Try the Bubbly & the Cider!

Two options for your Easter or Mothers Day Brunch in the Yakima Valley, Washington's Wine Country.

Treveri Cellars, Yakima's only handcrafted sparkling wine tasting facility, "The Sparkle" Tasting Room. Treveri sparkling wine is produced by the in-bottle fermentation of the wine to effect carbonation. Why is this called sparkling wine instead of Champagne? The majority of US-produced sparkling wines do not use the term "champagne" on their labels because the name is reserved exclusively for sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France. If you ask Julie or Juergen Grieb, they would be happy to explain the process and let you tour the on site bottling facility, if the tasting room isn't to busy. When visiting the Treveri Tasting room in Downtown Yakima you will be introduced to four sparkling wines served chilled to experience the full flavor.

• Chardonnay Brut; smooth, complex and crisp(less than 1.5% sugar)
  
• Pinot Gris Extra-Sec; semi dry finish(off dry 1.2-2% sugar)
  
• Reisling Demi-Sec; semi dry flavor (3.5-5.%sugar)
  
• Gewurztraminer.Demi-Sec; spice and exotic fruit aromas.

"The Sparkle" Tasting Room is located at 225 S. 2nd Ave., Yakima, WA.,1 block south of Walnut Ave., Downtown Yakima.


Tieton Cider Works is located in the small artist community of Tieton, WA made famous by the establishment of Mighty Tieton. Currently this boutique farm produces five ciders, which are available for tasting at events all over the state such as Taste Washington, Washington Brewers Festival, Mighty Tieton Events and Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival.

• Blossom Nectar Cider, the sweetest cider with hints of melon and vanilla with a long finish.
• Cherry Cider, definitely an apple cider, with a taste of cherry and like clove and cinnamon spices and a medium finish.
• Harmony Reserve Cider with hints of lemon and hazelnut with pomegranate at the beginning of the long finish.
• Tieton Blend Cider is the driest cider with clean citrus and crisp apple notes, with a nice long finish.
• Wild Washington Apple Cider hints of pineapple, caramel and slight oak or wood flavor with a medium finish.

You may purchase these ciders locally at Gilbert Cellars, Stems, The Tasting Room, Thompson's Farm Market or online directly.

Yakima Valley Wineries on Twitter

Want to tweet about Yakima Valley Wines? Want to know what Yakima Valley wineries are on twitter? Here is a list. Don't forget the official tourism organization for tourism in the Yakima Valley on twitter is @yakimavalley .

Yakima Valley Wineries on Twitter:

• Airfield Estates @airfield
• Apex Cellars @ApexCellars
• Bonair Winery @BonairWine
  
• Claar @claarcellars
• Columbia Crest @columbiacrest
• Desert Wind @desertwindwine
• Gamache Vintners @GamacheVintners
• Gilbert Cellars @gilbertcellars
• Kana Winery @kanawinery
• Kestrel Winery @kestrelwines
  
• Mary Hill Winery @maryhillwinery
• Milbrandt Vineyards @milbrandtvino
• Naches Heights Wines @NHVines
  
• Paradisos del Sol Winery @ParadisosdelSol
• Pontin del Roza @pontindelroza
• Silver Lake Winery @SilverLakeWines
• Snoqualmie Winery @snoqualmiewine
• Tefft Cellars @tefftcellars
• Two Mountain Winery @twomountain
• Wilridge Winery @wilridge
  
• Windy Point Winery @WindyPointWine
• Yakima Valley Vintners @YVVintners
  

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

Gasperetti's Restuarant Owner Reveals Secret Recipe

Gasperettis Restaurant owner John Gasparetti instructs on the making of one of his signature dishes from Yakima Valley grown farm fresh produce. This fine Italian restaurant has operated in the Yakima Valley for over 40 years. Legend has it that the dish was served His Holiness, Pope Pius VII, the delicacy especially prepared for him...... Chicken Cacciatora!



I would suggest visiting the restaurant for dinner and leave the cooking to John and his executive chef Brad Patterson. The ambiance in the dining room is romantic and not doing the cooking at home is so appealing.
The G. Bar features a daily Happy Hour and an upscale ambiance without the prices to match. Let me suggest the salmon cheesecake appetizer with the Green goddess dressing, Unforgettable!


The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

Cowiche Canyon Spring Hike - WA Wine Country Style!

Take in the beauty of wildflowers blooming in spring!

Explore a scenic canyon!

Savor wine tasting at a 100 year old farmhouse!

The Cowiche Canyon Trail originally was an old railroad spur which features 9 railroad trestle bridges. The entire Cowiche Canyon trail is a easy 2.9 family walk on a gravel trail along the Cowiche Creek with side trails bringing the total to 14 miles of trails in two locations with four trailheads.

