Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Washington Wine Blogger Report: Winging to Seattle

SEATTLE -- The 2010 North American Wine Bloggers Conference will take place June 25-27, 2010 in Walla Walla, Washington. Wine bloggers, industry bloggers, and other wine and social media professionals will gather from throughout North America and beyond to meet, learn, and share. Toledo Wines and Vines will be on the scene and -- not only that -- will also be participating in the special VIP WBC-or-Bust bus tour meandering through the vineyards of Washington from Seattle, through Yakima and finally reaching Walla Walla on Thursday night. TWAV was one of 12 blogs selected in a national competition focused on Washington wines.

The first leg of the journey began at the Detroit airport. 1,927 miles later I landed in Seattle and took the Link light rail to downtown Seattle. The light rail is easy on the environment as well as the wallet (only $2.50 versus more than $30 for a shuttle).

I met up with Bill Eyer, publisher of the Cuvee Corner wine blog, at the hotel and we ended up at the Purple Cafe and Wine Bar for dinner. In light of free flowing wine coming in the next five days (and feeling the effects of the three-hour time difference), I had just a glass of  Carmenere (2006 Alcance, Chile). This was an enjoyable choice with the artisan pizza.

Wednesday will feature s visit to Chateau Ste. Michelle, a grand tasting in Woodinville, lunch at the Barking Frog, a visit to the Pike Brewery and a winemaker dinner at the Waterfront Seafood Grill.

Washington State is the second largest producer of wine in the United States and has over 32,000 planted acres. The state has 11 distinct appellations and two sub-appellations. Walla Walla, is a town of about 58,000 residents that is smack in the middle of wine country, has an historic downtown often voted “Best Main Street” in America, and is known for its high quality restaurants.
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