Seattle, WA

I’ve just received an update from Shannon Bird, Executive Director, Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail with the following information regarding upcoming events on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail:

September:

One of the best times of the year to visit the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail in the Yakima valley! The valley is ripe with fresh produce - from corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash to apples, peaches, pears, and of course, grapes! Which brings us to the other reason to visit – it’s the beginning of harvest in the estate wineries’ vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills. During the months of September and October, you can often see the wine making process in full swing. And, there are opportunities

Paradisos del Sol will celebrate their annual Wedding Anniversary Weekend – August 30 - September 1, “We’re at number 8!” said Barbara Sherman, co-owner with hubby Paul Vandenberg of Paradisos del Sol. Labor Day weekend is wedding anniversary time for them. They share the joy by having ‘Wedding Anniversary Weekend’. Married 10 years? They give you 10% discount on wine purchases. Number of years = amount of your discount. Now, because they believe any two adults can be wed, they don’t care if the state of Washington recognizes your marriage as long as your friends do. It’s about commitment! If you haven’t had a ceremony, you aren’t married. “Sorry, but living together isn’t what we call a commitment. And no, it’s not cumulative over six marriages! Widows and widowers qualify; it’s not your lack of commitment that made you single.” Their biggest discount to date is 67% - now that’s commitment! So bring your parents and join Paradisos del Sol in celebrating their commitment to love and family. For more information, call Paradisos del Sol at 509.829.9000 or 509.829.5590.

Steppe Cellars would like to invite you to Apple Harvest - Enjoy Gala and Golden apples fresh from the tree along with some cheese and wine September through October. They carry an assortment of picnic snacks that you may purchase and enjoy in their picnic area.

October

Two Mountain Winery opens their fields again on October 18th to those of you who want a real ‘winemaker experience’! Shadow Matt & Pat Rawn as you pick grapes, run the crusher, take readings and taste the wine in their ‘Winemaker for a Day’ session. 12 noon-2 pm. Cost is $25. This event sold out very quickly last year so make your reservations early! Call 509.829.3900 to reserve your place.

Eaton Hill Winery’s winemaker and owner, Dr. Edwin Stear, will feature his art in the tasting room at 530 Gurley Road, Granger WA throughout the month of October. Dr. Stear is a self-taught artist who delights in painting for relaxation. His paintings are of the outdoors in acrylics and oils, and will encourage you to try your hand if you have an urge toward self-expression.

October 1-31 . . . Taste the Grapes

Ever wonder what the fruit of the vine tastes like before it’s made into wine? Have you wanted to taste a fresh merlot or syrah grape, but didn’t want to grow it yourself? Now’s your chance! All during the month of October, wineries on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail will be featuring “Taste the Grapes”. Wineries will have fresh grapes from the vineyards to sample, then you can sample the wines made from those grapes. Tour often during the month of October, since harvest times are different for different grapes.

HalloWine . . . October 25 - 26

HalloWine is a themed weekend in the Rattlesnake Hills where participating wineries ‘dress’ their tasting rooms in Halloween motif. Some wineries have pumpkin-carving contests, some wineries’ staff dress in costumes, and the treat at many is special discounts on wine and/or treats for visitors dressed in costumes. It is a fun time, with the wineries open from 10 AM – 6 PM. It is the weekend of October 25-26.

No ticket required – complimentary to the public. Watch their web site for updated information on which wineries are participating and what “thrills and chills” you will find that weekend. Here’s a sample of events that weekend:

Masset Winery will host some of the best, big pumpkin carving you’ve ever seen for HalloWine. Internationally known artists will provide the carvings – you’ll have to see these up close to believe they weren’t carved from fire and brimstone!

Paradisos del Sol: Halloween – Haloo-Wine – HalloWine!

The end of October is also the end of harvest. All the wineries are just wrapping up the tail ends. Stop in to taste a bubbling frothing fermentation. Corn mazes and pumpkin stands nearby. Join Paradisos del Sol in a REAL costume and they will sell you a wine for a buck!

Piety Flats Winery celebrates HalloWine with Kris’ favorite Pumpkin Soup, a tasty orange delight that will have you screaming for more. Available at the winery.

Wine Cruise

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise, 09 May 2009

Have you registered for the inaugural Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail cruise yet? Only 60 cabins were available to begin with and they are going fast! Call today to reserve your cabin, or to get the information direct from AAA Travel in Yakima, Washington - 509 248-3491

Included are special wine receptions, seminars and food pairing classes with ‘Rattlesnake Hills’ wines.