The main trail is obvious, but there are also some side trails. After Bridge 8, there is a signed junction for the Uplands Trail taking you up to 360 degree views of Yakima and on a clear day, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams. Blooming spring flowers make this a great hike with over 200 species of red, yellow and purple native plants, wildflowers and interesting rock formations.

Alternatively you may start at the Tasting Room Yakima at the 1900's era farmhouse with a deck for outside picnicking and relaxing, families welcome. Featuring over 25 wines for tasting from 4 wineries, Wilridge, Naches Heights wines are among those featured. If you are bringing a picnic lunch, stop, at the Tasting Room Yakima your lunch will be refrigerated while you explore the canyon, afterwards and you can savor wine tasting, relax and enjoy your meal. Wilridge Winery Trail is a half-mile long side trail connecting the winery on Naches Heights with the Cowiche Canyon Trail. You will walk past Winemaker Paul Beveridges’ organic vineyard, where he uses a biodynamic approach to growing a number of different grape varieties.

Wilridge Winery Trail is the small trail going up the hill.

Directions to the Tasting Room Yakima: From I-82 West or East. Exit Hwy 12 West (Naches/White Pass) Exit Fruitvale / N. 40th Ave. Right at W. Powerhouse Rd. (2nd light) Left at Naches Heights Rd. Travel 2.5 miles, Left at Ehler Rd
Directions to Trailheads: You may also start at either end of the Cowiche Canyon trail and take the side trail up to the winery. The Canyon Trail is accessible from the Scenic drive parking lot via the Uplands Trail, the Wiekel Road parking lot located west of the trail, or from the east via Cowiche Canyon Road (very limited parking). From Yakima travel west on Summitview Avenue about ten miles to Wiekel Road. Turn right on Wiekel Road; follow the signs to the Wiekel Road parking lot.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

Bungalows, Cabins, Wineries & Teepee's

The Yakima Valley offers a variety of choices for your stay, from the scenic to rustic, to the unique. Located within 45 minutes of the Yakima Valley, Washington's wine country, the following lodging facilities offer a great mountain stay experience and are located within the Chinook Scenic Byway. State Route 410, the byway designated as an All American Road, is one of the most beautiful routes in the United States. This high elevation pass offers hiking, climbing, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, cycling, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, scenic viewpoints opportunities and more.

• Looking for a relaxing riverside experience complete with hot tub? Whistlin’ Jack Lodge offers cozy cottages and bungalows. In addition, the restaurant at Whistlin’ Jacks offers fine dining and a special Sunday breakfast buffet. The lounge features entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. There are numerous hiking, biking, fishing, scenic views and rides nearby to enjoy.
  

• Bethel Ridge Retreat is a beautiful romantic getaway or family vacation rental at the Carmack Creek Lodge and Aspen View Lodge. These lodges are decorated with leather furniture, luxurious bedrooms, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor private deck, gas barbeque, and hot tubs. Located in the woods thirty minutes west of Yakima Valley's Wine Country.

Want to stay close to downtown Yakima in the Barge Chestnut historic district surrounded by beautiful homes. Latchwood Cottage, built in the 1930's is a 3 bedroom home with beautiful backyard garden and patios. The perfect place for a relaxing stay. (picture on upper left)

Cowan Winery, Desert Wind Winery and Zillah Lakes offer options to stay in the heart of the Yakima Valley Wine Country. Cowan offers a rental house with vineyard views. Desert Wind in Prosser, WA features a winery stay.

• Cowan Estates hilltop wine country retreat with views of Mount Adams and Mt Rainier is located in the heart of the Yakima Valley Wine Country, near the city of Grandview. Sitting on 65 acres, overlooking the valley, surrounded by wine grapes, cherry trees, and hops, this 3600 sq ft 4 bedroom home accommodates 8 people comfortably.

• Desert Wind Winery features well appointed rooms with fireplaces in a winery inspired by the southwest desert climate and rustic Northwest landscape of the Yakima Valley region.
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• Wine Country 2 night Getaway for 4 in brand new Zillah Lakes home. Come and try the Washington Wine Country lifestyle for a weekday ($349.) or weekend($399.). Your package includes; 2 weekend nights in a brand new home (sleeps up to 4 people). Reduced Greens Fees for 2-4 at Mt. Adams golf course (in-season). Wine Goodies Basket, including a Rattlesnakes Hills Wine passport to start you on a wine tour and 1 free bottle of wine from a local winemaker. Discount coupons to discover the area’s rich recreation and entertainment resources.

The Yakima Valley is home to the Yakama Nation Reservation. Experience the West with a stay in a Teepee at Cherry Wood B&B or Yakama Nation RV Park.

• Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn offers posh 20 ft tall teepee's with fluffy down comforters. This B&B is a working western farm with a variety of apples, pears, cherries and grapes. You can horseback ride through the vineyards and orchards to the nearby wineries for wine tasting and sit around the campfire in the evening.

