• Barrister Winery—This Spokane-based winery has two tasting locations, including one located downtown. Author’s Pick: 2015 Sangiovese.
• Terra Blanca—Located in the historical Chronicle Building, this tasting room has a nice outdoor patio to relax on after a hike. Author’s Pick: 2014 Block 8 Syrah.
• Helix Wines—This tasting room with modern décor is located across from the Peacock Lounge. Author’s Pick: 2014 SoRhô, a blend of Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Grenache.
• Va Piano Vineyards—Located inside the historical Davenport hotel, Va Piano has beautiful wines from Walla Walla and beyond. Author’s Pick: 2015 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Maryhill Winery—This tasting room has a stellar view of downtown Spokane and the Spokane River. Author’s Pick: 2017 Rosé of Sangiovese.
• Craftsman Cellars—Located in Kendall Yards, this winemaker is also a woodworker. A craftsman of wood and wine. Author’s Pick: 2014 Pinot Noir.
• Arbor Crest Wine Cellars—This historical site and wedding venue has a live summer concert series and view of the Spokane Valley. Author’s Pick: 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.
• The list goes on—visit the Cork District map online at Visit Spokane’s website for a complete list of Spokane wine tasting rooms. You can also try a wine bar, such as Nectar or Vino, to sample wines from a wider area. //

Lisa Laughlin is a runner and backpacker. She grew up on a wheat farm in central Washington and loves Washington wines. She wrote about rollerblading in the August issue of Out There.

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p.e.a.c.h., a Spokane non-profit, is holding a fundraising event next weekend — join them for wine-tasting and/or a gourmet dinner! Below is the information they’ve provided.

In celebration of the bounty of fall harvest here in the Inland Northwest, People for Environmental Action and Community Health (p.e.a.c.h.) is inviting area supporters and local food enthusiasts to join them for “Grape to Glass” and “Farm to Fork” on Saturday, October 3. This fundraiser for the 10-year-old Spokane nonprofit organization will include wine tastings from several regional wineries, a gourmet multi-course meal prepared by chefs from One World Spokane and Fresh Abundance, local music, dancing and a silent auction.

Proceeds from Grape to Glass and Farm to Fork will support the p.e.a.c.h. Farm School programs. In 2008

p.e.a.c.h. leased and set up a two-acre farm, utilizing hundreds of volunteer hours to establish a greenhouse, start bedding plants, setup field crops, weed, harvest and market the fresh produce. The small Farm School was so successful, p.e.a.c.h. decided to expand to a home with more farmable acreage, and will be moving to this new location in late 2009 to prepare for spring.

The new Farm School will have cows and goats for milk, chickens for eggs and meat, and a full spectrum of produce that grows in our region. The farm will produce cheese, bottle milk and make value-added products like pasta sauce, pickles, jams and jellies and more. It will be set up as an example of how sustainable practices create a closed-loop balanced ecosystem. It will house a handful of farm apprentices for the farm season and host local children on field trips throughout the year.

Grape to Glass and Farm to Fork is on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 5 pm – 9 pm at Fresh Abundance at 2015 North Division.

Ticket prices:
Grape to Glass (wine tasting event): $26
Farm to Fork (multi-course gourmet organic dinner):$60
Both: $80
Table of Eight: $500

Tickets are available online, or by phone — call 509-435-5210.

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