valley.


We also had to say good bye to Joe Grant of Grantwood Winery, Walla Walla, Washington.  Joe has decided to seek new adventures but will still be open until all the wine is gone.  Joe makes one of the best Petit Verdot wines you will ever find.  I will miss his craftsman ship with this varietal and all the other wines he has produced. 

Those of us who enjoy wine know, vines that are challenged and given the proper care produce some of the best fruit.  2018 was a challenging year but we grew from it and now reap the rewards of love from our family and friends. 

Denise and I wish you all the very best for the holiday season and hope 2019 brings you joy, love and peace.  We look forward to sharing more wine adventures in 2019.

Merry Christmas!  Cheers…..LaDonna

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