• Located within walking distance of the Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center, Yakama Nation Museum, theater, restaurant featuring Native American cuisine and Legends Casino. Yakima Nation RV Park rents 14 authentic teepee's which sleep up to 5 people each. The RV park features a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, sauna, basketball and volleyball court and children's play area.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

Mighty Tieton -- A Community for Creativity

Artistsans and craftsmen are finding their way to Mighty Tieton. Located in the rich agricultural region of the Yakima Valley, Tieton is a small community with traditional ties to to regions farming roots.

Mighty Tieton exists away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you will find contemplation, inspiration and bursts of creativity are common. The quaint city features an old time town square for both artist and community gatherings. The warehouse hosts frequent art shows, exhibits and gatherings.



At this time a dozen independently owned artisan businesses have started or expanded under the Mighty Tieton banner. Tieton Cider Works is one of the craft businesses operating in the area. The family owned ranch, Harmony Orchards, is on land first homesteaded in the 1930's, where now organic cider apples produce tasty products. Tieton Farm and Creamery produces small batches of high-quality cheeses, such as fresh chevre, feta, provolone and grill-able Halloumi. There is a book bindery, Drachen kite production, co-op Ceramics studio, print shop and several artists studios and workshops. You can visit Mighty Tieton and stay in their small white cabins two blocks from the town square.

Mighty Tietion is virtually at the end of the road, 15 miles west of Yakima and 2 1/2 hours from Seattle. On the other hand, it may be the birthplace of inspiration for you.



The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

Celebrating Beer and Hops in the Yakima Valley!

In Washington State, hops are grown commercially only in the Yakima Valley, which supplies over 75% of the hops in the USA. There are three distinct growing areas; the Moxee Valley, the Yakama Nation Reservation, and the Prosser area.
Located east of the city of Yakima, Moxee farmers grow numerous acres of hops called hop yards, which can be seen while driving along Highway 24 toward Moxee. The Yakima Valley celebrates hops with, "The Moxee Hop Festival" in early August every year. This year, featuring live music, entertainment and a 5K run during the day. Friday and Saturday evenings feature Live music in the Beer Garden from 9-12 , celebrating the product that hops are used for.
In late August, "A Case of the Blues & All That Jazz" features Jazz music, local food vendors, a silent auction, Yakima Valley wineries and Pacific Northwest micro brews all under tents in the beautiful Sarg Hubbard Park. Bring a lawn chair or purchase a VIP table. Travelers to Yakima for this event enjoy the option of two hotels within walking distance, which are the Oxford Inn and the Oxford Suites. Book early as this event always sells out.

The Annual Fresh Hop Ale Fest showcases many micro-brews and a competition for beers produced with fresh hops from the Yakima Valley. Every year the event is in front of the historic Capital Theater starting at 6pm. Fresh hop cones grown and harvested in the Yakima Valley, instead of dried and/or pelleted hops, are used by competing brewers to capture the herbal, grassy characteristic only available in a freshly-picked hop. The fresh hop ale’s requirement that Yakima Valley hops must travel from the vine to the brewing vat in less than 24 hours. Sample from the 16 Craft Breweries competing for the Commercial Brewers Fresh Hop Ale Awards, decide which you like best, dance to live music, purchase some dinner (great bratwurst at this event!) and enjoy the revitalized Downtown Yakima ambiance. All proceeds support the Allied Arts of Yakima Valley’s community arts programs. Hotels within easy walking distance of this event in Downtown Yakima are the Hilton Garden Inn, Red Lion, Holiday Inn at Downtown Yakima Convention Center, Howard Johnsons, Holiday Inn Express, and Cedar Suites.

Make your own Fresh Hop Ale and enter contest. Annual Home Brewing Contest Enter YOUR homebrewed Fresh Hop Ale in the competition for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place homebrew Fresh Hop Ale. The brews will be judged in September and the top 3 winners will be revealed on Saturday night at the festival, where the winners will be recognized!


Hop Harvest Video:


Hop harvest starts in late August and at that time the vine at the base of each plant is cut, then the top of the vine is cut from the 18 foot high wire, falling into the truck at an approximate pace of an acre an hour. The cut vines are brought to the processing facility and lifted onto a series of conveyor belts that separate the hop cones from the leaves and vines.

The cones contain 80 percent water and would rot or mold quickly if they were not spread across a kiln, heated with natural gas burners, and allowed to dry for 10 hours in the huge drying room. After drying, the cones contain about nine percent moisture. They are dumped onto another conveyor belt sending them to a warehouse where they are poured and compressed into 200-pound burlap bags to be ground into powder. The burlap bags are shipped to a processing plant, to be made into pellets, liquid extract, or sold to a broker, who markets the hops to breweries. The process from field to truck takes 24 hours.

Yakima Hops in the news. 

The Seattle Times July 20, 2011 "Sniffing out Yakima Valley hops, beer lovers can hail plant that flavors ale" by Jackie Smith